Considering the Past Few Weeks

Welp....the jeep is in being repaired and should be good as new shortly. We had to turn in the rental today...kind of sad. I really liked the Impala. I am now borrowing my brother's truck which he is graciously loaning me for the moment. Steve, however, is in a sweet (new to him) F150. It is alot like his old one, but newer, with a few less dings and dents, and few more bells and whistles. It is quite pretty and very manly (do those things go together?)! It is actually the first time since our earliest days that he has picked out a vehicle for himself. I do think it is about time!

In the meantime.....

I have been teaching now for about 2 weeks. YAY...I am making it....whew...lots of sleepless nights right now though as I grade papers and plan lessons. Research, research, research....am loving teacher tube! Today was midterms-and after only two weeks with my kids-wasn't sure how that was going to go. Basically, about 50/50. I had some really good grades and some really bad ones....but none of that was the highlight of my day. My highlight was my first block Algebra class (the freshmen).

I have been stressing to them the importance of teamwork. We are attempting to achieve a sense of camaraderie among our students. I have been teaming them up and calling on the stronger students to aid with the weaker. Yesterday, they took their midterms. Now, from the getgo, I have been shifting responsibility for their learning to them and encouraging them to reach. About half of them were failing when I walked in, and about half of them failed the midterm. Before giving them their midterm results, I passed around a picture of my son (Robert). The picture is from his wedding. (Not related to this story, but it turns out that one of my students dad is a retired marine and his mom is a New York Italian!). I share with them about Rob's struggle his senior year and his decision to join the Marines. I also shared with them the "No man left behind" philosophy and how it relates to them as the Freshmen class. I told them a story he told me about his group getting ready to test and how they helped each other. I couldn't begin to relate here how that came out in the classroom, but it was a teary eyed moment for all of us. After that, I gave them their tests back, worked some problems, discussed with them what they needed to do now, and worked with some individual students. Those making up work went to their desks, and I went about checking on students, grading papers, that kind of thing. I stopped and looked around; several students had pulled up chairs next to struggling students and were helping them. I took in the situation, was so proud of them, and fought back tears. One small step for Algebra....one giant leap for the Freshmen Class. Thanks Rob for inspiring another generation. Thanks Rob for inspiring me. They are fruit to your account too. Love ya son!