I Miss the "Quiet" Time!

Monday - August 24, 2009

It's that time of the year in which there are things I sincerely miss. The adrenaline flowing through my body and the enthusiasm for working with a new group of kids!!! Now there were years when the enthusiasm would soon dissipate quickly. Why, hmmmmmm - the make up of the kids in the classroom sometimes was overwhelming. I felt more like a security guard rather than a teacher.

I always loved the "quiet time" we were finally granted to work alone in our rooms. The time when we would actually be able to see the students names, the size of each class, and what our schedule would be like was what I always looked forward to at the beginning of the year! We would have access to the students test scores as well as the grades from the previous year and with that information we were to come up with plans for the year! I actually would look at the scores and make a chart of the weaknesses and strengths and then put that chart off to the side.

I would start to work on lesson plans for all my classes. Experience had taught me that many of the students "forgot" many of the concepts of grammar and writing taught to them over the previous seven years!!! English was and is one of the hardest classes to teach on the middle school level. The students want to write the way they talk - whether it's correct or not. They would always tell me that the correct way "didn't sound" right!!!! Sadly, many students learn to speak incorrectly and then they are expected to learn the rules. This was one of the hardest things to try and correct. Repetition is a great tool, and was one I used over and over and over and over and over. :):):) Even though we may have finished one skill, we would continually review that skill through out the year.

I would sit in the quietness of my room, browsing through lesson plans from previous years, remembering what worked and what didn't. Each class is different, thus I needed a plan that would accomplish what I wanted the kids to be able to do with as little stress for them and me as possible. So, away I would work on the plans for the first week. It was usually a review of things they should already know. Each class results were different, thus making planning a little more complex. One plan would definitely not work with all the classes, so begins the new year of finding ways that would work with each class. The skill was taught to all, but a different approach was taken for some of the classes. In the end, with a lot of hard work, repetition, and encouragement, the classes would grasp the skill! Those were such happy days for the kids (and me too)!

Some might be wondering if I ever looked at the test scores after putting them off to the side. Yes, I did. I would look over them after having the classes for a few weeks and would then determine what I needed to focus on to get them up to where they needed to be before test time. I actually would look at them periodically through out the year. I didn't dwell on them, I just tried to zero in on some of the weakest areas trying to help the kids do better.

What was really important for the national, state, and local levels was that the kids passed the test of all test - the achievement test which was given that year. It seems as if the test given was changed every ten years. Most years, the kids did well. The test results actually depended on the test and the time of the year the test was given (some years the test was given in February!),

Yes, the quiet time of preparing for the year or the day is something I do miss. Bill and I would always get to school at least an hour before our classes were to begin. We tried to have "quiet" time to begin our day! In the last years of our teaching career it was easier for Bill to have quiet time than it was for me. My room was across from the cafeteria! Ahhhhhh, the noise coming from there was not music to my ears that early in the morning. Have you ever noticed that a cafeteria of kids do not know how to talk in a normal tone. The only level they know is "yell!: :):)

I don't miss all the required meeting where I heard the same information for over 30 years. I don't miss the squabble and complaining that went on in some of the meetings. I definitely do not miss the whole faculty being jumped because of the actions of a few. What I do miss are the friendships made; the thrill of the knowing what I had done had actually helped my students; and the love I really had for do what I was doing.

Teachers are constantly put down for the failure of the kids. Hmmmm, seems to me that there are more involved in this learning process than the teachers!!!! Read to you child; help and encourage them; be involved with the learning process; and support not only your child, but the educators involved in the learning process. As with all occupations, there are some "bad apples" out there, but don't blame the whole "bunch" for the actions of a few!

To all my friends in the education field - you have one more day before the kids come. I hope you have that day as "quiet time" preparing for your year ahead! I really do miss "some" of what you are still doing!!!! Have a great year!!!!!!

Amazing Grace

Saturday - August 22, 2009

Today I felt I was a witness to prayers being answered, and that it has been with "Amazing Grace" that my brother is able to do what he is doing now since suffering a massive stroke in February. He was riding and operating his riding lawn mower cutting the grass in his own yard. I really had my doubts that he would ever be able to do this. Thank you Sweet Jesus!!!!! Dink was grinning from ear to ear. I will be posting pictures on a separate posting!! It is amazing at the progress Dink has made. Where he was and where he is now is unbelievable. We are all so proud of him and the hard work he has put into doing his therapy. He goes three times a week and has speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. He has really and truly worked hard to be where he is today!!!!!

While reflecting in my journal about today's events, I was watching a movie on the Hallmark channel! Okay, it caused the tears to flow, and at the end of the movie the song "Amazing Grace" was being sung. This song holds many memories for me. As my Dad was leaving this world, Rev Varney lead us, the family, singing Amazing Grace as we stood around Dad's bed. Dads left this world at peace. One of the songs at my brother John's funeral was the Chris Tomlin version - Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). I've always felt moved when hearing or singing this song, and now it hold extra special meaning to me!

I would like to share with you the lyrics of both versions.

Amazing Grace Lyrics
John Newton (1725-1807)

Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far

and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we've first begun.

*************************************************************************************

CHRIS TOMLIN LYRICS

"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

Amazing grace How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Savior has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy rains

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, Who called me here below

Will be forever mine

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Itch, Scratch, Itch, Scratch

Friday - August 21, 2009


It has been several years since I've had to deal with the results of getting too close to poison ivy, oak, or sumac. I definitly know what it looks like, but apparently I still got too close and come in contact with the oils from the plant.


This past week has left me scratching and itching and scratching even more!! My arm, neck, and face have been sooooo red with some blisters. Try not to scratch if you can!!!!!!! Thanks to a friend, I bought a tube of Zanfel which is used to wash the oil off and clear up the possibility of more blisters. For the price of the small tube, it better help!! :);) It has helped, along with the use of lotions for application of the affected areas!!! When I get really warm, I tend to itch even more!! So I try to stay cool, which is rather hard when you're doing yard work, or working in a warm kitchen!!!!


I found ther following information from eMedicineHealth which might help some of you from dealing with that itchy rash from poison ivy/oak/sumac!

Symptoms of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash

Exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes an itching rash that usually appears within 24-72 hours.

The rash usually starts as small red bumps, and later develops blisters of variable size. The rash may crust or ooze.

The rash may be found anywhere on the body that has contacted the oil from the plant. It can have any shape or pattern, but is often in straight lines or streaks across the skin.

Different skin areas can break out at different times, making it seem as if the rash is spreading.

Contrary to popular belief, leakage of blister fluid does not spread the rash. It is spread only by additional exposure to the oil, which often lingers on hands, clothing and shoes (which are often overlooked as carriers), or tools.

The key is to STAY AWAY from the following plants if at all possible!!!!!!!

Prayers for a New School Year

Thursday - August 20, 2009

I found these on a couple of my "poetry sites" that I like to browse occasionally. I have many nieces, nephews, and friends who are (and may have already) starting another school year. I would like to share these prayers with you and pray that all who read the post will have a great and prosperous school year! Since I did not write the following, the author is noted for each I've posted.

Prayer For Beginning a New School Year

Father,
We thank you for a chance to
begin the 2009 - 2010 school year,
and we ask that you bless the faculty,
the students, and student families.

We pray that you will guide us in all ways,
and that we will seek your will
in everything that we do.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

David Bennett

Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you in prayer for the children in my charge.
Lord, let me remember that tomorrowis a new day...
Let me forget about Johnny sharpening myfavorite pen in the pencil sharpener.
Let me forget about Sarah breaking her crayons into a million little pieces.
Let me forget about the messy desks, spilled glue, and paper airplanes that never quite made it to the garbage can.

Dear Lord, this is what I pray that you will help me to remember:
Remind me that Jennifer's mom and dad just divorced,
so that I may have extra patience and understanding.
Remind me that Chris needs a snack when he gets to school,
he rarely gets to school in time for breakfast,
and can't pay attention when his tummy is always growling.
Remind me that Cassie has a brand new baby at home,to make sure I give her plenty of extra attention.

And Lord, remind me to not frown when Joey tells me he didn't get his homework done, again...
Let me not forget that he doesn't have a desk, a room,or even a home of his own, that he does the best he can.

Dear Lord, there are so many more needs to share with you!Children who need shoes on their feet,jackets on their backs, school supplies...
*sigh*And these are just their physical needs.
Lord, you hear their prayers at night, give them strength and courage to be the best that they can possibly be.
Please, let me be a positive influence in their little lives and let my classroom be a warm, safe haven against the storm.

Oh, Heavenly Father!
I almost forgot! Lord, I pray you will help me to teach every child how to read, write, and count!AMEN
--Donna R. Burran, ©2000

Praying you all have a great and prosperous school year!

Where Has the Time Gone? Another School Year is About to Begin!

Tuesday - August 18, 2009

It's unbelievable! This is the third year I have not experienced the the anxiety I always felt about the beginning of a new school year! Anxiety you might ask with having the number of years behind my belt (34.5 years when I retired)? Yes, teachers do experience some anxiety - what will the schedule be like; what will the class numbers be; what will the kids be like; will I be working for a new principal; and the list can go on and on and on. I just realized that my teacher friends will be heading officially back to work this Friday to begin the new school year!

Most teachers are well prepared to teach their given subject(s). Many go through extra training in the summer as well as taking college courses. Many believe once a teacher gets their degree - that's it. No, we never completely stop our education. A new program is started up and we would need to be trained to implement the program in our classrooms. Many of these sessions we have to attend is funded from our pockets, while some are paid by the county (or state). There were many summers when Bill and I were involved in some kind of training at least three times during the summer. This was always above and beyond what we were required to do. Many times it was to see if we could find something new that would make our job a little easier in reaching the kids of today!

One session that sticks out in my mind was the week long training we took at George Washington High School in Charleston. It started at 8:00 in the morning and lasted until 5:00. It was an intensive training for introducing AP in the middle school! (Advanced Placement classes which were to be more challenging!) They wanted Social Studies and Language Arts teachers involved - soooooo guess who the principal picked first!!!!!! Our room was paid for, as was our meals - as long as we ate there in the cafeteria - which wasn't bad. We also were paid a stipend to attend. This week long session was grueling with us having homework each evening!!! In the end, we both felt we had learned some techniques to use with our more capable students to challenge them to strive to do more! There were times when I felt I was back in my high school English class!!!!!!

Bill and I learned to use Rubrics and higher level questions more with the classes. Even those classes where things were a little more challenging for them to learn were exposed to these types of questions. In the long run, that week was actually very helpful!!!

Another trip during the summer took us to Atlanta. My very first plane ride - ohhhh and the first plane was a small one that took us to Pittsburgh!!!! We were in Atlanta several days and enjoyed the sights as much as some of the sessions!!!!!! We always tried to squeeze in as many sessions as we could, thinking we might hear something new and useful. Oddly, we only came away with just one great idea - how to get the kids to write a five paragraph essay using the "Power Writing" technique. We implemented this program with our own little twist that fall, and it was a success. Our kids were actually starting to write relatively great essays without complaining too much.

To all those who may not know many teachers, try to remember they have been working extra hours during the summer or the school year to be the best they can in teaching the students in their classrooms. It really aggravates when "one" teacher does something wrong and "all" teachers are placed in that same category. (This is true with all professions.) Bill and I worked really hard at being the best we could and be prepared each day in our classrooms. Since retiring, I have heard from many students who have said they now know we did a good job, and we thank them for those comments!

We want to tell all our buddies in teaching (especially our team members) we pray they have a great school year, with great classes, and a lot of success!!!!! Friday is now closer than it was yesterday!!!! Love you guys!!!!