I Got It From My Mama

This week was an "on" week but I just can't sleep for the life of me. But I am a trooper! I'm still as happy as I can get! And this email was just way too much fun to write. Are you ready?

I got "placed" in my new school district. I will be teaching just Chemistry at Clear Creek High School. It's right next to the district offices and I have met the principal (when I went to visit...). I met a few principals and the joke was that they were going to arm wrestle for who got me. And well, this principal definitely would've won an arm wrestling contest. He's a manly man. Guess he did win! haha.. You can check my school district out at www.ccisd.net (Clear Creek Independent School District).

I am putting my foot down. The discipline in my class is just not there. But this week I changed things. It'll be interesting to see how they did on the test I gave them, too. But yeah, maybe I need to have more challenging work for them. I thought the stuff I gave them was challenging. But maybe I need to have extra work for the ones who 'get it' quicker than the others.

As for the kids who miss a lot of class and will essentially fail the class...I am still not going to give up on them, but they will have to learn in the hard way that they can't just skip class and skip life!

I got to talk to the parents of one such student. They said they wouldn't want to be in school from 8:45-3:15 either! Sad! Guess that attitude really is inherent. So thank goodness for good parents! Ms. Petree stated that it's hard for students to come from the structured middle school to such a huge and largely unstructured high school- that they think they can get away with more. I want to HELP these kids who struggle even though it's not really fair to those who are there every class and do the work expected of them. But I guess sticking to my guns and being strict about makeup work only will teach them? I don't know?!?! Does it? Is that fair if they are not going to learn the material because they missed so much and cannot make it up? Those are the exact kids that are going to be flipping burgers in a few years. What can I do?!?! I feel like I'd be so much more organized if this was my classroom. That I'd have the "excused" absences forms to properly excuse the kids and give them their makeup work and then be able to call the parents who's kids are skipping and failing. But you know, it’s priceless to learn this in the odd setting I’m in! Any thoughts?

On Monday a whole group of us went on the 'ghost and graveyard' tour of Old Town Alexandria. We had the coolest tour guide- he told awesome stories about ghosts and olden day traditions of dating. It was very amusing. Apparently fans (the expandable paper kind) did all the talking with girls back in the day. The girls had such power in dating! We still do now, just not with fan-signals telling them to come over or to leave! Or to kiss us...

Oh, I had a run-in with sponge curlers last week. You know they never work and your hair just turns out all goofy, but I wanted to try again. And they looked awful! My roommate laughed soooo hard. Needless to say I re-washed my hair before going out. Those stupid sponge curlers! haha




Funny kid moments (there are quite a few from this week!!!):

I was giving extra credit for the test if they were wearing "spirit week" stuff. One day was "wear your grade color" so I wore red because most of my kids are sophomores. One kid asked if he could have extra credit because his underwear is red. Are you serious? Man. I think I might give it to him because that's just funny!

Another kid asked me to homecoming: "So, Miss Daniel, you know, if you don't have anyone to go to homecoming with, you know, I'd, you know, go with you, you know." watch out Nick!

The same kid later asked if he could call my parents and ask for my hand in marriage. watch out Dad and Gail!

My kids think that my taste in music is rather hilarious. Especially that I listen to Hannah Montana and John Mayer. Hey, give me a break! It's good, fun music. :) I don't get their music. Crank that. Con-ye who? No, I beg your pardon, I got it from my mama. Who's a cyclone? (don't fret if you don't get it. however, my sister would laugh at me right about now. but she likes that stuff.)

I got a high five for being an awesome teacher. Gotta love those moments!

My students don't want me to leave- they offered to pay me $5 each every week to make me stay. How sweet. Too bad life is more complicated than that, as much as I don't want to leave them...

This one girl said, "All my teachers are female and over 50. Except you. And all my teachers are christian. Except you. You're Mormon." Thanks I think? Mormons are Christians bytheway.

I have a bunch of cute Asian students- they came in for help before their test during lunch and I got to help them and then we played around with my PhotoBooth application (which allows you to take pictures with your computer and you can do funny effects...) on my MacBook (remember dad and gail how much fun you had with that?!?!). Yeah, those gals got a kick out of it! They even took pictures of the pictures. haha.

This next one is great!!! So Monday last period of the day this kid comes into my class and tells me he's shadowing from Deal (another high school. well that's what I thought. It's really a middle school...) to see if he wants to come here. I didn't object and even let him help me run the review games we had planned. He had a blast. At the end of class he informs me that he actually was just skipping his 4th period because they had a sub! Oh gosh. Gullible Jenn. Ms. Petree laughed when I told her.

Ooh, things to look forward to- 1. Nick is coming to visit in less than two weeks! 2. I get to go to New York for Thanksgiving- I get to spend time with Aunt Karen (who I actually have never met- she's Gail's sister and the only one I haven't met...) and her family! How fun! I feel so lucky to have Gail's family as part of mine now, too! The more the merrier!

Favorite foods of the week: Costco potstickers (they are just so yummy and easy!) and caramel apples rolled in peanuts. mmm fall food. You know you want some now...

I remember that I was once scared to come out here to DC (remember that, Nate? ps-thanks!). Well, I don't even know what I was scared about! I absolutely love it here and am just conquering every day better than the day before. A little faith goes a long way!

On that note, I shall close. Until next week. Or if tomorrow (it is the homecoming dance- I am chaperoning!!!) is rather interesting you’ll hear from me sooner.
Remember who you got "it" from. (it’s your mama.)

ThE OfF wEeK

So this week isn't going to be one of those blogs that will make you laugh. Nothing really funny happened this week. I'd say it's been my most 'off' week in a long time. But you know, that's okay. We're allowed to have off weeks.

So I had something stolen on Monday. Ms. Petree has her Earth Science kids (who are BRATS!) and I was working on stuff in the lab area and left for like 5 minutes to make copies and when I came back my headphones were stolen. They have major security in the school and the whole rest of the period was them trying to get the kid to fess-up and give me back my headphones. But no one would. Some kid gave my headphones to another kid who then gave them to Ms. Petree. I did get them back. I didn't want it to be a big deal. And I definitely learned my lesson. Everything is staying by my side 100% of the time! Oh, and then some kid, at the end of the class, reached into the garbage and pulled out a spider-man pencil pouch full of drugs and turned them in. They were not his, but he obviously knew whose they were. The kids were going to be searched so the drug-possesser threw them in the trash to recover later. The garbage in the hallway was thrown around the floor because they came back to get the drugs to no avail. Uh, crazy. That's not even the right word for it.

My students (who are NOT the blatant thieves and drug-users) were not angels this week. Someone figured out my first name and half the class was trying to call me that despite me asking them not to, and they were just so disrespectful the whole time. All week. I'm learning how to put my foot down. Everyday I learn something new I need to work on. Be pleasant but firm, Becky says.

Uhm, I am kind of bored after school these days. I kind of just want to come home and sleep. I hate that feeling, but my body is just so tired! I know it's a mix of a lot of things, so I'm just keeping an eye on what is causing it. But yeah, I'm kind of bored. And tired. So that contributed to the off-week.

Good things- there are a couple gals in my class that just never get it and never try...but they were actually getting the stuff this week! I was so elated to see them progress! And I think they were actually excited that they were, too! I did call home to both these girls- thank goodness I speak spanish- even though I'm not sure that made a difference (talking to them I mean). Too bad I don't speak mandarin to talk to some other parents I need to talk with! But needless to say, there is hope for each student!

Two of my roommates had birthdays this week! Monday and Friday! We've had four birthdays in one month flat. Crazy. So burgers, pizza, and partying this week. Always fun. My roommates rock. We have a broad span of ages in our house- 21,22,23,24,25,27,27. Kinda funny. I'm the middle roommate.

Next week is Homecoming week. Monday is "twin day", so I'm going to wear a lab coat like Ms. Petree. And Nick is coming up Veteran's day weekend! I cannot wait to see him! I'm a lucky gal. I just have so many wonderful people in my life- my roommates are such a blessing, my family is awesome, and each of you also help make my life just so great. Thanks for always being there for me. I love each of you!

Cover Your Buttons

We got Monday off! Sweet! I played with my roommates (shopping) and then met up with an old mission companion (lunch and shopping) and more roommate time (shopping). I'm a good little bargain shopper. I take after my mom, what can I say. Plus hanging out with Smart (my companion's last name...) was so fun! She grew up in Maryland and is out here working.

Tuesday was Parent-Teacher Conferences. All afternoon and evening. Talk about a long day. Here are the different scenarios:
1. "Oh, you're child is doing so well academically and they are such a delight to have in class!"
2. "Oh, you're child is doing so well academically. They do, however, talk waaaay to much during class!"
3. "Your child is not doing well and does not pay attention in class."
4. "I'm not sure I have met your child... They never are in my class..."

Oh wait, none (meaning zero) of the scenario 3 and 4 parents EVER come to talk to me. Just the 1's and 2's. Ironic, isn't it? And that one annoying dad who donated us stuff wants Ms. Petree to write up what she received for tax write-offs. Her comment- "He's annoying. I'd rather not have received the stuff." haha.

I did have my patience tried earlier this week with my kids. However- the plus was that they did wear their goggles (I just threatened to kick them out of the lab if I saw them without goggles). So, I had a lab for them to put sticks of different elements in a flame to see what color it emitted. A cool lab. Not hard. But I feel like I have to babysit them and they just push your buttons! Some lady here once told us to "cover your buttons." We didn't get what she meant ("like our shirt buttons?" we thought as we all look down at our shirts...) until she explained- cover your buttons so they can't push your buttons. ahhh. gotcha. Anyways, I'm learning how to cover my buttons. But dang, they can be so annoying! "Ms Daniel..." "Ms DanielS..." "We need help!" "Ms. Dan-yell!" "What do we do now?" (that's why you have a PROCEDURE written down right in front of your face). Cover your butt.

My students are learning about electron configurations this week- you remember those? 1s^2 2s^2.... basically what energy level/orbital the electrons are in. Super hard stuff. But it's in the curriculum. I have thought of an unique approach and I think it's working. It's quite slow to get into and there's a lot of "I don't get its" but "you're not supposed to yet" to it... but it's been going well. I love trying to think of ways to make it learn-able for them! Lots of pictures, tables, and heck, even coloring (of the different s p d f orbitals on the periodic table in case your were wondering).

I do love them. My fourth period- the ones I see everyday are my absolute favorites!

I went to the Holocaust Museum and to the National Archives. Everything is easy to stop by on my way home, just off the metro stops. Love it.

Remember that huge teacher work sample project? Yeah, it's due next month but I am DONE! I'm ready to mail it back to BYU. Awesomeness!

I am now a financial wizard. Not really, but I'm now much more aware of finances as per my new job soon- thanks to the book Dee sent me. Speaking of which, I found a roommate for January in Houston! She graduated from BYU in Chemical Engineering and works for Dow Chemical. She has a two bedroom apt right on the marina and does not have a roommate. She said she'd love to have me as her roommate. Only like $400/month and no written contract. Sweet deal. I'm pumped. I love how things work out! I won't be so alone in Houston and we're both chemistry nerds!

I'm dating someone! His name is Nick Hopson. We've known each other for about a year now- I was his Chem 105 TA last Fall semester! He's from Washington, almost 24, pre-med...well...I don't want to bore any of you boys with details (I know the girls care) so just email me if you want the dish. You know I'll write back! Oh yeah, he's in Provo, dang it! But he will come visit me next month! I am quite fond of him, what more can I say?

I am just loving life. I have no stress. Maybe it just evaporates quickly. But I am seriously just so dang happy with everything! Life is wonderful. Hope it is for each of you, as well!

-Ms. Cover Your Buttons

--> super cool button covers...haha

Lunch Boxes and Other Ramblings

So this week has been interesting.

I bring a tin lunch box to school. Yes, they still make those. Mine has colorful stripes on it. People often comment, it's funny. Even people on the Metro. And people on the Metro never talk to anyone. They must think I'm like 12. And they're like you, surprised that they still make them. At least I eat lunch! And my lunch box matches my metro-pass holder, so there. haha. (Borders carries these items)

I made a new friend. Her name is Shirley. She lives on the floor below me. I see her out in the common areas of our building. She's probably 80 +/- a few years...I'm not sure. So I visited with her on Sunday. She's lived in so many different places around the world and she's an artist. I'm learning a lot from her- like the advice to volunteer wherever you live- there's so many great opportunities you wouldn't even think of! Like the zoo or for 9/11 she helped out and at the White House!

I witnessed my first fight. It was in the hallway during lunch. That's why we have security people in our building all day. There is a lot that goes one that we're unaware of. Ms. Petree says that there are a lot of kids in gangs. Scary!

My roommate Melissa had her birthday on Tuesday. I brought her home flowers and made a cake. We had tons of people over after Institute (our weekly young adult religion class). I got to Tango dance. haha. Someone dropped their cell phone from our balcony! 12 floors up. Whoops.

My doctor is changing my medication. It'll take about a month until I'm on the new one, but hopefully it'll help my sleep problem out. I'm struggling a bit, but I'm trying.

My students had a test this week. They did great. For this big Teacher Work Sample project that every BYU teacher has to complete, we get to analyze the learning of our students during a unit. I'm using the unit we just did, so this weekend I'll spend some time with that project. Fun.

And we've started a new unit on the History of the Atom. We had some library research time and we're always doing something crazy- group presentations and exploring different ideas. I'm even learning a lot! The history of the atom is cooler than I thought!

My best night this week was ordering pizza with Whitney and just chatting. It's nice to just relax and have good gal pals! Her boyfriend just flew in Thursday night and will be here until Tuesday. (He's staying with our guy friends downstairs.) In other words I won't be seeing much of her for a few days! That reminds me- some of you should come visit....!!!! Make sure it's the DCA Reagan Airport! Whit and Jeff didn't get home until wayyyy to late because he went to the other airports. Reagan is like 10 minutes from us. Anyways, I do miss so many of you!

I finished another book: "Forget About It" by Caprice Crane. This girl gets hit by a car and fakes amnesia so she can reinvent her life. It's pretty hilarious. A little PG-13 as far as books go (language and sexual references), so I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. I'm also half way done with "Personal Finances for Dummies" (Thanks, Dee!!!) which is quite entertaining AND useful. Next on the list is "Uncle Tom's Cabin"...Nick was sweet enough to send me that book for my bday. I love reading! Beats having a TV any day!