d-day

where d is for downsizing.

although my job is safe, it is impossible not to be affected by the layoffs at my school site.  Today, five talented and passionate teachers were told that they simply could not be kept on staff.  The math department lost two teachers and several other departments lost one.  Many of the people who were let go were directors of extracurriculars or tutorials for the students.

on top of the cuts in personnel, starting Monday our block-scheduling system changes entirely, our class sizes will balloon beyond what our resources are intended to handle, and our students will realize that some of their closest allies will not be returning to their classrooms.

a lot of people look at low-income schools and imagine that the students are the biggest challenge.  my experience has taught me that, while kids can be difficult, the primary obstacles to learning are external; the students bring us past them.

a running list of

things i'm not ashamed of but probably should be:

1. tangled headphone cords

2. fall out boy

3. love of cake

4. horrible dancing

5. Hamlet references

If all the year were playing holidays

This morning  I was on my way to work.  In fact, I was running ahead of schedule and had even remembered to pack a pair of socks to change into for the charter network skating party this afternoon.  I even grabbed a book (teach like your hair's on fire by Rafe Esquith) to read on my way out the door in case i arrived before any of my co-workers.

Then, at approximately 7:45, somewhere in between the Vermont entrance to I-10 and the Crenshaw exit, my car began its occasional awkward-rumble song and dance.  No biggie, I said to myself and turned up "California Girls" on the radio.

Then, at approximately 7:47, I turned my radio back down.  Wait, no I didn't.  The car had turned itself off...in the center lane of the Santa Monica Freeway. 

fabulous.  

I was able to crank the Camry back up and take the Crenshaw exit off the freeway.  I alternated between coasting to avoid stopping and re-starting the failing engine until I had successfully navigated into the parking lot of the Mobil Mart at the intersection of Crenshaw and Washington.

I had my car towed to the Toyota dealership, and Shana went ahead and dropped her Camry off for some service, so we took the courtesy shuttle home and spent the rest of the day around Los Feliz.  I think it is not coincidental that the Museum of Death is located directly across the street from the dealership as if to say "Don't forget, it could be worse."

Since Shana's car troubles were minor, she absconded from the dealership with a mere $99 car wash and a more tightly fastened gas cap, and we pursued a more pleasant afternoon at The Grove (read: retail therapy).  

a few verses

faculty meetings:

we can do a think, pair, share

where is your word wall?

relentless pursuit

of results and achievement

and a good night's sleep

I see student X

listening. Raffle tickets!

That's a consequence.

the attendance log--

all we can do is mark them

as they disappear

now accepting reader submissions.

relentless pursuit of a college going culture

i spent a lot of time today requesting information from about 1/3 of the top 100 colleges to use in the "college corner" of my classroom.  after a tedious afternoon, this really resonated with me:

leased

this actually happened #3

You will find the top of my current University of Alabama transcript below.  Apparently they are expecting my arrival in a couple weeks.

P.S. Roll tide roll.