An Educator's Rant

So. To bring everyone up to speed, I moved to NY last Sunday after getting word I was hired by a prestigious charter school of documentary fame. All aboard? Let's go.

Between Te*ach4America and NY Fell.ows, I just wonder how many actual educators we have in the System (my pseudonym for the...network of schools I now work for). Seeing how TFA is el negro nuevo or the new law school, I feel like my profession is being flooded with trust fund babies who majored in existential russian literature at sarah law.rence or ceramics at uc*la. For instance, my assistant majored in publishing...








Publishing.










PUBLISHING.



And after graduation two years ago, went to live in france for two years to learn the language. After two years of cafe conversations, she "felt a pull to do more with her life" and that brought her to the System. And now she's in my classroom as an assistant but more like a co-teacher. And b/c she worked at the System during summer school, I can already tell she thinks she knows more than me abt teaching. For my HU people, she's like the students who went to pre-college. Shut.up. You were here for a full 4 weeks before us, you cut your summer short, dummy.

Now I'm not saying the only people who should be teachers should have majored in education, I'm def not saying that b/c there are TONS of people who missed their calling, who were coerced into a certain major (hello? I'm "supposed" to be a pharmacist and then a pediatrician??). As a matter of fact, Jam's cousin was a business major at FAM and he wo teacher of the year a number of times. That's all fine. But more often than not, I feel like people get into education cause they feel like it's a last resort. Maybe their major didn't pan out; it was harder than they thought, whatever. We've all had that teacher who knew their subject BUT COULD NOT TEACH. I remember a math teacher at SHS. He was a mathematician. He was not a teacher. He knew math upside down and inside out. But since he didn't major in secondary education with a math emphasis, he didn't know how to TEACH. He didn't take pedagogy, foundations, development, etc. You know I actually took classes that TAUGHT me how to TEACH each subject? (Of course you know.)

I'm all for teaching and people wanting to be teachers. The profession and the country needs more teachers. What we don't need are bry.nma.wr grads thinking they are doing the world a favor by "trying this teaching thing out". In three or four years, when you're "over" working in Harlem and there's a sudden shortage of teachers b/c it's "on to the next one", then what?

Random Thoughts

How do bulemics do it? It takes a sad and twisted person to purposefully vomit day in and day out. The once or twice I throw up every other month has me wanting to take my life. More recently (see: 230 and 1000am), I think some funky avocado made its way into my JB roll, no cream cheese. I even went as far as saying, "uh oh, I think I may only like avocado with cilantro and lime cause this is not getting it *nom*" Yeah... my throat still hurts.

My trip to NYC was one of the best trips ever. I think mostly cause I went by myself and could do whatever I wanted. Not saying I don't like traveling with people but it seemed to be twice as fun with half the party. Add that to my cool ass vet uncle (Pops' baby brother) who was either at the hospital or making house calls and it was a dream come true. I spent money ONLY on food, got to see a ISHT ton of my dear friends, got my hair did and... got some grey Js. *swooning*

Yeah, back to school is around the corner. Valmart (said like a german) has put out the BTS boxes and I didn't appreciate that. But unlike last year, I'm not pressed or depressed abt what this year will bring. Actually, last year at this time, I was interviewing with DC and putting all my eggs into a DMV basket. This year? Let go and let God. Life is so much more peaceful when you adopt that mantra.

Jameil called me a drunk. Why? Cause I spent my whole Tally trip oohing and ahhhing over baby boys. Former BFFs have sons that are 10 days apart and I LOVE them so much! Lil K is the younger and more serious of the two. He's too cool already and maybe a stubborn handful with his lil Taurus self. Lil P is a charmer! All he does is giggle and babble! He's going to be a handful in a different way with HIS Taurus self!
Regarding their moms, Pops said their strollers are going to bump into eachother at Babies R Us and they will reconcile. Ok, TV ending.

Oh yeah, speaking of babies, the week I reactivated FB (for Jam & Rah's pics), I saw a high school classmate of mine is expecting her own little boy this November.

And since I mentioned Jam and Rah, ima need the new Mrs. W to cough up the post on how to plan a fun and fab wedding in 28 Days. That hoe weren't playing! Her goal achieving prowess is almost scary, y'all...

I am very excited abt my car payments. By paying a small $4 more than asked, I am taking my 60 month term down to 44 months. Oh yeah, I split my automatic payments up to twice a month (coincide with paydays). Seems less painful that way (to me).

Our dog, Koko Lopez has atopic dermatitis. She's itchy and scratchy all day :-( Poor Koko Chanel :-(

It took forever but I was able to pay a ticket, reinstate my license, get new insurance, and renew my tags. This was the first time I've ever had to do them myself! Yeah, the car is mine but Pops did it last year. I felt like such a big deal when it all was finally said and done. Can you imagine driving around with nan notta one part of your driving situation right? Chamillionaire had NOTHING on me... well, unless he had a gun, open container, and some drugs. I wasn't that dirty, sheesh. I'm a teacher guys!

I am going to start practicing my piano again. That and finish reading Zen. Then I will tackle its sequel, Lila. And let's see if I can manage one more trip to NY... I still have to food spots to try!

Alright y'all! TTYL!

Day 1 of 29

Wakes up, look at the clock... "6:56am. I slept in!"
Irons linen shirt dress.
Showers, brushes teeth, dresses.
Sits on chaise, enjoying the quiet bustling of Grand Street in Coconut Grove.


*ring ring*

Where are you?

In Miami?

Why? It's Monday, you're supposed to be at work!

I took the day off for my birthday.

Your birthday was yesterday, teachers are expected to be at work on Monday!

Mother's Day was yesterday.

You're going to get fired! You can't just be taking days off whenever you want to!

*dead silence* Presses end call.




Gee dad, thanks for ruining my day off.

Randoms

I know you guys think I'm kidding, but I really do wonder what Craig Mack is doing right now and like I did on Twitter, I do wonder, "What Would Craig Mack Do?". It's soooooo random but he was the first victim of Diddie so I worry about him :-(

i've taken up to running. I would rather do conditioning (the whole nine; weights, sprints, balance, agility, etc) but seeing how I don't play an organized sport for a university, that's out. I do miss the gym and having a trainer...

speaking of working out, someone said we're going to play tennis this weekend. If not, I'll continue to get my solo run on.

i've started waxing again. It's amazing to not have to worry about unwanted hair for 3 or more weeks at a time!

we've narrowed it down. Summertime. LAWD, be a cold front!

who here knows how I feel about deadlines?? Planning a wedding doesn't mesh with me... all I know is I want dark pink fabulousness. oh yeah, and a gray dress.

School isn't fun right now. I don't like pressure... I'ma flip out one day...

the political ads that simply DOG the opponent piss me off. I tweeted about one that was simply, "If you like Barack, you'll LOVE (gov candidate)." are you freaking serious?!?! THAT'S what we've come to!?!? and you know there are STUPID people out there who don't know what the fluck is going on but now know NOT to vote for someone cause an ad used psychology on they dumb asses!!!

woosah.

when a person pisses me off to no end, I call them a ninja and I qualify it with their race. "I know this white ninja did NOT ignore my question!!!!!!!!" yes, I've called DFB that a few times. One time, to his face.

I have a grown up costume for Halloween this year!!! I thiiiink, you can click my 'pix' tag and see what i wore 4 years ago. It was not a game!

My favorite ex and I keep in contact. We are the only other person each other knows who loves MJ as much as the other does (did that make sense?). I was thinking about him this morning and guess who sent me a text? Fave ex! I then told him, "I wish we lived closer! We'd be awesome friends and couples!" He replies, "Hell yeah! More ig'nant than 50 Tyson! Y'all should move!" #ChileBoo. The next place I'm moving is to a tower overlooking somebody's water! wait, that can apply where he is... okay, next place I'm moving is the M-I-Yayo!

Art Ba.sel Miami Beach is coming! I's so excited! I LOOOOOOVE visual art!! and my last issue of W mag had a ginormous article on America's most important art show!! woo hoo, can't wait! We haven't been since 2007; that needs to be fixed asap-edly!

speaking of art, I think that adds to my LOVE of Kan. He can do no wrong in my book. People like to ride on him cause he's wearing a red v-neck with hella chains but who else would have the guts to wear that? I LOVE him for that!!! Just cause you're in "hip hop" doesn't mean it has to be jeans and timbs/af1s, stop with the pigeonholing. although I didn't like the song he did on SNL, i LOVED the performance. so simple!

nevermind, people just think you drank the Ye kool-aid if you like what he does. real talk, he's up there with Barack. DON'T TALK ABOUT MY PREZ OR MY 'YE!!

I plan on getting WBW this weekend. We know what happened last time I did that... I found myself an(other) WB admirer. a marine one. BTW, we google chat once in a while... bless his crazy heart. I told him I was engaged before I put it on FB and he said I broke his heart. *snickering*. You're doing the most right now. THEE.most.

I'm ready for my hair to be long again. It was growing like wildfire when I was in the salon every 10 days... but i can't be spending money on frivolity anymore! I gots to put some away for you know, that thing I'm having sometime in the summer... LOL!

Is it too soon to try on dresses? Jam and I are ready to fly to NY and stop by kleinfelds. Anitra, we'll layover in DC and you're coming with. Dani, meet us at 133rd and White Plains. *BREAK!*

Chic-fil- a made me feel better after my trying afternoon that included ig WW, data entry, unsupervised children, and CRYING.

I don't do crying.

Today should've been Friday.

"Where's #371?"

I just have the most backwards "luck" with things I "speak" into existence. I just KNEW I was moving to DC and teaching there this year. But it's kind of hard to teach when you don't have a classroom or even a school to go to.

I may be jumping to conclusions but let's keep it real; I haven't heard a PEEP from anyone in DC since I posted the "Congrats! You've been hired by DCPS" post on July 29. I take that back. I got an OOO reply from 4 of the 14 principals I e-mailed.

Add this to the list of things I said I was going to do but didn't. I hate this feeling. I feel like I'm all talk and no action. I'm pissed.

Then I try to look at the "bright" side. "Everything happens for a reason," and "It's not on your time but God's time" and all those platitudes you tell yourself to make yourself feel better.

Fuck that shit.

Now I'm on this defeatist attitude like, "Why'd I even bother?"

That's what I've been on since I left DC. Ups and downs; highs and lows. I'm feeling good knowing that everything in due time, then I drive to school and burst into tears in my parking spot. I tell myself, "This is a good time to save hella money" then I think of how I would ignorantly spend money on things that would make me feel better about where I am... again.

At the end of the day, I just wish I never got in the starting blocks.*

*reference to my deep seated fear/hate of running track. although i'm naturally talented in track and field, I HATED the sport b/c of the chance I would not come in first. I would rather not run than not win.

Day 6- Your Day

I don't know what that means.

Like, my day today? or what I considered to be My Day (graduation day so far)? I'm confused. and i'm sure it's not that hard but i just want to know what 'your day' means.

I'm not in a good mood so I don't care to talk about either day. school in PBC starts next tuesday. teachers report to school tomorrow. not.happy. and not a peep from ANY of the 15 principals i contacted in DC. Wait, i got those 4 O.O.O. replies on friday, july 30.

so besides no contact, i spoke with a fellow COE classmate and she tipped me off to something i have to get taken care of but DC failed to mention to me. i'm trying not to get pissed cause i'm sure this is a lesson in patience. Did I ask the Lord for patience? I don't remember. but i do know He doesn't give you what you want, just what you need.

You know what else I'm upset about? I'm upset I am home. I.DON'T.WANT.TO.BE.BACK.ON.A.TWIN.BED.

I.AM.TOO.OLD.FOR.THIS.SHIT.

I.DON'T.MIND.VISITING.I.DON'T.WANT.TO.LIVE.HERE.

and I'll be so pissed if DC takes the 12 weeks it said to process my shit.

and I have to send paperwork to FAMU.

and I don't have that paper i took up there in June.

and moving has my mail all over the place, who knows where that form is.

i'm not happy right now.

on a nother note, my school got a A. i'm sure the principal is patting herself on the back. won't be able to tell her shit. too bad we didn't make ayp. oh well, esol students don't need to learn anyway. who cares about that subgroup.

Red vs Blue

Remember *hyperlink, click "post"* this post? How I was sooooo perturbed by this guy's decision? Well this morning, I went on FB and noticed a fellow teacher associate of mine had as her status, the names of republican representatives and senators who voted for SB6. She also mentioned the republican reps and senators who voted AGAINST it. Then she linked an article to a republican's letter to the people of why she didn't support SB6.

I told her I like that idea and I was going to copy and paste her statuses and make a note on my page. But then I wanted more.

I didn't want to be the person who only blasted one side for a decision. I asked if she listed both sides, "I want EVERYBODY who voted for SB6! Pubs and Dems!" Before she got a chance to reply, I went to the FLGOV site myself and looked up the bill and how the votes went. I copied and pasted the names in a note then deleted the names of people who voted 'N'. I didn't look to see which party the politician belonged to, I just wanted the Yes Wo/Men

Here's the FB convo between me and the republican teacher.

AvK: did you only list republicans who voted for/against SB6? I want EVERYBODY! Pubs and Dems!

LRL: this site lists everyone in senate and house who voted FOR (you wont find any dems bc all dems voted AGAINST sb6)

AvK: Yeah, I wanted to be fair in my note and get everyone who voted for the bill. The politicians spoke for themselves.

Thanks for the spark, L. I hope your actions and my subsequent one will get people informed of who's making (or attempting to make) decisions for them.

*

I'm a democrat. I was raised by democrats and voted democrat in 2000 b/c that's what I was "supposed" to do. As I got older and actually start paying attention to parties and their tenets, I hold fast to being a democrat. I don't understand a party that doesn't seem to have a shred of human decency. I don't understand how being "fiscally responsible" can and often gets in the way of what's RIGHT.

How DARE you create a case to decrease education funding and then complain that the United States is at the bottom of the education world standings?

How dare you lobby to rid advanced degree pay? So... you're not going to give me more 'pennies' (cause that's all we're making) to become a better teacher?

When did it become okay to get rid of tenure? Are you telling me job security is a thing of the past? I understand getting rid of the old teachers who are taking up space and money but what about the good ones who are looking to work for the long haul? There has to be a better way to flush out old, ineffective teachers. I cannot and will not work on a year-to-year basis. Especially when that annual contract is based on gains.

Speaking of gains, if you base pay on gains, what will you do for the teachers at schools who have and maintain As? Their effort to keep a good grade goes without fanfare? Then on the opposite end of that spectrum, what abt those impoverished schools who are already lacking in EVERYTHING (good teachers, supplies, resources, FUNDING)? No gains there so no money for those teachers who are there? Yeah, merit pay sounds good in theory but it just doesn't work in the real world. Not when there are COUNTLESS factors that go into a STUDENT. Parental (or lack of) support and socio-economic status are two of many that determine what really goes on in the classroom.

My next point, like the 1st generation artist wanna be who voted for McCan't, how can you as a teacher support a party that doesn't support you?

It's just really funny how politicians make these decisions. It's funnier how we let them.

Two Faces

I'm having a hard time with this situation/teacher at school. She's a brand-new teacher. Didn't even go thru a teacher program so she had NO idea what was going on. Now, she has it down pat and is doing a pretty good job. Here's my issue:

Because she's new, I told her to move into the empty classroom adjacent to mine. It made sense for her to be next to an experienced teacher her first year. Cool. She peeks her head into my classroom whenever she has a question, her class may come into mine to watch me model a lesson, etc.

What gets on my nerves is when she asks for my help, I give it to her and she goes behind my back and asks someone else. For example:

She wasn't feeling well and wanted to take last Friday off. Wednesday night, she was texting me like crazy about how to put in for a sub. I told her we'll do it together on Thursday. 630 Thursday morning, she started with the texts. Again, I told her we'll do it when we get to school. I promise you I was in the parking lot when I got 3 more texts. I ignored them. Went inside, set my things down and she peeks her head in my classroom.

"Can we do the sub thing now?"

"Didn't I say I will help you?"

"Yes."

"Well then calm down, I am here."

We go thru the steps and now it's time to pick a sub. The one she wants already has a job so I tell her not to worry, there are tons of people looking to substitute. All you need to worry about is creating the absence for yourself so someone can take the job. I give her the sub I always use and we create the job. The screen reads, "Job Creation Successful!" Yay!

Why every hour, she asks me if my sub has taken the job yet?

"How will I know if Mrs. G takes the job?"

"You don't. All you have to worry about is creating your absence. They can send in Hannibal. It has nothing to do with you. All subs have to go thru the same process so you can rest assured you'll get someone decent. You can't control which sub takes the job. You can hope Mrs. G gets it but what will you do if she doesn't? Are you going to come in a teach when you can't even talk? Stop thinking about it, you've done all you can do."

The next hour, she came in to ask if there is possibly, some way to check on the status of her job creation. I told her, "I honestly don't want to hear about it. You need to stop worrying about it. It's not that serious. You will be gone for ONE day. Guess who will be okay? Everyone but you. Chill.Out."

Come Friday, we're all standing outside for dismissal and I make a comment about how nervous she was about making an absence. Why did another teacher chime in with, "Really? Around lunch yesterday, she asked me if she can check who gets her class. I told her you can't control who gets your class."

*blink blink*

So... you didn't believe me when I told you YOU CAN'T CONTROL WHO GETS YOUR CLASS!?! Oh my gosh, you know who was worried about the wrong thing!?!?

Second example.

Her sick leave form. Luckily, our sec'y fills out the form and all we have to do is check it over, sign and back date it. She asks me before our learning team meeting starts.

"This was in my mailbox. What am I supposed to do with it?"

"Check it over, make sure the date of your absence is correct and it's under paid leave. Sign it, make a copy and give it back to the sec."

An hour later, when we're pretty much done with our meeting and just milling around, I hear her ask another teacher, "Hey, what am I supposed to do with this?"

Word??

FACE.

Today was the last straw. Come to find out, she always asks me but then goes back and asks someone else. I understand wanting a second opinion on something things but I'm not diagnosing you with cancer. It's a fcuking form. Sign it, date it. Return it. If you don't believe ANYTHING I say, please stop asking me. It's really unnerving to me that you have to double-check EVERYTHING I tell you. And you know what, it's not even like I'm telling you. You're asking me. I have no shame either. If I don't know something, I will say, "You know what? I'm not sure. Let's go ask Mrs. Hershire." Boom, no big deal. I tried to reason with myself and think, "she just wants to double check cause that's the kind of person she is". Well, that kind of person doesn't need to ask me anymore questions.

*blink blink/blankstare*

- my creepy old man neighbor felt the need to give me some advice this morning as I was rushing to work. "The best thing you can do in life is buy a house"...

*blink blink*.

Sir, I am in between reverse and drive and you stopped me to tell me that??

- same old man told me this afternoon, "The best thing you can do in life is buy a house." I'm thinking, I already got that tidbit from you but then he added a P.S.! "The second best thing you can do is not get married."

Wow.

"Well, if you do get married, don't marry a bum."

*blink blink*

- my mom drove from S.Lakes down Village to tell me my dad is planning the biggest Ghanian party... as my wedding reception. "Just like he wanted to invite everyone and their maid to my birthday party in Ghana, he wants to do that for your reception."

*blank stare*

"How come no-one believes me when I say I want a small wedding?"

"Tell your father now. He wants to invite the Colemans, their children, and their grandchildren. He says people get offended if you don't invite them so... do like Odette. Have a destination wedding. If entire families want to come, they can pay for it themselves."

- my sister hasn't ordered her bridesmaid dress for our only brother's wedding. Today was the deadline for ordering it to get it in time for just-in-case alterations.

did you follow that? if you order dress after today, you will get it in time for the wedding. but if you have to send it back for alterations, you will NOT get it in time for the wedding.

Why did she call me -on her way to Miami, mind you- to order her dress?

*blink blink*

"What have you been doing all day? Even if you woke up at 1pm, you could've gone to David's and ordered your dress and still have time to spare for the ride to MIA. Now why are you putting the pressure on ME not to ruin Jess' wedding cause YOU didn't order your dress? Chile, boo. You better find a computer down there and order it online."

- It was HIGHLY recommended we wear our FCAT shirts to show support for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who began testing today. Okay, I'll wear this adult small tee that I'm not really a fan of. I wore it with skinny jeans and navy blue peep-toe pumps. Why did a teacher wearing khakis tell me, "Dr. M doesn't want us wearing jeans cause the children can't wear jeans"

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MAAAAAAN, futherMUCK the kids! I AM A TEACHER! I MAKE PENNIES! MY STARTING SALARY IS A JOKE AND... IT'S BEEN THE SAME FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS!! Leave me, and my futhermucking Joe jeans alone! yeah, I name dropped!! I'm wearing these damn jeans that I've been wanting and finally bought when I realized I wouldn't be making any more money!

What I said was, "Guess what? I did this already. I wore uniforms and had dress codes already. You know who's worried about the wrong thing?"

out.

4/10/10

I just registered for Arlington Independent School District's Teacher Expo. It will be on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 8-11am. The district website told me to expect an email letting me know when my interview will be.

I guess I should buy a plane ticket sometime this week...

*wow*

It seems so sudden! Let me cool my jets, I haven't even gotten an interview yet.

And what does one bring to a teacher interview? When I graduated, I was picked up by the school I interned at and my portfolio was online. I wouldn't know the first thing to bring. My resume' of course...

*sigh*

I'm feeling some kind of way right now. Scared, for one...

*

On another note, in case you don't know, April 10th is National A-Hole Day. Least favorite ex was born on 4/10. So was Mr. Big, the self-proclaimed ass. It's actually funny cause they HATE each other. Yeah, this world is too small. How does a biz major in orlando cross paths with an engineering major in Tally? *eye roll*

Whatever the case, it looks like I'm moving forward with my TX plan.

Why am I so nervous?

Friday

1. I thought today was Thursday. I couldn't fall back asleep when I realized it's Friday. I woke up at 522a. This is going to hurt today.

2. Speaking of hurting, I don't like unruly children. I can *tolerate* them in the classroom cause I can give the the Look of Death and tell them to change their color. Come to find out, my class acts a straight DONKEY in the cafeteria. Like, 'screaming and pouring juice on peoples heads' donkey. Someone is always in timeout when I pick them up.

3. Speaking of lunch room behavior, I'm shooting for Silent Lunch today. I doubt that'll happen but what I can control is No Fun Friday. I should get to work early to prep for the All Work No Fun Day.

4. I'm mentally getting ready for TX. I think it took me visiting and enjoying myself to set that in motion. The last time I went to Texas, I was 23, it was summertime, I was in Austin, and I was visiting a guy. Totally different ballgame this time around.

5. Speaking of Texas, guess who found his monkey-a in Arlington/Dallas while I was there?? Little Mr. Big. His frat brother DJ'd K. Garnett's party. I really have to be more cautious with my FB status updates.

6. While on the subject of FB statuses, a teacher (right before a faculty meeting) hollered, "you don't look like you're in arlington!" I shushed the shit out of her and whispered, "my plane leaves at 6pm and I'm taking sick days thankyouverymuch!!!"

7. I need to see how many sick days I have... I know I haven't used them. Older women and my dad (random) say save them and tack them onto maternity leave. *FACE*. Thank-you for being concerned abt my eggs and days.

8. I was talking to a two week old baby and his 3 y.o little brother at the store yesterday. Later on, Drew was like, "Who was that baby you were talking to?" Damn lil... all in mine! Damn lil...watching me from afar!

9. He brought my setting over to see if I approved of it in person.

10. Let the countdown begin.

Spring

Now clearly, it's not spring time but, it's the start of spring semester. Being in college for 7 years and teaching for the past three will have me splitting my years into Springs and Falls!

So it's "spring" time. Getting ready to kick my kinders into high gear! Those of y'all who weren't reading (I have 3 out of 19), I hope you got brains for Christmas! Those of you that were reading, keep up the good work!! Although I didn't miss my babes not once this break, I am excited to see them on Tuesday! I wonder who lost teeth, who got much needed sneakers, etc.

Another reason I'm excited, our chief academic officer, the one who came to town shooting and blazing and changing everything with blanket abandon, has been "reassigned". The VERY FIRST DAY of Christmas break, it hit the local news stations. I just happened to have the TV on when the 'caster read, "SDPBC's CAO has been reassigned. His position has been absorbed by the super and the previous CAO."

WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!??!

You have no idea how mind-boggling that is! I know this semester is going to be interesting if nothing else. He's the one who implemented the district wide lesson plans that were hit or miss, lacking supplies, non-sequential, etc. He attacked our district with a 'one size fit all' approach and that rarely works. It barely works in the individual classrooms! Anyway, seeing how he was new, I assume, HE assumed we all had the same resources...

My school is 90% free and reduced lunch. You know what that means? My school doesn't have the same things as the school with 0% free/red lunch + 100% PTO participation. I do applaud his effort and I'm sure a lot of the mess can be blamed on the principals but whatever. I'm here to teach my 19 the best I can with what I have.



So now that teacher talk is out the way, what's really good for Spring? Oh! I have one more goal to add to my list!


Read at least 24 books this year.
The game plan is to read a non-fiction book in two weeks and spend the other two weeks reading world lit. For those of you that know me, non-fiction is not in my reading vocab. I can spend weekends lost in translated books. Well, I aim to change that.

24 books will be a challenge. My days are spent at school and when I'm spent, I'm spent. Being such a morning person puts a damper on extra-curricular activities. I don't feel like doing ish when I get home from school! And reading is the last thing I want to do! I read all day!!! Reading directions, reading journal prompts, reading whole group, small group reading, team meeting notes! But, this is about reading for enjoyment and education.

I wonder if I should add magazines... I have hella subscriptions but guess how many I read? Yep, that stack of Time magazine has never had a cover peeled back. #literacyfail

Nah, I want to buy books.

Alright y'all this is my last free day! I'll holla!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

White Trash

let the WT tell it, they're better off than us!!

My school is in an area that's adjacent to the Fl.orida Turnpike. What that translates into is TRASH. Vagabonds who hopped off the highway and settled into the trailers nearby. Meth dealers who make their little money in town and keep on truckin'. Just all kinds of unsavory people. Unsavory whites.

I don't understand them. Do they know they live in a trailer? That the car I drive is worth more than the home they live in?? And even if they don't live in a trailer, working part-time at the local k-mart doesn't make you any better. Just cause you're not home watching garbage on the TV doesn't mean when you take your cigarette break, your sister-in-law who lives in your trailer with your brother and their 3 barefoot kids under age 4 won't call you on your metro to tell you what's going on on Springer today. Ugh!!

Like, did you smell yourself before you left the house? Cat piss and spam is not a good look. Dog food and gravel don't go together. Bim Jeam and "tobaccy" will never be haute. The LEAST you can do is get some Irish Sp.ring from the dollar store and "make it work". You and your kids. I HATE going thru your child's backpack and wondering "WHAT THE FCUK!?!??!"

While we're on hygiene... nevermind. I they don't have dentists at "minute clinics".

Now that we've gotten the physical stuff out the way, let's work on your social skills.

That excuse that it's "Pride not Hate"??? Not buying it. This isn't 1861 so take it down.

That big ole truck with the deer screened on the windshield? or the hunter's camo? dead give away you'd lynch me in a minute. with that said, TAKE IT DOWN.

Well looky here... I know there are more than a little bit of people who'd LOVE to KILL this look at prom. Loxahatchee... I'm talking to you.

and when you get around me, don't even fix your face some kinda way. Do you know my SUNGLASSES are worth more than you!? I have jeans that cost more than the lot you rent your trailer on. I've seen People Of Walmart... I know how you and your kind get down.

I just don't understand how people in 2009 can still be living like trash. Like, did ANYONE in your family finish high school and at least attempt community college? How can you keep this cycle going? Who's going to break it? Not that I want y'all to, but come on! You can't be acting like you're better than me cause you're WHITE... Chile boo. I spend on sushi what you wish you had for groceries.

With all that said, when I'm FORCED to talk to your stankin', no teeth or education havin, married your cousin, finding yourself looking down on ME, didn't vote for Obama SOLELY cause he's black, raggedy behind, please don't act like you're doing ME a favor. You should be honored by my greatness.

That two letter word, one of the most powerful in the world.

"Can I get your number?"

No.

"So you not gon let me hit?"

No.

"Is that a weave?"

No.

"Are you going to come up in the hundred?"

No.

"You should look into my sister sorority"

No.

"How bout a sweetheart?"

No.

"Is there gas in the car?

No.

"Going to ATL Classic?"

No.

"Are you going to class?"

No.

"Did you really take ole boy's mattress and leave the box spring in the parking lot?"

...

No.

"Do you run track?"

No.

"Bend over show the world"

Not here.

"Do you like snow?"

No.

"Wanna watch 'Love & Basketball'?"

No.

"Can you take out the trash?"

No.

"Can I borrow your license?"

No.

"Let's go upstairs and talk in private"

No.

"Wanna go running?

No.

"Did you finish the project due today?"

No.

"Let's go half on a pet snake"

No.

"Do you accept my apology?"

No.

"Let's go to a club in Quincy"

No.

"You got cash on you?"

No.

"Were those real tears?

No.

"Are you going to the Plies concert?"

No.

"Did you know he was a sociopath?"

No.

"Do you like smooth jazz?"

No.

"Would you be surprised if he was gay?"

No.

"Did you go to Howard?

hell no.

"Let's go to the gym"

No.

"Did you ever imagine yourself as a pharmacist?"

No.

"Would you marry me?"

No.

"Did you really love him?"

No.

"So you gon come over and cook?"

No.

"Can I come over and you cook?"

No.

"Are you going to cut your hair again?"

No.

(that last one tends to change)

*

That word used to come so easily. Now, when I REALLY need to say it, I get all uncomfortable.

"Can you please give me an extension on paying for the D.C. trip?"

Well, I gave a Nov 5th deadline cause I have to get the apps into the director on the 6th but I'll see what I can do."

Extension granted.

"Can I get another extension?"

Well, the 13th is really the last day. So bring the balance in on Friday"

Why are parents are still calling me about the patrol trip?? OMG. The level of stress is so not cool.

*

I went to get permission slips signed by the principal and she taught me something I've known all along.

"Hi Ms. K! How's it going?"

"Aww man, these parents are stressing me over money! I gave them a deadline and they keep on asking for extensions!"

"So tell them no."

It was as if a light bulb turned on. I need to bring my favorite undergrad word back from the grave.

Life

I hung up on my mom the other day. She was hollering about her plane ticket and I told her to stop yelling. She said she wasn't yelling so I told her to stop talking loud. She calmed down for a second but got excited all over again. No ma'am. End call.

My principal is trying to play me and the other patrol sponsor. We jumped on every fundraiser we could (gormay lollipops, chocklate, scented pencils, car washes, etc) and were able to raise about $200 for each patrol!! That is AWESOME! Whatever the case, all our bills have been paid so whatever merchandise is left is for the patrols to go on another trip after FCAT. Why is she telling us, "go ahead and bring everything to the front office and we'll take care of it" THE HELL YOU WILL! WE'LL take care of it! Not finna be using our money to have Christmas parties at your house...

My Ghanian godfather passed away. Just found out my American godfather is deathly ill. Went to see him today and I just can't believe the shadow of a man that sits where my pillar of a Godfather used to stand. With his baritone voice, not quite as bari as it used to be, we talked about the school district. He's General Counsel for PBCSD and offered some inside info on our new CAO (chief academic officer). I suddenly don't hate him anymore. And dislike my principal even more.

Drew is here. We played wee at best by and it was great. Oh yeah, I can watch TV now!!! So EXCITED!! It pays to have a guy around. They really do earn their keep.

Funny how I got excited but I don't really watch TV... at least I have the option to watch basic programming on the networks.

My children are too smart for me. I'm kidding. They are challenging me to challenge them more than the previous years have. I'm going to have some superstars in 1st grade next year! Things are snapping and trapping in their little brains now. They have schemata to fall upon and we both LOVE it when something from their past comes into their present and it makes sense to them. For example, I read a book titled Mouse-Mess. Talked about different foods, etc, etc. Just yesterday, during the phonics lesson, we talked about things that start with O and I introduced 'olives'. Okay. When centers rolled around and a group was at Big Books, Shy said, "Ms. von K! Olives! I know that that word is! I looked at the picture and sounded out the 1st letter!"

*TEAR*

My reading strategies are working!!

Anyhoo, that's where I am today.

Happy Veterans' Day. My paternal grandfather fought in WWII for the BEF.

Mean Teacher

Sidebar- We know I got a new phone... why did I get it on the day tee-mobile's network goes down? Not just the cydekick server but the entire TEE-MOBILE network?? Why won't the devil leave me and my phones alone?!?!

Is it a sidebar if I haven't even started the post???

Mean Teacher

I have to tell my students I am bringing her out. I write Mean Teacher on the board and I draw a mean face. Them being 'Hater Class, 2023', said,

"Is that your sad face?"

I snapped back, "NO! It's a mad face!! To go with the Mean Teacher you guys are getting tomorrow!!"

We'll see how it goes. I think I might stick with her today. Usually, they behave themselves I don't even get a chance to change colors but today? IT'S ON!

On another note... patrols.

that's that bull isht.

We got played from Day 1. I've said for, going on 3 years, "I got to get out of this place!" This is my 3rd year so I'm good! Holla at your girl! Matter of fact, don't.

Now on to that goal list I said I'd update.

pledge grad chapter

(and I forgot the last one that was on my mind...)

Yeah, it's really a big deal to me. Still.

Random Ramblings

1. for real, what happened to blogging? i miss being so involved in your lives!

2. i don't like 'ego' that much. i especially dislike it in the club. i feel like ever since i saw the video, i was pissed abt it.

3. i want a wii. all the people living the fab life i should be living in/around D.C have one. i know "thou shalt nit covet" but dang!

4. i've been ring shopping with DFB. believe it or not, I don't want a ginormous ring/stone. he doesn't believe me.

5. i text my mom this weekend and she was talking abt pushing her trip back to the middle/end of oct. i'm not even going to say anything else on it.

6. i'm not talking to my sister for a long time.

7. my brother's diploma is here and i looked at it for a long time. doctor of pharmacy. soooooooooo proud of him! it makes me love FAMU over and over again :-)

8. when will our HBCUs get their lives together?

9. i am ready for my 'long hair, don't care' to make a comeback. at least the chin length bob or something.

10. living single party has been postponed. unless y'all just to come over w/o the fanfare i like to have going on...

11. i want 2 more tatts and both of them on the inside of my wrists. they will be constant reminders of why i'm here.

12. being at BB's wedding made me want a wedding but I got over that. the feeling for the "next step" comes and goes; waxes and wanes. maybe i just want a large party in a ballroom with a really pretty dress on

13. the district has printed out our lesson plans. i have never been more confused in my life.

14. boom b.oom pow can stop now. so can every girl. and anything by drayck. i am tired of him.

15. i really need to make more effort to go to the beach. it's really just right there and it always turns out to be awesome. even if your hair gets wet against your prayers, wishes, and pleas.

16. drew likes to hot curl my hair. i don't so it works out. now i need to teach him how to use rollers and end paper.

17. i still fux with the clipse. they.are.GREAT. and have been since fall 2000. LOVE.

18. I am neater and cleaner in solitude than i have EVER been sharing living quarters. i love it. now if only the car can get the same attention. the tima is straight up FILTHY (on the outside) and not too neat on the inside

19. i have to tell myself, "it's not abt finding the person you can live with, but the person you can't live without". PREACH.

20. you guys know I saw a clip of a cow trying to get away from dying a couple of years ago. and then a few weeks ago, I read a clip about horses being slaughtered for their meat. It was then I decided to be a vegetarian. Someone asked if I was and I said, "most of the time. 98% of the time." we'll go with 95% of the time. Its been explained to be that i cannot afford to cut ANYTHING out of my diet. so, when that time comes for me to eat red meat (see: large loss of iron), I will. If there was another way to get the mineral (besides a vitamin) I'll be all over it. Till then, bring on the Stamps quarter pounder every 30 days.

Trippin

Jameil got me a subscription to GQ for Christmas. Why haven't I received the last 2 issues?? I haven't seen Tatum and I went out and BOUGHT the 'MJ Was Cool' one. Word? That's how we do our patrons??

TRIPPIN.

I have a child in my class who not only spilled milk on his neighbor during lunch BUT ALSO used a straw to pour juice down his same neighbor's back. My questions:

1. where were the lunch monitors?

2. how do you let someone pour liquid on you TWICE?

3. what is wrong with this little boy!?!

TRIPPIN

My mom has let it be known that she will extend her vacay by a month. Now keep in mind, she's already been gone for 1/4 of the year, she's trying to make it a third. WOMAN! You have a husband and dog at home!!! You are NOT retired! Bring your A back!!

TRIPPIN

Halfway being nice and halfway being annoyed and wanting her to stop bothering the fluck out of me, I let my sister use my ID when she was home last week. Got to Orlando to check into the hotel when I realized the monkey trick still has my shit. Text her to send it ASAP and of course some bullish excuse was the reply.

TRIPPIN

I can't get another one online b/c I have an unpaid ticket i need to take care of 1st. Yes, I'm back in "misda what?" territory. One day, I'll get right.

That's all I have for you guys right now. I'll holla.

Back to School Playground Fail

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Monday Mindspacing

But it's Tuesday!!!!

Live on the edge a little, guys.

1. As you may or may not know, I'm at my brother's place somewhere in the central part of southern florida. Like, right under Lake Okeecho.bee. If you imagined there are mosquitos galore, you are absolutely correct!!

2. His place is awesome. I really wish I could bring people here. It's like a country inn resort. Maybe I'll take pix and upload them via twits.

3. I've never been a fan of the Atlanta Classic but considering my affinity for that southern piece of HEAVEN grows with each visit, I think I will go this year!! And I know how to use the TARMA? Oh, it is ON!!

4. I really want to wear smocked dresses for a looooooooooong time. Stank actually made a comment abt them the other day, "How many of those do you have? I guess they are the perfect dress, huh?" They sure are!

5. I am kiiiiinda looking forward to the school year starting.

*cringe*

I feel like my remaining 2 weeks are going to go by a warp speed now that I've put that in the universe...

6. There are 4 celebs that I follow on Twitr. I had to remove E.Dabu cause something is going on in that brain of hers and I didn't want to and couldn't stand to be privy to it. I removed Talib cause I remembered I liked Mos more. Lastly, I removed Joel McHail cause he's so much funnier on TV. All that's left is Ghostface (my boo!) Estelle (my british boo!) Johnny Boy, and Steven Colbert (huh-larious!).

7. I have a sudden LOVE for soft tacos. I mean, I've always liked them but now I want them ALL THE TIME!! I think I will make them tonight. I blame Jameil. She made some the last night we were in ATL and they were AWESOME. Quite simply, awesome.

8. Everyone wants to know where I'm going before school starts. I've been away more than home this summer and the question I get from Pops, Stank, Mini Me, other relatives and even some teachers is,"So where's the next place you're going? You still have time!" Word?! Don't let me find a cheap ticket to the Queen City cause it'll be on like popcorn! If I planned properly, I'd be there now. Then again, it's more fun to be spontaneous in the summer! Who knows where I'll be before Aug 6

9. Would you be offended if someone asked you to be a hostess at their wedding?? That question as be PLAGUING me the past couple of days!! I guess I need to know what role the hostess plays... what does she do, guys?

10. There are TWO wedding invites I haven't recieved yet and I'm not too happy about it. One of them is for a wedding in August and the other is for September. I'll be VERY hurt abt the August one. The September one, not so much. I know I'm going to that with or without an invite.

11. One for the road: In J-Hud's latest song, who is that guy HOLLERING "Worldwide" (or whatever he says) in the beginning?! OMG, he IRKS me!! I HATE that part! What does it do for the song?! Absolutely NOTHING! And then the ATL "oh!" thruout the chorus?? Sooooooooooo not a fan. The song is wack and I kinda think she is too. yeah, I'm talking about a pregnant woman.

12. speaking of preg chicks, WHYYYYYY do celebs deny being pregnant??? Is it to build more intrigue? Have people wondering about you? To keep your name in peoples' mouths?? It took her Dreamgurls co-star (A. Rose)to put it out there! Maybe they are afraid of losing the baby? I know when J-Lope FINALLY announced she was expecting it was like, "in other news, Tupac Shakr has been shot". Whatever.