Yeah, it's been a while. People keep telling me to post but I really haven't had time (or access to a computer that allows me to visit this site). Much has happened in the lovely land of teaching since September 15th (my last post date). Even though I'm tired beyond ever thought possible, I decided to come to my mom's house tonight to post. Here's an update of my life as a teacher:

Officially Official---

As if the fact that we are heading into the 6th week of school isn't enough to make my job official, I finally have the official stamp of approval as a teacher: A nameplate above my door. Up until about a week ago, I was Mrs. Johnston because that's whose name appeared on the nameplate above my door. Eventually, I covered her name with a construction paper version of a nameplate, however, that really wasn't official. One Monday morning I walked into my room and didn't even notice the new nameplate that proudly reads, Mrs. Hubert, and went about my business. At the start of 1st period, one of my students came in all excited and said, "It's official, Mrs. Hubert, your name is above the door now." I leapt from my chair and was also excited when I saw my official nameplate. Now, random students, who I don't have in class, walk by, see my nameplate and me standing in front of the door and say, "Hi Mrs. (long pause as they try to figure out the pronounciation) Herbert?" And then I say, Hubert, and Hello to you too.

Another thing that makes it official---

I just got my first paycheck as a real teacher. Not the lousy sub paycheck, but the lousy real teacher check. When I say "lousy real teacher check," don't confuse this to mean that it's not even worth my money in gas to deposit- lousy. But, I refer you to the following editorial that my next door neighbor at school (another English teacher) wrote recently to Deseret News, and who has an excellent point on teacher salary:

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650191997,00.html

I have never recieved a pay check this big, so really, to me, it's not lousy. And really, I was a little surprised when I saw how much it was (even though my long hours deserve a few extra bucks), but I'm not complaining. Yes, I am a babysitter of sorts, but I'm proud of my first real paycheck as a real teacher. And I have to hold myself back from doing what was done on one of my favorite shows "Home Improvement," Tim shellacked his son's first paycheck from the paper route because he was so proud.

Parent-Teacher Conferences---

I have tomorrow off because yesterday and today was PTC (otherwise known as the days you have to sit on the hard lunch bench for three hours and tell parents through a forced smile that their child is doing well). I can't tell you how excited I am that tomorrow I can sleep in, I don't have to get to school early to clean my boards, say, "attention" 1000 times, or act like I love my 5th period. It'll be a nice break...one definitely needed. I had a total of 62 visits, 20 of which had to be translated into English since the parents are non-English speakers. (and hopefully the student translators really told them what I said) I also had 4 students come on their own with a pen and paper in hand for me to write down how they are doing to show the parents. I got 5 days worth of grading done (I had the shortest line because I was wham, bam, thank you mam quick and, unless requested by parents, my conferences lasted about half a minute). I ate two plastic cups-full of peanuts, m&m's, sweedish fish, pretzles, and hot tamales (provided by student government) and drank approximately 3 bottles of water (even with just 62 visits, my voice is going, going, gone. I'm also happy to report that I gave no "F's" on Mid-Terms, and most of the parents who visited said that their student loved English and I am a favorite teacher. Not too bad.

(On an un teaching related note, my front window of my car was bashed in on Tuesday night by some hoodlums. They obviously couldn't break into my front window, it being tempered and all, but they left three pretty good sized chunks and millions of little cracks on my window. I saw two rocks next to my car the morning after it happened and freaked. I will hopefully be getting it replaced, but a funny note to mention about it (since I'm kind of on the subject of PTC): Tonight, as I'm sitting at my designated little spot in the gym, I see the vice principal and school cop walking over to me looking panicked. I greet them with a smile, and they still look frazzled. Michelle, the vp, says, "We have some bad news about your car." I had totally forgotten about the window and was nervous what she'd say next. The officer says, "Someone just reported that your front window has been bashed in with a rock or bat or something." Phew. I chuckled. "Oh, no," I say, "That happened at my appartment complex earlier this week, I already know." They both let out a sigh of relief...they thought for sure one my students had done it as a way to get back at me or something and that they'd have to do some heavy-duty investigation. )

Last thing for this post: I'm very upset this week to find out that our school will not allow kids to dress up for Halloween (nor the teachers). I understand that they are getting older, but man, that is what I was looking forward to most! I told my kids we'd have a mini-halloween celebration in my room to make up for the no-costume thing. I guess (well, no, I know) it causes distractions and all that....but....wipe the tears off my face, I'm sad!!!!!

Happy Weekend all. Love, your favorite English teacher.