let me tell you my story

Do you knoww how painful it is to read 130 personal narratives, written by 8th graders, but that look like (and sound like) 3rd graders? I do, and let me tell you...It's not as fun as it sounds. Today I finished up the whole personal narrative gig and began reading some of them as the students finished. There were a few well written ones, ones that had actually followed the instructions, ones that the student understood how to write an introduction. Others were, oh, so painful! I'm hoping to have them all graded by the end of tonight.

After several weeks of not hearing from the Jostens (yearbook) rep, he showed up today during 3rd period. I was so relieved to see him because I had a list of questions that he had not responded to via e-mail. We're right on track to have a fabulous yearbook. He told the kids today if we meet our deadline on deadline and not two days later, he'll buy us all pizza and we'll have a party. That kind of made them excited...though, the truth is, it's gonna be ME who makes the deadline, considering that none of them (hardly) have done any work on their pages.

I gave the journalism students a big final project for the quarter. It was dealing with advertising and propaganda techniques. Most were royaly confused, so I helped them today and most of them finished. There, of course, were the few regular slackers, but the majority are right on track to have a 100% for 3rd quarter.

My suspended 6th period girl came back today all smiles. No awkwardness at all. I thought for sure she'd be angry and cause more problems, but she got right to work and did just fine. However, one more crazy thing happened in 6th. One of the students' folder (the one they keep in my class) turned up missing. I searched high and low for the darn thing and interrogated several suspects, but I didn't find it. At the end of class, I told the kids that if the folder wasn't in the basket by tomorrow 6th period, they'd all get an ASD until is showed up. You see, this type of stuff happens on a daily basis, and I think today the thief decided to play a good, long game of "hide the folder." They'll be sorry tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the opening night of the school play, Peter Pan. They've actually got a company here that will "fly" several of the main characters. Yes. Junior high students flying. It's quite the to do and I have several of my students involved. Today was a dress rehearsal and lots of kids had on their makeup. I'm going to see it tomorrow with my mom; it should be a swell production.

Here's a note to my friend, Hillcrest Park, who is a fellow teacher and occasionaly reads my blog: I've tried to e-mail you a dozen of times, but no response. Please e-mail me: lauren.hubert@granite.k12.ut.us Thanks.

Happy hump day, tomorrow!