A few things to write about tonight:

Well, I can officially say my first big "task" of the year went on without a hitch.

Yesterday was picture day and things went swimmingly. After making three editions of my schedule for the day, things went according to plan. The principal even commented on the smooth transitions made through out the day and the photographers were very patient with our rowdy croud. I heard from another teacher that the lady I replaced usually got a substitute for picture day so she could help in the auditorium. I really felt like everything was ok, though, after first period was over and we'd all kind of figured it out. Phew. I can rest easy for at least a few weeks until I start planning for re-takes, followed in January by group shots.

A funny observation I've made this week is that of junior high couples. I stand outside my door in between classes to greet my students and to keep an eye on the hallway for any possible behavior problems. I have made the grandest of observations while standing at the door.

The best one, as mentioned above, is that of junior high couples (or, at least that's what they think they are). I see this one "couple" every day as the young man walks his lady to her math class, which is across the hall from me. I've yet to see them actually speak to each other and I'm pretty sure they might not even know the other's names, but they always come walking down, hand in hand. Once they get to the door (which, by the by, the math teacher stands at, too), she lets go of his hand, looks at him like she doesn't know what to do. He, on the otherhand, is too busy checking out the other "fly" ladies walking past him to notice his supposed girlfriend. Eventually, right before the bell rings and administration calls for a "Hall Sweep," lover boy and woman friend give each other the worlds most awkard hug. It's halfway between a pat on the back (one you'd get from a coach or something) and the squeze from Aunt Bertha you can't wait to get out of. I smile, hands down, every single time. To make matters worse, I've learned from my 7th period, she's only a 7th grader and he's in 9th grade! Oh! The shame!

Another thing about this week: Since yesterday was quite the hectic day with pictures during English class, I decided I'd have the kids fill out a 5 question questionaire that basically was an opportunity for them to give ME feedback on how I am doing and how the class is run. I figure I'd give them a chance to tell me what kinds of activities they learn best by and comments or suggestions for the class. I made sure I let all of my classes know that yes, I am human, and yes, I have sensitive feelings; I just knew I'd have 'em all telling me that hate me or something. I tried to be real dramatic about it (yeah, they think I should be an actress on the big stage) and told them I'd probably cry myself to sleep if they were rude. I had a few girls in 7th tell me that they'd hunt down anyone who made me cry (and really, these girls are pretty tough, I wouldn't want to be on the path of their angry tracks). I had them do this annonymously just because I wanted them to feel comfortable telling me whatever. I also had to convince them that I did not have their handwriting memorized, that with 130 students, that's quite impossible. Well, long story short, I took them home last night and I read each and every questionare. I really got some great suggestions ("Let's have more focused group work...I work well with groups") and comments ("Don't write in Orange marker on the white board") and some not so good suggestions ("I don't think we should read in this class") and comments ("I won't try in this class because I hate English"). When I got to school today, my kids were impressed that not only had I read each of them, but that I only cried tears of happiness because I got other comments like, "Mrs. Hubert, you are a great teacher. Thanks for caring." "I really like English this year." "You're doing great!" I'm afraid, however, that my two tough girls from 7th period were seriously bummed out that they couldn't hunt anyone down.

Support Group:
We have short days on Friday. Students leave school at 12:40 and teachers have to stay for one hour meetings of a different type. Today's meeting was called Teacher Support Group. I met with 6 other fabulous teachers and upon arrival a math teacher who I've learned to tune out explained to me that what Teacher Support Group really means is a "Bitch Session." Uh, ok. Well, we sat there for an hour and I listened to these veteran teachers complain and moan and groan. I thought, wow, what a royal waste of time. And then they finally got around to asking me how my year was going. I told them, in short, pretty good minus the fact that I don't have a prep period and minus the fact that I'm in charge of just about everything (pictures, yearbook, newspaper) and minus the fact that I'm still getting mistaken for a student. They actually ended up having some good suggestions, but when I had so much to do, I felt like sitting there and listening to them whine was the worst way to spend my afternoon. After the meeting I organized my desk (which really should be done just about every other hour) and planned next week out. I still needed to re-do a bulletin board on my next unit, "Writing for Real Life," but I had had about enough of my room for the day and left just after 4.

One last thing before I go:
I turned in my insurance packet today. It's due next Friday and after changing my plans so many times (we have about 5 to choose from) I finally figure it out and dropped it off at the district today. But, here's where it get's frustrating. My official contract hire date was way back on August 21st. I've been in school teaching since August 28th. I don't get my first pay check until the end of September (once/month) and my insurance elections don't start until November 9th. The benefits are good but man, I sure hope I don't get deathly ill until November.

I have loads of papers to grade this weekend. Not actually loads, just a few day's worth and even then, I had the kids grade their quiz so that will just mean entering it into the computer. I'm very tired and very ready to have a sleep in day tomorrow (oh wait, I slept in today actually...until 6:30). Next week I have to administer the IOWA test to my 8th graders in Advisory (a homeroom-type class at the beginning of the day) on Tuesday and Wednesday. They will love me, for sure.

Happy Weekend!