Long Days, Short Weeks

 

 

It's been a hot minute since I have shared.  This year took off like a speeding bullet and it was all I can do to keep tethered.  In March when the world shifted on its axis, it seemed as if nothing can get more intense.  Yeah!

School Year 2021 began and once again we were shifted.  In March we were in emergency mode, in August we were in "pretend everything is normal" mode.  Nothing is normal.  There is a new world in education and we are being obligated to function in the same "highly effective" capacity as measured by the pre-Covid standard.  

I'm not complaining, I'm grateful for my job no matter what they are asking of me.  However, gratefulness, although very necessary and healing, does not dismiss the daily pressure and responsibility to engage students who do not want to engage, assess students who are not on campus, differentiate while social distancing, troubleshoot technological issues without really knowing what to do, and preparing students to take standardized tests when they refuse to turn in work.

The struggle is real.  The pressure is on.  Student progression is at stake.  

However and nevertheless,

I breathe.

I rest.

I do my best.

I give myself and my students grace.

And, we do what we must do.

Hold on tight and wait for the ride to slow down.

Thinking of you.

Heal Our Land . . .

My heart is broken in a million little pieces as I see our country in so much pain. 

  I am overcome and I am scared, but I have hope. 

"Father, forgive us, heal us and show us how to be better."

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to George Floyd's family and friends.

May His story be the spark to provoke the change we so desperately need.

Respectfully and Prayerfully,

Officially Done

Virtual school 2020 is officially done.

I went to school this past week to clean up, pick everything off the floor, and get my classroom ready for the summer.  I only had 3 hours, and one of them was used for signing out.  My room was a little bit of a mess because when they dismissed us in March indefinitely, I was a little perplexed.  That afternoon I pretty much just grabbed my purse and went home.  With two hours, I didn't have much time to organize anything.  So, I just put things in an empty spot.  I certainly have my work cut out for me when we finally do get back.  

It was difficult saying good-bye to my students today, especially my 8th graders.  They did not want to end the Google Meets.  There were tears and memories and gratitudes.  

Our district has not informed us one way or another what August will look like.  It's all uncertain and, frankly, nerve wracking.  I am a planner.  I don't like surprises.  This pandemic has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone, for sure.  

I found out that next year my school will be merging the ELA and Reading department into one.  I am the Department Instructional Leader for both the ELL and ELA departments.  Now we will be bringing Reading to the party.  I will be sharing the leadership position with the department leader for the Reading department.  We will be creating an interdepartmental Literacy Task Force to re-examine and update our school-wide literacy initiatives.  I'm excited about it.  Fingers crossed that our faculty will buy in.  I suppose my summer will include some of this work.  

It will also include rest and relaxation, lots of novels, summer cleaning, ice cream and laughter.  My husband and I always go on two vacations in the summer.  One in the beginning and one at the end.  This year, obviously, will be a little different.  I'm hoping to have a staycation, instead, to spruce up my house a little.  And, if things get a little better, maybe we can have our end of the summer get away.  Time will tell.

Thank you for sharing virtual school with me.  

I'll be by in the summer to peek in and say hello.  

God Bless and Big Hugs,

Damarise

Two More . . .

I'm super excited, two more weeks.

I have a ton of work to do, but I'm looking forward to this school year's closing.We are not sure what August is going to look like, nevertheless, I 've decided that I cannot change the future with worry.  

Relax, that's my word of the year.

Relax.

 Have a lovely week ~

Hugs,

Damarise