Yes, I was already listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. Today's post are interesting thoughts to think about. You may disagree, that is OK, it is just my opinion.
1. It doesn't bother me that Christmas commericalism starts right after Halloween. Many people believe it takes away from Thanksgiving. Personally, I believe the holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas have the same message so it doesn't bother me. We are supposed to note what we are thankful and remember the true meaning of Christmas. I think they go together enough that I don't let the world (shopping commericalism) affect my attitude about the holidays.
2. Stores opening on Thanksgiving. It seems that many people decided to make a huge deal about some stores opening on Thanksgiving evening instead of at midnight. Wal-mart already was open so nothing as changed. I personally enjoy that stores varied their opening times to make the craziness more safe. I hate getting up or staying up late, so it didn't bother me as much as others. I know people have to work and be away from their families, but they get time and half when they work holidays. I think it is benefit some families who are trying to make ends meet. Just make sure you are spending time with your family and not letting the commericalism and excitement pull you away from what is really important. I am not huge Black Friday person, I hate crowds. Sometimes, I have gone out and sometimes, I stay home and read a book.
3. I love this season, as I become extremely homesick. I grateful to notice those blessings in my life. I have great family, extended family, friends, awesome job, cool house, great ward, etc... Thank you to all my facebook friends for sharing their days of gratitude.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
School-1st quarter complete
The 1st quarter has come and gone for me this year. I have been teaching ESL and reading classes as always. Many people ask what I do at school, well, below is one of my responsibilities.
I have had a new position at school. I am the ALP (alternative language program) Lead. It means I am in charge of all the students in my school that qualify for ESL (English as a second language) services. At some schools, this is a small group of students, not for me. When I was first given the list, the man said "Wow! You have a big list." I have learned it is the largest for junior highs in our district which means maybe the largest in the state or second largest. I monitor 600 students, 200 students have tested out of the program. I will note that our school has 850 students. It leaves 400 students who are my main concern. 10 students are ESL level I, (no speaking English), they have been in the country about one year or less. 10 students are level II (3 years in America), 200 students are Level III, most of these students are verbally proficient, but struggle with reading and writing in English. It is hard because many students are not literate in their first language or have whole in their education experience. I will also include that many of these students (100) have IEP (individualized Education Plans) and receive special education services. Can you imagine trying to learn two languages and have processing difficulties? There are about 200 students that are Level $ and 5. They receive limited services, aka they need to have one teacher that is ESL endorsed (which at our school is 3/4 of the faculty).
I also help lead the reading dept. We test every student who enters our school (about 5 new students every week throughout the year). We decide if they need extra help in reading and place them in the appropriate reading class. We have 3 leveled reading class. This does not include special education services. I constantly use data making sure students are placed in the correct classes. If students show they are fluent readers and comprehenders over the 6th grade, we don't require a reading class. I teach 80 students, plus 240 students also in other teacher's reading classes. Yes, about 320 students are reading below the 6th grade level.
I will add that I love my job. It is hard and exhausting, but I love it.
I have had a new position at school. I am the ALP (alternative language program) Lead. It means I am in charge of all the students in my school that qualify for ESL (English as a second language) services. At some schools, this is a small group of students, not for me. When I was first given the list, the man said "Wow! You have a big list." I have learned it is the largest for junior highs in our district which means maybe the largest in the state or second largest. I monitor 600 students, 200 students have tested out of the program. I will note that our school has 850 students. It leaves 400 students who are my main concern. 10 students are ESL level I, (no speaking English), they have been in the country about one year or less. 10 students are level II (3 years in America), 200 students are Level III, most of these students are verbally proficient, but struggle with reading and writing in English. It is hard because many students are not literate in their first language or have whole in their education experience. I will also include that many of these students (100) have IEP (individualized Education Plans) and receive special education services. Can you imagine trying to learn two languages and have processing difficulties? There are about 200 students that are Level $ and 5. They receive limited services, aka they need to have one teacher that is ESL endorsed (which at our school is 3/4 of the faculty).
I also help lead the reading dept. We test every student who enters our school (about 5 new students every week throughout the year). We decide if they need extra help in reading and place them in the appropriate reading class. We have 3 leveled reading class. This does not include special education services. I constantly use data making sure students are placed in the correct classes. If students show they are fluent readers and comprehenders over the 6th grade, we don't require a reading class. I teach 80 students, plus 240 students also in other teacher's reading classes. Yes, about 320 students are reading below the 6th grade level.
I will add that I love my job. It is hard and exhausting, but I love it.
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