Today. There are few words that can describe some of today's events. But, I will try to because they are too good not to share.
1. While I walk through the cafeteria to drop off my lunch dishes in the kitchen, eighth grade boys whistle at me. I am not joking. I've heard them make comments before, but I've never seen/heard them be this brazen. What am I supposed to do? I'm certainly not going to say anything to them, because that will just make the problem worse. But, do I tell the principal? "Ummm. Excuse me. The boys whistle at me in the hallway." I'm sure that would go over well!
2. During study hall, I receive a note on my desk that says, "Meet me in the hallway." Once in the hallway, Kendra mentions that she wants a picture of me to give her uncle. I declined, because I am pretty sure that is crossing so many lines.
3. Andrew yells, "Ms. S, this is not me talking, but the girls. They told me to ask you this. Do you want to go on a date?" No, I reply. You cannot ask me those kinds of questions. They are inappropriate. "But, we don't want you to be lonely!" he states. How, I ask, can I be lonely when I have 65 sixth grade students to talk to every day?! It's cute that they are so concerned about me!
4. "Ms. Stromgren, are you going on a date with Chase?" No, I reply, it's called a parent-teacher conference with his mom. "But, Chase thinks you are cute!" a student says. "Well, don't leave me out!" Dominick yells. "I think she's cute too!" Wow. So inappropriate on so many levels. Sometimes I don't know how else to react but to laugh and tell them to change the conversation!
Boys. They make my life so interesting. What would I do without them?!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Middle School Antics.
Yesterday was our second snow day of the winter. While a welcome break from work, I found myself getting restless. It's not good for me to have whole days with nothing to do! Plus, it's always twice as hard to get back into the swing-of-things after a shift in my routine like that.
Today we brought closure to our unit on the human body and introduced the new unit on motion and design. I am so excited for the unit, lessons, activities, and curriculum. Seriously, I am like freaking out it is so cool! I really think my students are going to love it. Plus, I am reformatting the whole way I do science. Hopefully, it will be more engaging and thereby more beneficial for the students.
During study hall, three students kept glancing at me nervously and giggling hysterically. For all of you who have ever worked with middle schoolers, this combination of behaviors is NEVER good! I started to wonder if I had something on my face or clothes. Why did I wear white, I wondered? Well, soon they came up to my desk. Still giggling. "Ms. Stromgren, do you know where Butler's Coffee Shop is?" Yes, I reply, at the edge of town. "Good. What are you doing this Saturday at 7pm?" When I answer that I am hanging out with a friend at that time, they are sincerely disappointed. "What about next Saturday at 7pm?" they furtively ask. I reply that I believe I will probably be free and ask who I will be meeting there. Well, apparently, I will be meeting Kendra's uncle. No matter that he's 29, recently divorced with two kids. I laughed and laughed. I fought back tears. All of my students joined in, and we were about rolling on the floor. Seriously. I had to leave the room to compose myself. My students are quite concerned about my relationship status. Silly kids! Actually, I love them! They are fantastic!
Other fun stories:
1. Jennifer (one of my students) and I compete to see who wears the most layers each day. So far we are tied. But, I'm pretty sure I am going to win!
2. A couple of the girls are so nervous about school next week. I asked if it was because of a test or parent/teacher conferences. But, no, it was because they are getting "the talk" next week. Oh, sweet, innocent kids. I laughed again when they told me this. Then, I told them that I was supposed to teach them but that the nurse was going to do it instead. They were indignant. "Why aren't you giving us the talk? That would've been awesome. You are the coolest teacher! That would have been so much fun!" Yikes!
Today we brought closure to our unit on the human body and introduced the new unit on motion and design. I am so excited for the unit, lessons, activities, and curriculum. Seriously, I am like freaking out it is so cool! I really think my students are going to love it. Plus, I am reformatting the whole way I do science. Hopefully, it will be more engaging and thereby more beneficial for the students.
During study hall, three students kept glancing at me nervously and giggling hysterically. For all of you who have ever worked with middle schoolers, this combination of behaviors is NEVER good! I started to wonder if I had something on my face or clothes. Why did I wear white, I wondered? Well, soon they came up to my desk. Still giggling. "Ms. Stromgren, do you know where Butler's Coffee Shop is?" Yes, I reply, at the edge of town. "Good. What are you doing this Saturday at 7pm?" When I answer that I am hanging out with a friend at that time, they are sincerely disappointed. "What about next Saturday at 7pm?" they furtively ask. I reply that I believe I will probably be free and ask who I will be meeting there. Well, apparently, I will be meeting Kendra's uncle. No matter that he's 29, recently divorced with two kids. I laughed and laughed. I fought back tears. All of my students joined in, and we were about rolling on the floor. Seriously. I had to leave the room to compose myself. My students are quite concerned about my relationship status. Silly kids! Actually, I love them! They are fantastic!
Other fun stories:
1. Jennifer (one of my students) and I compete to see who wears the most layers each day. So far we are tied. But, I'm pretty sure I am going to win!
2. A couple of the girls are so nervous about school next week. I asked if it was because of a test or parent/teacher conferences. But, no, it was because they are getting "the talk" next week. Oh, sweet, innocent kids. I laughed again when they told me this. Then, I told them that I was supposed to teach them but that the nurse was going to do it instead. They were indignant. "Why aren't you giving us the talk? That would've been awesome. You are the coolest teacher! That would have been so much fun!" Yikes!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Sugar and tractors.
I am pretty sure that today was the best work day I have had yet this year.
This is what went down:
1. I slept in an extra half hour and still got to work ridiculously early.
2. I had time to curl my hair! And, curly hair is a clear indication that it's going to be a good day.
3. It was absolutely the most brilliant, beautiful morning I have ever seen. As I drove to school, there was a spectacular sun rise. I am not exaggerating when I say that I was so in awe that I almost had to pull over. The sky was this fantastic array of gray, white, blue, pink, white with a huge moon in the middle. The trees looked like they were covered in crystals and literally gleamed in the sun. After about 15 minutes, I suddenly ran into a wall of fog. I could see no more than maybe ten feet in front of me, but it only lasted about 3 minutes. Then, I suddenly appeared in a clearing only to see a parade of tractors crossing the highway! The rest of the way to school was amazing, because the fog hung thick around the tops of the trees. It was like having the sky literally right about your head. It was amazing to say the least.
4. My students took their first unit test today, so I had very little preparation to do this morning. And what work I did have to do, my students helped me with!
5. Since my students took a test, I was able to work individually with many students. I love this!
6. At the end of study hall, I took my homeroom out to the high school parking lot to look at all the tractors the FFA boys drove to school today (from the parade I mentioned earlier). It was fantastic being out in the fresh air and NOT freezing!! The kids apparently enjoyed themselves as well. I think they like me just a tiny bit more now!
7. Chase said, "Ms. Stromgren, when you first visited us before Christmas, I thought you were going to be like all other new teachers. Boring and strict. But, you aren't! You are nice and fun. You are awesome!"
8. Dominick: "Ms. Stromgren, you are the weirdest teacher I've ever had! You aren't like the other teachers at all!"
9. McKayla gave me a cookie, a 2-foot pixie stick, and a ring pop. Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. What's not to love about that? Later, after school, she brought her little sister to my room, so I could meet her. I love it when kids actually want me to meet their families!
10. Danielle, fascinated by my fascination with tractors, invited me to her house this summer so I could fully appreciate what it is like to live on a farm!
To summarize: Today included beautiful weather, enjoyable students, good food, and new experiences.
This brings me joy.
This is what went down:
1. I slept in an extra half hour and still got to work ridiculously early.
2. I had time to curl my hair! And, curly hair is a clear indication that it's going to be a good day.
3. It was absolutely the most brilliant, beautiful morning I have ever seen. As I drove to school, there was a spectacular sun rise. I am not exaggerating when I say that I was so in awe that I almost had to pull over. The sky was this fantastic array of gray, white, blue, pink, white with a huge moon in the middle. The trees looked like they were covered in crystals and literally gleamed in the sun. After about 15 minutes, I suddenly ran into a wall of fog. I could see no more than maybe ten feet in front of me, but it only lasted about 3 minutes. Then, I suddenly appeared in a clearing only to see a parade of tractors crossing the highway! The rest of the way to school was amazing, because the fog hung thick around the tops of the trees. It was like having the sky literally right about your head. It was amazing to say the least.
4. My students took their first unit test today, so I had very little preparation to do this morning. And what work I did have to do, my students helped me with!
5. Since my students took a test, I was able to work individually with many students. I love this!
6. At the end of study hall, I took my homeroom out to the high school parking lot to look at all the tractors the FFA boys drove to school today (from the parade I mentioned earlier). It was fantastic being out in the fresh air and NOT freezing!! The kids apparently enjoyed themselves as well. I think they like me just a tiny bit more now!
7. Chase said, "Ms. Stromgren, when you first visited us before Christmas, I thought you were going to be like all other new teachers. Boring and strict. But, you aren't! You are nice and fun. You are awesome!"
8. Dominick: "Ms. Stromgren, you are the weirdest teacher I've ever had! You aren't like the other teachers at all!"
9. McKayla gave me a cookie, a 2-foot pixie stick, and a ring pop. Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. What's not to love about that? Later, after school, she brought her little sister to my room, so I could meet her. I love it when kids actually want me to meet their families!
10. Danielle, fascinated by my fascination with tractors, invited me to her house this summer so I could fully appreciate what it is like to live on a farm!
To summarize: Today included beautiful weather, enjoyable students, good food, and new experiences.
This brings me joy.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Spring, come soon.
Today:
* I killed at least one tree. Possibly three. One light green, one pink, and the other purple. All in the name of studying for the HUGE test I am giving on Friday. It is still so strange to be on the giving end of tests. Poor kids!
* I experienced a killer headache. Again. They are pretty much miserable and make it so very hard for me to enjoy the day!
* One of my students told me that I've been quiet lately...not myself.
* We froze in my classroom. My nose and fingers are freezing! Maybe this is the cause of my headache... But, seriously, it's got to be at least 10 degrees colder in here than the hallway!
* I found a note on my floor that read, "I am going to send Ms. Stromgren on a blind date with my uncle." Upon further investigation, Jennifer said she wants me to date her 29-year old uncle. Interesting but flattering!
* I spent an hour catching up sick students on work they've missed.
* WAS PAY DAY!!!!
* I killed at least one tree. Possibly three. One light green, one pink, and the other purple. All in the name of studying for the HUGE test I am giving on Friday. It is still so strange to be on the giving end of tests. Poor kids!
* I experienced a killer headache. Again. They are pretty much miserable and make it so very hard for me to enjoy the day!
* One of my students told me that I've been quiet lately...not myself.
* We froze in my classroom. My nose and fingers are freezing! Maybe this is the cause of my headache... But, seriously, it's got to be at least 10 degrees colder in here than the hallway!
* I found a note on my floor that read, "I am going to send Ms. Stromgren on a blind date with my uncle." Upon further investigation, Jennifer said she wants me to date her 29-year old uncle. Interesting but flattering!
* I spent an hour catching up sick students on work they've missed.
* WAS PAY DAY!!!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Blizzard.
Today was rough. Very rough. Monday: early out because of a blizzard. Tuesday: late start because of that blizzard. Wednesday: full day, no breaks. No blizzard.
My students were in rare form today...at least I am hoping it's rare. I don't know how many days I could handle like this. The boys were rude to say the least. Disrespectful. Disruptive. And, did I mention unbelievably rude?! The girls complained. Whine. Whine. Whine.
One student forgot to take his meds today, so he was unbearable. I'm pretty sure he made plans to burn down my house after I took his baseball hat away.
11 students were missing from class throughout the duration of the day. At least two of them have Influenza A. I, and my uninsured self, am hoping to stay healthy. No doctor visits for me anytime soon!
But, there were many things to be thankful for today. Here are a few of them (for my own sanity, I must remember them!):
1. Valentine's Day gifts from my students!
2. A note on my desk that reads: "You are a very cool teacher!"
3. 50 cent lunches!
4. Good conversations with students.
5. Being rated by 23 kids as having "the best smile" in the whole 6th grade!
6. Several kids asking every class period: "Ms. Stromgren, why do we need to bring an ape to class today?" No, I explain, you need tape...another lovely student had changed my message board!
7. Another message on my board: "Please bring snacks and pop to class on Friday. We are going to party until we drop." Nice. Thanks, Julia! Later, it read: "Please bring elephants and apes to class on Friday. We are going to party until we drop." Clever.
8. Talking with a colleague and hearing that the students have been crazy for everyone. IT'S NOT JUST ME!!!
My students were in rare form today...at least I am hoping it's rare. I don't know how many days I could handle like this. The boys were rude to say the least. Disrespectful. Disruptive. And, did I mention unbelievably rude?! The girls complained. Whine. Whine. Whine.
One student forgot to take his meds today, so he was unbearable. I'm pretty sure he made plans to burn down my house after I took his baseball hat away.
11 students were missing from class throughout the duration of the day. At least two of them have Influenza A. I, and my uninsured self, am hoping to stay healthy. No doctor visits for me anytime soon!
But, there were many things to be thankful for today. Here are a few of them (for my own sanity, I must remember them!):
1. Valentine's Day gifts from my students!
2. A note on my desk that reads: "You are a very cool teacher!"
3. 50 cent lunches!
4. Good conversations with students.
5. Being rated by 23 kids as having "the best smile" in the whole 6th grade!
6. Several kids asking every class period: "Ms. Stromgren, why do we need to bring an ape to class today?" No, I explain, you need tape...another lovely student had changed my message board!
7. Another message on my board: "Please bring snacks and pop to class on Friday. We are going to party until we drop." Nice. Thanks, Julia! Later, it read: "Please bring elephants and apes to class on Friday. We are going to party until we drop." Clever.
8. Talking with a colleague and hearing that the students have been crazy for everyone. IT'S NOT JUST ME!!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Authentic.
Jennifer: "Ms. Stromgren, it looks like you tried to curl your hair today. It didn't go very well, did it?"
Jordan: "Will I get $600 too? The bank always takes 4 cents out of my paycheck. That counts as taxes, right?"
Dominic: "Ms. Stromgren, your faces are hilarious! I could watch you all day. You're more fun to watch than tv!"
Jennifer: "Ms. Stromgren, can I have your cell phone number, so we can tell you when to meet us at the basketball game?"
Cristian: "You're single? So am I!"
I love spending time with my students. They are truly real. Authentic. Sincere. There is no hiding who they are, what they think, where they want to be (or don't want to be!). Why can't we all be like that?
Jordan: "Will I get $600 too? The bank always takes 4 cents out of my paycheck. That counts as taxes, right?"
Dominic: "Ms. Stromgren, your faces are hilarious! I could watch you all day. You're more fun to watch than tv!"
Jennifer: "Ms. Stromgren, can I have your cell phone number, so we can tell you when to meet us at the basketball game?"
Cristian: "You're single? So am I!"
I love spending time with my students. They are truly real. Authentic. Sincere. There is no hiding who they are, what they think, where they want to be (or don't want to be!). Why can't we all be like that?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
February Fever
Top ten stories and experiences of the day (in no particular order).
1. Getting emails from both Kate and Danielle!!! I seriously have the most amazing friends!
2. Creating meals on Burger King's website with my kids during study hall and evaluating fat content with them!
3. Tristan threatening to pee in the corner onto my bookshelf and hearing him unzipping his pants!
4. Watching the sun rise over the snow-covered fields on my way to work.
5. Preparing a fantastic lesson for tomorrow and feeling confident that it WILL go well!
6. Starting my new lenten fast: no processed/packaged food! We'll see how that one goes...
7. Talking to Jen. She never fails to brighten my day!
8. Having one of my ELL students volunteer an answer during class! Yay!
9. Hearing that Jonathan is doing well and enjoying Mexico.
10. Making plans for President's Day!
1. Getting emails from both Kate and Danielle!!! I seriously have the most amazing friends!
2. Creating meals on Burger King's website with my kids during study hall and evaluating fat content with them!
3. Tristan threatening to pee in the corner onto my bookshelf and hearing him unzipping his pants!
4. Watching the sun rise over the snow-covered fields on my way to work.
5. Preparing a fantastic lesson for tomorrow and feeling confident that it WILL go well!
6. Starting my new lenten fast: no processed/packaged food! We'll see how that one goes...
7. Talking to Jen. She never fails to brighten my day!
8. Having one of my ELL students volunteer an answer during class! Yay!
9. Hearing that Jonathan is doing well and enjoying Mexico.
10. Making plans for President's Day!
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