Almost a month later

Yep, been letting this blog slide a little bit. Nothing major going on, but generally things are looking up. Not in the economic sense, as Memphis City Schools seems to feel teachers shouldn't get a negotiated raise, nor our "step-increase" (basically a cost of living increase of approximately $1000 per year, each year), mainly because the budget has become a political football. And let's not start in on Memphis politics.

School is well under way, and for a change I am enjoying it. I have sufficient time to get things done, create (both prior to classes and on the fly) lessons that help the kids, including the ones on our team who are in the most need. Some of these "inclusion" students are super-willing to work hard, and they do. Others have psychological issues (that is code for kids who have ADHD or more serious issues, and are ignored or have their wild behavior condoned by parents) that prevent them from engaging in meaningful learning. Still, I see it as a challenge, and I am rising to meet it. A big bulletin board where students who get 100% on a test or quiz have their name posted on a shark. If they get another, the shark moves up the food chain. EVERYBODY wants to be on that board, and they really pay attention when we review after a quiz, especially those kids who only miss one question. This is a new thing.

Also, I am taking my lunch, such as it is (basically a protein bar), in the cafeteria to help with the staffing issue (basically, there is no staff to monitor the cafeteria). This shows me to be a team player, plus the kids get to see more of me, and I can joke with them, or help them out by getting them a napkin or a spork, or some honey mustard. Such a little thing, but it is making a larger impact on feeling accepted by the students. And thanks to some recent self-reflection, I am not bothered if they don't accept me - I just keep doing what I know works, and they will catch on.

With the oldest a senior (!!!) in high school, she is driving the family car daily now. Which means I am back on the bicycle just about full time now. I think the odometer just rolled over 1100 miles...it is just part of the routine now and most teachers and students don't even comment after seeing me coming or going daily for a month. A subtle message of health, conservation, and even thrift.

New habits include watching some random NetFlix movies on the computer as the mood strikes me, plus the usual assortment of series we have rolling in via USPS (finishing Season 2 of Torchwood, then into Season 4 of Supernatural). I don't think we have ordered ANY movies from NetFlix, just series, but that is fine. Also doing a bunch of reading, mostly from the public library, something I have always done, being frugal before it was fashionable/necessary.