Talent Show, June 3rd!

Please join us at the 1st Annual Irving Talent Show. Talents include: singing, skits, juggling, double dutch and MUCH MORE!

June 3rd at 6pm. There will be judges and cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!

Also, prior to the Talent Show we'll be hosting a Potluck in the cafeteria at 5pm. Please bring a dish and join us on this eventful and exciting day!

23 days.

23 days left in the school year. It's hard to believe I'll be unemployed in that many days (plus a few weekends, I suppose).
I get frustrated. Really, really frustrated. Because I know I'm a good teacher. And I'm not frustrated because I'm losing my job. I'm frustrated because the students who attend the Irving Middle School are losing a good teacher.
And they deserve a good teacher. Maybe "Gregory Allan" will be a good theatre arts teacher. In fact, I hope he is. I'd hate to see the first-ever theatre arts program at the Irving fail in someone else's hands.
But, I know I've given my students something no one else can give them.
I see it in their faces, when they get excited about a scene we're working on.
I see it in myself, when I can't find words enough to congratulate a group on a great performance.
I see it in my husband and dogs, who think I'm giving too much time to my kids.
I see it in what the school has become since I've been there. Not because of me, but because of teachers like me.
Teachers like me who, are also being laid off. Sharon, Social Studies. Susan, Student Support Services. Terri, 7th grade ELA. Brendan, Creative Writing.
23 days to go. Where does my motivation come from?
Every day. Every day I find it. Middle Schoolers becoming actors.
Sometimes I have very little faith, then...we play a game, do a warm up, they perform an original scene. And my kids help me find that motivation.
23 days left, to be the luckiest teacher in the world.
And then.
It's gone.

Sidekick: most hated invention

Sidekicks are rampant at my school.
Earlier in the year the policy was: bring it out once, it's a warning. Bring it out again, it is mine until the end of the day.
Now, with only 26 days left in the school year, there are so many Sidekicks out, and so many indignant students that I am feeling helpless.
Do I fight the battle til the last day of school, or turn a blind eye and start over next year?
It is a CHRONIC problem with the 8th grade in particular, and needless to say, they aren't intimidated by much anymore.
It doesn't help that many 8th grade teachers tolerate cell phone, mp3, and hats in the classroom. Totally undermines the whole rule. And suddenly, I'm not "cool" when I don't allow it.
I don't give a hoot about being cool, mostly, but I think I've fought all my battles for the year.
Maybe next year I will collect them when they walk in the door.
Or, stick to it for ALL 180 days.
Any other ideas? Creative ones are welcome!!!

Wanted: Awesome Job

For a hardworking, dedicated, tireless Theatre Arts teacher.

Requirements:
1. Students who want to act, don't want to act, or would rather scrape their tongues with a vegetable peeler than act.
2. A Principal who will give her the freedom to make big mistakes in a loud, obvious way. Typically on a stage with an admission price.
3. A faculty that will let her send the toughest kids to their rooms when she's at her wits end then go out for a drink and complain about it all at the end of the week.
4. A classroom that doesn't look like a classroom; more like a work in progress, a performance on hold.
5. Hours that she curses only before and during a production. Never after.

Talent Show, Part ???

I may be unemployed, but I'm still going to finish the game. Hell, we're already in the 8th inning!

This will be the Irving's first year for a talent show. An incredibly dedicated and cool group of ladies (I think 4 of the 7 are pink slipped for next year---what is BPS thinking!??!) are helping me. Sometimes so much so I think I'M helping THEM. That's ok; it's soccer season and I have enough on my plate.

I am really excited about this Talent Show, and to be a little selfish, especially because we are pulling together a teacher routine.

We held auditions the past 2 weeks, and while we only had about 9 acts show up, I think that will be plenty! In addition to purely student prepared acts we have the Double Dutch Team and one of our teachers directing a little skit.

The plan is to do a potluck before...will it all work? Damnit, if I'm going out, I'm going out IN STYLE!!!

And...if one teacher gets her way, it will be to Low by Flow Rida. Sweet.