Had the pleasure of stopping by the girls basketball game today. I was really impressed with how aggressive and focused the girls are! I have a couple of the players on my team, and they were AWESOME. Nadia and Irene had some impressive moves. Basketball was never my sport...so I was a basketball cheerleader instead. Needless to say, I know the game as a spectator and I like it that way.
It's really a shame that no students or parents can come watch the games. What was Boston thinking when it built a school with a gymnasium with no room for spectators?!
Some of my fondest middle school moments were spent at basketball games, gymnastic meets, and wrestling meets, all of which took place in the gym.
Before the game, my very own student Cassidy Gorash sang the National Anthem. What a beautiful, clear voice she has. I envy her natural talent and look forward to hearing her grow as a singer. One of my best friends from high school is a professional opera singer now. Once upon a time she was just like Cassidy singing the National Anthem in our middle school.
The staff had a baby shower for me yesterday, and it was just perfect! I was so overwhelmed by the large gathering of people. It gave me such a sense of gratitude and thanks for the community of teachers I work with. Lots of adorable little outfits for our little guy, gift cards and cash to buy those essential breastfeeding devices I've been putting off buying, and a photo album by one of my coworkers with pictures from the shower---so thoughtful!
Hard to believe, but only 12 days of school left before I go on maternity leave---unless my little rock start decides to come early! According to the school nurse, Ms. Brunson, and all the wonderfully wise ladies I work with, "Zeppelin" hasn't even dropped yet...so I have a little while. Hopefully not more than 3 weeks, ok Zep?
Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Homework. 0%
I thought homework turnout was measly when I gave it in Theatre Arts. Little did I know turnout is almost as bad in a major subject!
Stealing from a great teacher (and equally great friend) in our building, Ms. Pick, I have come up with a more effective way of holding the students accountable for their work. Here's the layout:
If a student misses 2 homeworks in the same week and DOES NOT stay after to make up those homeworks the same day they miss the second, they will get a phone call home alerting their parents.
You'd think that would increase the amount of HW turned in AND the amount of students staying after.
Not so!
Today I had 2 students stay after. That was 2 out of 10 students. 20%. I have to call 80% of the students. I have 73 students total. In 2 days, 20 of them (or about 25%) didn't have their homework either day. That doesn't include the students who have turned in only 1 of 2 homeworks this week. Let's see...30 kids. 41% have done only 1 homework this week. which means 50 students (well over half!) have done one or less homework this week. And it's only Tuesday.
Kudos to those kids that do their homework regularly. I will certainly reward them with a homework pass at the end of this week.
But what do I do about what I can only call a homework failure rate???
I'm at a loss.
Stealing from a great teacher (and equally great friend) in our building, Ms. Pick, I have come up with a more effective way of holding the students accountable for their work. Here's the layout:
If a student misses 2 homeworks in the same week and DOES NOT stay after to make up those homeworks the same day they miss the second, they will get a phone call home alerting their parents.
You'd think that would increase the amount of HW turned in AND the amount of students staying after.
Not so!
Today I had 2 students stay after. That was 2 out of 10 students. 20%. I have to call 80% of the students. I have 73 students total. In 2 days, 20 of them (or about 25%) didn't have their homework either day. That doesn't include the students who have turned in only 1 of 2 homeworks this week. Let's see...30 kids. 41% have done only 1 homework this week. which means 50 students (well over half!) have done one or less homework this week. And it's only Tuesday.
Kudos to those kids that do their homework regularly. I will certainly reward them with a homework pass at the end of this week.
But what do I do about what I can only call a homework failure rate???
I'm at a loss.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Strike One: Charlie Brown
So the new Theatre Arts teacher, Greg Allen (formerly of BCLA fame), and I have been collaborating on a successful Irving Drama season. Our first project in the works is a touring show "a PR" gig as the Principal, Mr. Unobskey called it. The idea is to take it to the elementary schools from which we get our 6th grade students.
I'm all in; it'd be a December show, just before the holidays and a great way to ease into an early production schedule.
I had my heart set on doing "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," and I rented the book and script. Then we got a letter in the mail from the library company Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.: "Your quotation is as follows: Royalty and Rental for first performance $275, Charge for each additional consecutive performance $105...the above quotation is based on a seating capacity of 250...and tickets priced at $5 and no charge." Did you get that last bit? Some tickets, in fact MANY of them, will be FREE. We aren't going to charge a group of elementary students to see our play! So where does this $ come from?
Needless to say we are exploring other avenues.
Ultimately it was better this way. Greg said the music was more difficult than he remembered and we both agreed a lot of the language was complex or antiquated.
When I was 12 I was in a musical called "How to Eat Like a Child." It is similar to "Charlie Brown" in that it broken up into vignettes of small groups of characters, the songs are about childhood, it will appeal to elementary school students, and it will appeal to our students. Unlike "Charlie Brown," if I read the Samuel French website correctly, we could afford to do this play! It has a really simple set: 6 cubes plus some props would do the trick, and if there is something more elaborate we can cut it and the continuity of the play is not lost.
I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the text. Cross your fingers that we strike gold with this one!!! Time is starting to become an issue!
I'm all in; it'd be a December show, just before the holidays and a great way to ease into an early production schedule.
I had my heart set on doing "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," and I rented the book and script. Then we got a letter in the mail from the library company Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.: "Your quotation is as follows: Royalty and Rental for first performance $275, Charge for each additional consecutive performance $105...the above quotation is based on a seating capacity of 250...and tickets priced at $5 and no charge." Did you get that last bit? Some tickets, in fact MANY of them, will be FREE. We aren't going to charge a group of elementary students to see our play! So where does this $ come from?
Needless to say we are exploring other avenues.
Ultimately it was better this way. Greg said the music was more difficult than he remembered and we both agreed a lot of the language was complex or antiquated.
When I was 12 I was in a musical called "How to Eat Like a Child." It is similar to "Charlie Brown" in that it broken up into vignettes of small groups of characters, the songs are about childhood, it will appeal to elementary school students, and it will appeal to our students. Unlike "Charlie Brown," if I read the Samuel French website correctly, we could afford to do this play! It has a really simple set: 6 cubes plus some props would do the trick, and if there is something more elaborate we can cut it and the continuity of the play is not lost.
I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the text. Cross your fingers that we strike gold with this one!!! Time is starting to become an issue!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Talent Show 101, and sad to go
After our wildly successful Talent Show I am relieved and saddened.
I'm relieved because it's over, and I don't have to stress over it anymore! It was fun and I can't wait to do another one (especially after all I've learned from this year). We had a few technical glitches, and as my husband said, I was definitely spread too thin. Apparently, I can't do everything myself.
First, a few shout outs!
I had such awesome student help: Kareen ran lights, Aliyah ran the curtain, and Geneva just RAN! Before the show, I had Brendan and Mikey setting up lights and Jeru and Hayden moving large objects off the stage.
My teacher help made me look sooooo good! Sharon Rusconi, Terri Dsida and Maureen Magee-Quinn made this all possible. In my thank you card to Maureen I said, thanks for doing all the work and making it look like I was responsible---which is all so true. I feel like I was able to do so much else because I had these 3 awesome ladies' help.
Interesting fact about the 4 of us: only 1 of the 4 of us had a contract guaranteeing employment next year in BPS. Differently said, 3 of us were unemployed as of the opening of the Show! That night, Sharon got home and found a letter in her email inbox congratulating her on her position being reinstated.
That being said, neither Terri nor I have a job for next year. I hope that I will be blogging about that change...and not regretting the title of this blog!
As I said before, the Talent Show went really well. A few things that went well:
1. Performers were AMAZING!
2. Potluck before the show was a hit.
3. Our teacher support really showed me how the Irving can come together.
4. The show's attendance was shocking. There were probably about 200 people in attendance.
5. Our partnership with Making Music Matters allowed us to rent lights and have a sound system. Thanks, Sarah!
6. Did I mention the performers????
A few things that need worked on:
1. Potluck needs to be condensed to a smaller area. Too much space in the cafeteria.
2. Do a sound check/cd check closer to the time of the performance.
3. 2 words: Extra batteries.
4. Leave house lights at half so as to identify students who do not know how to behave as an audience member.
5. DO NOT let a performance go on until the audience is silent.
6. Hold people accountable for their trash as they leave (and don't let them bring in food to begin with!).
As to why I'm saddened, if you keep up with my blog I'm sure you can guess. As I have no job at the Irving next year, these last few weeks are my last. I told one group of 8th graders that I started at the Irving when they started 6th grade, so it seems fitting that I leave when they do. While they may be ready to leave, I know I'm not.
I'm relieved because it's over, and I don't have to stress over it anymore! It was fun and I can't wait to do another one (especially after all I've learned from this year). We had a few technical glitches, and as my husband said, I was definitely spread too thin. Apparently, I can't do everything myself.
First, a few shout outs!
I had such awesome student help: Kareen ran lights, Aliyah ran the curtain, and Geneva just RAN! Before the show, I had Brendan and Mikey setting up lights and Jeru and Hayden moving large objects off the stage.
My teacher help made me look sooooo good! Sharon Rusconi, Terri Dsida and Maureen Magee-Quinn made this all possible. In my thank you card to Maureen I said, thanks for doing all the work and making it look like I was responsible---which is all so true. I feel like I was able to do so much else because I had these 3 awesome ladies' help.
Interesting fact about the 4 of us: only 1 of the 4 of us had a contract guaranteeing employment next year in BPS. Differently said, 3 of us were unemployed as of the opening of the Show! That night, Sharon got home and found a letter in her email inbox congratulating her on her position being reinstated.
That being said, neither Terri nor I have a job for next year. I hope that I will be blogging about that change...and not regretting the title of this blog!
As I said before, the Talent Show went really well. A few things that went well:
1. Performers were AMAZING!
2. Potluck before the show was a hit.
3. Our teacher support really showed me how the Irving can come together.
4. The show's attendance was shocking. There were probably about 200 people in attendance.
5. Our partnership with Making Music Matters allowed us to rent lights and have a sound system. Thanks, Sarah!
6. Did I mention the performers????
A few things that need worked on:
1. Potluck needs to be condensed to a smaller area. Too much space in the cafeteria.
2. Do a sound check/cd check closer to the time of the performance.
3. 2 words: Extra batteries.
4. Leave house lights at half so as to identify students who do not know how to behave as an audience member.
5. DO NOT let a performance go on until the audience is silent.
6. Hold people accountable for their trash as they leave (and don't let them bring in food to begin with!).
As to why I'm saddened, if you keep up with my blog I'm sure you can guess. As I have no job at the Irving next year, these last few weeks are my last. I told one group of 8th graders that I started at the Irving when they started 6th grade, so it seems fitting that I leave when they do. While they may be ready to leave, I know I'm not.
Monday, May 25, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Part 1: Man oh man!
In a previous blog I described part 1 of my 2 part pantomime unit as "ok."
This week, my students proved me wrong. Man oh man did they EVER! I would like to be able to post a video of some of the scenes. Maybe I'll figure that out some time.
The scenes are not particularly deep, there is no greater understanding of mankind revealed, but their willingness to trust one another, trust their classmates and try something so creative WAS revealed.
And I am thankful to be the teacher who gets to witness the unveiling.
Next week I am starting part 2 and am a little nervous now. How can we improve after doing so damn well?!
The students are getting grouped randomly too, based on a music selection. Which...I don't think they'll be too pleased with, but they need to get used to working in a variety of groupings.
Anyway, I've settled on the following musical selections:
Carmina Burana, Carl Orff
Bleeding Love, The Vitamin Quartet
Rescued! Silent Movie piano piece
Ride of the Valkyries, Wagner
Dawn of the Dead, can't remember the title!
This is Halloween, Marilyn Manson
and maybe...
Around the World, Daft Punk (it would replace one of the above songs)
If you know of any other great songs (preferably without words) that would accommodate story telling, please let me know! I'd love to have a repertoire of songs I can turn to.
This week, my students proved me wrong. Man oh man did they EVER! I would like to be able to post a video of some of the scenes. Maybe I'll figure that out some time.
The scenes are not particularly deep, there is no greater understanding of mankind revealed, but their willingness to trust one another, trust their classmates and try something so creative WAS revealed.
And I am thankful to be the teacher who gets to witness the unveiling.
Next week I am starting part 2 and am a little nervous now. How can we improve after doing so damn well?!
The students are getting grouped randomly too, based on a music selection. Which...I don't think they'll be too pleased with, but they need to get used to working in a variety of groupings.
Anyway, I've settled on the following musical selections:
Carmina Burana, Carl Orff
Bleeding Love, The Vitamin Quartet
Rescued! Silent Movie piano piece
Ride of the Valkyries, Wagner
Dawn of the Dead, can't remember the title!
This is Halloween, Marilyn Manson
and maybe...
Around the World, Daft Punk (it would replace one of the above songs)
If you know of any other great songs (preferably without words) that would accommodate story telling, please let me know! I'd love to have a repertoire of songs I can turn to.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Frustrated...
When a student says "no, I won't perform" what should I, as a teacher, do?
Normally, I give them a warning, telling them if they don't, they'll get an F on their test grade (as all performances are test grades in my class) and a call home letting their parents know they decided to take an F on a test.
Is there something else I should be doing? Some compromise?
I know there are kids who are truly frightened to get up on stage, but that's what we DO in theatre arts!
Aren't I supposed to hold every child to the same standards?
Well, I have to run...have some parents to call...
Normally, I give them a warning, telling them if they don't, they'll get an F on their test grade (as all performances are test grades in my class) and a call home letting their parents know they decided to take an F on a test.
Is there something else I should be doing? Some compromise?
I know there are kids who are truly frightened to get up on stage, but that's what we DO in theatre arts!
Aren't I supposed to hold every child to the same standards?
Well, I have to run...have some parents to call...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Speeches
Currently, in all Theatre Arts classes we are working on speeches.
The 7th and 8th grades are doing a great job working on their Interview speech, and all students are expected to come in today with their rough draft written.
The 6th grade lost a day yesterday since we performed our play for the 5th grade from the Sumner, but we'll get back on track today with our All About Me Star and write our rough draft today!
The 7th and 8th grades are doing a great job working on their Interview speech, and all students are expected to come in today with their rough draft written.
The 6th grade lost a day yesterday since we performed our play for the 5th grade from the Sumner, but we'll get back on track today with our All About Me Star and write our rough draft today!
First day on the blog
I am happy to have this opportunity to share with the world the Washington Irving Theatre Arts class and its Drama Club.
This is my 3rd year at the Irving, 4th year teaching and first year that I really feel like I have my act together!
I will share what's going on here in the classroom but also exciting things going on in the Drama Club and things middle schoolers can do to stay involved in the arts!
On that note, we have a production going up tomorrow and Friday:
A Simple Task by Alan Haehnel
Times are at 2:30 and 6pm Thurs. and 6pm Friday.
Tickets are $3 students/ $5 adults/ and $20 for a family pack of up to 6 people.
105 Cummins Hwy
Roslindale, MA
After the show is over I'm taking a brief hiatus from after school activities but hope to put on a Talent Show at the end of the year!
The biggest news will be how many of my talented students get into Boston Arts Academy. March 20th the letters will be mailed!
This is my 3rd year at the Irving, 4th year teaching and first year that I really feel like I have my act together!
I will share what's going on here in the classroom but also exciting things going on in the Drama Club and things middle schoolers can do to stay involved in the arts!
On that note, we have a production going up tomorrow and Friday:
A Simple Task by Alan Haehnel
Times are at 2:30 and 6pm Thurs. and 6pm Friday.
Tickets are $3 students/ $5 adults/ and $20 for a family pack of up to 6 people.
105 Cummins Hwy
Roslindale, MA
After the show is over I'm taking a brief hiatus from after school activities but hope to put on a Talent Show at the end of the year!
The biggest news will be how many of my talented students get into Boston Arts Academy. March 20th the letters will be mailed!
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