Here we are at the beginning of summer vacation! I always feel a bit weird about the transition from working mom to unemployed stay-at-home mom. Don't get me wrong! I am celebrating the fact that for 2 1/2 months the only schedule I will keep is the one of my own making. And I have lots of lists of things that should get done during this time. And I don't plan to sleep in and be lazy.
Still, that last day of school is always ... just weird. It is like I have two different lives and the moment they intersect is a moment of fission. It is a jittery, antsy feeling. It only lasts a day or two, then I settle down into my new life just fine.
The last week of school is always hard on everyone. Not academically, of course! Good grief! There are no academics on the last week of school. In fact, the jr. high and high school pretty much told the students not to bother coming on the last day. Not officially, of course. But that was the message everyone I talked to was getting loud and clear from both schools. It is hard because no one is really there mentally. The kids at school are hyper and hard to manage. Good students get rowdy. The students who are generally misbehaved get nasty, on occasion. The kids at home won't go to bed on time, don't get up on time, and just would rather stay home.
My school held our dance festival on that last day. The weather was just beautiful and the dances were cute! The dance festival was originally supposed to happen on the Thursday of the week prior, but our weather this spring has been shockingly cold and wet, so it was moved in the hopes that June weather would be more gentle. It worked!
I wasn't in charge of anything for the dance festival, so I just stood near the sound equipment tent and delivered late students to their classes out on the field.
I have a funny end-of-year story for you.
Friday was the last day of school. Wednesday, neither of my kids were predisposed to go to school. No one wanted to wake up or get moving. It took a lot of nagging to get first Helena out the door (after her school had actually already started). It took about the same amount to get Will out the door, too. As he and I were loading up in the car (I drop him off on my way to work and he was making me late) 5 minutes AFTER his school had started, I glance out to the street in time to see MY EXPEDITION go driving past the house! Helena.
Hm.
I called her. No answer. So, I detoured on my way to Will's school just to check a theory that she was driving to a friend's house. Nope. After I dropped off Will, I called her again. This time she answered and meekly listened to me chew her out and assured me that she was on her way back to school.
Essentially, she decided it was just too nice outside to waste her day in a classroom, and she wanted to go home and lay out in the sun. She waited until she THOUGHT I'd be gone, and tried to drive home. But, of course, Will made me late leaving and she got busted.
Oops.
I was really infuriated that morning... about until lunch time. That's when I decided to tell the story to my friends and co-workers, who all had a great laugh over it.
I am not thrilled that my daughter was trying to be sneaky and dishonest. Far from it. We had a talk about personal integrity that night. But, it is kinda funny, in a sitcom kind of way.
Anyways. Will didn't go to school on Thursday, because it was 9th grade Lagoon day (local amusement park) and he and his best friend didn't want to go to Lagoon. I know! Weird, right?! But who am I to force my kid to go to an amusement park and shell out the money when he doesn't want to? So, the two boys just spent the day together doing other stuff. Neither of my kids went to school on Friday and I was home by 1:00.
And so, summer begins.
Showing posts with label junior high. Show all posts
Showing posts with label junior high. Show all posts
Blanket Policies and Dishonest Hygiene
So. About a week ago, Will started complaining of a painful vibration in his front tooth when he plays higher notes on his baritone. It is the tooth that is almost all crown. I set up a dentist appointment to see if we could find out what was going on.
The tooth under the crown is dying. The dentist said it is not uncommon for the tooth to die, even years later, when it experiences a blunt force trauma; as his did back when he was 11. Now, three years later, it is dying. Grrr!
Will is scheduled for a root canal next Tuesday. In the meantime, the dentist gave him an antibiotic to reduce the infection and inflammation so the vibration will lessen and the root canal can go more smoothly. Apparently the vibration is from fluid buildup where the nerve is dying.
The problem? The antibiotic he prescribed is supposed to be taken 4 time a day. That means he really should be taking one at lunch time... at school.
The school has a VERY strict no-drugs policy. No drugs on the student, that is. He cannot simply keep the pill with him and take it at lunch. No. He has to leave it in the office WITH a signed doctors note, or I can go to the school at lunch time and give it to him.
We don't have a signed doctors note (or dentist, in this case). I work, so I will not be coming in to give him his pill, either. PHOOEY!
I understand the need to keep students from peddling illegal and/or prescription meds to each other. I do. But is seems that this blanket policy is more trouble than it is worth. Especially since the more savvy students simply don't tell the office that they have their Midol (or whatever) in their pocket/purse/backpack. Laws about unreasonable search and seizure protect them as long as they don't advertise to the world what is in their backpack. Helena keeps a small pharmaceutical in her backpack to deal with chronic allergies, PMS, and the random cold.
So, do I wish Will had kept his antibiotics to himself and not told the office about it? You bet!
Now, about dishonest Hygiene. You were probably wondering what in the world that might be?
I am talking about stealing tampons!
The ladies room at work has a cupboard in it that teachers use for storing their tampons in during their cycle. I always bring enough (in a Ziploc baggy with my name on it) to make it through the week.
I always run out before the end of the week. Today, I discovered that someone had taken my LAST tampon and thrown away the baggy with my name on it! REALLY?!?! Are we adults here, or junior high students?! I commented on it to a couple of friends who were in the bathroom with me and they quickly came to my rescue, each offering me one of theirs. But, they also mentioned that they face the same problem of disappearing supplies. I ended up mentioning it to the head secretary and she said she would send out an e-mail to all the female faculty reminding them to bring their own supplies.
Double phooey and a Harumph!
The tooth under the crown is dying. The dentist said it is not uncommon for the tooth to die, even years later, when it experiences a blunt force trauma; as his did back when he was 11. Now, three years later, it is dying. Grrr!
Will is scheduled for a root canal next Tuesday. In the meantime, the dentist gave him an antibiotic to reduce the infection and inflammation so the vibration will lessen and the root canal can go more smoothly. Apparently the vibration is from fluid buildup where the nerve is dying.
The problem? The antibiotic he prescribed is supposed to be taken 4 time a day. That means he really should be taking one at lunch time... at school.
The school has a VERY strict no-drugs policy. No drugs on the student, that is. He cannot simply keep the pill with him and take it at lunch. No. He has to leave it in the office WITH a signed doctors note, or I can go to the school at lunch time and give it to him.
We don't have a signed doctors note (or dentist, in this case). I work, so I will not be coming in to give him his pill, either. PHOOEY!
I understand the need to keep students from peddling illegal and/or prescription meds to each other. I do. But is seems that this blanket policy is more trouble than it is worth. Especially since the more savvy students simply don't tell the office that they have their Midol (or whatever) in their pocket/purse/backpack. Laws about unreasonable search and seizure protect them as long as they don't advertise to the world what is in their backpack. Helena keeps a small pharmaceutical in her backpack to deal with chronic allergies, PMS, and the random cold.
So, do I wish Will had kept his antibiotics to himself and not told the office about it? You bet!
Now, about dishonest Hygiene. You were probably wondering what in the world that might be?
I am talking about stealing tampons!
The ladies room at work has a cupboard in it that teachers use for storing their tampons in during their cycle. I always bring enough (in a Ziploc baggy with my name on it) to make it through the week.
I always run out before the end of the week. Today, I discovered that someone had taken my LAST tampon and thrown away the baggy with my name on it! REALLY?!?! Are we adults here, or junior high students?! I commented on it to a couple of friends who were in the bathroom with me and they quickly came to my rescue, each offering me one of theirs. But, they also mentioned that they face the same problem of disappearing supplies. I ended up mentioning it to the head secretary and she said she would send out an e-mail to all the female faculty reminding them to bring their own supplies.
Double phooey and a Harumph!
Christmas 2010 Band Concert
The American Fork Junior High has a lot of bands. The whole band program starts in 5th grade. There are so many bands, that the current director has decided to split up the bands into two different concert nights; the younger bands played on a Tuesday night, and the older bands played on a Thursday night.
Will is in the Symphonic Band, one of the older bands. They played 3 pieces, but I realized as soon as I started to record the first piece that my battery was nearly dead. Drat!
So I stopped recording mid-song in order to save what remained of the battery to try to record the last piece in its entirety, since it was Will's favorite of the songs they played that night.
Here is the clip of the first song, entitled Jubilations.
And here is the entire last piece his band played, The Polar Express!
This is Will's last Christmas concert, since he does not intend to continue with musical studies next year at the high school.
Will is in the Symphonic Band, one of the older bands. They played 3 pieces, but I realized as soon as I started to record the first piece that my battery was nearly dead. Drat!
So I stopped recording mid-song in order to save what remained of the battery to try to record the last piece in its entirety, since it was Will's favorite of the songs they played that night.
Here is the clip of the first song, entitled Jubilations.
And here is the entire last piece his band played, The Polar Express!
This is Will's last Christmas concert, since he does not intend to continue with musical studies next year at the high school.
Band Bash 2010
Will plays the Euphonium (Bass Clef), aka, the baritone. He is in the Junior High Symphonic Band.
Last week, American Fork High School hosted the annual Band Bash. This is an event where ALL of the bands from the high school and the junior high put on a concert in the gym of the high school. Literally hundreds upon hundreds of band students fill the floor of the gym, while over a thousand spectators watch from the bleachers. Every year this extravaganza starts with the beginning jr. high band and works its way up the experience ladder to end with a stunning performance from the reigning, undefeated state champion marching band.
The band program is the pride and joy of the high school and a lot of funding has gone into it. It seems very incongruous, therefore, to see this amazing band crowded in and performing in the school's run down gymnasium!
Still, a fun night of performances. Afterward, it took literally FOREVER to find Will again, because, of course, we forgot to designate a meeting spot. Doh!
Ah well. We all found each other in the end, and it was a very mild night, so all's well that ends well.
Fall Break
We just had a lovely four day weekend. It was Fall Break.
Originally, we planned to go camping, but Bill couldn't get time off of work, so we stayed home. That is actually quite alright with me. I was feeling overwhelmed with trying to pack and organize in my after school hours, and then came down with a mild head cold on Wednesday morning. I got home that afternoon and promptly went to bed for the rest of the day.
I woke up feeling fine on Thursday, though.
I wish I could tell you all the exciting things we did during our time off our regular schedules, but really, we were a bunch of bums (with the exception of Bill, who worked). We slept in, we ate whatever and whenever we wanted. We watched movies and read books. We stayed up shockingly late and slept in again. I only officially 'got dressed' on Friday evening when I went out on my date night with Bill. The rest of the extended week end was spent in exercise clothes because they are so dang comfy!
As you can imagine, the kids found it extremely difficult to get out of bed this morning. They were both late for school. Frustrating, because Helena is already in the doghouse with the school over tardies and has to attend 'tardy school' to get her grade back in one of her classes. Harumph.
Guess we'll all be going to bed early tonight to try to get back on schedule.
Originally, we planned to go camping, but Bill couldn't get time off of work, so we stayed home. That is actually quite alright with me. I was feeling overwhelmed with trying to pack and organize in my after school hours, and then came down with a mild head cold on Wednesday morning. I got home that afternoon and promptly went to bed for the rest of the day.
I woke up feeling fine on Thursday, though.
I wish I could tell you all the exciting things we did during our time off our regular schedules, but really, we were a bunch of bums (with the exception of Bill, who worked). We slept in, we ate whatever and whenever we wanted. We watched movies and read books. We stayed up shockingly late and slept in again. I only officially 'got dressed' on Friday evening when I went out on my date night with Bill. The rest of the extended week end was spent in exercise clothes because they are so dang comfy!
As you can imagine, the kids found it extremely difficult to get out of bed this morning. They were both late for school. Frustrating, because Helena is already in the doghouse with the school over tardies and has to attend 'tardy school' to get her grade back in one of her classes. Harumph.
Guess we'll all be going to bed early tonight to try to get back on schedule.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
I met with Helena's and Will's teachers a couple of weeks ago, at mid-term. It seems like school just barely started and we are already looking at the end of term 1 in just a few weeks!
Both kids had mostly good reports from their teachers, with only one bad grade to deal with (Will!). Every teacher said that my kids were nice, pleasant, attentive, and good. The seminary teachers especially had wonderful things to say. Helena's seminary teacher thought she was a senior because of her maturity level and participation in class (last year's teacher thought the same). Will's seminary teacher told me that Will has been made the desk partner of a girl in class who is deaf, because he knew he could count on Will to be a kind and good helper to her. In fact, Will recently asked me for a couple of dollars so he could buy a Milka candy bar for her.
Parent/teacher conferences for my school happened over the past two nights. For the first time, I was able to simply stay at the school, rather than hurrying home to be a mom before hurrying back. In the past, I was needed to pick up from school, drop off at ballet/football/whatever, and then rush back, missing the PTA provided dinner. Now, my kids are old enough to take care of themselves! Helena can drive, and Will can ride his bike or walk on the days that Helena stays after school for ACT Prep class, preventing her from picking him up.
Dinner was pretty fun both nights. The PTA provided soup and salad on Wednesday night, and deli sandwiches on Thursday night. It is fun to get the entire faculty together for a meal, because you get a chance to chat with people who are not on your lunch rotation.
I decided to stay for the entire time on Wednesday night. I don't have to. I am a part time teacher, so I am only paid to stay at p/t conferences part time as well. I had a pretty steady stream of parents come in, too. When there weren't parents in my room, I spent my time reorganizing my files (which have gotten shockingly bad over the years). The other specialty teachers told me they had very few parents come in. In fact, the computer teacher didn't have a single visitor BOTH nights! I am very glad the parents want to come in to see me! Still, it made for a LONG day! I was at work from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Thursday night, I only stayed at p/t conferences until 6:30 because I had to stop at the store, pick up refreshments, and hurry home and get ready to host my book club at 8! The book for this month was And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie. Each lady takes turn hosting and I had been scheduled to host in October. It was just perverse luck that it fell on a p/t conference night. I was pleased that most of the ladies came. I think there were 13 of us there last night. We spent about 45 minutes talking about the book, then another hour and 45 minutes just visiting. The ladies finally left at 10:30!
I have to give a great big thank you to Bill and the kids for making sure the house was clean and ready for my book club! It was so nice knowing I could count on them!
Now, for the oddities that happened behind the scenes...
Bill told me that Matt called on Wednesday night from an Anonymous listing and asked for Paul's phone number.
I need to back up and fill you in a bit about Matt. He got married last February, on Valentines' Day. He didn't bother telling anyone. His mother found out at the same time we did, because he changed his Facebook status to 'married'. When we called to get more info from him, he was very reticent to tell us anything about her, other than her name (Kimberlyse). Other facts we were able to pry out of him are that she works as a physical therapist assistant, and she is older than him... but how much older, we don't know. Angelina, Matt's sister through his mother, Michelle, is the one family member he is closest to. She is under the impression that Matt's wife is closer to his parents' ages than his own!
Since his marriage, Matt has continued to isolate himself from all family by canceling his cell phone, Facebook, and MySpace accounts.
Now he calls using the 'Anonymous' code to prevent us from getting the number he is calling from. And he wants Paul's number. Paul is Kirsten's husband and he is a lawyer.
We don't know why. There really is nothing we can do about it, too. He is an adult and it is his right to shut himself off from his family if that is his choice. Bill is really sad, though. And his mom, Michelle, and I are very worried about him, too.
On Thursday evening, Helena called me during p/t conferences to tell me that our street was swarming with ambulance, police, and fire trucks, and that smoke was billowing out of a neighbor's back yard/house! She didn't know what to do and sounded really worried. I suggested that she let Will wander over there like he wanted to, because he'd find out the answers to what was going on. BTW, there was already a crowd of neighbors gathered on the street.
He did go over, but we never did find out what was going on. This particular neighbor is kind of an odd bird; hoarding junk and big HUGE containers of "bio-diesel" in his back yard. He has recently been seen hauling most of that away. We've speculated that either he's moving, been evicted, or was forced by the city to clean up the yard. At any rate, by the time I got home, the excitement was over.
Both kids had mostly good reports from their teachers, with only one bad grade to deal with (Will!). Every teacher said that my kids were nice, pleasant, attentive, and good. The seminary teachers especially had wonderful things to say. Helena's seminary teacher thought she was a senior because of her maturity level and participation in class (last year's teacher thought the same). Will's seminary teacher told me that Will has been made the desk partner of a girl in class who is deaf, because he knew he could count on Will to be a kind and good helper to her. In fact, Will recently asked me for a couple of dollars so he could buy a Milka candy bar for her.
Parent/teacher conferences for my school happened over the past two nights. For the first time, I was able to simply stay at the school, rather than hurrying home to be a mom before hurrying back. In the past, I was needed to pick up from school, drop off at ballet/football/whatever, and then rush back, missing the PTA provided dinner. Now, my kids are old enough to take care of themselves! Helena can drive, and Will can ride his bike or walk on the days that Helena stays after school for ACT Prep class, preventing her from picking him up.
Dinner was pretty fun both nights. The PTA provided soup and salad on Wednesday night, and deli sandwiches on Thursday night. It is fun to get the entire faculty together for a meal, because you get a chance to chat with people who are not on your lunch rotation.
I decided to stay for the entire time on Wednesday night. I don't have to. I am a part time teacher, so I am only paid to stay at p/t conferences part time as well. I had a pretty steady stream of parents come in, too. When there weren't parents in my room, I spent my time reorganizing my files (which have gotten shockingly bad over the years). The other specialty teachers told me they had very few parents come in. In fact, the computer teacher didn't have a single visitor BOTH nights! I am very glad the parents want to come in to see me! Still, it made for a LONG day! I was at work from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Thursday night, I only stayed at p/t conferences until 6:30 because I had to stop at the store, pick up refreshments, and hurry home and get ready to host my book club at 8! The book for this month was And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie. Each lady takes turn hosting and I had been scheduled to host in October. It was just perverse luck that it fell on a p/t conference night. I was pleased that most of the ladies came. I think there were 13 of us there last night. We spent about 45 minutes talking about the book, then another hour and 45 minutes just visiting. The ladies finally left at 10:30!
I have to give a great big thank you to Bill and the kids for making sure the house was clean and ready for my book club! It was so nice knowing I could count on them!
Now, for the oddities that happened behind the scenes...
Bill told me that Matt called on Wednesday night from an Anonymous listing and asked for Paul's phone number.
I need to back up and fill you in a bit about Matt. He got married last February, on Valentines' Day. He didn't bother telling anyone. His mother found out at the same time we did, because he changed his Facebook status to 'married'. When we called to get more info from him, he was very reticent to tell us anything about her, other than her name (Kimberlyse). Other facts we were able to pry out of him are that she works as a physical therapist assistant, and she is older than him... but how much older, we don't know. Angelina, Matt's sister through his mother, Michelle, is the one family member he is closest to. She is under the impression that Matt's wife is closer to his parents' ages than his own!
Since his marriage, Matt has continued to isolate himself from all family by canceling his cell phone, Facebook, and MySpace accounts.
Now he calls using the 'Anonymous' code to prevent us from getting the number he is calling from. And he wants Paul's number. Paul is Kirsten's husband and he is a lawyer.
We don't know why. There really is nothing we can do about it, too. He is an adult and it is his right to shut himself off from his family if that is his choice. Bill is really sad, though. And his mom, Michelle, and I are very worried about him, too.
On Thursday evening, Helena called me during p/t conferences to tell me that our street was swarming with ambulance, police, and fire trucks, and that smoke was billowing out of a neighbor's back yard/house! She didn't know what to do and sounded really worried. I suggested that she let Will wander over there like he wanted to, because he'd find out the answers to what was going on. BTW, there was already a crowd of neighbors gathered on the street.
He did go over, but we never did find out what was going on. This particular neighbor is kind of an odd bird; hoarding junk and big HUGE containers of "bio-diesel" in his back yard. He has recently been seen hauling most of that away. We've speculated that either he's moving, been evicted, or was forced by the city to clean up the yard. At any rate, by the time I got home, the excitement was over.
New School Schedules
I go back to work tomorrow. Officially, anyways. I have been out to my classroom several times this summer trying to get it put together. At the end of last school year, about 9 teachers (including me) moved to different classrooms. I hate moving my stuff! However, I think I'm going to like my new classroom quite a bit.
But this post isn't about my new classroom. It is about Helena's and Will's new school schedules.
Here is Helena's schedule at the high school...
No big surprises, really. The high school runs their registration the same way the colleges do, so we selected this exact schedule (all the way down to which teachers she would have) last Spring. This will be Helena's last year in orchestra. She would have quit last year, but they are travelling to Boston to perform this year, and that sounded exciting to her. Once she completes this schedule (and the Financial Lit class she is taking online), she will have only one required class left and 5 elective slots to fill. She is in good shape for graduating.
Now, here is Will's schedule over at the Jr. High:
But this post isn't about my new classroom. It is about Helena's and Will's new school schedules.
Here is Helena's schedule at the high school...
1st semester
A day
11 English Honors
Latin 1
Physics
Seminary
B day
Shakespeare
Digital Photography
Orchestra
College Prep Math
2nd semester
A day
11 English Honors
Latin 1
Physics
Seminary
B day
Modern World History
Psychology
Orchestra
College Prep Math
No big surprises, really. The high school runs their registration the same way the colleges do, so we selected this exact schedule (all the way down to which teachers she would have) last Spring. This will be Helena's last year in orchestra. She would have quit last year, but they are travelling to Boston to perform this year, and that sounded exciting to her. Once she completes this schedule (and the Financial Lit class she is taking online), she will have only one required class left and 5 elective slots to fill. She is in good shape for graduating.
Now, here is Will's schedule over at the Jr. High:
1st semester
A day
Biology
Seminary
PE
Geometry
B day
World Geography
English 9
Japanese 1
Symphonic Brass Band
2nd semester
A day
Biology
European History
Seminary
Geometry
B day
World Civ
English 9
Japanese 1
Symphonic Brass Band
You might recall Will's choice to take a history class in his elective space. I think it was a wise decision. I just hope that he enjoys his classes this year, since his schedule is more challenging than he has ever experienced before. This will be his final year of band. He is only in it under duress. I would probably have let him quit last year, but the high school requires 1.5 credits in the arts. He has already been in band for years, so this is the easiest way to get the lion's share of that requirement out of the way and receive a good grade for it.
Helena will be driving to school this year. She has also offered to pick her brother up from school every day. We made a deal that I will pay for insurance at the good student discount rate. If she doesn't pull the grades, she will have to pay me the difference in insurance cost. For her that is $13 a month. Will thinks that is a raw deal, since the good student discount difference for him will be $42! I hope neither of them will ever have to pay me!
So, summer is over... at least for me. The kids have exactly one week left before returning to school.
High school fees are paid
On Monday, I got online and paid Helena's school fees for the upcoming school year. Her fees, including her parking permit and her yearbook, totalled $252.00 this year! Gulp!
No, this is not private school fees. This is public education. Her activity fee was $30, her 'textbook rental' fee was $35, her English, Latin, and Physics classes had a $15 fee, EACH! Orchestra was $50. With other fees here and there, it all adds up.
All fees must be paid before students can pick up their textbooks, and before the first day of classes, which is now only two weeks away. Students are expected to bring their textbooks to the first day of school.
I just got the fee schedule for Will in the mail the other day, too. His fees total $181.00, including yearbook. I'll pay his fees next weekend. Fortunately, the junior high doesn't expect us to go in and pick up textbooks in advance of the school year. They just want the fees paid before the first day of class.
Non of this includes extra curricular stuff, of course. Helena has mentioned an interest in joining the girls golf team, and Will wants to join the High School Ski Team with his buddy, Dallan. Does the school even HAVE a ski team?!? Oi!
No, this is not private school fees. This is public education. Her activity fee was $30, her 'textbook rental' fee was $35, her English, Latin, and Physics classes had a $15 fee, EACH! Orchestra was $50. With other fees here and there, it all adds up.
All fees must be paid before students can pick up their textbooks, and before the first day of classes, which is now only two weeks away. Students are expected to bring their textbooks to the first day of school.
I just got the fee schedule for Will in the mail the other day, too. His fees total $181.00, including yearbook. I'll pay his fees next weekend. Fortunately, the junior high doesn't expect us to go in and pick up textbooks in advance of the school year. They just want the fees paid before the first day of class.
Non of this includes extra curricular stuff, of course. Helena has mentioned an interest in joining the girls golf team, and Will wants to join the High School Ski Team with his buddy, Dallan. Does the school even HAVE a ski team?!? Oi!
So THIS is what life is about.
Ah! finally a day of nice weather during our spring break! Most of the break has been cold and wet. Snow vied with slush and rain for precipitation of choice in the first week of April. Up in Little Cottonwood Canyon (Alta and Snobird ski resorts) the snow was so extreme they closed the canyon and issued an Interlodge order. That is apparently an order to remain indoors where ever you are until further notice. There was 47" of snowfall in that one storm for them; and it caused extreme avalance danger.
Down here it was just wet and miserable. Oh, and I had a head cold. I spent two days in bed, just watching movies. Five movies in 2 days. Oi.
But now I feel better, and so does the weather!
I spent the early afternoon washing all the windows on the house, inside and out. That may not sound like much fun, but I enjoyed it! Fresh air and sunshine? I even got a little bit of color on my face! Oh, and I had bought a telescoping pole w/a window washing attachment the other day. It was so much EASIER! I used to climb up on the ladder for each window. What a pain! Now, with the basement window wells, the ladder is no longer an option.
There is something about spring sunshine streaming in sparkling clean windows that really lifts your spirits!
As I was walking out of the grocery store this afternoon, I stopped to admire the snow covered mountains and clean, soft air; as the bells of the local Lutheran church chimed out the hour. The sound of the bells is a nostalgic trigger for me. The sound reminds me of all the bike rides to the library with the kids, the summer city festivals, the fireman's breakfast, the marching band breakfast... really, anything warm weather and family related that would put me outside to hear the chiming of the hours.
Other nostalgic triggers: train whistles; on a warm summer night while the crickets sing! Ahhhhh! Dragonflies; sitting in the back yard watching them dart over our 'pond' while Will and Helena paddle around in it on the lid from the turtle sand box.
We have had so many really good years in this town! Ten years in the same house! That is most of the kids' childhoods. In fact, Will only has vague memories of anything else. I hope to stay here for many, many more years. In fact, I want my grandkids to grow up knowing this as "Grandma's house".
I love where I live! My house is little, but not too little. I won't feel like I have to 'downscale' when the kids move out. My yard is beautiful (or will be when we are finished with it). My street is quiet and filled with good friends and neighbors. The town is big enough to have EVERYTHING I could possibly need within 5 minutes of my house, but small enough to still feel personal and homey. The manager at the local Walkers gas station knows me on sight. In fact, he just smiles and pulls out a drink holder for me because he knows I'm there to buy 3 Icees (I can never buy one for myself without buying them for the kids).
Anyways, as I was enjoying the sound of the church bells, I realized that this is what life is supposed to be all about. I need to focus on all the good times, instead of getting frustrated in the moment.
My kids are not good at pulling in high grades. I get so mad sometimes because deadlines are missed, work goes undone. In fact, sometimes the work IS done, but doesn't get turned in. Aurgh!
The fact is, the kids are not perfect. My husband is not perfect. And it is a good thing, too, because I am no where close to being perfect, either. I don't know anyone who is perfect, in fact. To all those mother's out there who brag up their perfect children, you know you're lying, and I know you're lying.
Actually, things are pretty wonderful around here. My kids love me and tell me so all the time. They come to me with their worries, and stories, even for advice! Still. At 16 and nearly 14. We have a whole family. No divorce. No one is on drugs, pregnant, or in juvie. I can live with the lack of honor roll. Life is bigger than that.
And so, today; I am happy!
Down here it was just wet and miserable. Oh, and I had a head cold. I spent two days in bed, just watching movies. Five movies in 2 days. Oi.
But now I feel better, and so does the weather!
I spent the early afternoon washing all the windows on the house, inside and out. That may not sound like much fun, but I enjoyed it! Fresh air and sunshine? I even got a little bit of color on my face! Oh, and I had bought a telescoping pole w/a window washing attachment the other day. It was so much EASIER! I used to climb up on the ladder for each window. What a pain! Now, with the basement window wells, the ladder is no longer an option.
There is something about spring sunshine streaming in sparkling clean windows that really lifts your spirits!
As I was walking out of the grocery store this afternoon, I stopped to admire the snow covered mountains and clean, soft air; as the bells of the local Lutheran church chimed out the hour. The sound of the bells is a nostalgic trigger for me. The sound reminds me of all the bike rides to the library with the kids, the summer city festivals, the fireman's breakfast, the marching band breakfast... really, anything warm weather and family related that would put me outside to hear the chiming of the hours.
Other nostalgic triggers: train whistles; on a warm summer night while the crickets sing! Ahhhhh! Dragonflies; sitting in the back yard watching them dart over our 'pond' while Will and Helena paddle around in it on the lid from the turtle sand box.
We have had so many really good years in this town! Ten years in the same house! That is most of the kids' childhoods. In fact, Will only has vague memories of anything else. I hope to stay here for many, many more years. In fact, I want my grandkids to grow up knowing this as "Grandma's house".
I love where I live! My house is little, but not too little. I won't feel like I have to 'downscale' when the kids move out. My yard is beautiful (or will be when we are finished with it). My street is quiet and filled with good friends and neighbors. The town is big enough to have EVERYTHING I could possibly need within 5 minutes of my house, but small enough to still feel personal and homey. The manager at the local Walkers gas station knows me on sight. In fact, he just smiles and pulls out a drink holder for me because he knows I'm there to buy 3 Icees (I can never buy one for myself without buying them for the kids).
Anyways, as I was enjoying the sound of the church bells, I realized that this is what life is supposed to be all about. I need to focus on all the good times, instead of getting frustrated in the moment.
My kids are not good at pulling in high grades. I get so mad sometimes because deadlines are missed, work goes undone. In fact, sometimes the work IS done, but doesn't get turned in. Aurgh!
The fact is, the kids are not perfect. My husband is not perfect. And it is a good thing, too, because I am no where close to being perfect, either. I don't know anyone who is perfect, in fact. To all those mother's out there who brag up their perfect children, you know you're lying, and I know you're lying.
Actually, things are pretty wonderful around here. My kids love me and tell me so all the time. They come to me with their worries, and stories, even for advice! Still. At 16 and nearly 14. We have a whole family. No divorce. No one is on drugs, pregnant, or in juvie. I can live with the lack of honor roll. Life is bigger than that.
And so, today; I am happy!
March Lacrosse
"In like a lion, out like a lamb"? I wish!
March has been a month of contradictions for us. One day 60* and sunny, the next day 30* and snowing. Yup. It has not been a fun month. We all so desperately want summer weather! Ugh.
And, of course, since March is (sort of) the start of spring, that means it is time to resume lacrosse!
Will has been going to practices for several weeks now. These pictures were taken today while I waited for him to pack up his gear at the end of try-outs. (Will is in the center of each shot)
Yup. Yesterday and today were the try-outs for teams and positions. All the practices up to now were in prep for this try-out. There are enough boys to make an 'A' team and a 'B' team. The 'A' team will be made up of more experienced players.
Tomorrow the teams will be announced at practice. Then practices will continue with all the boys from both teams working out together, probably.
Will is one of only a few defensive players, and one of only 3 potential goalies. His chances of being put on both teams is high. I think he is kind of hoping for that, actually. It would give him double the playing time.
I, however, don't care which team he ends up on. I just want him to have fun!
Oh. And if you think the weather looks pretty miserable and cold in these shots... it was. On the way home, though, he complained that I had the heater up too high! He was plenty warm from the exercise he had just done. Go figure!
Solo/Ensemble Night
Tonight was the Solo/Ensemble night at the junior high. Will was in a rather large group. 3 baritones, 2 tubas, one trombone, four french horns and four trumpets. His group was the third to perform.
Solo/Ensemble night is really not performed to the parents, though they are allowed to watch. The night is really an adjudication. One judge sat and evaluated their group and ranked them. If they score high enough, they will be invited to Regional.
While Will was off somewhere warming up and tuning up with his group, Bill and I listened to the first couple of ensembles perform for the judge. The first group was TERRIBLE!!! Holy cow, they were bad! Off pitch, off the beat, and a collection of mismatched individuals rather than a cohesive group. I began to worry that maybe I shouldn't record Will's group; what if they sounded that bad?! The second group started out really strong, but got off track somewhere in the middle and limped painfully to the end of their piece. Then it was time for Will's group.
They sounded great! No, I am not just a biased mommy. They kept the meter, they kept the tone, they kept the pitch! The showcase trumpet had a bit of the nerves and faded out on some of his notes, but they were all the correct notes! Hurray for Will's group!
After that, Bill and I waited outside of the band room while Will filled out an evaluation form on three other groups. I was glad that Will's group was scheduled so early in the evening. The Ensembles were scheduled all the way until 8 p.m. Also, the school was about to be over run by a town-hall style meeting hosted by Senator Orrin Hatch.
Oh. I should also mention that after Will put his baritone away and as he was moving back into the band room to fill out observation evaluations, I heard a girl suddenly call out "Will!" She then ran up to him and gave him a hug as a greeting before heading off in another direction. A GIRL! ACK! :)
Playing in the baby's room
We went over to Kirsten and Paul's house for the Super Bowl this year. There was good company and good eats. Erik and Deanna came, too, along with their boys, Kris and Dallin.
Although the boys spent some of their time watching the game, after a while they all migrated to Tori's room and started playing with the big, clunky, pink mega blocks and whatever other toys they could find that didn't damage their sense of dignity too badly. Will was actually right down in the middle of the play until he realized his mom was nearby with a camera. Then he would quickly stand up and act all nonchalant, as if he hadn't just been playing up a storm with his younger cousins. He is at that age where he still wants to play, but wants to be perceived as a near adult, too. I remember it well. I would never have admitted to my junior high friends that when I was finished with homework, most evenings I played barbies, Lego's, or little cars with my younger siblings.
And the Winner is...
Will had to make a decision about which 1/2 credit of elective to choose. His options were European History (aka. History of World Wars), Metal Shop, and Computer Technology. He chose...
European History
This may seem like a strange choice for a 13 year old boy to make. Based on the pros and cons we had discussed, here is his reasoning.
'I can take Metals in the high school, where they have better equipment, teachers, and projects. I can take Computer Tech online over the summer. A Social Studies class will be easier and less demanding at the junior high than the high school, but will still count towards the graduation requirement. And Mr. Earling teaches it. I like him.'
13 going on debonair
Thursday morning, after I returned home from delivering Helena to the high school and was in my bathroom putting on my face, Will walked in and asked me,
"How do I look?"
Now, usually, this is a daily ritual with Helena. She is the one who always wants my opinion on her look for the day. In the past, Will has just thrown on whatever was most convenient and called it good.
So, with some surprise at the question, I turned to look at him.
He was in a white collared shirt, with a tie, slacks, dress shoes, and a classy sweater! He also smelled freshly showered, and had his teeth brushed.
In complete surprise now, I asked him why in the WORLD was he dressed like that for school?!
He informed me that he had a test in ballroom.
I asked if she graded on how kids dressed. He said, "No. But you dance better if you look good."
"How do I look?"
Now, usually, this is a daily ritual with Helena. She is the one who always wants my opinion on her look for the day. In the past, Will has just thrown on whatever was most convenient and called it good.
So, with some surprise at the question, I turned to look at him.
He was in a white collared shirt, with a tie, slacks, dress shoes, and a classy sweater! He also smelled freshly showered, and had his teeth brushed.
In complete surprise now, I asked him why in the WORLD was he dressed like that for school?!
He informed me that he had a test in ballroom.
I asked if she graded on how kids dressed. He said, "No. But you dance better if you look good."
Band Bash
I don't know the names of all the High School bands. They all sounded wonderful to me! At the end, all the students grabbed chairs and stands and shoved them out of the way so the marching band could take the floor and perform. They are really quite extraordinary! They sound better than many college bands! All of the marching band members play in other high school bands. Some are even freshmen that still attend the jr. high.
There were some bands not performing that night, as well. The jazz bands were not represented, nor the steel drum bands. And the truly beginning elementary bands were not there as well.
Afterwards, we went out to dinner at JCW, a local burger joint, and had a great time. Now we are looking forward to the Holiday concert!
Random Sampler
I am full of lots of small comments tonight, but no prevailing theme, so I thought the title apropos.
The first full week of school is over and I am already looking forward to being done with 1st graders. They are just too young! The activities I do with them feel too much like babysitting and not enough like fine art. I understand completely why mom refused to teach me how to sew and hired someone else for that inglorious task. Mom is a master seamstress and I was the proverbial 1st grader when it came to sewing. I feel like I have so much to offer that they can't possibly understand that it is suffocating to try to keep myself to a level they can understand. I really can't wait for the term when I get to teach 7 kindergarten classes (heavy sarcasm).
My next-door-neighbor-teacher (meaning her classroom is next to mine) is a good friend who is going through a bitter divorce. She has not allotted time for herself in her schedule for many years. Now, however, she is ready for that to change. She has been meeting with me at the gym 3 days a week for workout/weight training sessions. I claim I am doing it to help her and be her 'personal trainer', passing on all the info my trainer taught me 2 years ago. The truth is, I need someone to expect me at the gym, or else I let my lazy self talk me out of going.
Will and Helena both seem to be doing great at school... who wouldn't be with only one week under their belts? Seriously, though, Will asked to stay after once this week to work on a science lab just because he wanted to, not because he had to. And Helena stayed after one day to retake a math quiz because she wasn't happy with the B she got on it the first time (the teacher allows ONE retake before the next class session). That was a B in Honors Alg. II, now an A in Honors Alg. II! Can you hear the pride in my voice?
Helena is very happy sans ballet! She is so much more relaxed and able to focus on school work. She has been able to go to school events, too. She went to a pre-season football game, followed by a school dance at the high school tonight and had such a good time that now her back is sore and her voice is hoarse.
Tomorrow Helena will be attending her first 2 hour observation session in driver's ed. That means she spends 2 hours in the back seat of the driver's ed car and 'observes' another student driving. Should be a snoozer. Friends told her to bring a 'note-taking pad' and color.
I need to take Will to the music store tomorrow and try to find some sort of dolly for his baritone so he can wheel it home whenever there is band on a Monday. The kids get out of school an hour early on Mondays, but I don't get off work early, so he is guaranteed a long walk every Monday, rain, sleet, or snow. Yup, definitely big wheels on the dolly. If you think I am dooming my boy to complete geekdom by doing this, you should know that
The first full week of school is over and I am already looking forward to being done with 1st graders. They are just too young! The activities I do with them feel too much like babysitting and not enough like fine art. I understand completely why mom refused to teach me how to sew and hired someone else for that inglorious task. Mom is a master seamstress and I was the proverbial 1st grader when it came to sewing. I feel like I have so much to offer that they can't possibly understand that it is suffocating to try to keep myself to a level they can understand. I really can't wait for the term when I get to teach 7 kindergarten classes (heavy sarcasm).
My next-door-neighbor-teacher (meaning her classroom is next to mine) is a good friend who is going through a bitter divorce. She has not allotted time for herself in her schedule for many years. Now, however, she is ready for that to change. She has been meeting with me at the gym 3 days a week for workout/weight training sessions. I claim I am doing it to help her and be her 'personal trainer', passing on all the info my trainer taught me 2 years ago. The truth is, I need someone to expect me at the gym, or else I let my lazy self talk me out of going.
Will and Helena both seem to be doing great at school... who wouldn't be with only one week under their belts? Seriously, though, Will asked to stay after once this week to work on a science lab just because he wanted to, not because he had to. And Helena stayed after one day to retake a math quiz because she wasn't happy with the B she got on it the first time (the teacher allows ONE retake before the next class session). That was a B in Honors Alg. II, now an A in Honors Alg. II! Can you hear the pride in my voice?
Helena is very happy sans ballet! She is so much more relaxed and able to focus on school work. She has been able to go to school events, too. She went to a pre-season football game, followed by a school dance at the high school tonight and had such a good time that now her back is sore and her voice is hoarse.
Tomorrow Helena will be attending her first 2 hour observation session in driver's ed. That means she spends 2 hours in the back seat of the driver's ed car and 'observes' another student driving. Should be a snoozer. Friends told her to bring a 'note-taking pad' and color.
I need to take Will to the music store tomorrow and try to find some sort of dolly for his baritone so he can wheel it home whenever there is band on a Monday. The kids get out of school an hour early on Mondays, but I don't get off work early, so he is guaranteed a long walk every Monday, rain, sleet, or snow. Yup, definitely big wheels on the dolly. If you think I am dooming my boy to complete geekdom by doing this, you should know that
- the schools here are over the top when it comes to band. It is not as geekish to be in band since the band program is so overwhelming amazing.
- He is well known as one of the (former) football players and now one of the lacrosse players. Somehow, playing a sport balances out the band thing.
There you have it. Tons to say and none of it related. Good night!
Thoughts on a Studious House
I know it has only been a few days.
I think it is going to be a VERY good year!
Okay, we are having issues with getting to school on time, already. I get to drive Helena at 7:30 am and Will at 8:00 am, effectively chopping my own morning prep into two sections. If they don't get up on time the whole schedule gets messed up!
However, after school is just wonderful! The kids and I unwind with 1/2 an hour of conversation and brain rot (a.k.a. TV), then switch to having a quiet house for the rest of the afternoon! I read and make myself available for homework help, if needed, and they do their homework!
I know, earth shattering, isn't it? This is probably the standard routine in households all over the world. It is a novelty for me. In the past, Helena wouldn't get home until evening and needed to do homework, but didn't want to because everyone else in the house was done with study time and was in entertainment mode. It caused a lot of friction in the house.
Now everyone is on the same page at the same time. My stress level has dropped to practically nothing!
I think it is going to be a VERY good year!
Okay, we are having issues with getting to school on time, already. I get to drive Helena at 7:30 am and Will at 8:00 am, effectively chopping my own morning prep into two sections. If they don't get up on time the whole schedule gets messed up!
However, after school is just wonderful! The kids and I unwind with 1/2 an hour of conversation and brain rot (a.k.a. TV), then switch to having a quiet house for the rest of the afternoon! I read and make myself available for homework help, if needed, and they do their homework!
I know, earth shattering, isn't it? This is probably the standard routine in households all over the world. It is a novelty for me. In the past, Helena wouldn't get home until evening and needed to do homework, but didn't want to because everyone else in the house was done with study time and was in entertainment mode. It caused a lot of friction in the house.
Now everyone is on the same page at the same time. My stress level has dropped to practically nothing!
The Second Day of School
For the kids, the second day (called a B day) holds a different set of classes than the first. There are 4 one hour classes classes on A day and 4 one hour classes on B day. When I was in school, we had 6 45 min. classes daily. This way the kids can cram 2 extra courses in each year and have an easier time managing their homework since each assignment has 2 days to complete. I like this system.
Helena's B day looks like this;
Helena's B day looks like this;
- B1 Honors English 10 (she is nervous because it will be hard)
- B2 Honors Algebra II (she is excited because she really likes the teacher)
- Orchestra (she'd really rather not do it, but made a deal with me for one more year)
- Seminary
Yes, Seminary is release time and is worked right into their schedule. This is a unique feature in Utah that you will not find anywhere else. I really think this is probably why the A/B day schedule was adopted, so that kids could have Seminary and still get all their graduation requirements in.
We built Helena's schedule very carefully to balance out both days. Last year the Jr. High piled all her tough academic classes on the same day. It made for a very heavy backpack. The High School registration works just like college registration, with individuals selecting course, time, and teacher. I really like this system! She got exactly what she wanted! And since you are in so much control of your own schedule, the school locks out changes on July 27th. I am okay with that, too.
Will's schedule;
- B1 English (no comment)
- B2 Algebra (he's glad he has the same teacher he had last year)
- B3 Symphonic Band
- B4 Communications (this was supposed to be Tech Metal, but the school messed up his schedule and put him in the 9th grade section. The 8th grade section happens during Band, which can't be moved, of course, so they emergency switched him to the Communications class yesterday. They are going to be designing web pages? I'm not really sure what the class is about, but Will seems fine with it, so we'll go with it.)
As you can see, their B day schedules are surprisingly similar. How weird is that?
My second day of work was really laid back. There was a school wide 'Safety Day' with classes going to stations throughout the day to learn rules and procedures for the lunchroom, bathrooms, library, buses, playground, gym, etc. I had no students. Instead, I stopped by WalMart and picked up 10 yards of dark blue denim and spent the day installing it on the bulletin boards in my classroom. I usually put up blue paper, but that fades and I have to replace it every year. Many teachers are converting to fabric because it doesn't fade or tear and can be left up for many years! It looks FABULOUS!
Oh. And after spending the whole summer with teenagers my students all look LITTLE! Even the sixth graders. Ha! I am starting the year with 1st through 3rd graders. Six year olds are tiny!
And they're off!
School is in session once again!
Helena had a bad case of nerves last night, but had a fantastic day today. Isn't that how it is? I'd be more worried about her if she DIDN'T have a case of nerves the night before going to a new school!
Will loves his science and history teachers, so he is off to a good start, too!
Their A days are as follows:
Helena...
Helena had a bad case of nerves last night, but had a fantastic day today. Isn't that how it is? I'd be more worried about her if she DIDN'T have a case of nerves the night before going to a new school!
Will loves his science and history teachers, so he is off to a good start, too!
Their A days are as follows:
Helena...
A1 French 3 (didn't give me an impression of it)
A2 Computer Tech (required and probably lame)
A3 Chemistry (she has a good feeling about it)
A4 Ancient world civ. (likes the teacher)
Will...
A1 Science (awesome)
A2 US History (ditto)
A3 Woods shop
A4 Tech Ed (more shop)
Will gets to spend two class periods in the same classroom with the same teacher after lunch on A days. That leaves Math, English, and their music on B days.
Helena has managed to arrange rides home from school, which will help me out tremendously. The school decided to solve the parking problems on the school campus by denying parking passes to the Sophomore class, so she will have to wait until she is a Junior to have the convenience of driving herself to and from school. Heavy sigh.
School fees
Only Elementary school is 'free' in Utah. That, of course, means that it is fully funded by tax payer dollars and teachers are absolutely forbidden from charging fees. They can ask for donations, but everyone gets to do whatever it was, whether they paid the donation or not!
Jr. High and High School, however, assess fees. Apparently the tax payer dollars are not enough. There are library fees, locker fees, activities fees, textbook rental fees, p.e. fees, science class fees, computer lab fees, tech ed fees, English class fees, band class fees, etc. The list goes on, and on, and on..... How many fess you pay really depend on the class load you choose.
Will's Jr. High fees this year set us back $153.00. That includes the yearbook.
Helena's High School sophomore class fees will be $254.00, including yearbook and parking permit!
All fees must be paid before the start of school (or you have to work out an auto deduct monthly plan with the school). Will's are paid and Helena's will be by this time next week.
You would think that that is the end of it and we can sit back and enjoy the rest of the year, dollar free. You would be wrong! Every field trip costs and if you don't cough up in time, your child doesn't go on the trip! Field trips can cost anywhere from $1 to $60 depending on destination, then you need to send a minimum of $10 with your child because the bus usually stops at some mall for lunch! No one wants to pack a smashed up brown bag on the field trip, especially when all the other kids are enjoying the food court! I remember once I forgot to send cash with Will and he ended up skipping lunch and waiting on the bus while the other kids went in! I was so upset with myself that day!
Of course, if your child is in a band/orchestra that travels, plan on shelling out A LOT more! I am very thankful that Will has no intention to join the marching band!
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