1. Gave another teacher comics from the newspaper that were school related
So this one took a bit of more preparation than the others - please let me explain. There is a fantastic math teacher in our building that is fairly new. Sadly, I don't know much about her - so in an effort to try to find something that she likes or is interested in other than math, I've been observing her. Please understand that there is a big difference between stalking and observing. Stalking is when you watch someone in order to do harm. Observing someone is when you watch them in order to do good. Yes both requires watching, but the motive behind watch determines which action it is. Anyway, I noticed that on a window in her classroom there are these newspaper comics that she (or someone else) cut out. She at least found them interesting enough to keep and post. So that was my 'in'. For the past 3 weeks, I've been checking the news paper every night for any comics that focused on school related topics. I was actually able to collect over 20! So this morning I put the comics in an envelope, marked it with her name & a tag line that said "Enjoy!", and put it in her teacher mailbox. About an hour later I received an from her that she sent to the entire school staff asking why someone put newspaper clippings in her teacher mailbox? I reluctantly sent her back an email saying that I was the culprit and explained that I noticed that she had a collection of school related newspaper comics on her window. Ok, so I know that I didn't pull this one anonymously - but, at least it was the thought that counted.
2. Wrote an "Encouraging" note to another teacher that was worried about a formal observation
This teacher is one of the best teachers in our building and it really did surprise me to hear that she was so worried. I rarely see her worry about anything! It just goes to show you that as calm, cool, and collected of even the best teachers - they can still worry. The humbling experience gave me a little hope in my neurotic mind. Like, maybe I'm not that completely crazied - other people maybe just the same, but better at hiding it. Maybe?
3. Burned a music cd for a student
This particular student is really a card. He does have some reading and learning difficulties, but when it comes to music - he is there. I try to work and check up with him whenever I get the chance, to make sure that he is staying a float in all of his classes. Although there have been times that I have gotten frustrated with him, I know that he has a very gentle and unique heart that is much different than most of the other boys in my classes - I can't stay upset with him for long. Currently, he is working on an extra project with rewriting a song and performing it for his youth praise team at church. He is very God driven, which is also an endearing quality. So he asked me for help with getting him some music to use - no problem!
4. Took back a tray to the cafeteria for another student
My flute student is working so hard and starting to sound so good. I can't wait till she auditions. I know that she is going to sound fabulous!
5. Complimented an Administrator on planning a special student activity for the end of the week.
I went to a workshop that was titled: "Don't forget the big people too." It focused on not only providing positive treatment to students, but also to the staff members of your school too. This particular administrator has really been working hard on programing a teacher & student football game. I know very little about football, how they are played, and the scoring - so who gets to be the announcer - ME?!? Great! Now I have a homework assignment - to learn as much as I can about football within the next 4 days.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 107
1. Started breakfast for mother so that she could sleep in
I'm a horrible cook, but I can do coffee & scrambled eggs. Oh, and my 'Bowl Ala Cereal' is to die for!
2. Bought special Halloween movie for son's school
I know that everyone is familiar with the Charlie Brown Halloween episode. Please understand that I am not knocking this - in fact it is a staple at my house throughout the month of October. However, there is a book about a square pumpkin that my son's class has been studying for the past couple of days - "Spookley." So I was out and about earlier today and saw this movie sitting on the shelf at the store. I hope that his teacher can use it as supplementary material to go along with her book.
3. Cleaned up Bibles after church service
Just to keep things nice and neat in the worship center. I mean I want to keep "God's house" cleaner than my own.
4. Bought son's teacher her favorite soda and candy
I found out earlier that she was taking some additional training classes as a part of her professional development plan. This past Friday she was assessed within the classroom and just received a phone call earlier tonight saying that she passed her evaluation and this class. This class was also a capstone class to an entire program, meaning that since she passed this class - she also passed this program. She was so excited on the phone. It was very sweet of her to get the information and then wanted to share it with us. So I got her a special treat to let her know how proud of her we are.
5. Bought hairdresser candy to give to her other client's kids
She is always buying candy for other kids. I thought that it would be nice to do it for her this time.
I'm a horrible cook, but I can do coffee & scrambled eggs. Oh, and my 'Bowl Ala Cereal' is to die for!
2. Bought special Halloween movie for son's school
I know that everyone is familiar with the Charlie Brown Halloween episode. Please understand that I am not knocking this - in fact it is a staple at my house throughout the month of October. However, there is a book about a square pumpkin that my son's class has been studying for the past couple of days - "Spookley." So I was out and about earlier today and saw this movie sitting on the shelf at the store. I hope that his teacher can use it as supplementary material to go along with her book.
3. Cleaned up Bibles after church service
Just to keep things nice and neat in the worship center. I mean I want to keep "God's house" cleaner than my own.
4. Bought son's teacher her favorite soda and candy
I found out earlier that she was taking some additional training classes as a part of her professional development plan. This past Friday she was assessed within the classroom and just received a phone call earlier tonight saying that she passed her evaluation and this class. This class was also a capstone class to an entire program, meaning that since she passed this class - she also passed this program. She was so excited on the phone. It was very sweet of her to get the information and then wanted to share it with us. So I got her a special treat to let her know how proud of her we are.
5. Bought hairdresser candy to give to her other client's kids
She is always buying candy for other kids. I thought that it would be nice to do it for her this time.
5 Pennies - Day 106
1. Participated in the Breast Cancer Walk & Activity
I feel really odd with this penny I must admit. I had 3 really important people in my life that had to fight and thankfully survive Breast Cancer - my grandmother, my mom, and my really good friend from high school. I am lucky - I know this. Many people lose their wives, friends, sisters, mothers, aunts, etc. to this horrible disease. So I don't know if this is a good or a bad penny. I am going to try to think positive and claim it as a good penny. Anyway, I participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Event today. I call it event because there are two options that you can do - the 5 mile walk or the 2 hour Zumba class. In years past, I have done the walk with just my mother - it has been both a bonding and humbling experience. In the past 4 years, we have expanded the bonding moment to include my son. He wears something pink every year - sometimes even a girls shirt or sweat pants - yes, I know that this will eventually traumatize him - but it is for a good cause - right? This year the event also offered the Zumba class - which I have done only a few times, but have deeply enjoyed. So this year, I did 2.5 miles of walking to my mother and my son and then an hour of the zumba class as they played in the kid zone. Even though a part of me was sad because of the content of the event - I still enjoyed the movement and activities.
2. Thanked the Zumba teacher and helped her carry in the materials for the class
Again, I have only done this type of dance class a few times before - but there was an amazing teacher that I got to work with previously in July. Even though she is more than a tad bit older than me, wow - I struggled to keep up with her! She's amazing! So to show my thanks, I helped her carry in her materials for today's class. As we were walking in, I told her how much I enjoyed the last time I danced in her audience and how much I incorporated her movements within my own classroom with the International Dancing. Again, saying please, I'm sorry, and thank you are so vital in our society - as well as "Where's the Bathroom?"
3. Gave up my dance area to another person so that they can see the dancing instructor better
So I must admit, in case you haven't realized, I love dancing. I trained in classical dance for over 10 years of my life and really debated about getting degree in college. I decided not to because I wanted to teach and there weren't any positions of this type available within my area. Oddly enough, the past few years some positions have been created! Anyway, I can easily pick up some basic dance moves by only watching the instructor a couple of times. However, the person beside me was having massive issues because she couldn't see what was going on in the class. So I switched her spots so that she could see the instructor better. She said thank you - not only was she a pretty lady - but also very polite. Her act of kindness with words was well worth the switch.
4. Cleaned up trash that was set aside at the food area at the event
Making it nice and clean for everyone else, one paper plate at a time.
5. Gave my pink dancing gloves and tote bag away to someone else
The organizers of the event weren't expecting such a great turn out this year - I believe that it was more popular with the addition of the Zumba class. Anyway, I received a tote bag for raising enough of funds that included snacks, water, and these special gloves. I really thought to myself - "Hey, I have this stuff from the previous years. I really don't need this." So I looked around to see if anyone else wanted these items. Lo and behold a person registered but looked disappointed because it was after the organizers ran out of supplies. I simply walked over and gave her mine. She smiled and said thank you. I noticed that she was wearing a special pin that signified that she had and fought Breast Cancer herself - so it was well worth giving the items away.
I feel really odd with this penny I must admit. I had 3 really important people in my life that had to fight and thankfully survive Breast Cancer - my grandmother, my mom, and my really good friend from high school. I am lucky - I know this. Many people lose their wives, friends, sisters, mothers, aunts, etc. to this horrible disease. So I don't know if this is a good or a bad penny. I am going to try to think positive and claim it as a good penny. Anyway, I participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Event today. I call it event because there are two options that you can do - the 5 mile walk or the 2 hour Zumba class. In years past, I have done the walk with just my mother - it has been both a bonding and humbling experience. In the past 4 years, we have expanded the bonding moment to include my son. He wears something pink every year - sometimes even a girls shirt or sweat pants - yes, I know that this will eventually traumatize him - but it is for a good cause - right? This year the event also offered the Zumba class - which I have done only a few times, but have deeply enjoyed. So this year, I did 2.5 miles of walking to my mother and my son and then an hour of the zumba class as they played in the kid zone. Even though a part of me was sad because of the content of the event - I still enjoyed the movement and activities.
2. Thanked the Zumba teacher and helped her carry in the materials for the class
Again, I have only done this type of dance class a few times before - but there was an amazing teacher that I got to work with previously in July. Even though she is more than a tad bit older than me, wow - I struggled to keep up with her! She's amazing! So to show my thanks, I helped her carry in her materials for today's class. As we were walking in, I told her how much I enjoyed the last time I danced in her audience and how much I incorporated her movements within my own classroom with the International Dancing. Again, saying please, I'm sorry, and thank you are so vital in our society - as well as "Where's the Bathroom?"
3. Gave up my dance area to another person so that they can see the dancing instructor better
So I must admit, in case you haven't realized, I love dancing. I trained in classical dance for over 10 years of my life and really debated about getting degree in college. I decided not to because I wanted to teach and there weren't any positions of this type available within my area. Oddly enough, the past few years some positions have been created! Anyway, I can easily pick up some basic dance moves by only watching the instructor a couple of times. However, the person beside me was having massive issues because she couldn't see what was going on in the class. So I switched her spots so that she could see the instructor better. She said thank you - not only was she a pretty lady - but also very polite. Her act of kindness with words was well worth the switch.
4. Cleaned up trash that was set aside at the food area at the event
Making it nice and clean for everyone else, one paper plate at a time.
5. Gave my pink dancing gloves and tote bag away to someone else
The organizers of the event weren't expecting such a great turn out this year - I believe that it was more popular with the addition of the Zumba class. Anyway, I received a tote bag for raising enough of funds that included snacks, water, and these special gloves. I really thought to myself - "Hey, I have this stuff from the previous years. I really don't need this." So I looked around to see if anyone else wanted these items. Lo and behold a person registered but looked disappointed because it was after the organizers ran out of supplies. I simply walked over and gave her mine. She smiled and said thank you. I noticed that she was wearing a special pin that signified that she had and fought Breast Cancer herself - so it was well worth giving the items away.
5 Pennies - Day 105
1. Gave the one Guidance Counselor a magnet of her favorite football team
So this particular GC is fairly new to our school. She has only been here for one full school year, but she does such a fabulous job with the students. She also serves on a lot of committees that help in programing special events for the students and overall makes our school a better place. Such a great asset to our school environment! Anyway she had to go to a training session the other day, which she said was very good, but also mentally exhausting. Knowing that she also likes the Raven's football team and that she does such a great job in our school, I had to get it for her - to show her my appreciation - even if I did leave it anonymously in her staff mailbox.
By the way - later on in the school day she sent an email out to the entire school in thanking the person who left magnet. I was going to send her a your welcome email - but that would have broken the anonymous side of this school project.
2. Let another staff member borrow my sweatshirt
Today was "Blue Spirit Day" at school - remember my school color's are blue & white. So this other staff member completely forgot and wore a brown shirt instead. Even though she wasn't getting yelled at by any staff member, she still felt bad that she forgot. I told her that she could borrow my blue sweatshirt because I didn't need it - I was already wearing something blue. She felt better about this offering. Later on in the day I was talking to her and it seemed like all of the personal frustration didn't even existed from this morning.
3. Got extra cups of coffee for an administrator and a special visitor
Just wanted to make the visitor to feel welcome at our school.
4. Got an extra bottle of water for a parent who helped teach my students
It amazes me that one of the most valuable resources that we can use in our schools is often the one that is under-utilized the most - the parents. This particular parent heard it from their son that we were doing international dances during class. Yesterday after her son explained this, she called me after school and asked if she could come in and help. Ah - yeah! Not only did she help with doing my dances, she also showed the students traditional dances that she learned from her country of Armenia. It was really beautiful to watch her dance. After my 3rd period class was over, she said that she was really thirsty but accidentally left her bottle of water at home. I knew where there were some extra bottles, so I simply just got her one.
By the way - she is currently a freelance news reporter for a simple paper company. After visiting my classes, she wrote this really wonderful article including some fantastic pictures of my students performing the various dances.
5. Helped another teacher set up the sound system for her special guest
It must have been one of those days that we had special people visiting our school throughout the entire day. This particular teacher had someone come in to talk to her Social Studies classes about a current topic that they are working on. She needed the sound system and I easily volunteer to set it up for her to use. Yes, it took about 20 minutes out of my lunch time, but I didn't mind because I knew that I was helping another teacher and also the students would benefit greatly from this special assembly.
So this particular GC is fairly new to our school. She has only been here for one full school year, but she does such a fabulous job with the students. She also serves on a lot of committees that help in programing special events for the students and overall makes our school a better place. Such a great asset to our school environment! Anyway she had to go to a training session the other day, which she said was very good, but also mentally exhausting. Knowing that she also likes the Raven's football team and that she does such a great job in our school, I had to get it for her - to show her my appreciation - even if I did leave it anonymously in her staff mailbox.
By the way - later on in the school day she sent an email out to the entire school in thanking the person who left magnet. I was going to send her a your welcome email - but that would have broken the anonymous side of this school project.
2. Let another staff member borrow my sweatshirt
Today was "Blue Spirit Day" at school - remember my school color's are blue & white. So this other staff member completely forgot and wore a brown shirt instead. Even though she wasn't getting yelled at by any staff member, she still felt bad that she forgot. I told her that she could borrow my blue sweatshirt because I didn't need it - I was already wearing something blue. She felt better about this offering. Later on in the day I was talking to her and it seemed like all of the personal frustration didn't even existed from this morning.
3. Got extra cups of coffee for an administrator and a special visitor
Just wanted to make the visitor to feel welcome at our school.
4. Got an extra bottle of water for a parent who helped teach my students
It amazes me that one of the most valuable resources that we can use in our schools is often the one that is under-utilized the most - the parents. This particular parent heard it from their son that we were doing international dances during class. Yesterday after her son explained this, she called me after school and asked if she could come in and help. Ah - yeah! Not only did she help with doing my dances, she also showed the students traditional dances that she learned from her country of Armenia. It was really beautiful to watch her dance. After my 3rd period class was over, she said that she was really thirsty but accidentally left her bottle of water at home. I knew where there were some extra bottles, so I simply just got her one.
By the way - she is currently a freelance news reporter for a simple paper company. After visiting my classes, she wrote this really wonderful article including some fantastic pictures of my students performing the various dances.
5. Helped another teacher set up the sound system for her special guest
It must have been one of those days that we had special people visiting our school throughout the entire day. This particular teacher had someone come in to talk to her Social Studies classes about a current topic that they are working on. She needed the sound system and I easily volunteer to set it up for her to use. Yes, it took about 20 minutes out of my lunch time, but I didn't mind because I knew that I was helping another teacher and also the students would benefit greatly from this special assembly.
5 Pennies - Day 104
1. Gave another teacher special super hero pencils
So in an earlier penny posting, I discussed how I gave a teacher superhero stickers and that he team teaches with another teacher that liked superheros too. Remember? They decorated their room with life size posters of Superman and Batman? I still don't get how grown men can melt down to little boys with just a sign in the sky or putting on a cape. But then again, if I had special red ruby slippers - maybe Dorthy would be my superhero? Anyway, knowing that the other teacher really liked this genre as well - I got him a pack of "Justice League" superhero pencils. Use them with the good intentions to fight evil - like over due library books and dogs eating your homework!
2. Complimented another teacher because of a really nice sweater outfit
It seems that this teacher rarely gets to buy anything nice for themselves. I am really bad at this too. Like it is much easier for me to spend my money in buying my son clothes or getting something for someone else, then to go shopping for myself - I have a strange guilt problem with this. Anyway, this particular teacher showed up to school today in a really nice sweater that I have never seen on her before. When I asked her if it was new, she gave me that sheepish grin and said yes. I then told her how nice she looked in it. Then she smiled - and this smile continued on throughout the day - entirely.
3. Compliment another teacher because of a recent news article
I noticed in the town's newspaper that there was a really nice article about the art teacher and the pottery unit that she was doing with her students. Yes, of course it was well written - but it was really nice to hear all of the positive quotes that she said about our school, the students/staff, and the surrounding community. After reading this, I just had to say how nice the article was - she too smiled.
Note: One of the best things that you can give someone in life, is the opportunity for them to smile.
4. Held the door open for a student who had their hands full
This particular student was fetching something for another teacher. So since she was being nice for that teacher, I just wanted to repay the favor. Who am I kidding? I would have still held the door open for this student, even if she wasn't going to be nice to a teacher - it's just common courtesy.
5. Wrote a "Thank You" note to those staff members who danced with my students
So I teach a unit based on world music and dance with my 7th grade General Music students. One of the last activities that we do together within this unit is based on learning and performing various cultures dances such as: Salsa, Irish Step, Hula, Tango, Waltz, and more. Many of my students look forward to this activity the most because it gets them out of their seat and moving around. So today was "International Dance Day" within my classroom and I invited any staff member to come and join the fun. To my surprise a few did including the Drop Out Specialist, 2 English Teachers, 1 Guidance Counselor, 1 Secretary, and even my Administration joined in on the fun. These staff members seemed to enjoy themselves - but it also gave my students an opportunity to enjoy this experience with them. I had to write each of them a thank you note for taking time to participate with my students.
So in an earlier penny posting, I discussed how I gave a teacher superhero stickers and that he team teaches with another teacher that liked superheros too. Remember? They decorated their room with life size posters of Superman and Batman? I still don't get how grown men can melt down to little boys with just a sign in the sky or putting on a cape. But then again, if I had special red ruby slippers - maybe Dorthy would be my superhero? Anyway, knowing that the other teacher really liked this genre as well - I got him a pack of "Justice League" superhero pencils. Use them with the good intentions to fight evil - like over due library books and dogs eating your homework!
2. Complimented another teacher because of a really nice sweater outfit
It seems that this teacher rarely gets to buy anything nice for themselves. I am really bad at this too. Like it is much easier for me to spend my money in buying my son clothes or getting something for someone else, then to go shopping for myself - I have a strange guilt problem with this. Anyway, this particular teacher showed up to school today in a really nice sweater that I have never seen on her before. When I asked her if it was new, she gave me that sheepish grin and said yes. I then told her how nice she looked in it. Then she smiled - and this smile continued on throughout the day - entirely.
3. Compliment another teacher because of a recent news article
I noticed in the town's newspaper that there was a really nice article about the art teacher and the pottery unit that she was doing with her students. Yes, of course it was well written - but it was really nice to hear all of the positive quotes that she said about our school, the students/staff, and the surrounding community. After reading this, I just had to say how nice the article was - she too smiled.
Note: One of the best things that you can give someone in life, is the opportunity for them to smile.
4. Held the door open for a student who had their hands full
This particular student was fetching something for another teacher. So since she was being nice for that teacher, I just wanted to repay the favor. Who am I kidding? I would have still held the door open for this student, even if she wasn't going to be nice to a teacher - it's just common courtesy.
5. Wrote a "Thank You" note to those staff members who danced with my students
So I teach a unit based on world music and dance with my 7th grade General Music students. One of the last activities that we do together within this unit is based on learning and performing various cultures dances such as: Salsa, Irish Step, Hula, Tango, Waltz, and more. Many of my students look forward to this activity the most because it gets them out of their seat and moving around. So today was "International Dance Day" within my classroom and I invited any staff member to come and join the fun. To my surprise a few did including the Drop Out Specialist, 2 English Teachers, 1 Guidance Counselor, 1 Secretary, and even my Administration joined in on the fun. These staff members seemed to enjoy themselves - but it also gave my students an opportunity to enjoy this experience with them. I had to write each of them a thank you note for taking time to participate with my students.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 103
1. Gave another teacher an decoration in the shape/style of a cow
I know, it sounds weird. That's the beauty that I am starting to realize with the staff members within my school. Not that they are weird, but that they all have such different outlooks on life and each collect their own thing. This particular teacher teaches 7th grade science and is also the head of the 7th grade teacher team - a lot of responsibility comes with job. He is very quiet, but has a great eye for detail. Most importantly is that he will listen to your ideas without passing any judgment. Anyway, he likes to collect various farm items - again, you have to think about the location of where I work and live - basically farm areas. So this past weekend at the church there was Fall Rummage Sale. So when I saw this cow decoration, I knew that he would like it. The best thing is that it was on sale at a very discounted price!
2. Wrote a "Thank You" note to various teachers
- one teacher for returning some music that they borrowed from me
- helping a student with a personal problem
- getting a small personal gift for me
I like getting simple things too every once and awhile. Just to show that you care.
3. Complimented various members of the boys football team from their game this past weekend
This was the first time that I saw many of my football students; mainly because of various field trips and such. So when I saw a group of them sitting together at a table in the lunch room, I knew that I needed to go over and tell them that I was really proud in how hard they worked. You may think that male students of this teenage really don't want to hear a female teacher say that they did a good job - that they want to act all big and bad. However, the kids still like the compliments & stickers - and sometimes when I don't offer silly extrinsic rewards , they question "Well, why not?" Middle school kids are the best - not quite old enough for high school, but still too old to enjoy elementary.
4. Refill the copier with paper
I noticed that the one that I was using was starting to run out. So instead of letting the next person to do with this, I just grabbed a ream, prepared it, and now letting someone else use it. This is an easy penny to complete by anyone.
5. Spoke with a parent about their child and future colleges
Yes, even at a young age of the middle school mentality, these students are starting to feel the pressure of going to college. So as I was preparing to leave the school for the night - a parent came into my room asking for advice. No big deal and I was happy to help!
I know, it sounds weird. That's the beauty that I am starting to realize with the staff members within my school. Not that they are weird, but that they all have such different outlooks on life and each collect their own thing. This particular teacher teaches 7th grade science and is also the head of the 7th grade teacher team - a lot of responsibility comes with job. He is very quiet, but has a great eye for detail. Most importantly is that he will listen to your ideas without passing any judgment. Anyway, he likes to collect various farm items - again, you have to think about the location of where I work and live - basically farm areas. So this past weekend at the church there was Fall Rummage Sale. So when I saw this cow decoration, I knew that he would like it. The best thing is that it was on sale at a very discounted price!
2. Wrote a "Thank You" note to various teachers
- one teacher for returning some music that they borrowed from me
- helping a student with a personal problem
- getting a small personal gift for me
I like getting simple things too every once and awhile. Just to show that you care.
3. Complimented various members of the boys football team from their game this past weekend
This was the first time that I saw many of my football students; mainly because of various field trips and such. So when I saw a group of them sitting together at a table in the lunch room, I knew that I needed to go over and tell them that I was really proud in how hard they worked. You may think that male students of this teenage really don't want to hear a female teacher say that they did a good job - that they want to act all big and bad. However, the kids still like the compliments & stickers - and sometimes when I don't offer silly extrinsic rewards , they question "Well, why not?" Middle school kids are the best - not quite old enough for high school, but still too old to enjoy elementary.
4. Refill the copier with paper
I noticed that the one that I was using was starting to run out. So instead of letting the next person to do with this, I just grabbed a ream, prepared it, and now letting someone else use it. This is an easy penny to complete by anyone.
5. Spoke with a parent about their child and future colleges
Yes, even at a young age of the middle school mentality, these students are starting to feel the pressure of going to college. So as I was preparing to leave the school for the night - a parent came into my room asking for advice. No big deal and I was happy to help!
5 Pennies - Day 102
1. Gave another teacher a bag of almonds
This staff member is the teacher who is in charge of the In School Suspension (ISS) room - I have mentioned about her before in previous pennies. Anyway, her favorite snack to have in the afternoon is almonds. I am glad that she likes these because they are actually really good for you and much healthier than a candy bar. I personally can not eat a lot of them because they hurt my teeth - but she loves them. I just wanted to do something nice for her.
2. Cleaned up refreshments after a school meeting
It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. I actually like cleaning up - where my OCD is a blessing.
3. Gave up my planning period to listen to another teacher's concern
So all I think that this teacher wanted was just someone to listen to them vent. I really didn't ask any questions or try to help them find solutions, just simply listen. Sometimes that is all that people need - someone to listen. And while I was listening, I was completely focused on them - not typing on my computer, not putting away materials, not doing something on my phone, not grading papers - all of these things that I needed to do, I didn't - my main focus was on this particular teacher and being there for them.
4. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher for setting up refreshments for a before school meeting
Sometimes I believe that a teacher's life is ran by meetings - for me, it was one before and one after. However, I enjoyed the meetings in the fact that I knew I could help others in showing my appreciation and respect.
5. Helped a sick child by gathering his books and instruments
Ok, I had a child throw up on my today. It really only hit below my knees and some on my left shoe. I am trying to convince myself that it wasn't that bad - although I will never wear these shoes again, and I am debating about the pants. Anyway, I knew that he was embarrassed because it happened at the end of the day in front of other band students who were trying to get their instruments to go home. I just gave him a trash can and sent him to the health office, while paging a custodian to come and help me clean up. Once the custodian had the mess squared away, I quickly took care of myself and then to the student his belongings. I also gave him a bag of animal crackers and a bottle of water - from the stash that I keep in my room. His grandparents were very grateful.
Ok, I am off to take my 5th shower of the day. Did I mention that I had OCD?
This staff member is the teacher who is in charge of the In School Suspension (ISS) room - I have mentioned about her before in previous pennies. Anyway, her favorite snack to have in the afternoon is almonds. I am glad that she likes these because they are actually really good for you and much healthier than a candy bar. I personally can not eat a lot of them because they hurt my teeth - but she loves them. I just wanted to do something nice for her.
2. Cleaned up refreshments after a school meeting
It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. I actually like cleaning up - where my OCD is a blessing.
3. Gave up my planning period to listen to another teacher's concern
So all I think that this teacher wanted was just someone to listen to them vent. I really didn't ask any questions or try to help them find solutions, just simply listen. Sometimes that is all that people need - someone to listen. And while I was listening, I was completely focused on them - not typing on my computer, not putting away materials, not doing something on my phone, not grading papers - all of these things that I needed to do, I didn't - my main focus was on this particular teacher and being there for them.
4. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher for setting up refreshments for a before school meeting
Sometimes I believe that a teacher's life is ran by meetings - for me, it was one before and one after. However, I enjoyed the meetings in the fact that I knew I could help others in showing my appreciation and respect.
5. Helped a sick child by gathering his books and instruments
Ok, I had a child throw up on my today. It really only hit below my knees and some on my left shoe. I am trying to convince myself that it wasn't that bad - although I will never wear these shoes again, and I am debating about the pants. Anyway, I knew that he was embarrassed because it happened at the end of the day in front of other band students who were trying to get their instruments to go home. I just gave him a trash can and sent him to the health office, while paging a custodian to come and help me clean up. Once the custodian had the mess squared away, I quickly took care of myself and then to the student his belongings. I also gave him a bag of animal crackers and a bottle of water - from the stash that I keep in my room. His grandparents were very grateful.
Ok, I am off to take my 5th shower of the day. Did I mention that I had OCD?
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