Sunday, November 10, 2002

Assignment 2.3.2: Week 5 - Observation #2 #

I have never taught in a school where parent requests were a major problem.  I don't know how I feel about having parents request that their child be  put in my classroom, or that their child NOT be put in my classroom.  I do remember an instance that involved a school closing.  Several students were forced to transfer to another school because boundary lines were changed.  One particular young man - I'll call him Joe - was have health problems.  He had developed ulcers and was attempting to stay home because he did not want to go to the other school.  I had his older brother in class, and he decided that if he could be in my class, he could survive the illness.  His parents applied for a transfer and make arrangements to transport him to my class everyday.  Then I was approached to see if I was willing to have this student in my class.  He made me 25 students, but I agreed.  I had a visit a few months ago.  Joe had just completed his training at the State Police Academy.  He had finished at the top of his class and was offered a job with the FBI.  He reached down to hug me and told me he didn't thing he would have made it if I hadn't had compassion on that little boy many years ago.    Oh, the memories!!!!!!!!!! Posted by Donna Craddock on 11/10/02; 9:46:52 PM from the observations dept. Discuss

Assignment 3.1.4: Weekly Memo #

Oh, crap.  Self, you had never cleaned your web links on your computer.  Your brother-in-law taught you how.  You gleefully cleaned all the former addresses and the 'cookies' from you machine.  Then you learn about the Webliography.  You had not thought to put all your sources into your favorite list.  Now you are up the creek without a lot of your sources.  I rejoice that Super Van is such an understanding person.  Maybe you can work on that recovery system and add to the network as you go.  Also, try selective cleaning next time.  DUH!!!! Posted by Donna Craddock on 11/10/02; 9:46:26 PM from the memos dept. Discuss

Assignment 3.1.2: Week 6-Observation 2 #

After teaching sixth grade for three or 4 years, the Board decided that they needed a teacher for one year to teach a splilt fifth/sixth.  I got suckered into the job, with several promises:  1.  I got to select the students that were going to be in my class from each grade.  2.  I would have both handicapped students, but they had a full-time aide to assist.  3.  I would return to the sixth grade the next year.  4.  I would keep my classroom. All promises were kept!!!!!  My selection of students was helped by the fact that my principal had taught at the school that was being closed.  He knew the students being transferred.  I had taught several of them in the second grade at another school, so I had some personal opinions.  We sent letters home and requested parent permission to put the students into a split grade situation.  Not one single parent refused my request.  The aide to the handicapped students was so well organized, she helped me more than words can express.  I will always consider her a friend as well as co-worker.  I selected a twin girl that had never been in a separate class from her sister.  I had both girls in second grade.  It was a wonderful experience for both of them.  This adds so much to my teacher story. My mother died during that year.  These kids were chosen by God to assist me in that trial.  It was one of the best years I ever had as a teacher. Posted by Donna Craddock on 11/10/02; 9:35:57 PM from the observations dept. Discuss

Assignment 3.1.1: Week 6-Observation 1 #

One particular incident that has to do with my teacher story is the closing of West Logan Grade School.  I  taught second grade there for ten years.  With enrollment decreasing, and funding being cut, the County decided to close West Logan.  I had to find a new job.  I bid on several positions, but ended up at Justice Grade School in sixth grade.  All the students that lived at Crooked Creek and Peach Creek were transferred to Justice Grade, also.  I ended up having several of my former second graders in sixth grade.   My first year in sixth grade I had 29 students  and more homework than any of the kids.  I had not taught math or language at that level in many years, not to mention science.  I think I learned more content material that year than I did all through college.  I also had to learn how to deal with puberty all over again.  But, that is another story. Posted by Donna Craddock on 11/10/02; 9:26:13 PM from the observations dept. Discuss

Assignment 2.3.2: Week 5 - Observation #2 #

I have never taught in a school where parent requests were a major problem.  I don't know how I feel about having parents request that their child be  put in my classroom, or that their child NOT be put in my classroom.  I do remember an instance that involved a school closing.  Several students were forced to transfer to another school because boundary lines were changed.  One particular young man - I'll call him Joe - was have health problems.  He had developed ulcers and was attempting to stay home because he did not want to go to the other school.  I had his older brother in class, and he decided that if he could be in my class, he could survive the illness.  His parents applied for a transfer and make arrangements to transport him to my class everyday.  Then I was approached to see if I was willing to have this student in my class.  He made me 25 students, but I agreed.  I had a visit a few months ago.  Joe had just completed his training at the State Police Academy.  He had finished at the top of his class and was offered a job with the FBI.  He reached down to hug me and told me he didn't thing he would have made it if I hadn't had compassion on that little boy many years ago.    Oh, the memories!!!!!!!!!! Posted by Donna Craddock on 11/10/02; 9:16:45 PM from the observations dept. Discuss