Beginning to reflect...

The school year is quickly winding down and my first year at a new school is just about complete. As I reflect on the new journey I began in August, I am overwhelmed with things to write about. Fresh challenges arrived as I became acclimated to an environment with new students, parents, families, and colleagues. Some of you who read my past posts were excited to read about my new teaching environment and the adventures in co-teaching that I experienced this school year, but I did not make the time to sit, blog, and share.

When I came on board in August, a brand-new middle school campus was just completed. The new challenge I faced came in the form of a building. The biggest challenge for all was the new open-learning environment where the only walls that were built were the ones to protect us from mother nature. And although it was a slow start, it helped that all of the middle school teachers and students were in the same boat as I was, experiencing a new working environment.

As a new hire to a school with a strong reputation here in Hawaii, I was willing to be as flexible and innovative as I had to because I felt so blessed to have been hired. But to veteran teachers at the school, the open-learning environment quickly made people's anxieties transparent. Fears of being judged by their peers, loss of personal classroom space, and the mega-list of unanswered questions regarding how will it affect our students' learning were only a few of the barriers that made many of my colleagues feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. I understood why people were feeling this way; change is difficult. But it was more than "change" that was needed. It was a mind shift. A change in the way we think as educators. A complete 180 degree flip to our firmly-cemented teaching philosophies.

It was a rough start for many, but the amazing part about that rough start is people are beginning to make the mind-shift in order to embrace and make the most of our open-learning environment. Building capacity in others, sharing ideas, co-teaching, flexible grouping and scheduling all needed to take the front seat in order to help our students succeed. We are always telling our students that learning never ends and as teachers, we experienced this first-hand.

Best of...

I met with my new colleagues today to begin planning out the start of the new school year. We begin school on August 7, and I am really looking forward to this new journey in my life. Before we began to get into the nitty-gritty things, we shared some information about our names with one another and our teaching philosophies. Personally, I really abhor sharing my teaching philosophy. There always seems to be this pressure to articulate it perfectly and I find it more to be like a "working document," always being modified based on my teaching experiences. Anyway, I was lucky that today's sharing time wasn't as awkward as I thought it was going to be; in fact, something that one of my colleagues said really caught my attention, and I really want to remember what he said. He briefly explained to us his personal teaching philosophy, and then began to share his thinking process with us. He explained that when he teaches, he thinks about the teachers who impacted his life and how they taught him. He described his teaching as a mixed tape, taking the "best of" and incorporating it into his own teaching style.

I love the idea of taking the "best of." If we take the time to stop and reflect, we can discover that there are so many influential teachers in our lives. So I did exactly that.

My "Best of"

2nd grade, Miss Campos who gave me the brightest smile every single morning. She made me feel as if she was the lucky one to have me in her class.

4th grade, Mrs. Liu who was creative and dynamic. She set high expectations for her students and guided us to success. We also performed some really hilarious plays in her class!

5th grade, Mrs. Underkofler who chose great class novels -- A Wrinkle In Time; From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler; The Indian in the Cupboard

7th grade, Ms. Arce always listened to what I had to say and made faith important in my life.

8th grade, Mrs. Adair who first introduced me to the wonders of learning History. I loved how she was willing to mark up our classroom maps, so we could see how the Union soldiers advanced on the Confederate Army.

High School English, Mrs. Morey helped build my confidence when it came to reading and writing. She also had a knack for putting me in my place when my "I know everything attitude" became a bit much.

High School English, Mrs. Crawford who introduced me to Mr. William Shakespeare. 'Nuff said.

High School American History, Mr. Kaufmann who told me that my charm would take me far, but working hard in school would take me even further. He sat and lectured, but his knowledge of American History made him an amazing storyteller.

College History Professor, Dr. Pierre Asselin who I am truly indebted to forever. Dr. Asselin fueled my passion for learning about the world.

College Professor, Mr. Richard Rapson believed in me and took the time to talk to me about my future and encouraged me to push myself toward greater things. A good listener, mentor, and friend.

Maybe one day I can be on someone's "Best of" list.

A few more minutes

"Ra-ta-ta-tat," say the blinds

as they take their turn allowing the light in

A new day takes shape

as she lifts her arms

and stretches

Awakened with eyelids closed

Fresh air circulates the room 

while the scent 

of an approaching rain
tickles her nose

She cuddles onto her side

Fingers intertwined

Legs pulled in to warm her chest

Amazing things are up ahead,

But what's a few more minutes?

Summer at dusk

cotton candy clouds
with dashes of lavender
orange zest and golden rod
the sun beams as it makes
its final debut for the day

the sky lightly darkens
and I can't decide
if the light is easy
on my eyes
or if I'm squinting
because of it

a cool breeze
tickles my face
placing my hair
behind my ears
I am relieved the tradewinds
have returned

our walk ensues
summer at dusk
unwinding as you
gently nudge her stroller
while I cool down my pace
"slow down," you say
so I take a deep breath
slowing exhaling
a reminder to take it
all in

what did I do
in my past life
to deserve such
beauty
summer at dusk.

A Working Vacation

I am currently participating in a "tri-campus planning session" this week. It actually began yesterday and will conclude tomorrow. The new school that I will be teaching at has a campus on three different islands; Oahu, Big Island, and Maui. The school has brought together all of the English teachers from the three campuses to collaborate and work on developing writing rubrics that will be consistent across the board. Besides working, we will also be partaking in cultural practices and enjoying the outdoors.
It does seem as if I just finished with my school year, and I am getting right back into it again; however, I am very excited to meet my new colleagues and to collaborate with them.

My husband and daughter are here as well with a good family friend of ours, but I won't see them until Wednesday evening. It is the first time I am spending three nights without my daughter! Can we say anxiety? She's just fine, it is her mommy who is overwhelmed! I am looking forward to spending the second-half of the week with them. Things have been hectic lately, so it will be nice to give my family my undivided attention.

Okay, Slicers. Have a wonderful writing Tuesday, and I'll see y'all next week with some pics from our pseudo-vacation and ideas from the work sessions. 

Rethinking yesterday's post

After finding out some disheartening news this morning, I realized that my recent ramblings about the amount of work I have to complete before the culmination of the school year is just plain selfish. I was told this morning that my former student, who is now in 11th grade, has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer. His sister is currently in my class, and we spent some time talking about the situation. She said that she feels like the whole world is on her shoulders. This is a big statement coming from her because she is a student who radiates confidence, but on the inside is very reflective. Things have literally changed overnight for her, her brother, and their mother. She explained to me that her brother is scared regarding his upcoming radiation and chemotherapy treatment. I stood there and listened intently as my heart and eyes teared up. I understand some of the emotions and confusion that this young girl is feeling; my mother is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. However, I am at a loss for understanding how my former student feels as he is about to take on the biggest challenge of his life, or how his thirteen year old sister feels as her mind seems to wander off into the frightening abyss of the unknown. Unable to grasp their mother's feelings, I can only empathize with her; a single-parent who just last week was concerned with motivating her kids to complete their homework has now shifted her focus on the health of her son and being able to give the right attention to her daughter at the same time.

Today was another reminder for me that my small struggles are exactly that. Small. Get it done, quit brooding, and spend time on things that truly matter. Make today your best day.

A love letter

Dear Summer,

I long for your immediate arrival. My students are driving me crazy, and I am eager to send them on their way. I can't stop reminiscing about your warm rays wrapped around my air-conditioned classroom freezing body, while your encouraging waves tickle my toes as I sit upon the heated sand, inhaling your fresh air. 

Looking at old photographs from last year's adventures with you makes me misty and homesick. Our bond is so special, we don't even have to travel anywhere; we can just stay home and enjoy one another's company for two and a half amazing months! Yes, I know that everything cannot be perfect, and I will still have to complete some work and plan for the upcoming Fall, but oh my, I do not mind working if I know that you will remain beside me, outside of my four-walled cave. 

We can do so many things together! I can see us shedding our pale skin together and embracing the UV rays as we catch up on our book stacks and read for pleasure. We can create new lesson plans together, ones that will tackle the old ones and bring joy to my students. We can articulate with the new middle school team I will be working with in the Fall, and overwhelm myself with fresh ideas and creative people. 

I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about you! It seems you are so close, yet so far away. When will you hurry my way? The hubby and daughter impatiently await your return as well. Please do not stay away any longer. My heart, brain, and sanity are lost without you.

Yours truly,

(Exhausted) Seventh grade Teacher

Maurice Sendak

As I was browsing the news this morning, something immediately caught my eye. It was the announcement that children's author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak had passed away. Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are was definitely one of my favorite stories to read growing up, and one that I will read with my daughter as she grows up. Some critics felt that the story was too dark for young children, but I remember never being scared of the oversized "monsters" in Max's world because they took this young boy on an amazing journey that I too, wanted to be a part of. One thing I will always remember from reading the story was learning the word, supper. Growing up in Hawaii, there is no "supper," only dinner time, and I clearly remember my mom explaining to me what supper was. 

HarpersCollins, 1962

Scholastic Records, c. 1981

I have to admit though, there were two other Maurice Sendak stories that I loved even more. Chicken Soup With Rice: A Book of Months and Pierre. These two were daily reads for me. My parents even bought the 7" vinyl record with book set, so I could listen and read along to the clever words and catchy tunes. (music by the amazing Carole King!)

"In May I truly think it best

To be a robin lightly dressed

Concocting soup inside my nest

Mix it once, mix it twice

Mix that chicken soup

with rice!"

 Maurice Sendak's imaginative stories helped me foster a love for reading as I grew older. Good night, Mr. Sendak! Sweet dreams.

"Those" kids

I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my vocation as a middle school teacher lately. My introspection is fueled by the fact that I will teaching at a different school next August. Although the students will be the number one thing I will miss about my current school, I have to be honest and admit that there are students who I will miss more than others. These particular students are not necessarily the smartest of the bunch or the ones with perfect behavior; they are the students who have kept me on my toes, day in and day out. These particular students have probably endured my wrath more than others have, but every single one chooses to stay in my classroom during recess to hangout and "talk story," so I guess they realize there IS a point to my madness. :)

Prior to the start of the school year, my homeroom had already received the dubious distinction of being the worst-behaved class in seventh grade, maybe the entire middle school. Year after year, I see the same patterns occurring in the class placement. All the "behaviorally challenged" students are sent my way. I could either be upset about this or take it as a compliment. I choose the latter. In fact, these students are actually the very caring and compassionate to each other; they just struggle with self-control. Typical 21st century middle school students. Or any century, for that matter. 

And that is where my struggle lies. lays? Saying good-bye to this unforgettable group of twelve and thirteen year olds; not knowing when or where I will bump into them again, wondering what they've been up to and how they are doing. Will their eighth grade teachers accept them as they are and work with their strengths, while strengthening their weaknesses? Or will they look at these kids with scorn on their faces and sarcasm jumping from their tongues? I hope, with a little time and lots of patience, they will discover what I adore about these kids even if they need to dig extra deep to let these lights shine. 

Up, Up, and Away!

I am a firm believer that if opportunity knocks on your door, you should perform a background check and if all clears, let opportunity in. A recent opportunity did not exactly come knocking on my door, but instead, I sought it out and after doing its own background check on me, opportunity decide to let me in.


The opportunity that I have been granted with is to teach at another school. It will be bittersweet to leave the school that I am currently at since I have taught there for six years, and I adore the students and my colleagues; however, the school is on a path that I do not necessarily want to be on. Therefore, I decided to do something about it. Fortunately -- and I feel amazingly blessed -- I was hired at an independent school with a strong reputation. Without a doubt, every school has its own challenges, but I am ecstatic to be able to embrace change with my arms wide-open.


June 6, the final day of the school year will be sad; I've already shed a few tears when I watch my seventh graders shine and demonstrate how much they have matured throughout the school year. Not seeing them as eighth graders will definitely feel like I've misplaced something. Yet at the same time, I am looking forward to the completion of the current school year. I am ready for a new adventure; a new journey that will challenge me to be a stronger middle level educator. Becoming the veteran teacher who never made an attempt at something new or who was always resistant to change is someone that I refuse to become. The students deserve teachers who want to be there, excited to try new strategies, provide innovative and engaging lessons while creating a nurturing environment where adolescents want to work hard in order to exceed expectations. I want to strive to be that teacher and by embracing this opportunity, I believe that making this transition now is the right thing for me my family.

Inspired by

Two Writing Teachers inspires the writer within me.


Two Writing Teachers saved my life.
Yes, I realized that is a very heavy statement, but they did.
I was lost in motherhood with nothing to call my own.
And then destiny called logged on,
and I discovered the Slice of Life.
A little bit about your day,
a chunk, a piece, a slice.
A story.
Once-a-week.
Tuesdays to be exact.
Behold, a challenge!
I love like a challenge.
SOLSC = Slice of Life Story Challenge
Hence, The Chockboard.
Every single day in March, I wrote.
and wrote.
and wrote.
31 days straight.
It was exhilarating!
Writer's block is not exhilarating, but sharing your writing
with other writers IS.
Who cares if your grammar isn't up to par
or if your spelling is somewhat spontaneous?

Teachers, beware!
Two Writing Teachers
will refuel you
and your writing teacher habits.
Refreshing ideas, encouragement, and shared experiences
is what Two Writing Teachers is all about.
Teachers building capacity within one another makes
every single classroom flourish
and TWT is where it's at.

Thank you, Ruth & Stacey!

Opportunity

(knock, knock)

Who’s there?       

                                  

                                                                        Opportunity.

                                                                        And I’m only    

                                                                        knocking
                                                                        once.

Why should I let you

in?

I’ll have to start from

scratch.

New friends.

New ideas.

New challenges.

                                                                        New friends.

                                                                        New ideas.

                                                                        New challenges.

                                                                        New YOU.

Constant change.

                           

                                                                        Change is constant.

If it ain’t broke,

why fix it?

                                                                        Trepidation and time
                                                                        will break you.

                                                             
                                                                        Fear dismantles
                                                                        d  r  e  a  m  s  .

And life’s regrets,

permanent.

                                                                        Be Brave.

                                                                        Be Bold.

                                                                        Be Buoyant.

Welcome.

Please come in.

Happiness...

My new mantra.

{via}

It's easy to think that life is too hard on me sometimes, but when I actually stop and think about how pathetic I may be sounding, I remember that someone else, somewhere in the world (maybe even my next door neighbor), is having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year. There are hundreds of things that I need to keep close to my heart and remember that I. Am. Blessed. Make the best of today.