Ah. The snow that was supposed to fall Monday night came down like it was it's JOB. Here's the thing: When I left physical therapy at 7 p.m, the sky was dark and there were just a few stray snowflakes. No big deal, right? WRONG! By 9 p.m., there was about three inches on the ground. What? Where did THAT come from? Needless to say, I went to bed that night a little frustrated because I knew there would be another delay. Which would set my plans back a day. The plans I carefully prepared over the weekend (and had already printed out) for my two-day absence later in the week. The plans that had to be replanned, readjusted, and reprinted so they would be ready Thursday morning. Grr.
I know what you're thinking. "Just cut and paste the work from your template." Ah, if it were only that easy. See, now I had to move my Friday comprehension quiz into next week (not on a MONDAY, though), and had to push my language arts block forward. Which means that I had to come up with a "filler" day for Monday so the students could have time to get ready for their comprehension quizzes (because you know they probably won't remember over the weekend...). I also needed to adjust Social Studies because we had to take some of that time on Tuesday to finish language arts activities.
I have the plans fixed now, and am hoping no other weather-related interruption occurs while I'm gone. There isn't any in the forecast, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans...
Showing posts with label Snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snow. Show all posts
February 23, 2011
February 3, 2011
Day 96: Thawing Out
No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I have been snowed in. As predicted, the snow came through and the ice followed. We had two snow days and returned to school today--just in enough time for report card conferences. My students have officially had the shortest academic week of the year: two whole days.
These past days have brought the snow day total to three so far this year. We've had quite a few delays, but there isn't a limit on those. I think we have reached our allotted snow days for the year now, although we might have one to spare for the remainder of winter.
Although, I could be the folks in a picture sent to me earlier today. The interstate was plowed but it was flanked on each side by what looked like 10 to 15 feet of snow. I'm not sure where it was, but I'm thankful I'm not there!
Tomorrow is report card conferences for the second quarter. Report cards went home this afternoon. (Very pleased they did not have to be given at conferences again this time. They were supposed to go home Tuesday, but we know what happened there. Anyhow, I speak with parents tomorrow.)
Tomorrow is also Wear Red day or Go Red for Women Day. You are supposed to wear red to support those who have heart disease and other heart-related conditions. I usually wear red on this day, but I really try not to wear red on a day when a parent may want to argue with me over a child's report card. (Not that I'm expecting that to happen, but I've had some situations in the past!) It's sort of like waving a red flag in front of an angry bull. I usually try to wear soothing colors like pastels or shades of blue or green. I know, I know. I may be thinking too much into it. What do you think?
These past days have brought the snow day total to three so far this year. We've had quite a few delays, but there isn't a limit on those. I think we have reached our allotted snow days for the year now, although we might have one to spare for the remainder of winter.
Although, I could be the folks in a picture sent to me earlier today. The interstate was plowed but it was flanked on each side by what looked like 10 to 15 feet of snow. I'm not sure where it was, but I'm thankful I'm not there!
Tomorrow is report card conferences for the second quarter. Report cards went home this afternoon. (Very pleased they did not have to be given at conferences again this time. They were supposed to go home Tuesday, but we know what happened there. Anyhow, I speak with parents tomorrow.)
Tomorrow is also Wear Red day or Go Red for Women Day. You are supposed to wear red to support those who have heart disease and other heart-related conditions. I usually wear red on this day, but I really try not to wear red on a day when a parent may want to argue with me over a child's report card. (Not that I'm expecting that to happen, but I've had some situations in the past!) It's sort of like waving a red flag in front of an angry bull. I usually try to wear soothing colors like pastels or shades of blue or green. I know, I know. I may be thinking too much into it. What do you think?
So I'm off to get ready. I need to iron my clothes, eat dinner, and relax for just a minute. (I was at school today until 6 preparing for tomorrow. Then I had to run to Target to pick up treats for the candy basket. Then I went over my own children's report cards with them before we took my youngest to his Nana's for the night. (She's watching him while I'm doing conferences and my husband is working.) My oldest has a regular day of school tomorrow; middle school doesn't have conferences.
Ah well. My pizza is calling. More to come tomorrow!
January 31, 2011
Day 95: Report Cards...On Ice?
Report cards go home tomorrow. Which is sort of great because then they (and all of the accompanying pieces*) will be out of my hands and I can relax until the end of the quarter. Not so great is that fact that the local weathermen are calling for another winter storm. We are supposed to get several inches of snow tonight, which is then supposed to be topped off by about an inch of freezing rain at some point during the day. And if that isn't enough, the rain/snow/icy wintry mix is supposed to slow down and then reappear with a vengeance tomorrow into Wednesday. Which means that, while we are finally caught up with our work, we may just be pushed back again because of the weather. That also means that depending on what happens, these report cards may not be leaving me for another day or two. Ugh.
*Oh yeah. Those extra pieces. I had my report cards in front of me this evening because I like to arrange them in the order I will meet parents during conferences. I also like to have an extra copy of everything that goes into the envelope in case there is a question about anything. (Call me obsessive, but I like to be ready and there is just no way I can remember every single detail about every child.) In the envelopes (this time) I am to put the following: the report card, the comment form, the math checklist for the quarter, the most recent Guided Reading/DIBELS results, and a health sheet from the nurse. All in a regular business-sized envelope. Oh, and the students who have IEPs, 504s, or GIEPs (gifted) have extra documentation. Some of these children take home two envelopes. I actually toyed with the idea of putting in my quarterly newsletter, but I think I may burst the seams of the envelope. I think I'll just save those until Friday.
Let's all hope for a quick thaw.
*Oh yeah. Those extra pieces. I had my report cards in front of me this evening because I like to arrange them in the order I will meet parents during conferences. I also like to have an extra copy of everything that goes into the envelope in case there is a question about anything. (Call me obsessive, but I like to be ready and there is just no way I can remember every single detail about every child.) In the envelopes (this time) I am to put the following: the report card, the comment form, the math checklist for the quarter, the most recent Guided Reading/DIBELS results, and a health sheet from the nurse. All in a regular business-sized envelope. Oh, and the students who have IEPs, 504s, or GIEPs (gifted) have extra documentation. Some of these children take home two envelopes. I actually toyed with the idea of putting in my quarterly newsletter, but I think I may burst the seams of the envelope. I think I'll just save those until Friday.
Let's all hope for a quick thaw.
January 28, 2011
Day 93: More Hours Gone
I. Am. SO. Tired. Of. SNOW.
I know there are many of you out there who have been reading my posts and wondering what I am complaining about because your cities and towns and school districts have been endlessly pounded by the winter storms that have been coming through since December. I heard on the news that there have been eight major storms since December.
While we have had several delays and one snow day, I know countless others have had many snow days (and may have already reached your allotment for the year). I know I should be thankful that I am not in one of those areas (and I am thankful), but I am tired of the snow. It's just enough to be a nuisance.
Today we had another two-hour delay. The kids are getting used to the routine, seeing as this is the fourth in four weeks. (Add that to the snow day and early dismissal and the hours just tick away.)
My students know that on delays, there is no morning recess, no independent reading time before lunch, and the rest of our day is squeezed a bit or adjusted and carried over into the next day. We managed to finish all of language arts, social studies, and half of math. That lesson will be carried over into tomorrow. The kiddos know we are about business and have managed to try and calm themselves before entering the room in the morning. I have really appreciated that.
Friday is supposed to have flurries all day with another inch or so of precipitation. We are also supposed to get another storm toward the middle of next week; right before conferences. Joy. I remember a few years ago, conferences had to be rescheduled and done on teachers' own time because the snow was so bad. (If you've been reading a while, you know our conferences are usually done during a school day while the students have off.) A lot of unhappy people that year. I just want to have the snow pass early or late. No rescheduling, please!
Next Wednesday is Groundhog Day. I wonder what ol' Phil is going to tell us...as if we can't already guess. An early arrival of spring, if that were actually possible, would be truly appreciated right now.
I know there are many of you out there who have been reading my posts and wondering what I am complaining about because your cities and towns and school districts have been endlessly pounded by the winter storms that have been coming through since December. I heard on the news that there have been eight major storms since December.
While we have had several delays and one snow day, I know countless others have had many snow days (and may have already reached your allotment for the year). I know I should be thankful that I am not in one of those areas (and I am thankful), but I am tired of the snow. It's just enough to be a nuisance.
Today we had another two-hour delay. The kids are getting used to the routine, seeing as this is the fourth in four weeks. (Add that to the snow day and early dismissal and the hours just tick away.)
My students know that on delays, there is no morning recess, no independent reading time before lunch, and the rest of our day is squeezed a bit or adjusted and carried over into the next day. We managed to finish all of language arts, social studies, and half of math. That lesson will be carried over into tomorrow. The kiddos know we are about business and have managed to try and calm themselves before entering the room in the morning. I have really appreciated that.
Friday is supposed to have flurries all day with another inch or so of precipitation. We are also supposed to get another storm toward the middle of next week; right before conferences. Joy. I remember a few years ago, conferences had to be rescheduled and done on teachers' own time because the snow was so bad. (If you've been reading a while, you know our conferences are usually done during a school day while the students have off.) A lot of unhappy people that year. I just want to have the snow pass early or late. No rescheduling, please!
Next Wednesday is Groundhog Day. I wonder what ol' Phil is going to tell us...as if we can't already guess. An early arrival of spring, if that were actually possible, would be truly appreciated right now.
January 24, 2011
Day 90: Back in the Saddle
It's Monday and we have gotten back into a routine! Yay! We reviewed spelling words, defined vocabulary, read and discussed a story, reviewed how to spell plural words, did Daily Edit, and read independently. We learned how to read a land and water map and create our own. We began our math test.
My kiddos seemed like their old selves today, working hard and eager to learn. It's a shame to think that this might go out the window come Wednesday; we are supposed to get yet another massive snowstorm depending on where the front falls. I really hope this one misses us; I just don't think I can take another one at this point!
I would like the front to move out all of this cold air, though. This morning I left the house to a balmy 8 degrees. The temperature did not get above 13 degrees. Sometimes I wish it were spring already because I hate being cold!
Ah well. We will be inside and working hard. We're back in the saddle, again!
My kiddos seemed like their old selves today, working hard and eager to learn. It's a shame to think that this might go out the window come Wednesday; we are supposed to get yet another massive snowstorm depending on where the front falls. I really hope this one misses us; I just don't think I can take another one at this point!
I would like the front to move out all of this cold air, though. This morning I left the house to a balmy 8 degrees. The temperature did not get above 13 degrees. Sometimes I wish it were spring already because I hate being cold!
Ah well. We will be inside and working hard. We're back in the saddle, again!
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