It is good to have a break. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind between school and youth group. It was good to go to bed last night and know that I could just wake up "whenever". Granted, now that I'm getting "older"- my body naturally wakes up between 7:30-8:00am. Not those "wake up at 2pm" kind of days from my youth. Oh well.
It was a short week at school- but full. Monday was my 1st of 6 observations this year. I planned to teach a science lesson to my reading skills kids. They were well-behaved. I overplanned and we barely made it to the end of the lesson- but I think it went well overall. I have two more planned for December. They will be English lessons which shouldn't be hard to do in my reading class.
We had a 1/2 day on Wednesday- but I stayed late to wrap up some items. That way, I could go home and truly have nothing to do for school. Next week will be a short week. I'm taking a day off on Wednesday since I have to visit the dentist/doctor- haven't seen them in awhile- but now I have insurance!! Thursday will be another round of due process hearings- fun times.
Our church is doing something new this year. Instead of our usual Christmas program- they are stretching it out over 5 weeks. Using a VBS program called Bethlehem Village, each SS morning for the 5 weeks of Advent, will feature 1 day of the program. The attenders move through "Bethlehem Village" in tribal groups. They have a gathering time and the main teaching is done through a drama illustrating the Christmas story. They travel to various shops- the dye shop, music shop, toy shop, farmer's market etc... I like that we are doing something different and new- and hope that it will attract people from within our church to attend SS faithfully as well as create an opportunity visitors. I am in charge of the music shop. We will do the same thing each week- make a small flute. I have to put together a sample and get a costume tomorrow. I think the whole program will focus us more on the birth of Christ.
Otherwise- I don't have a ton of activities planned for the holidays. We'll take our teens to the mall for Christmas shopping. The teens are also holding an evening of Christmas caroling for the church. I signed up to be a secret santa at school with our staff members. At first, I declined- feeling a bit overwhelmed with to-do's. But, then I figured I'd miss out if I didn't. We are hosting a New Year's retreat for the teens- which should be a lot of fun but I will have to do most of the planning. Then, the new year starts with Snow Camp in Feb, Teens Involved around the corner! It never ends!!
Well-
I have that long to-do list that never seems to shorten. But, I do plan to take some time this weekend to read. Haven't done that in so long. And, to relax with the family and some friends.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day- I am truly thankful and blessed to have friends like you!
Love
Elisabeth
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
School happenings....
This has been a most crazy week at school- so here are some stories
- During homeroom, I have a crowd of freshmen boys that hang out in my room. They don't hang out because they like me- just that it happens to be their ring-leader's homeroom and I don't kick them out. Last week, they were mumurring about one of their group not getting along with a sophomore. I didn't pay too much attention to it.
Monday morning, before homeroom began, this poofy haired boy walked into my class and shoved the desk of the little freshmen- with him in it. I think words were exchanged but I didn't hear them. I went after the boy, and told him that he needed to go to the office- to which he replied, "what the F#*@!" I brought him to the office along with his little pack of cronies that were swearing all the way. When I told his case manager- she was surprised since he is the "sweetest, quietest boy"- well, he isn't. Now, everytime he looks at me, I think he is going to take out a knife and slash my throat- the daggers I get!
- I had to schedule a PPT meeting for one of my students. He has been suspended- oh I don't know, at least 30 days this year so far- so I have probably had him in class maybe 10? And that is being generous. After his last suspension, he just decided to stop coming to school (though he showed up on Halloween with really scary make up on and and even scarier friend - I escorted them both to the office an they eventually ran out of the building before homeroom). Still, we needed to have a PPT to decide what to do and get info from his mom. Scheduling PPT's are not easy because there are so many required players in the meeting, and everyone has to be able to attend. Finally I got it scheduled. Then, this week we heard he was arrested and in jail. No one could or would post his bond. Come to find out- he stole $11,000 from an ATM machine- worked 2hrs with a crowbar trying to get the darn thing open (now if he only put that time, focus and effort into his schoolwork). So- he is in jail and will probably remain there for awhile since he had other charges pending against him.
- On a lighter note- my Reading skills boys are hilarious (sadly in an off-color way). They totally misread a sentence in the book we are reading- and turned it into "Brokeback Mountain style"- all my good attempts to re-direct them and stop the giggling were fruitless. I have to admit I laughed....okay, I laughed a lot. They are so funny and too cute. It is a pretty funny story that I'll share when I see you if you want.
- There are more stories- but I'm tired. I still really like my job- but I am growing more aware of the challenges and LEGAL responsibility I have. Pray that I am able to manage my time to complete the things I HAVE to do. I have my first observation on Monday (first of 6 this year)- so if you think of me, pray for calmness- it also just happens to be with my worst behaved class- and that is a whole other blog!
Love to you all....
- During homeroom, I have a crowd of freshmen boys that hang out in my room. They don't hang out because they like me- just that it happens to be their ring-leader's homeroom and I don't kick them out. Last week, they were mumurring about one of their group not getting along with a sophomore. I didn't pay too much attention to it.
Monday morning, before homeroom began, this poofy haired boy walked into my class and shoved the desk of the little freshmen- with him in it. I think words were exchanged but I didn't hear them. I went after the boy, and told him that he needed to go to the office- to which he replied, "what the F#*@!" I brought him to the office along with his little pack of cronies that were swearing all the way. When I told his case manager- she was surprised since he is the "sweetest, quietest boy"- well, he isn't. Now, everytime he looks at me, I think he is going to take out a knife and slash my throat- the daggers I get!
- I had to schedule a PPT meeting for one of my students. He has been suspended- oh I don't know, at least 30 days this year so far- so I have probably had him in class maybe 10? And that is being generous. After his last suspension, he just decided to stop coming to school (though he showed up on Halloween with really scary make up on and and even scarier friend - I escorted them both to the office an they eventually ran out of the building before homeroom). Still, we needed to have a PPT to decide what to do and get info from his mom. Scheduling PPT's are not easy because there are so many required players in the meeting, and everyone has to be able to attend. Finally I got it scheduled. Then, this week we heard he was arrested and in jail. No one could or would post his bond. Come to find out- he stole $11,000 from an ATM machine- worked 2hrs with a crowbar trying to get the darn thing open (now if he only put that time, focus and effort into his schoolwork). So- he is in jail and will probably remain there for awhile since he had other charges pending against him.
- On a lighter note- my Reading skills boys are hilarious (sadly in an off-color way). They totally misread a sentence in the book we are reading- and turned it into "Brokeback Mountain style"- all my good attempts to re-direct them and stop the giggling were fruitless. I have to admit I laughed....okay, I laughed a lot. They are so funny and too cute. It is a pretty funny story that I'll share when I see you if you want.
- There are more stories- but I'm tired. I still really like my job- but I am growing more aware of the challenges and LEGAL responsibility I have. Pray that I am able to manage my time to complete the things I HAVE to do. I have my first observation on Monday (first of 6 this year)- so if you think of me, pray for calmness- it also just happens to be with my worst behaved class- and that is a whole other blog!
Love to you all....
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Not as young as I used to be....
Last night was Superbowl...or was that this morning???
We had a good time- didn't lose anyone and no one was incredibly injured.
The teens seemed to have a good time- they all interact well with each other.
Four teens came because of sponsored tickets and two of them made decisions for Christ!!
A huge thank-you to Melissa and Rob for joining me and helping out!
We had a good time- didn't lose anyone and no one was incredibly injured.
The teens seemed to have a good time- they all interact well with each other.
Four teens came because of sponsored tickets and two of them made decisions for Christ!!
A huge thank-you to Melissa and Rob for joining me and helping out!
A few pictures of the madness....
And they say they aren't anti-social
Some of the gang...
I actually broke 100 in bowling....it was a first!
(I discovered I do better with really light balls)
Two of our boys...showing us how it's done!
I felt like this....
Friday, November 10, 2006
Playing Catch Up
I'm sorry that the days between blog updates are so few and far between- I'm sure you are all sitting by your computers waiting with baited breath.
School is going well. I was looking forward to leaving early yesterday and not taking home any work when I suddenly realized that all my big projects are due next week! Panic set in! So- my long weekend will be full of a HOPE meeting, Superbowl, Bebo's birthday party and then paperwork. But it's all right! I have my first PPT next week- chances are I will prepare for it and the family won't show- so we'll end up rescheduling. That's life I guess.
Teen club is going well. We have Superbowl tonight in Providence. 18 are going plus 3 adults. God help me stay awake. I'm such an old lady these days. 9pm in bed! Thank goodness I don't have to drive. We are really seeing some good things happen in and through our kids. Some are taking good steps in growth. Everyweek we have new visitors - and they keep coming back!! That is always encouraging-especially when that voice of doubt creeps in. We have had some major issues already this year- but God continues to give grace and wisdom. Pray that we continually use it!
We had a HOPE meeting last night with a contact in Wallingford. This is a pastor that also works with a mission in Haiti. It was very encouraging to have him read over our material and say "wow- this looks good. You're on the right track! I wish we had done that!". He offered a lot of good advice regarding projects, fundraising and pitfalls they have found themselves in. So, now I have to also finish up our upcoming newsletter and the non-profit form. Then, I think the next step will be putting together a DVD presentation on Pestel that we can send to churches etc... Plus, a website. Hmmmm- wish I had taken more tech classes. But it is amazing what you can do on your little laptops these days!
The family is well. I feel bad that I hardle see them- just in and out. When I'm home, I'm usually chained to the computer working on something (lately, I'll admit, it has been catching up on LOST episodes- I love that they are free online because I never am able to catch anything on TV anymore). But- they keep busy. I'm really looking forward to the holidays. Things do seem to slow down then. I've already started playing Christmas music.
Well- I should hit the to-do list sometime today before I have to get ready to go.
Wish there was something extremely exciting to share- but I can't think of anything.
I'll leave you with a few pics from Teen Club!
We held a Harvest Party for the Olympians three weeks ago! I overplanned, so we had to come back the following week to do the crafts, face painting and balloon animals. The kids enjoyed the hayride and games the week before! Our teens were awesome- serving the children and their leaders!
This is a picture from STORM- the evangelistic really we had two weeks ago! The kids were getting ready to play a game! We saw a new side to our teens that night! We are seeing God do great things in the boys pictured here. Very exciting!!
School is going well. I was looking forward to leaving early yesterday and not taking home any work when I suddenly realized that all my big projects are due next week! Panic set in! So- my long weekend will be full of a HOPE meeting, Superbowl, Bebo's birthday party and then paperwork. But it's all right! I have my first PPT next week- chances are I will prepare for it and the family won't show- so we'll end up rescheduling. That's life I guess.
Teen club is going well. We have Superbowl tonight in Providence. 18 are going plus 3 adults. God help me stay awake. I'm such an old lady these days. 9pm in bed! Thank goodness I don't have to drive. We are really seeing some good things happen in and through our kids. Some are taking good steps in growth. Everyweek we have new visitors - and they keep coming back!! That is always encouraging-especially when that voice of doubt creeps in. We have had some major issues already this year- but God continues to give grace and wisdom. Pray that we continually use it!
We had a HOPE meeting last night with a contact in Wallingford. This is a pastor that also works with a mission in Haiti. It was very encouraging to have him read over our material and say "wow- this looks good. You're on the right track! I wish we had done that!". He offered a lot of good advice regarding projects, fundraising and pitfalls they have found themselves in. So, now I have to also finish up our upcoming newsletter and the non-profit form. Then, I think the next step will be putting together a DVD presentation on Pestel that we can send to churches etc... Plus, a website. Hmmmm- wish I had taken more tech classes. But it is amazing what you can do on your little laptops these days!
The family is well. I feel bad that I hardle see them- just in and out. When I'm home, I'm usually chained to the computer working on something (lately, I'll admit, it has been catching up on LOST episodes- I love that they are free online because I never am able to catch anything on TV anymore). But- they keep busy. I'm really looking forward to the holidays. Things do seem to slow down then. I've already started playing Christmas music.
Well- I should hit the to-do list sometime today before I have to get ready to go.
Wish there was something extremely exciting to share- but I can't think of anything.
I'll leave you with a few pics from Teen Club!
We held a Harvest Party for the Olympians three weeks ago! I overplanned, so we had to come back the following week to do the crafts, face painting and balloon animals. The kids enjoyed the hayride and games the week before! Our teens were awesome- serving the children and their leaders!
This is a picture from STORM- the evangelistic really we had two weeks ago! The kids were getting ready to play a game! We saw a new side to our teens that night! We are seeing God do great things in the boys pictured here. Very exciting!!
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