My mentor teacher once gave me this benign advice: "Be poor, but be happy. Don't teach summer school." I taught summer for the only time in 2008, and it was fine. I submitted my application to teach both sessions this summer. Whatever it takes to keep my body and mind busy...
Teaching Saturday mornings is no fun. I lose my Friday nights and get to sleep in, at most, only once a week. I teach the math group, and have had as many as 37 kids for four and a half hours of remedial math. Yikes! But I value the opportunity to work with a few dedicated and talented teachers. I also gain an appreciation for special education teachers. For the past few weeks, I've been working with several RSP students. They're great boys, but teaching them posts a different level of challenge. It's uplifting to see them trying their hardest. I hope they'll earn their high school diploma soon.
Though the completion of my thesis is progressing slowly, and my work load is at an all-time high, I remain optimistic. Coming up in May, I will attend a LINK CREW training in Temecula. LINK CREW is a high school transition program that increases freshmen success. It will be an fantastic four-day leadership development. I have heard many good things about this training. I thank Mr. Perdomo, my school's assistant principle of activities, for his selection. I am very honored. And frankly, it'll be good for me to go away for a few days.
More importantly, towards the end of summer, I will attend another four-day advanced placement institute for Statistics in Palos Verdes Peninsula. I thank Mrs. Gayton, my school's assistant principle of curriculum, for this opportunity. An AP Stats teacher told me that the institute is a critical part of developing a strong program. It is happening much sooner than I hoped, my goal and dream of teaching statistics is slowly becoming a reality.
Our team lost another tough match Monday afternoon. While we improved upon our score (9-12) from Friday (6-15) against the same school, our lost eliminated our chances to be league champions this year. I reminded the players that we are winners as long as we give it our all, respect the opponents, and play the game with dignity. We still need to prepare for two more league matches this week.
I rarely take days off from teaching. In fact, I've never taken a sick day. Today, I took a personal necessity (PN) day from teaching to do homework as a graduate student. Due to my coaching duties after school and teaching Saturdays, I don't have much time to do my homework. I'm working on my thesis at the Cal Poly Library, the topic is on using technology in the classroom. My busy schedule, heavy workload, lack of exercise, and personal challenges have kept me from concentrating fully in this beautiful building. I'm almost convinced that it will never be complete...but to achieve my goals, I must press on and move forward.
Our team fought a tough matchup against our rival school Friday. We lost 6-15 to a very strong team. As long as we play with full effort, I'm proud of my players regardless if we finish first or last in the league. We're currently 6-1 in league play, with three more matches this coming week before individual league Pre-Lims and Finals.
This is a big week for the badminton team. We play three matches, including one against the top team in the league. During practice today, I decided to play competitively against our players. I beat our #1 singles guy 11-3, 11-8. Then, I played doubles with the boys. While down 2-12 in the third set, we came back to win 17-16.
By chance, I spoke with a senior kid while walking back to class during lunch. I simply asked how he was doing. He said that he's sensing some anxiety as the year is coming to an end. He is unassured of how the changes will be like after high school. Knowing that he is a good kid (he is the president of Link Crew - a leader among leaders), I told him that he is ready to move on. I also told him that people, in general, fear change, and that we need young leaders like him to make changes to improve the world. He was never my student, but I'm excited to see what changes he'll bring in the future. Go Andrew!
Our JV and varsity badminton teams both won today, both scores were 11 - 10. It's as close as it gets. I told the players at the end, even had we lost, I'm still proud of them. Huge credit to Sierra Vista - good players and better kids. We will face tough challenges this week.
Truth be told - I had no intention to coach badminton when I started here at Gladstone. Yet, I see this opportunity both as a responsibility and as a blessing.
Alicia Keys said that this is one of her favorite songs. It was my favorite performance of her show.
"Pray for Forgiveness" - Live/Abridged Version
Beautiful garden, where have you gone?
my self delusions are leaving me in the storm Taking for granted, all the goodness that I've found somewhere I lost all, the control came crashing down.
and I pray for forgiveness, look for the answers cause its hard for me to pretend I look to my mother, call to the captain can't you see this state that I'm in and nobody knows this, nobody noticed that it's me where it began
and I pray for forgiveness within I swear that everyday I feel like my mind is haunting me I think of every little stupid mistake that has been made This time I don't have the strength to gather myself I'm falling to pieces
And I pray for forgiveness, look for the answers cause its hard for me to pretend I pray for forgiveness, looking for justice searching for answers, call to my mother
nobody knows this, nobody noticed that it's me where it began
The varsity kids wanted a different shirt. I remember when I was a high school player, the shirts were the same for both varsity and JV players. I think it's better to have just one shirt...but I know it's not about me.
I'm not a fan of reality T.V. I rarely watch T.V. since I don't own one. Here is a great talk, however, by a show host who strives to make big changes in the American school.
I have not seen his show, but have heard positive things about it.
