Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The answer is no. I don't get to show the movie to the class. They say that they want to keep the rule about G movies only a firm rule and since there is a G-rated movie for the book available, then there isn't really a problem.

Yep, my bubble has been busted. The kids complained but I told them that a rule is a rule, and we need to follow it, without complaining. (I better go and change my heart and make sure my mouth stays closed so I follow my own instructions!)

Monday, May 26, 2008

A New Adventure

About 3 weeks ago, I told the principal that if Paul, the Math teacher, didn't leave, then I wanted Ann to teach 5th grade and I would teach Elementary Spanish(k-5) and Middle School Girls' PE. I offered to do Spanish because I love it and I want to get better at it for my future life. About a week later, I was told that, as of right now, I was going to teach 5th grade (without the math class) and 3,4, and 5th grade Spanish. It sounded good when he explained the time needed for teaching and prep. It would be less time to do the Spanish then the math. I said I would have to talk to the Spanish teacher first, but it sounded like it could work. After all, it would be less time. So, I was mentally preparing myself to do a BUTTLOAD of work.

I thank God for the friends he has given me. Erin brought me to my senses when we talked about it. She said, "Abby, don't do it. No way. You'll have 2 Learning Explosions (a themed-week) and Reading Week, and grading and learning 3 new 5th grade subjects, and then 3 new grades of Spanish to teach. You'll burn out. You'll hate it. Tell him no. You're not going to do it. I won't let you."

So, after that verbal beating (just kidding! It was the voice of reason-a voice I'm so grateful for!) I decided I'd write down the reasons why it'd be bad and talk to the principal.

A week later.....


On Friday, I was called to the Principal's office. Yes, it's still scary, even as an adult. The principal tells me that the math teacher is staying. Ann is teaching 5th grade. I am teaching.......elementary PE, (K-5) 6th grade PE (co-ed) and 7-8 grade PE (co-ed). AND 3-5 grade Spanish. I AM A SPECIALS TEACHER!!!

Let me tell you, so many emotions have been running rampant in my heart and so many thoughts have been taking my mind captive these past 4 days. Each day I wake up thinking, man, I'm the PE teacher. I was excited because this means SOOO much less work to take home. Thinking about that at the end of the school year always brings joy. I can wear workout clothes everyday! I won't have to do Learning Explosions or Reading Week or Standardized testing. But, I won't get to have fun with my OWN class of 12-16. I've grown so close to my kids this year. We have inside jokes and they feel so at home in my room. I WILL have a learning explosion-it's called Field Day. The MOTHER of all Learning Explosions. I won't get to teach reading-my passion. I have so many things, so many books in my room that I won't get to use next year. Where am I going to PUT all of my things???? I have the Spanish classroom, but I don't think that will work like I want it to. I got really down about not having my own classroom yesterday. Slight internal funk. Everyone I called to tell about the situation said, awww.....are you okay with this?

This morning, as I was journaling to God, He let me see how good this will be. This will be SOOO good. I view this time here in the states as training for me to get ready for teaching overseas. This is just one more area that I get to be trained in that I will be able to use on the mission field. Who knows what I'll be doing!! Spanish will make me study and get better at the language, which is what I've been longing to do for a long time. I will have created so many games for all ages of kids that I could teach anyone PE in any school. I can use sports as a ministry to get the kids of other countries interested in hearing the gospel. I need to also use this time to get into shape and practice what I preach to my students. I also get to have my 5th graders again!!!

I am enjoying this journey. Each step seems awkward and hard and different and unattainable with my strength, yet God is bigger than me. God is bigger than the Kindergarten PE class that won't listen. Bigger than the Middle school giving me attitude.

God is big and I'm along for the ride. New adventure, here I come!!!!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

This blog article has been removed as the writer has reread it and could see some possible things that could upset people and hurt me in the long run. It was a good rant, but it needs to be deleted. :-)

Monday, May 19, 2008

Fears

Possible Root Canal at 3:30.


AGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

17 days of school left....just 17 more days of school....I can do it! I can do it!! (looks at the clock, 11:45pm, Sunday night) I CAN'T DO IT!!!!!