tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48031059239000260582024-03-05T21:01:24.537-07:00De Ann's ClanUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-11784107867105259592018-12-24T06:29:00.002-07:002018-12-24T06:40:59.135-07:00Christmas Eve Musings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just woke up. It is Christmas Eve and I have a migraine. My body hurts from head to toe. But that is nothing new. In fact, I asked Kyath if it was supposed to snow just yesterday. I could feel it. I couldn't move my hands very well. He looked it up. The weather app said it was a 60% chance of snow today and a 20% chance of snow tomorrow. Yeah right. I should have been a weather girl. People would be tuning in because of my dead on accuracy. Need a weather update? Just ask me. <br />
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As I lay in bed realizing that it had snowed, I began thanking my heavenly father for letting it snow when my family was safe in bed. The snow plows cleared the roads in the background as I wondered, what if my children were out driving when it started to snow? Would my children be safe from harm?<br />
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I prayed further, "Thank Thee for protecting my family from heartache that others have endured. Thank Thee for keeping us from losing a child. Thank Thee for making sure all of our pregnancies went full-term and resulted in live births. Thank Thee for helping my children to make wise choices that kept them from making mistakes that would lead them down the wrong paths. I have a good husband. My brothers and sister and their spouses are all good people and have been good influences on my family."<br />
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I pondered further, "And I am grateful we have a home. We have transportation (Even if one is dead and the other has the window stuck open with no heat). Our family has water that is fit for drinking without needing to go through purification before we drink it. We have heat and electricity. There is plenty of food. "<br />
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Finally, I prayed in gratitude for my physical aliments. "Thank Thee that I have been able to work full-time despite being exhausted and in pain most of the time. I have learned to work despite the constant migraines. I have grown so used to how I feel, that I can barely remember what it was like before." God has strengthened me in my trials. He has made me see my trials for what they are, growing opportunities. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-2604215650249746572018-12-21T06:36:00.000-07:002018-12-24T07:47:35.677-07:00Ready or Not<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has grown increasingly harder to drudge through life's obstacles. I look at all that is going on and just snicker when someone complains that their life is so hard. Really? Your life is hard because someone hurt your feelings? You are depressed because everything isn't going your way? Try feeling like a complete failure and wondering where to go from here.<br />
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Having a disagreement with someone is not the end of life itself. Losing money isn't the end either. What about struggling as a parent? Just what exactly is the end all? I will tell you a secret. When you hit what you think is rock bottom, things can always get worse. That is the most important time to thank the Lord for what he has done for you. He has stepped in and kept your life from erupting. Recognize his love and intervention in your part.<br />
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Depending on the day, I teeter between seeing the hilarity in my situation and wanting to stay in bed until it is over.<br />
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1. Mail woman refuses to deliver our mail because she is scared of dogs. We received a letter from the post office and put up a fence. They never sent another letter, but they ordered us to move our mailbox out to the street. I have been trying to straighten it out through the proper channels. So far, I haven't gotten anywhere. We had to rent a PO box to get our mail. We forwarded our mail, and yet we are not getting our packages. Kyath bought 7 home hubs for the yellow pod classrooms. I was really excited for them. They were all sent back. I am not sure is we will get them sent back to us or not.<br />
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2. Our neighbor came over to our house with the shotgun telling us he was going to shoot our dog. He was furious because Serious escaped and was in his yard. Don went off on him and told him to act normal. We called the cops. They surrounded the neighbor with their weapons. He talked to three different families in the neighborhood and has them mad at us. Tell me how this is our fault? They are mad that we called the cops. Some how they think it is normal to approach a neighbor with a gun and threaten their animal. So far nothing has come of the police report. He told the police he had his shotgun because he had been robbed a couple of months ago.<br />
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We hired a lawyer to send his grandfather a letter. The owner needs to be held accountable for letting the people live there that he does. We should not have to put up with the crazy people he has put in there over the years. Huber received the letter and called our lawyer yelling for an hour. It is crazy how protective you get as a parent. I have no problem with the fact that we hired an attorney to teach their family that they need to reign it in. There are laws that need to be followed. If his tenants decide not to follow laws, we have no choice but to enforce them through legal means.<br />
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3. I had a bump grow on my eyebrow. I just saw a dermatologist three months ago for my toe fungus on my big toe and to have a mole taken off of my cheek. The bump had grown rather fast. The doctor cut off the bump and had it tested. It came back as Basal Cell bla bla bla. I really shocked me. I don't know if it was because it was cancer, or because it was on my face and would leave a scar. It just changed everything. I finally had the Mals surgery and all of the cancerous cells were removed.<br />
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I have had a bump on my back since my car accident in August of 2012. I asked the doctor if she could get that removed as well. I figured if my chances have increased for cancer, I should get it tested as well. I scheduled the surgery, but realized too late that the two surgeries would be within a day of each other. The bump did not come out whole and they had to dig for the pieces. The numbing agent didn't go deep enough to dull the pain, so it was excruciating. I told Don it was not worth it to have the back one removed. It hurt way too much. My favorite part was when they denied me pain medication because they have moved away from giving pain killers. I just want to thank all the druggies out there that made it so I have had to heal this past week without pain killers. You suck rocks.<br />
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I have a scar that goes from the corner of my left eye to above my eyebrow. The scar is pretty puffy. I still have a black eye. I couldn't open my eye for a couple of days. My right eye suffered from fatigue because I was only using one eye. I really hated how hard it was to see. My glasses didnt fit over my gauze, do I really had limited vision.<br />
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4. I found a game system for Porter for his birthday/Christmas. I was so excited because it was a deal and I had research a great deal to find it. I bought it and received and e-mail that the order went through. It turned out that it was a scammer that took my money. They won't answer my emails and their web page is down. I talked to the bank and they said they would investigate it. I will probably get my money back. I will not, however, get the money back before Christmas and Porter's birthday. There is nothing I can really do. So I need to talk to Porter and help him prepare to be disappointed. It really sucks knowing that Porter isn't going to like Christmas.<br />
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5. Some of my children struggle with anxiety. I mean they really struggle. I don't want to give details here because it is way too personal for them, but it is a real issue that has involved counseling and medication.<br />
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6. Our main car for transportation died. We were driving out to Christian's Homecoming and the engine made a sickening sound the whole way there and back. Debbie and Ken followed us home to make sure we didn't die on the way home. It is officially dead. We have parked it ever since and used the truck and green car to get around. The green car, however, has a window stuck open and no heat. <br />
Did I mention these are just my December issues? Yeah. This, my friends, is just a December list. Stay strong friends. We can do this!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-62146239367424512642016-02-06T18:46:00.002-07:002018-12-24T07:49:36.279-07:00Average<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi. My name is De Ann Moore and I am average. <br />
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What is average? Average is right in the middle. It means I am just a normal person with normal abilities. So why is that so depressing. I live a world where I am told that I need to be special. I need to be the favorite friend, daughter, worker, and teacher. What happens to all the other people if I became the best or above average? It would put people under me. It makes me better than other people. How is that healthy? Since when does that make me better? <br />
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From my experience, I have more respect for the person that has all odds against him or her and he or she beats it anyway. I have a student this year that I am in the process of referring for Special Education. He struggles in math and reading. He is way below average. I have been working with him daily and watch as he works his way through tough math equations. He has to put in three times the amount of effort of the rest of the class. And yet, he has surpassed many students that do not put any effort into their work. He probably looks at everyone in the class and thinks he is not very smart. In my eyes, he is one of the most deserving students in the class. He may never score very well on tests. He may always struggle in school. But he has learned to give everything he has and then some.<br />
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I am reminded of people on my mission to Germany. There was one family in particular that was willing to change their entire lives to live the gospel. They had to get rid of all their old habits and replace them with better habits. They put forth effort to grow closer to God. I look at them and think they have far surpassed people that have been members their whole life and have never had to make major changes. Yet the world would still say they are not as great as the later.<br />
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What it comes down to is effort. How much effort does one have to put into something to be successful? If I were given the power to choose who was above average, who was average, and who was below average, my world would be different. The people who would deserve respect would be the hardest workers. People would be recognized for how they respond to challenges. But for right now, I am average.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-15001105926901177702015-06-16T16:52:00.003-06:002015-06-16T16:53:57.541-06:00Accident in 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Many of you know that I was in a car accident in August 2011. I was stopped on the freeway, when a car going about 65+mph rear ended me. I have had back, rib and neck problems ever since. I am still trying to get a settlement to cover my costs of the accident. That being said, I have some wise words of advice for anyone reading this.<br />
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1. Call your insurance right now and raise your PIP. I was at $3000, which is the lowest amount of coverage you are allowed. For just a few more dollars a month you can get up to $100,000 coverage. This is an account that is billed for all your medical expenses after an accident. After you use up the amount that you have, the rest is billed to the other insurance. <br />
It doesn't seem right that we should have to have so much coverage on our end if it isn't our fault, but it is something that I wish I would have done before my accident. The reason is simple, the other insurance will do whatever they can to get out of paying. Meanwhile, the bills keep piling up and even the lawyers can't keep the companies from reporting past due bills from the accident on your credit. <br />
If I would have had a higher PIP, I would have no bills waiting to be paid after the settlement. My insurance would be more eager to go after the other driver's insurance. I wouldn't have to spend so much of my time doing things that I thought the lawyers I hired should have already taken care of.<br />
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2. If you have Farmer's Insurance, change to another insurance. The woman that hit my car has Farmer's insurance. They offered me $700 for a totaled car (Worth +&2000). They offered me about $2,000 for all my medical bills (+$10,000). They are only looking out for their bottom line. I am a victimized victim.<br />
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I try not to complain about the accident. I will have daily pain the rest of my life because of this accident. I am just trying to get on with my life. I think it is about time Farmer's took responsibility. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-20511177381504655292015-05-29T15:00:00.000-06:002018-12-24T06:40:26.708-07:00No Longer in Remission<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I was on a mission for my church I came down with a debilitating disease. I had a hard time using my hands, walking, sitting, standing, ect. I saw many doctors and was told that it was Rheumatic Fever. I was giving penicillin everyday for nine months. I remember when the doctors used a needle to suck all the inflammation out of my knee. I was given steroids that I took at the beginning of the day to get me through the day. The doctors wanted to hospitalize me, but I wouldn't have it. I was not about to let my physical ailments stop me from serving.<br />
When I came home, my body was in bad shape. All my friends were coming off their missions and getting full-time jobs. I, on the other hand, was sitting in my dad's recliner. I remember going to the doctors and hearing one say that I did not have Rheumatic Fever. So I had an unidentifiable condition. I went through many treatments. Nothing really helped. <br />
It wasn't until I was pregnant that the symptoms improved. Don't get me wrong, I had hard pregnancies, but being pregnant took away the constant pain. I remember how surprised I was that the pain wasn't as bad as it had been for the last five years. I was finally in remission.<br />
What is remission? Well for me it means that I still have pain. I get sick easily. Tired is my middle name. I have many of the same symptoms as Fibromyalgia. But it is doable. It has been twenty years and the last fifteen I have managed to stay in remission.<br />
For about the last two weeks my body has flared up. My face turns red. My body hurts back how it did on my mission. It hurts to hold or touch anything. I lose my balance. I keep asking myself how I felt like this and was still able to proselyte. It makes me worried for the future. I wonder what it is going to take to get it back into remission. We still have five days left of school and I know just how hard it is going to be. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-2496139022920929682015-05-23T13:14:00.000-06:002015-05-23T13:14:23.095-06:00SAGE Testing and Other Things I Wish I Could Talk About<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We just finished up SAGE testing. I wish I could share all the things I think and feel about the testing. But as an educator, I can lose my teaching license. Any teacher can tell you the internal struggle they have as they give the tests and how they feel about end of testing only if you are another educator. It is like a cult of sorts. <br />
John Oliver really hit close to home with me when he talked about end of year testing. <a href="https://youtu.be/J6lyURyVz7k">https://youtu.be/J6lyURyVz7k</a> . I actually tossed my cookies during the last section on the math test. I said part of a question, then I would run into the coat room and throw up into a garbage can. I would come back and finish reading the question. It was quite the spectacle. I can guarantee my students did not do so hot on that section. I think I will the prize. Not to mention that I am the laughing stock of the entire faculty at my school. It's good to be me. <br />
There is a movement of parents opting out of testing. This movement is stronger among charter schools where parents have more contact with each other. I think of the demographics at our school, where 75% of my class speaks English as a second language. It is rare that my families can communicate with each other. I wonder how fair it is to compare schools with different amount of parental voice than others. So my school, with 75% English Language Learners are compared to another school where a greater majority of the students have opted out. <br />
I can hear family and friends arguing already. I am not trying to start a dispute. But until you come to my school, meet my kids, and understand my school's demographics, you don't really understand the discrepancy. <br />
Somewhere through the grapevine I heard that any student that opts out, will receive a score of 2 (out of 4) on the test. I am actually for that. Now let me explain. I have opted two of my children out of testing and had my other two children take the end of year testing. Teachers are not allowed to tell parents about opting out. Schools are not supposed to advertise the option of opting out. But in some communities, it is common knowledge. What about the communities where it is not common knowledge? The scores of the students that take the test are compared against each other. What if all of the underscoring students opt out of the test in a higher scoring school? But all the students, including underscoring students, take the test at my school? How is that fair? My ability as a teacher is determined by these tests. <br />
The whole testing system is flawed. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-30417411916166337712015-05-22T15:06:00.000-06:002018-12-24T06:38:42.881-07:00Sit Down and Shut Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The office called me yesterday to tell me there were parents in the office that wanted to meet with me and the principal. We decided to meet after school. There is nothing worse than knowing that a parent wants to meet with you and the principal. It is the anticipation that is the worst. After school the principal, vice-principal, both parents, and the school secretary (who was there to translate) came to my room. Talk about intimidating!<br />
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Apparently one of my students went home the day before and told her mom that I told her she was stupid and I threw her ruler across the room. Before I go on with the story, let me clarify that I would NEVER, EVER call a student "stupid". I repeat, I would NEVER, EVER call a student "stupid". You can imagine my surprise.<br />
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I told the parents I was glad they came to clarify the matter. I know I would freak out if a teacher ever said that to my kids. I would be at the school the next day wanting to know what happened too.<br />
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Luckily, and I never thought I would be grateful for this, the vice-principal was in the room when this alleged event happened. The vice-principal is being trained on observing teachers and giving them feedback. He chose three teachers in the school to observe every other week this year and I was one of the lucky ones. I think he chose me because we were both at the same school last year. <br />
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I told the parents that the vice-principal happened to be in the room at the time and asked him if he would tell them what had occurred. He retold how I had just given students clear directions to clear their desks. I waited until all students had cleared their desks. Then I asked students to talk to their partner about a specific math problem. As I was walking around, I noticed she had put her ruler back on her desk. I took it and gently tossed it on my desk that was three feet away. The vice-principal clarified that it was not done maliciously or in anger. <br />
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I told the parents I did not and would never tell their child she was stupid. I told them about all the good things I see in their child and how I act in class.<br />
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It is hard when a student says something that is not true. The parents tend to believe their child more than the teacher. I don't know what I would have done if the vice-principal hadn't happen to be in my class and was able to act as my witness. <br />
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I wondered why she would have said such a thing. I went to her first grade teacher to see how she was last year. What I heard, really cleared things up for me. Last year, she was caught stealing and lying. The teacher had contacted parents and told them she was a discipline problem. Things that make you go hmmmmm.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-12534213225169705822015-05-15T15:10:00.000-06:002018-12-24T06:38:00.148-07:00Insta-Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I swear I have been sick since the beginning of October. I went in to
Insta-Care and they told me my cold would go away sooner or later. I
went into my doctor two weeks later and she told me it was viral and to
keep waiting it out. Two weeks later I was at Insta-Care with a UTI.
The doctor gave me a prescription. It helped, but I still felt sick and
tired. A month later I went back to Insta-Care only to have them tell
me I had an upper respiratory infection and to wait it out. I took Ky
in a week later. He had an upper respiratory infection as well. They
told me to come back if he had a fever, a sore throat after two weeks,
or an ear ache. They said I should do the same thing if I had any
symptoms. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-42196577371051985082015-01-02T15:03:00.000-07:002015-05-31T15:05:30.664-06:00Esophageal Esophagitis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was diagnosed with Esophageal Esophagitis after my last biopsy. It means my throat is affected by what I eat. The doctor told me to go without dairy products and gluten. It has been a little while since then and it has been quite the experience.<br />
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I used to eat yogurt everyday. Cheese and other dairy products were pretty much my main food stays. I don't eat much meat, so cutting out dairy and gluten takes away a lot of my choices. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-37826039540117504882014-12-10T12:10:00.002-07:002014-12-10T12:10:53.712-07:00Deep Throat 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went in today for a throat scope. I thought I might feel better after the procedure. I was wrong. At least now I can take something for pain. They dilated my throat and took 4 biopsies. I asked the doctor what he found, but he said he wouldn't say anything until after the biopsies come back. Here is to more waiting.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-27058747123133385422014-12-06T14:54:00.000-07:002014-12-06T14:54:10.904-07:00The secret posts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Saturday is the only day I have time to post. So I was looking at the blog to see if I have posted every Saturday. There are some Saturdays without any posts, and yet they are on my list of posts. It is frustrating that there are experiences at work that I cannot share because I am an educator. I wish there was a way to share some of my classroom experiences without breaching confidentiality. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-6999893288116160202014-12-06T14:48:00.001-07:002014-12-06T14:48:15.100-07:00Report Cards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I sent out report cards this week. Students can get a 1-3, 3 being the highest, a p for passing, or an n for needs improvement. As I was doing the grades, I basically gave any student in the 90% a 3, 80% a 2, 70% a 1, 60% a p, and an N for anyone under 60%. I believe all students should be able to get a three if they earn it. <br />
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That being said, my class report cards were very low. It always seems that they are at the beginning of the year. I don't know if students are just used to getting a good grade despite not putting forth any effort. Once my students realize that I do expect them to work and earn their grade, most try harder. <br />
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As a teacher, I do not mark off points for late assignments. I send home a list of missing assignments every couple of weeks. I even attach all the missing assignments to the paper. There is a reason I give out an assignment. If a student hasn't done the assignment, I want them to take their time to get it done. <br />
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I send home a weekly calendar that lists all the homework assignments for the week so parents know what is due when. I am a working mother, so I try to make life easier for other working parents to keep track of what is happening at school. And yet, I still have parents surprised their child is missing assignments. <br />
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I can't wait to get feedback from the report cards. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-24129408790403929862014-12-06T14:34:00.002-07:002014-12-06T14:34:32.539-07:00Christmas and Neighborhood Cats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went to put up our tree last week. As Porter and I were straightening out the branches I smelled a urine odor. I kept straightening out the branches hoping I was just imagining it. But there was no denying it. Something got to our tree. The only thing I can think of is neighborhood cats. Stupid cats. We threw the tree away. <br />
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We ended up getting a real tree this year. It looks fabulous. It doesn't smell like urine either. If anyone has connections to artificial trees for next year, send me a line. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-14277327741250850092014-12-06T14:14:00.002-07:002014-12-06T14:20:54.900-07:00Deep Throat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I went in to Insta-Care last week with a sore throat. I was sure they were going to tell me I had strep. They did a strep test and a chest x-ray. They narrowed it down to my throat. They encouraged me to see my doctor. I saw her the next day. She made me an appointment with a Gastrologist. When they called me to set the appointment they asked me if I was on any Tylenol, Aleve, ect. My answer was yes. My doctor put me on it after the car accident two years ago. I take it morning and night. I was told that I had to stop taking it for a week and then I could go in to get a scope. <br />
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I try not to be a person to complain, but this week has been so hard. Asking me to go without pain medication for a week is one of the cruelest things to ask me to do. I have suffered from arthritis since my mission. I was hurt in a car accident two years ago. Naproxin is the only thing that gets me through the day. I am trying hard not to be grumpy.<br />
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My appointment is this Wednesday. I had a scope two years ago. When I did they stretched my throat and I could not eat solid food for three days. They told me I would be able to eat solid food later that day. I asked my sister, who had the procedure before, if she could eat after, she said it wasn't a problem for her. So I know my throat does not react well to being stretched. I am afraid that I will not be able to eat for a couple of days after and I won't be able to talk. <br />
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My symptoms are a persistent cough and sore throat. It hurts to talk and to eat. Cough drops and Popsicles hardly help. I can't wait to find out what is going on and finally take care of it.<br />
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My mom has had throat problems. I called her to ask her what her symptoms were. I was surprised to hear that none of it had to do with pain, heartburn yes, pain- not particularly. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-74670609183271330242014-11-22T10:35:00.000-07:002014-12-06T14:35:30.756-07:00Just Call Him Mr. McFeely<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="http://dupagechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mr-mcfeely-website-header-image.gif" class="decoded" src="http://dupagechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mr-mcfeely-website-header-image.gif" /><br />
<br />
Don started working as a substitute mail carrier for the post office about a week ago. He is working in the Millcreek area off of 3300 South. He is limping around like an old man. He runs from house to house because he has to have the mail delivered before 5:00 P.M. There was one day that he was way behind. But yesterday he seemed to be getting a hang of it. I keep waiting for the neighborhood dogs to realize he is a mailman an to go wild as soon as he drives up. <br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4164217">http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4164217</a> <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-409997886933559652014-11-22T10:07:00.001-07:002014-11-22T10:07:48.015-07:00Praise Orrin Hatch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I sent Orrin Hatch a link to my blog. I really did not expect an answer. I just wanted to let the senators and representatives know a teacher's point of view about current education. I thought it was classy that he responded. I also sent links to Mia Love, Jason Chavetz, Mike Lee, and Chris Stewart. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-82955916497756471162014-11-22T09:51:00.001-07:002014-11-22T09:51:09.714-07:00Orrin Hatch response<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img align="top" alt="US Senator Orrin G. Hatch" border="1" src="https://blu180.mail.live.com/Handlers/ImageProxy.mvc?bicild=&canary=PcRaYz2MWZvzR3KQbtOCxryWl62nBQVxBa4VRYfbFis%3d0&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hatch.senate.gov%2fpublic%2f_cache%2ffiles%2ff61ba8b8-999f-4529-8bb2-a9b250fb4f9d%2fHatch%2520Heading.png" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="ecxNormal ecxDocDefaults " style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Dear Mrs. Moore:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">
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<div class="ecxNormal ecxDocDefaults " style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Thank you for contacting me to express concern with SAGE
testing and the use of test results to measure student and teacher
performance. As an educator, I appreciate the role that you play in
preparing future generations of society and am glad you shared with me
some of your thoughts on testing. I welcome the opportunity to respond. </div>
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As you know, the Student Assessment of Growth and Excellence
(SAGE) is Utah’s assessment system aligned to the state’s core
standards. In your blog, you assert that placing too much emphasis on
SAGE and other test results fail to actually improve the education of
students. I believe that we should do all we can to teach children, and
equip them with the needed skills to succeed in an increasingly global
society. </div>
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<br /></div>
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While there are a variety of thoughts and opinions on what
role testing should play in measuring student success, ultimately I
believe these decisions are most effectively made at the state and local
levels with appropriate federal support. I believe with more local
control parents, teachers, and administrators will be able to address
and implement the needed changes in local schools. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="ecxNormal ecxDocDefaults " style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">
As choices regarding curriculum and testing standards for
Utah students are primarily made at the state and local level, I would
encourage you to share your concerns with your representatives in the
Utah State Legislature and with state education officials. You can find
their information by visiting <a href="http://le.utah.gov/" target="_blank"><span class="ecxHyperlink0 ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">http://le.utah.gov/</span></a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="ecxNormal ecxDocDefaults " style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span class="ecxdefaultparagraphfont0 ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">Again, thank you for writing to me.</span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="ecxdefaultparagraphfont1 ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">
I hope you continue to share your concerns and suggestions with me in
the future. If you would like to have regular updates on my work in the
U.S. Senate, I encourage you to subscribe to my</span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://hatch.hilltopcms.com/subscribe" target="_blank"><span class="ecxhyperlink ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: underline;">E-newsletter</span></a><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span class="ecxdefaultparagraphfont1 ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">, visit my</span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Senator-Orrin-Hatch/428762107243540" target="_blank"><span class="ecxhyperlink ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="ecxdefaultparagraphfont1 ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">page, and follow me on</span><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/SenOrrinHatch" target="_blank"><span class="ecxhyperlink ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span></a><span class="ecxapple-converted-space ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span class="ecxdefaultparagraphfont1 ecxDefaultParagraphFont " style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-59154502678405756912014-11-14T18:59:00.002-07:002014-11-22T14:43:18.359-07:00Life as a Teacher<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2sUn0WZbthBmOzsrEa7a_oK5Gt0sC4pq4hOe5KmRX0Uq5DEzRrxLgoe7fRjNxsKnG0MAaju4pMT1Nva1h2hYq6dPa9eGhw8S0I11KDQkgWqbhNY_HttEAkKNJS67_0YdJagkwn0M_ljV/s1600/educational-system-comic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2sUn0WZbthBmOzsrEa7a_oK5Gt0sC4pq4hOe5KmRX0Uq5DEzRrxLgoe7fRjNxsKnG0MAaju4pMT1Nva1h2hYq6dPa9eGhw8S0I11KDQkgWqbhNY_HttEAkKNJS67_0YdJagkwn0M_ljV/s1600/educational-system-comic.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Life as a teacher is much different than it used to be. Teachers used to be appreciated. When students struggled, it was up to the student to improve. Nowadays, if students are below or struggling, it is blamed on the teacher. When I first started teaching, I agreed with this concept. I felt it was my duty as a teacher to get all the students up to grade level and fill in all the gaps. What I didn't have was experience actually teaching.<br />
<br />
What I see now is that there are students that should have been held back a grade and are still allowed to move up to the next grade. This is something done in Utah, but not most other states. In fact, in Nevada, students have to pass end of year exams. In their last year of school, they must pass a huge exam before they can get their degree. In Utah, elementary school and junior high school, students can fail all their classes and tests and still go on. Students learn fast that it really doesn't matter if they put any effort into school, because they are not held accountable. <br />
<br />
I have a student that should not be in second grade. He does not know how to sit in a chair. He can't add single digits (We are adding triple digits currently) and cannot read one syllable words. Yet, he is in second grade and I am expected to have him up to second grade level by the end of the year. I approached the parents about getting him tested for special interventions. Their response was that I hate their son and haven't realized how smart he is. They refused special testing and any thing else that I have suggested, because I "hate him". He doesn't have a coat. I tried to get him School Bell and Shop with a Cop so that he could get the clothes he needed. His parents were livid. I have my hands tied. I cannot get him tested without parental
consent. I cannot get him the services he needs to be successful. <br />
<br />
My district mandates end of level tests for every unit. The tests are called "Interims". These results go to the principal, vice-principal, and the district. After the tests, we have a meeting where our results are compared to other teachers in the school and district. The district insists that the results have no bearing on the teacher whatsoever. But yet, these results are brought up in evaluation meetings throughout the year.<br />
<br />
The 2nd language arts interim mandated by the district includes two different stories that students read and answer questions. There are also questions about spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. The district has specified that the teachers are only allowed to read the questions and not give any extra help. Students must read the story on their own.<br />
<br />
So I gave my students the 2nd language arts interim yesterday and today. In my class, I have 18 students that have grown up speaking a different language other than English. I have many students that cannot read grade level texts. Three of my students cannot read. My question is, how is it fair that I cannot read the stories to my students? How are my students supposed to answer questions to something that they themselves cannot read?<br />
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So much emphasis is put on testing and results. This is ineffective. We should follow Finland's example. Finland uses a non-competitive educational system. They do not put students under testing stress or competition. They are one of the most successful countries of the world. Japan, #1 in education, includes testing but limits the length of said tests and does not over test. American is putting their emphasis on the wrong thing. The worst part, I have no say.<br />
<br />
After seven years of teaching, a B.A. in Elementary Education, a Masters in Education with an emphasis on reading, and an ESL endorsement, I know my students' strengths and weaknesses. I know ahead of time whether a student has mastered a concept and whether they will pass an end of unit assessment. I know which students are not intellectually mature enough to understand a concept. I know which students will pass with flying colors. The state and the country does not seem to understand this. More trust needs to be put into the teachers.<br />
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<img alt="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0120/7052/files/test_cartoon.jpg?700" class="decoded" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0120/7052/files/test_cartoon.jpg?700" /> <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-31999948845339279582014-11-02T12:02:00.001-07:002014-11-02T12:02:46.134-07:00SAGE testing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZNzqAczLui7S42Dz9H_ITJ5pfv6iZk_MnEWKAaIYQDYtRNwyp44wjl0pf_ETzLBQq_CAuUjqV-88V0MBXkuxkjtGIXqo7vCWJ0a5bvd275g9WqFijKXxSsbLyov32STO6krYWRd6fpqk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-02+at+11.57.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZNzqAczLui7S42Dz9H_ITJ5pfv6iZk_MnEWKAaIYQDYtRNwyp44wjl0pf_ETzLBQq_CAuUjqV-88V0MBXkuxkjtGIXqo7vCWJ0a5bvd275g9WqFijKXxSsbLyov32STO6krYWRd6fpqk/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-11-02+at+11.57.28+AM.png" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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The above screen shot is a practice question on the SAGE for fifth grade math. Notice how students need to drag the numbers to the correct spot. It is not multiple choice in this instance.<br />
<br />
I have read and listened to news agencies explain SAGE testing and I am not impressed. I am not sure how they can even call it reporting when they have such misinformation. SAGE testing cannot be compared to CRT tests in any way. News agencies have reported that students scores went down and that shows students are not as educated as they have been in the past. This is like comparing apples to oranges. They are two different beasts.<br />
<br />
At a faculty meeting we were discussing how to get correct information out to the public. We decided the best way was to send individual results home to parents and then invite parents to a meeting where they could find out more about SAGE testing. One teacher suggested putting some actual questions from the SAGE test up on a screen to show parents the difference of SAGE questions verses CRT questions. What a concept! <br />
<br />
CRT tests measured students ability to regurgitate answers. Students were given a choice of A, B,C, or D. They colored in one circle and went on the the next question. Growing up I was taught that if I didn't know the answer, I should just choose C. Over the years, it became clear that students were not really being tested on what they knew, but one their ability to take tests. <br />
<br />
SAGE tests are set up to measure comprehension. Many questions have more than one answer. Some questions tell students to choose all the correct answers to a question. There could be three choices that need to be selected in order to get a question correct. Most questions have students prove that their answer is correct. Students need to provide a proof drawing that the answer they have is correct by drawing a picture of some sort to show their pathway of thinking. <br />
<br />
As a teacher, it was difficult administering the SAGE test last year. I would see students only choosing one answer when it said to select all the right answers. I would see students soaring through the test, not even reading the stories that went with the questions. The hardest was when it was a question that I had taught all year, and the student wrote the wrong answer. I am restricted as a test administrator and am only allowed to say certain things. So to know that a student wasn't done with a test and having to allow them to submit the test, it was a lesson in endurance. <br />
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The SAGE test is a measuring tool for teachers to know what they have taught well and what they should spend more time teaching in the future. It is also an indicator of what level a student in on in reading, science, and math. <br />
<br />
That being said, parents are at liberty to write their
school district and board of education and insist that their student not take the SAGE test. I
believe there are certain students that would be better off not taking
the test. I have opted Kyath out of taking SAGE tests. They are more of a disservice to him. He shuts down and has a melt down when he takes tests. Porter, Zander, and Dresden (when she is in third grade) will continue to take SAGE tests.<br />
<br />
As a parent, you should go to www.sageportal.org and try working on some of the SAGE questions. Then you will know if the CRT and SAGE test results can be compared. You will find as I have, that the only thing SAGE can be compared to is SAGE. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-64807218092733316142014-11-02T11:29:00.000-07:002014-11-02T11:29:01.988-07:00Praying for Trails<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A Counselor in my bishopric bore his testimony about trials and how trials strengthen him in the areas he needs strength. He said he had been praying for trials so he can learn the things he needs to learn. I kept thinking the entire rest of sacrament meeting about how I can't pray for more trials because I haven't overcome the ones I have. Is there a time limit on trials? Do some last until you learn what you are supposed to learn? What if I never learn what I am supposed to learn from a trial? Does that mean those trials will never go away?<br />
<br />
There were some great testimonies and I did listen to them. But I still had this nagging voice in the background telling me what I am supposed to learn from my trials. I kept thinking about these lessons and what was keeping me from learning what I needed to learn. I came away from sacrament with a pounding headache. <br />
<br />
It seems like Sundays are the days that I look at my shortcomings and realize how far off track I am. I am disappointed in me and I wish I was that person I knew I was going to become when I was a child. It makes me think of the decisions I have made and made me wonder how I got here in the first place. <br />
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I don't think that I earn special trials come just because of mistakes I myself have made. Trials can come because of those around me and the choices they have made, among other things. Sometimes trials come to teach me things I need to know in the future. Trials don't always come just because of a bad choice. Trails are just a part of life. It is hard looking just in the present and trying to understand why I am dealing with the things I am dealing with. <br />
<br />
When I met with my mission president on the last day of my mission, I told him that I didn't feel like I had served a mission. He was puzzled by my statement. I tried to explain that I thought I would finish my mission being exalted because of all my hard work. Instead, it was just the end of one experience and the beginning of another. <br />
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So, when can this phase of my life end and lead to friendlier, easier phases? Please don't tell me that it keeps getting harder. I would like to believe that there are easier days ahead. I am not trying to be negative. I am just trying to understand why life gets so hard sometimes.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-15149421996659334662014-09-28T11:57:00.002-06:002014-09-28T11:58:57.989-06:00Living the Dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One Saturday when I was helping to clean the ward, I asked the man in charge how he was doing. He looked me in the eye and said, "Living the dream." I have taken that and used it as my own response when people ask me how I am doing.<br />
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I was talking to Robin yesterday at Amanda's wedding and I explained that it was really good that I went to East Germany on my mission. On my mission, I learned to appreciate the bare necessities. I remember the apartment where we had to build fires to keep warm. I remember the split where there was a VERY limited amount of hot/warm water. I remember the month in a new companionship when the companion had already spent most of her money for the month before she was transferred and we survived on the money that I had left for that month. Then there was the other companion that spent all her money and I once again helped our companionship float until the next month. These were all experiences that formed who I am. I expect little and am appreciative for anything and everything. <br />
<br />
So how does this all tie in? Well, things are pretty stressful right now. But I can still say I am living the dream. I have running hot and cold water. I have heat and electricity. My family is healthy (maybe not mentally, but that is a subject for another time). I have a job. We have food. We are very blessed. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-41605403079054238892014-09-13T21:26:00.001-06:002014-09-13T21:26:26.709-06:00So Tired<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I went to bed at 7:00 PM last night and I didn't wake up until 10:00 AM this morning. Then I took a three hour nap today. I know it is from depression. I need to get on top of this. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-73438285297785696872014-09-10T19:08:00.001-06:002014-09-10T19:08:52.327-06:00Life Changing Events<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After 18 years of working at the church, Don quit his job September 1st. He says the atmosphere has been far from heavenly. It was hard for him to work with the individuals in the office. Don has been elated to be away from his job. He has been working hard at home trying to clean the house and keep everyone fed. <br />
<br />
One might ask how I am taking it...I am in survival mode. I know that Don needed to get a different job. It just seemed like such a toxic atmosphere. But the stress that I feel is overpowering. I now carry the benefits for the family. I am stressed with the knowledge that I am the sole provider for the family when I just don't feel like a mother should have to work. I really think that when Don gets another job, he will make more than he was and it will be better for our family in the long run. <br />
<br />
The contrast between Don's and my stress are very divergent. Don feels happy for the first time in a long time. I, on the other hand, have been very grumpy and short with people. I have had a headache all week. I went in to InstaCare yesterday and I have a UTI infection. I switched our insurance to my name and they couldn't find me in the system at InstaCare and at the pharmacy. I finally just payed cash to get the antibiotics. <br />
<br />
I stayed up all night because I didn't feel well and I took today off. Hopefully I will feel better by tomorrow because I have no choice but to be at the top of my game.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-34879063993337103462014-08-31T06:43:00.000-06:002018-12-24T06:47:45.409-07:00Dr. Lew Gardner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After my last post, I am a little afraid of posting. There were so many strong reactions on Facebook, that I am hesitant. But yet, here I am. I want to focus this post on the stress teachers are facing. Here's hoping that people will understand what I am trying to get across.<br />
<br />
Being a teacher has its ups and downs. I truly love teaching. I could do without the negativity and criticism that I face daily. I know I am not alone in this matter.<br />
<br />
I worked in the SLCSD from 1995-2007 before I came back to the district last year. Back them I had my teaching degree, but worked as a Family Support Specialist working as a liaison between families and Government programs. I remember a specific principal that everyone praised. He was being moved to a position at the district and everyone was ecstatic. We were going to have someone at the district that had been down in the trenches with the best of them and knew what it was like. I am being non-specific for a reason, as I still work for the district.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to today. This is my seventh year of teaching. I have worked with some great principals and some terrible principals. The great ones have always been positive and focused on what I was doing right and how to get better. The terrible principals were negative and found only negative things to say, squelching my enthusiasm. I have always been a better teacher the years that I have supportive principals. <br />
<br />
Of the seven years I have taught, I have had a great principal for two years. One year my principal was okay. Four of the years, I have worked with terrible, mean people. This year is one of the great years. So I have nothing but praises for Dr. Lew Gardner. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4803105923900026058.post-87399538909132806972014-08-05T14:00:00.000-06:002018-12-19T19:45:26.282-07:00Ogden Temple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We went to the Ogden Temple open house today. We were pleasantly surprised after the fiasco at the Brigham City Temple. It was a perfect day and a good time to spend time with my family.<br />
<br />
When we went to the Brigham City one it was poorly planned. They had the line go through a parking garage and showed the video there in the boiling garage. There was a girl in front of us that actually passed out. Then it was very crowded in the temple itself. So many people came back from that open house with the stories of great experiences, but not my family. <br />
<br />
The Ogden Temple open house was much better. They had the video in the Conference Center. Then there was plenty of room for people to walk through the temple. I was able to take my family though vaguely explaining each room. I love the Celestial Room. Zander wanted to touch the water in the baptismal font. Don wanted to talk to the temple recorder. Kyath asked questions. Porter is at scout camp, so he missed it. Dresden just wanted to keep the booties afterwards. They even had a spot in the visitors tent where we were able to take a picture of our family in front of a huge picture. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0