Day 133: What Happened to Spring?

Well?  What happened to it?!?

Wednesday was cold and off-and-on rainy.  By dinnertime, it had turned into one of those drizzly, miserable days that make you want to curl up on the sofa with a cookie, a warm drink, and the TV remote or good book.  By bedtime, it was sleeting with rain mixed in and a prediction for snow in the morning.  Further predictions were made for the early part of next week for a mixture of snow and ice.

Sigh.

April begins Friday.  Can somebody please bring on the spring?

Day 121: Snow Make Up-Again

Friday, March 11, was our second snow make up day.  The students didn't seem to mind that they were in school.  In fact, they rather welcomed it!

Thing is, we were reading about dinosaurs.  If I know nothing else, I know that all you need to do is mention the word "dinosaur" and all eyes and ears are yours.  Additionally, we were creating our new habitat for our milkweed bug colony in science.  (Yes, live insects!)  I don't mind the insects in my room, but I have had parents in the past avoid visiting whenever we had our colonies (three in a year).  Sad thing is, I think the eggs are dead.  They are supposed to be yellow, red, or orange.  Mine (and those of the other second-grade teachers) have turned to a dull shade of brown.  Methinks we will have to reorder!

I also let the children know we would be working on our animal reports, with the specifics to be covered on Tuesday (no school Monday).  That was exciting news for them, too.  Almost as exciting as the dinosaurs.  Ah well.  We can't all be rock stars!

Day 108: Yet ANOTHER Two-Hour Delay!

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...

Day 107: President's Day/Make-Up Day

Last week was SO beautiful! 

And then...

There was today. 

The day started with the remnants of a sleet/rain mix that fell overnight.  And the temperature dropped from there.  The difference between the high today and the low tomorrow is just over 20 degrees.  Brr!  Oh yeah, and to top it off, we are supposed to get between 3 and 6 inches of snow tonight.  *Groan.*  I secretly hope that we don't get anything because I just can't bring myself to face another delay or possible snow day. I really have had enough of those.

On an up note, we accomplished a lot today.  The kids were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. We finished our thank-you notes for Donors Choose, and will finish our Officer Buckle and Gloria letters tomorrow (hopefully!).   We also gave reports on Presidents and reviewed for a math test (even a surprise visit by the principal during math time didn't slow us down!).

I really pray that my students will work as well for the substitute while I'm gone.  They are a pretty good bunch of kids, but just like all children, they can have their moments/days.  I think/hope they'll do fine.

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? 

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!

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.

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.

Day 92: Early Dismissal

I awoke to an inch or so of powdery snow blanketing my car, the street, the yard, and the sidewalks.  It looked quite peaceful.  I was very happy to see on the news ticker that my school district did NOT have a delay, NOR did it have a snow day!  Yes!  The storm that was supposed to dump several inches on the area overnight before a second storm front arrives had been merciful; we caught the edge of the front (hence the inch or so of snow when I awoke). 

I went to school, began my day, and began feeling optimistic about the remaining part of the day.  (The minor flurries stopped around 9:15.)  My class is just about caught back up (minus a day's work) and we were cruising along.  We did Daily Edit, reviewed singular and plural possessive nouns, practiced how to write a comparison response question, reviewed inferences, read, and began centers.  Life was looking good.

And then...

"Teachers, please check your e-mails for an important announcement.  Thank you," blared over the P.A. system around 10:40.  I knew instantly what it was: early dismissal notice.

We were dismissed an hour early today to allow buses enough time to make their routes safely.  So beginning at 2:40, children were leaving the building in droves.  I left the building after checking the radar online so I would have an idea of how to proceed for tomorrow.  (FYI:  It's looking like a delay or possible snow day.)  I wrote my morning work on the board, sprayed my desks and other surfaces with Lysol, and walked out into a sleet/rain/snow mixture.  (Wet. Heavy. Precipitation. SO not like the powder I woke up to this morning.) 

In the near two-plus-change hours I have been home, the precipitation has gone from sleet to light rain back to sleet.  Actually, a quick peek out the window just now has revealed that the sleet has given way to giant snowflakes (or snowpuffs?  They look like shredded cotton balls).  We are supposed to get snow throughout the evening, stopping around 1 a.m.

While I don't like the idea of a delay, I really don't like the idea of another snow day.  I know districts do make-up days differently.  My current district takes days off of breaks already on the calendar, like Easter/Spring break.  My old district added them onto the end of the school year, up to a limit.  Our first snow day will be made up in March.  No days off that month, not even an inservice.  If we have a snow day tomorrow, that day will more than likely be made up during our Easter/Spring break (which, at this moment consists of the Thursday before Easter through that following Monday.  Aside from Winter break, it's our longest of the year.)  It will be interesting to see what happens.

I'd rather have a delay--if anything--and use that time to finish up report cards. (You remember my issues with those on an earlier post.)

*Sigh.* I guess we'll find out in the pre-dawn hours.

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!  

Day 89: Another Delay

Today was yet another snow delay.  In the past three weeks, we have had three 2-hour delays and one snow day.  This week alone was a snow day and a delay.  It's very hard to catch up on things with all of these interruptions. 

Case in point: Second quarter ends Monday.  But we still haven't gotten in our unit 6 test for math, which is supposed to be included on this marking period's grades.  So my kiddos had to take home the unit review for homework this weekend so we can take the test next week.  I usually do not give weekend homework aside from the required reading.  But seeing as we only had 2.5 days of school this week, I don't feel too bad about it, especially since we have been reviewing this unit since last week.

Our writing projects are finally finished.  (Yes!)  We are extending our end of the unit review in language arts through next week.  These 2.5 days was just not enough to read and compare two stories, do some test prep questions, review phonics from the unit, review vocabulary, and do spelling.  Some of that just had to be pushed to next week.  So we will be closer to our goal of being caught up there.  The nice thing is that our theme tests for language arts do not follow a quarterly guideline due to the way the units are set up.  Which is nice, because then I would REALLY be freaking out.

No more snow is forecasted until the end of next week, and I'm okay with that.  I feel like I can finally breathe and get some things done.  I'm sure the children appreciate it, too, because they will have a sense of normalcy/routine again.

On to the weekend!

Day 87: Recovery From Our First Snow Day!

Wednesday, January 18, was supposed to be Day 87.  However, due to several inches of snow and an extra coating of ice, we had our first snow day.  So Day 87 was today.

Can I just tell you how much I don't like snow right now?  In the past three weeks, I have had one interruption a week--two snow delays and one snow day.  We are forecasted to get another 3-4 inches tomorrow night into Friday morning.  So I could literally have a 2-day week this week.  The kids are excited over this prospect; I am not.

You know how hard it is to catch up on missed work.  Compound that by three (now possibly four, depending on the forecast).  I am three days behind in language arts now and am having a hard time catching up.  Case in point, the first day back from a long weekend (today) was a crazy day.  The children came back after a three-turned-four-day weekend.  They had an assembly this afternoon.  On top of that, I had two IEP (special education) meetings--one in the morning, one in the afternoon--covered by a sub.  There was no recess today, and I had computer lab.  Breaks today: 1, and that was lunch.  What did we accomplish today?  We began a story, defined vocabulary, did two days' worth of Daily Edit, read aloud, reviewed nouns, and independent reading.  We talked about landforms and did a math sheet.  There was no real time for a full math lesson today.  And then it was time for dismissal.

Tomorrow is the day the Scholastic staff members are visiting my room.  I am praying that I can actually get some real teaching in during the day while they are absorbing.  We have no scheduled interruptions--thank goodness!  I'll let you know how it goes!