The Positivity Project

So, here we are, back to the grind.

Yesterday, according to notes left by my substitute, did not go as well as I would have hoped.  There were no reported major behavior issues (outside of him, of course), and a few of my girls got into trouble for playing in the restroom.  The biggest problem that the class had was simply being talkative (mostly in the hallways).  Frustrating, but I guess not entirely surprising.

Aaaanyway.  Let’s move on to a list for today, shall we?  I’ll actually be borrowing some events from yesterday afternoon for today’s list, simply because yesterday was very eventful.

Today’s Silver Linings:

1. Let’s start with a super cool thing from yesterday.  I went back to my high school yesterday afternoon–mostly to do some work in the library, since my high school’s library is actually a small public library.  It’s always neat to go “home,” so to speak, and this day was a great one.  Firstly, I did get a good deal of work done.

2. On the same note, once the bell rang for the end of the school day, I was struck with the desire to look up a couple of my favorite teachers.  I luckily found my all-time favorite teacher (she was my AP Psych teacher).  She took a look at me, registered who I was, and gave me a huge hug (we haven’t seen each other since I graduated in 2004).  We talked and caught up for about 45 minutes.  She is exactly as I remember her–energetic, positive in spirit, and just revved up about teaching.  (And she told me I made her semester by visiting.  Score!)

3. I also popped over to my band director’s office, since he’s one of my favorite people, too, and ran into the father of one of my best friends–random!  So I visited with him, then spent some time chatting with my band director.  He, too, holds such a zeal for education.  It’s inspiring, and it’s really cool to visit him now as a fellow educator.  He shares pearls of wisdom with me every time I see him.

4. I had a very productive meeting with our school’s mentor coach today.  I feel like she shared some helpful tips and I have some great things I’m going to put into place very soon.

5. Wednesday means it’s soup supper time, though this is our last one.  That means we’re nearing the end of Lent!  Crazy!  Holy Week is next week!

6. It is once again quite beautiful outside.  Always a plus!

And that about does me for right now–gotta go pick up the kids from the cafeteria!  Hope your Wednesday is off to a great start!  Stay positive!

%%%%%% (Aaaaaaand, we’re back!) %%%%%%

7. I have discovered a way that I think will keep my kids better behaved in the hallways.  So pumped!  I’m turning hallway walking and bathroom breaks into girls vs boys competitions.  Whoever does the better overall job of following the hallway and bathroom rules gets 2 tickets for bathroom breaks, 1 ticket for a trip out of and back into the classroom.  And it’s all or nothing.  Today the boys blew me away and earned all of the tickets I handed out this afternoon.   I think it got my girls’ attention when they didn’t win what they thought they had in the bag, you know?

8. I think this new competition really motivated him, because he finally sees a way for his chances of going to the prize box to be raised.  Two birds, ya know?

9. Having an hour early release is pretty nice because it gives me more time to finish up report cards.  I mean, of course we’ll be having our PLC, but I’ll be able to start working on report cards with a good hour and half of time to focus on them before I have to head to church.

10. And that brings us to our always constant final reminder.  Today was pretty good, all things considered.  Maybe your day wasn’t.  But it really doesn’t matter, because tomorrow can be even better.

Happy Wednesday!  See you folks tomorrow!

This is going to be a whirlwind Wednesday!  There’s so much happening.

Here’s what I have to report so far, which is pretty cool considering the kids will be arriving any minute.

Today’s Silver Linings:

1.  I was really nervous about a conference this morning, but it went really well.  I love when I get the opportunity to work with parents who are supportive and understanding.

2. It’s an early Early Release day, meaning the kids are leaving at 1:15.  It has it’s pros and cons, but it’s kind of nice to have a day that’s a little more focused on instructional time.  The only interruption to my short amount of time with them today is to get lunch, and then we eat in the classroom.

3. It’s Wednesday, so you know what that means…soup supper!  It’s a wonderful chance to fellowship with my church family, my parents, and that special boy of mine.

I’ll check back in while we’re eating lunch.  Later taters!

—— (Here we are!) ——

4.  My lunch today is awesome, though lacking somewhat in the nutritional side of things.  Leftover mac & cheese, Wendy’s french fries (the new, yummy kind), and a bottle of water (hey, that’s kind of good for me, right?).

5.  I am currently enjoying said lunch in a classroom full of 21 silent students.  The silence just might be more delicious than my lunch.

6. It’s supposed to rain today, but that doesn’t matter because we can’t go outside on an early release day, anyway.  Good timing, I’d say.

7. We did a super fast lesson on capacity today and talked about cups, pints, quarts, and gallons.  I was amazed at how well my students caught on after just a few minutes of discussion.

8. Facebook has led to a very interesting meeting recently.  I’m excited to see what happens from being found by one of my mom’s old college roommates.  I’m even more excited at the prospect of possibly getting some pictures of her from back then! 😀

9. I know I already mentioned the soup supper, but for serious, Linda made some amazing chicken and dumplings…I’m not gonna lie; I’m pretty pumped.

10.  Aw, yay!  Ten again before the day is up.  I’m glad, though, because I don’t have much time this afternoon to pull much of anything together.  Happy Wednesday, and no worries–tomorrow can be even better than today!

See you folks on Thursday!