Start of many long days ahead

Well today is THE day when our youngest son, Michael, heads over to Iraq for his third tour of duty with his fellow Marines. I spoke to Michael this noontime and he was waiting at the airfield on Miramar, the base in San Diego, CA. His first tour was in Afghanistan, then in Iraq and now back to Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with him and ALL our troops over there. I am proud of his career and his choices but it doesn't make it any easier as a Marine Mom.

Adapted Physical Education

This year I am teaching 5 Adapted Physical Education (A.P.E.) classes for the first time since I started in Newburyport 15 years ago. I have my Master's degree in Adapted P.E. but it hasn't been acknowledged by the school system until now. I am not sure what the district's expectations are but I feel like we are not on the same page. I am thinking it is my job to go in and co-teach with the P.E. teacher in my student's regular P.E. class (I make the adaptations if necessary and work with student's to help include all) but all the classes I have been assigned are in an out of gym space with several students with a variety of special needs. I am trying to make the most of it for my students and for myself professionally but am surprised in this day and age that A.P.E. hasn't changed, at least not here in Newburyport.

Week #3

Well we have started full week #3 and schedule problems still exist, the longer they go on the harder they are to change but I have to keep reminding myself I am not the administrator so I guess it is not really my problem to solve but............... I have to try and live the schedule that was created. Keeping my chin up and hoping for the best is all I can do at this point. I have started teaching Adapted P.E. classes this year. I had just one last year at one school and am up to five at three schools this year. I love the classes and the wonderful kids I get to interact with. In addition to these classes I have 27 classes (grades K-3) at two schools. I love my kindergarten students they are so much fun to teach and are working hard at trying to control their little bodies from hitting the walls and falling down when they stop -- we'll get there-- in time.

Schedule issues

Arrived at school today for a Professional Day before the students start. After a district wide meeting with our Superintendent and Union President we went to our school building to receive information packets, including our teaching schedule, go through mandated training and meet new staff. Our schedules are always interesting but this year is exceptional. I was in awe of the places they had me and the times I was teaching over 30 classes some at the same time, some classes got over at 9:15 at one school and the next class started at another school (4 miles across town) at 9:15!! Last but not least I found out 2 of the classes were at a third school that I didn't even know was in the works...... of well I can teach whatever and wherever but I haven't figured out the same place at the same time or how to leave one class at one school and get to a different school within the same minute. I am sitting here at home tonight thinking it is not my problem that's what administrators are for right? Wait a minute those administrators made this schedule in the first place......... Here we go, the year is off and running, I'll let you know how the schedule final irons out.