When May Comes...

Every year it happens.  May comes.  And every year since 2002, it's been the same for me.  

That was the year No Child Left Behind really took a foothold and third grade testing became a benchmark for promotion or retention.  There have always been tests.  Even when I was in school.  In the past, the purpose of testing wasn't so bad.  

I mean who DOESN'T want to know that their child is being taught at the highest level possible? And who wouldn't want to hold schools accountable for doing "right" by their "customers"--the students?  In the late 90's though, our state started giving every school a grade.  A report card if you will.  I suppose that'd be OK as long as we realize that we don't all start out on level ground.  

Some schools are filled with students that have every benefit in their lives.  They have parents that love them and give them many experiences upon which to build their education.  These students often have a zest for learning.   Others are filled with kids who wonder where their next meal will come from.  Or if Dad and Mom will fight again tonight...or even if they'll be home. Some come from places that are so impoverished that their lessons take place on the streets and have little or nothing to do with textbooks or pedagogy.     Still other schools are filled with a mixture of these two ends of the student spectrum.  Yet, we grade them all based on similar criteria.  

A few years after grading began is when we really had to look at individual students.  The third grade year was selected as a benchmark year.  After all, if a child can't read by the time he or she is eight or nine years old, there is probably a problem.  Thus, mandatory retention began.  The rule was (and is) that a child who scores in the lowest range on our state test MUST be retained in the third grade.  

Our lawmakers are not totally heartless.  No.  They developed some loopholes.  Some "good cause" criteria that allows a student to possibly be passed on when they score at the lowest level on the single assessment.  Here are a few of the criteria: 

*  If a child has been in the country less than 2 years and speaks no English, he or she can move to fourth grade.  

*  If a student demonstrates an acceptable level of performance on an alternative test.  

*  If a student has had an IEP for more than 2 years AND has been retained already at least ONE time. 

*  If a student has had intensive remediation in reading for more than two years AND has been retained TWO times.

So, every year, the scores come in and we find out who "didn't make it".  We look carefully to see if we can articulate for any of them based on the criteria.  And then we start documenting it all.  And every parent of every child who does not meet criteria gets a phone call home letting them know that their child...their pride and joy...didn't "pass" the third grade.  

Some years, the phone call sounds like one I had to make last week:  "Your child did not pass the state test again.  I know (_____) was in third grade for the last two years, but (_____) have to do third grade a THIRD time.  It's the law."  And it hurts me like CRAZY!  Three YEARS in the third grade???  For what!?!?!  

So, while I've called the "first timers" and even some who will now be on their "second retention in 4 years"...it's the one above that simply makes my passion flame.  (_____) has had a lot of remediation.  (_____) has had other test scores that indicate being on level or just below, but not failing.  There's even a twin who will be ahead of (______) now by TWO years if this goes through.  And a younger sibling who has also now passed (_____) by. (_____) will turn eleven years old in October. IT BREAKS MY HEART!  

Today, we broke the mold of checking one of the criteria and documenting it.  Today, we wrote a narrative to introduce those people who make the decisions to this child.  We are pleading the case and doing all we can under this law to help (_____) make it to the fourth grade. 

While I hate it, this is also the time of year when I know I'm doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I belong in education and at the school where I am.  For that, I am thankful.  

Still, tonight I'm whispering a prayer.  I'm praying this child, and all the others in our state with similar stories have someone to articulate for them.  I'm praying that someone will see the whole picture and make the right decision here.  After all, this child's future depends on it.  

He's 21 Today!

My DS 1 is 21 today!  He's away finishing up his AIT for the Army.  I have to admit that having him in the service makes me view Memorial Day a bit differently.  In many ways, today I celebrate him for two reasons.  First and foremost because he's my son.  And second because he's chosen to serve our country through military service.  

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was in the doctor's office on the 25th of May in KY hearing the news, "It's going to be at least two more weeks."  Two more weeks?  I had already been on "bed rest" for four weeks due to preterm labor!  I was going stir crazy!  Tears came easily as DH and I left that visit.  

We went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's where I had a mushroom burger.  Leaving lunch, I could barely walk my back suddenly hurt SO bad!  We headed back over to the doctor's office where the nurse told us, "You need to get to the hospital.  You're in labor!"  What???  

Just a few hours later we were able to hold our firstborn son in our arms.  I can remember nothing as sweet as knowing that he was ours.  I remember staring with wonder at the miracle of his birth.  

Now, 21 years later, I am still amazed at just how their life's journey goes.  It twists.  It turns. Some parts aren't so pretty.  But still, we can marvel at just what a miracle life is and how every twist and turn defines the man he is becoming.  

I couldn't be more proud of him or his accomplishments.  Happy birthday, son!  I love you!

Who Knew?

My DS 4 has been sick this week.  He's got a horrible cough and this morning it turned to "croup".  On Monday, I stayed home with him cause I wasn't feeling well.  On Tuesday, I had to go to a meeting, so DH stayed home with him.  Today, DH and I both had a full schedule...so we did what we normally do when that happens:

We called "back-up".  Our back-up is...GRANDMA!  She's run sick bay on more days than I can count over the years we've lived in the same town.  And she is always so pleasant about it.  I can't tell you how much of a blessing it is to be able to call her (and Grandpa) at 0'dark hundred and say, "can you?" and without hesitation they answer, "of course!"

Today, as DS 4 and I headed over to Grandma's, he was coughing.  I told him that it should settle down because he'd just taken meds.  He said, "I'm sure some of Grandma's Cinnamon Toast will help my throat feel better.  It's so warm and soothing."  

I have to say I never really considered the healing powers of cinnamon toast, but thanks to DS 4 now I know!  

A Confession and a Book Review

I've felt the guilt for months now.  Yesterday, my blogging friend Marilyn helped me realize it's time to come clean.  If you've read this blog for any time at all, then you know that I love to read and write book reviews to share with you.  For the past two years, my reading has been pretty consistent.  I reviewed 23 books in 2007 and 21 in 2008.  

I know some of you read much MORE than that.   I read quite a bit professionally in my line of work that I don't share here.  Still, my pleasure reading has fallen WAY down so far this year.  After finishing the Twilight series in December, it took me until NOW to finish a book!  I have t

hree more that I am in the midst of reading...with no idea when I'll get them finished.  

Anyway, at jury duty last week, I FINALLY completed my first book of the year, Finding Home by Jim Daly.  So, I say "better late than never" and thanks, Marilyn, for the swift kick in the rear!  

Jim Daly is currently the President of Focus on the Family ministries.  This book is HIS story.  Jim was born into a family that could have been the poster family for dysfunctional.  Here's a snippet of Publisher's Weekly's review:  

Daly's childhood family sorely needed focus: the last of five children born to aging alcoholics, young Jimmy experienced his father's abandonment, his stepfather's rages, his mother's death and several years with a gloriously insane foster family living next to their own personal garbage dump. He apparently avoided beatings and sexual abuse, though his chirpy coauthor rarely plumbs the depths of Daly's probable anguish. Rather than looking inward, the young adolescent developed a pragmatic philosophy of survival: "Keep your expectations low. That way you don't get hurt." 

And the list goes on.  He really had no faith background to speak of.  As a child, Jim lived in the projects with his single mother.  He witnessed a murder outside his bedroom window.   He was not permitted to visit his mother while she lay on her death bed due to his controlling stepfather.  Later, as a foster child, he was approached by an older foster brother with sexual intentions.  By God's grace, there was intervention for him in that situation.  

It almost seemed surreal when I read the book.  I kept asking myself, "HOW could one man experience so much heartache and despair, yet turn into the president of Focus?"  Jim does take the time to answer this question towards the end of his book.  Still, I think it's no less than a miracle.  With all of his experiences, statistics show he should be in prison or on the streets today.  It's evident, though, that God pursued Jim through all those years.  

This book should NEVER take anyone four months to read!  While reading, I was reminded again and again that every choice we make impacts someone else.  Some greater than others.  And, honestly, I found myself questioning some of the choices made by Jim's "family".  In some cases, like when they went to foster care, I wondered WHY?  He had an adult brother at that point. There were "nice family friends" in the suburbs that might have taken them in...or at least found better help for these kids.  Then, I wondered how many times I've had the chance to be someone's hope and yet turned my head.  

Jim's story is a great story of perseverance and hope.  It is in my favorite genre: biography.  And it reminds us that there are still people right in our own neighborhoods that need us to be avenues of hope and help in their time of need.  Most of all, though, it is a powerful picture that tells us our circumstances don't have to define the person we become.  That, ultimately, can and should be defined by God, our protector and creator who is there pursuing us with his grace even when we don't know or understand it.  I don't know a better (or more awesome) message than that!  

It's Monday and I'm not feeling great.  I stayed home from work because I can't even hold my head up!  UGH!  Here's a little update from my weekend:

Friday night was supposed to be the school carnival.  It rained, so it was canceled.  I won't say I was heartbroken.  I had been at school every night of last week until 8pm or later.  So, a night off was a blessing.  The carnival has been rescheduled to Thursday of this week.  I hate how busy the end of the year gets!  

Saturday I was back at school for our Kindergarten roundup.  Then I took DS 2 and 3 shopping.  DS 2 had a photo shoot on Sunday.  The directions were "Raid your parents' closets.  Think vintage."  So we went to Goodwill and then to the mall to get him new jeans.  It was a LONG afternoon, but we definitely found vintage!  

Sunday morning DS 2 and I headed to his photo shoot.  The room was filled with kids through adults.  Everyone had an appt. time.  We brought two LARGE suitcases FILLED with clothes for him.  I think he wore about 8 pieces total in the 4 hours we were there.  Still, they said "You cannot bring too much."  That's how they get options.  Now he goes to one rehearsal weekend and then will participate in the week long competition in several different categories this summer.  

We got home last night and I just CHILLED.  I was/am exhausted!  

I did get to talk to DS 1 this weekend.  He's doing well.  He's ready to head out to the final days of his training...which I guess is "in the field".  He's training to be a combat medic.  He says they have very expensive models/dummies that are computerized and look real.  The officers/trainers watch you from a room via cameras and you go into the field and "treat" the patient.  The people in the room can turn off things like bleeding when the procedures are done right.  

So, beside the fact that I don't feel great...all is well in our world.  Hope all's well in yours too!

The Circus Came to Town...

Tomorrow culminates a very busy week for me at school.  Every year our school (which has an Arts instructional focus) puts on a HUGE production.  You might remember a few years ago when DS 4 was in the Jungle Book.  He "skipped" last year's production and then got involved again this year for the "Greatest Show on Earth".   He was in the clown troupe and loved learning from a "real" Ringling Bros. clown!  

Here are a couple of pics of him in costume and on stage in the "bucket brigade".

In addition to our arts focus, we have several families who have traveled (or still travel) with major circuses in our country.  One of the neat tributes in this show was a film highlighting photos and video footage of these families in their circus performances.  

Two of the families even had their children perform special acts.  The Suarez family juggled.  And the Wallenda's (of the famous "Flying Wallendas") did tightrope.  Isn't that neat?  

My room has been a dressing room/holding room while we've waited to go on stage this week. This has made for some very interesting photo ops.  

The kids had a ball.  The teachers are WORN OUT!  I have to say, though, I am so thankful that I work in a place that does this sort of thing.  It helps kids discover avenues to exercise their creativity and opportunities to showcase their talents.  

Just look how BIG the cast was!  It truly was a GREAT show!

Finally, an Update!!

OK, I'm sitting here on Jury Duty, and I said to myself, "What better time to update your blog than now?" Soooooo, here we go:

These have been two crazy months for us. Spring fever hit me hard and I have done very little blogging and/or blog reading. I had other things that had to take priority and so they did. Since so much has happened in our lives, I'm going to do a person-by-person update:

DS 1 is in Texas finishing up his training for Army National Guard. DS 2 and my DH went out to see him a few weeks ago. They had a great time hanging out and playing disc golf. They went to the Alamo and saw some of the San Antonio sights. DS 1 will come back here in June (after graduation) and begin school at the University of Florida this Fall. He'll remain in the National Guard while he does that, then decide if he wants to fully enlist or not. I'm so proud of him! I just can't wait to see him again...cause I also miss him a great deal.

DS 2 has been busy finishing his first year of college. He's done well. Now he's going to compete in a national acting, modeling, and talent competition this summer. In that competition he'll be seen by hundreds of agents and casting people. I don't know what his future holds, but I sure am excited to watch it. I love it that he continues to learn and grow and seek God's best for him.

DS 3 was selected as the Sophomore Class President. He's doing well and is looking forward to the summer when he'll turn 15 and start DRIVING. It's a little weird, still, for me to think about the fact that he can fly a glider OVER my head and not drive. It will all align soon. Anyway, he's busy working out with his brother and also is developing a love for disc golf.

DS 4 is getting ready to be in the school play this week. They are doing the circus and he is a clown. He has had the opportunity to be trained by "real circus clowns" from clown college. He also tried out for our TV news crew at school and was selected for patrols next year. It's hard for me to believe that he's reached this stage of his life. Yet, I confess...I'm GLAD!!

DH has not traveled too much in recent weeks. He is helping a lot at the church we are attending. We moved to a new building and he is doing a lot of the coordination there. He'll begin traveling more in August...sounds like it'll be a good portion of August through October. Everyday when I come home and he has dinner ready or the laundry done, I know how blessed I am!! A week or so ago, I was thanking God for him and the word "steadfast" kept coming to my mind. The man IS steadfast and I'm so glad!!

As for me, I'm winding up another school year. My job is being eliminated, so it means I'll shift my focus next year. I'm so sad, though, because I have several colleagues who have either lost jobs or been moved to other schools unwillingly. It's a very HARD time in so many companies and organizations...and ours is no different. We do, however, have such a great staff that continues to support those who are having to move or be displaced. Everyday I am so sure that I am still doing exactly what I am called to do. I love that!

I spent a lovely day with my Mom yesterday. I feel a bit guilty that I don't get up there as often as I should. I am thankful for her and for the grace that she extends me regularly.

This week is going to be VERY busy! I am out every. single. night. My boss nominated me for "Literacy Teacher of the Year", so that banquet is tomorrow. I teach Wednesday night. Thursday is the circus. Friday is our carnival. Saturday is our Kindergarten Round-up. Sunday, we CRASH REST! I sincerely hope to get back to regular blogging very soon.

Well, the jury break is over and I am now going to wait some more. I think I'll do a little surfing and try to catch up with some of you.

Have a FABULOUS week!!