Currently June

Well, I'll be...it is June and the end is in sight...almost! The last day with kiddos is June 9th, but I will be teaching two weeks of Collge for Kids...a summer school program at our local University. I get to teach engineering classes...STEM for 4-6th graders and my daughter this year along with our art teacher are doing a STEAM unit for two weeks for outgoing 1st-2nd graders. Everything from cities, circuses, safaris, and transportation...45 minutes to do the engineering and book connections...and 45 minutes for the art connection! Right after that....I am going to the energy fest...think hippie fest and energy all in one place! Woo Wee!!! I can't wait to post pictures!

Currently...though...I am thanking Farley...over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for hosting Currently!


Here in Wisconsin, we start school after Labor Day due to our tourism industry. Now, it's the 2nd and I still have ONE more week to go!

There are a lot of things to do before the end of this month and then I can breath. Easy Taco Bar...here we come for our graduation party! This should make it a bit easier as I am in class right up until the day of her grad party. Yikes. Pack it in!

I thought it would be easier with the second child going, but I am still sad that time just flew by. I get sad that this is my child that I tried hard to connect to, but it wasn't always easy. I will miss her as she goes off to college!

As for the stressers this year on teachers here in Wisconsin, Teacher Effectiveness has really been a challenge. The computer system it is set up on "Teach Scape" is unorganized and spending countless hours trying to prove that I am a Proficient teacher has taken me away from planning for kids and being with my family. My husband and I both were on "summative" year. Has anyone else felt the pain? Any other states having their teachers show artifacts and write learning objectives? Would love to hear from you...wanting to know if we are all alone... We also have to (in our district starting this year...) having to get credentialed with 8 extra hours of time outside of the school day on classes that they want us to take. One more thing on a teacher's platter.

Summer I see you...and I can't wait!

7 comments:

  1. Mrs. L.June 2, 2015 at 8:54 AM

    The end is in sight for you! Hope you have a nice finish to your school year :)

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  2. UnknownJune 2, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Renee,
    Hi! I completely understand your pain with teacher evaluations. In Louisiana we have COMPASS, and the expectations are VERY hard to achieve in a short amount of time. It's a shame we have to stress over observations and evaluations :( In happy news, I'm glad you will have your family in town over the summer! Enjoy your break in 6 days!

    Maegan @ Third Grade BROWN-ies

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 2, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    Renee,
    Hi! I completely understand your pain with teacher evaluations. In Louisiana we have COMPASS, and the expectations are VERY hard to achieve in a short amount of time. It's a shame we have to stress over observations and evaluations :( In happy news, I'm glad you will have your family in town over the summer! Enjoy your break in 6 days!

    Maegan @ Third Grade BROWN-ies

    ReplyDelete
  4. Carrie HJune 2, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    I don't think it gets easier when children leave the nest. Even when I look forward to a changing kind of relationship with the child leaving and the one at home, it still hurts as a Momma to let her go. It does for me anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Teaching AutismJune 2, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    You're nearly there!! Keep going and Summer vacation will so be worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 3, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    In Tennessee we are evaluated four times each year. We have weekly data testing and PLC's, plus all the other stressors you mentioned. It's hard being a teacher these days! I hope you have a fun, relaxing summer! Carol's Teaching Garden

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wendy PJune 4, 2015 at 2:42 PM

    Well today is June 4th so Happy Summer to you! Oooooh I would love to teach College for kids class. Sounds like so much fun! I wanted to start a STEM summer camp here but have no idea where to start. Kids growing up can be tough! They just do it way too fast. Enjoy your time with them this summer.

    ReplyDelete