Thursday, May 30, 2013

Ever in your favor

So, I decided to copy this idea from an elementary school teacher last year. It's a letter I write (brand new for each year) and give to my students. And, on each letter, I write a handwritten note to each student. Yes, it takes some time...but when my former students were coming up to me and telling me they had last year's letter on their wall, or seniors I had last year were asking, "When are we getting our letters?" well...I knew I had to keep up the tradition.

So, here it is:

Dear Senior of 2013,

I’m sure on the first day of school, I came across a lot like this: 




Hopefully, as we’ve gotten to know each other, I’ve been able to show you not only my passion for teaching, but also how much I care about you. Even if we don’t necessarily get along all the time or you think I don’t like you, be assured that I do care about you, your education, and your future. You are, and always will be, very precious to me. You’re one of my kids, and nothing could ever change that (sorry for going all “mom” on you; I’m getting sentimental in my old age).
            This was your last year of high school. Wow! That thought should excite and motivate you, and maybe even scare you slightly. I want to avoid the cliché “keep working hard” or “dream big” advice, so I’ll give you something slightly different.
Here is my NUMBER ONE piece of advice to you: read! Read books, read magazines, read newspapers, read blogs. You have all read at LEAST three books this year (supposedly)…think about how many you could read this summer! And you could ENJOY them, too! I remember you all looking at me like I was a crazy person when I told you that you’d be reading three books in one semester, but guess what? YOU DID IT. I watched you read silently throughout the year, annoyed when I’d say it was time to move on. I watched many of you read more than you have in your lives, even though it sounded impossible at first.
That segues into my second piece of advice for you: aim high. This is different than “dream big.” To me, dreaming big implies that your head is full of ideas, but you don’t take action. Aiming high means you have aspirations and goals, and you take the appropriate steps to get there. You work hard. You make sacrifices. You suck it up and do what it takes to go somewhere and do something productive, influential, and meaningful with your life. Set the bar higher, not lower, and you will achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Whatever your plans are, outline the steps you must take to get there. Additionally, remember that it’s normal and acceptable to alter your life plan numerous times. It’s ok to change your mind! You CAN reach your goals, but you must work hard and plan appropriately. As John Wooden (my personal role model) once stated, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Be prepared this coming year, and take the summer to reflect on where your life is going and if you are becoming the person you want to be.
Finally, I want to thank you for all you’ve taught me. I’ve learned what the Harlem Shake is. I’ve listened to Trey Songz. I’ve discovered the beauty of your writing, the depth of your passion for your family and friends, and the desire you have to make a difference in the world. I’ve learned about your job interviews, your struggles with your relationships, and your favorite TV shows (which are mostly ones I don’t watch, but that’s ok). You have each taught me something, and for that, I am forever connected and indebted to you. I have learned patience, for sure! I’ve learned how to apologize when I’m wrong and accept your apologies when you’re wrong. I’ve learned that I am, in fact, overboard, and that I “do too much” and that sometimes I “be wil’in” (not even sure if that’s how to spell it…but you probably don’t know, either).
You’ve made me laugh. You’ve impressed me with your kindness, maturity, and thoughtfulness. You’ve taught me never to judge based on appearances or first impressions and to always give second chances.  You’ve taught me to be a more creative, hardworking teacher, and for that, I thank you.
I hope you have learned something from me, too, even if it wasn’t academic. You probably learned that sarcasm is my second language, that I love cats and reading, and that I can bake a pretty delicious cookie. You’ve learned I’m the only person in my family to graduate from college (you and I may even have that in common someday) and that I love learning. You definitely learned that the second person always gets caught and that being tardy isn’t the best idea ever ;) Truly, if learned something in my class this year, then my year was a success.
            Please stay in touch…come back and visit…find me at graduation (I’ll be the blubbering mess with mascara streaking down her face)
            And, of course, no letter from me would be complete without some poetry:
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”  - Dr. Seuss

I wish you all the best, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Love,



Mrs. S.

Monday, May 27, 2013

The grass is greener

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE teaching high school English and could not see myself doing anything else at this time in my life.

I'm not complaining.
 I'm not unhappy.
I'm just trying to offer some perspective.

Anyway...it's about this time of year that many well-meaning people offer their thoughts about how I get the summers off because I'm a teacher. The grass is always greener...you know how the saying goes ;)

Why yes. Yes, I do get the summers off. And forgive me if I sound a tad bit "ranty" here, but I'm tired of people implying that I am OH SO LUCKY to get a couple months off. Let me remind you of a few things...

1) If you wanted the summers off, you could become a teacher, too. Just sayin'.

2) My "hours" are, technically, 8:30 a.m - 4:15 p.m., but I work some more in the evenings (grading and planning) and on the weekends (grading and planning). I have never, ever worked less than 45 hours a week and, when I sit down to calculate it, I work closer to 55. I bring work home, and I take it with me to volleyball tournaments, and it is constantly on my mind.

3) But can't you grade during planning? Ah, yes. I get 90 minutes of planning...every other day. During that time, I also have to make copies, call parents, run errands around campus, have meetings with parents/counselors/administrators...you get the picture.

4) I didn't get a raise this year (technically, yes, but that money went right back to the state retirement fund) and won't next year. I don't get bonuses or make commission.

5) The county no longer has the budget to do tuition reimbursement. So, getting my Master's will come out of my own pocket.

6) If I ever want to schedule an appointment during the day (doctor, dentist, etc.), I have to take a personal day or half-day from work. No leaving early or coming in late or going during lunch.

7) It's emotionally exhausting to love and pour yourself into 125+ kids every day. If I didn't get a break, I'd break down, literally.

8) I spend some of the summer teaching to make some extra money; this year, that money will go to saving for grad school/paying for my summer class. Most teachers I know either teach summer school or are involved in educational endeavors over the summer.

So, yes, I get some of June and July off, and if I didn't coach volleyball, I'd get most of August off. I am SO THANKFUL I do, because if I didn't, I would not be able to do my job.

My point is this:
All jobs have their pros and cons.
Comparing is foolish.
The grass is always greener on the other side.
Please stop making comments about how lucky I am to have the summer off. I busted my tail for ten months and earned it.



Friday, May 24, 2013

Am I a good enough teacher?

This has been a tough week. My SOL test scores dropped so much compared to last year. A few seniors are going to fail my English class, and I've been BEGGED to make exceptions and provide extensive extra credit (I've said "no").

I've been losing sleep and not eating well, wondering, "Am I a good enough teacher for these kids?" and "Am I making the right decision by still working them at the end of the year, even if that makes them hate me?" and "Is letting them fail the right thing to do?" Many tears have been shed, and many med ball slams and runs have been done with great zeal in order to release frustration ;)

Then, the following verse came to mind... "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

I can't be someone else.
I can only be me.
Others may be richer, more popular, or more successful, but I shouldn't measure myself by comparing.
I shouldn't be trying to seek others' approval.
I should do the best I can with what I've been given.
I should teach in a way that maximizes my gifts and talents.
I should love and serve my kids every day the way the Lord calls me to, whether or not it's popular.
I should do what is right and ethical, even if that means a kid fails 12th grade English.

I should...but I don't.

This past year as a teacher has truly, honestly been a "character building" experience. When I was in college, I thought I was just going to naturally be the most amazing teacher ever. Real life has been a RUDE awakening. My kids have, literally, been "rude" awakenings, if you catch my drift ;)

But, I can't imagine anything else I'd rather be doing right now.

Here's to a three-day weekend with time to reflect over a cup of coffee and a good book, and a fresh week next week to impact the lives of young people!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Farmer's Market!

Today, I went to a local farmer's market. It wasn't nearly as good as the one in Harrisonburg, but it was pretty darn neat. If you've never checked one out, definitely look and see if there's one in your hometown; it's a FANTASTIC way to support local businesses!

A few tips...

1) Bring your own bags. Some vendors have plastic bags, but if you want to reduce impact on the environment, bring your own. I have some bags I made out of t-shirts and some other bags, like one I got for participating in a 10K, so I didn't even have to buy any :)

2) Ask questions! Talk to vendors about their products. Get to know the vendor's business philosophy. If organic produce is important to you, ask about whether or not their produce is organic.

3) Ask where else you can buy their products. I discovered the DELICIOUS AnnaB's Gluten Free Bakery today and learned they sell their products in a few local markets. P.S. Their cranberry orange muffins are to die for. Yum!

4) Bring cash!

5) Sample new items! Who knows? Maybe you'll like strawberry rhubarb pie or goat cheese?

What's your local farmer's market like?



Sunday, May 12, 2013

Don't Skimp On Toilet Paper...and other life lessons from Mom

A few weeks ago, my students read "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid. In it, a bitter mother gives advice to her daughter, advice that's supposed to successfully guide her into womanhood.

And it got me thinking about all that I'd learned from my mom. So, over the past few weeks, I've been working on the following post. In honor of Mother's Day, and with loads of appreciation for my sweet mother, I bring you MY version of "Girl"; enjoy!


Set your glass in the middle of the table; you don’t want to knock it over, do you? Never rub stains; always dab them. You don’t want them to set in your clothing. This is how you squat over a public toilet seat. This is how you brush the tangles from your hair; start at the bottom and work your way up. This is how you compare prices; look at the price per ounce, not the total price. This is how you use coupons; this is how you buy generic. Don’t skimp on toilet paper, though.  

This is how you sift flour; this is how you measure a cup of flour by scraping the top with a knife. this is how you crack an egg and separate the whites; this is how you test the griddle to see if it’s hot; this is how you cream butter and eggs and sugar together. Always make sure the butter and eggs are room temperature.

Do your schoolwork before you play outside; don’t ride your bikes in the middle of the road. Always wear a helmet; don’t ride around the sharp curve! Come in when the streetlights come on; be careful of snakes in the woods. This is how you check your body for ticks; this is how you check between your toes for ticks; this is how you check behind your ears for ticks.
This is how you shape your fingernails; this is how you braid your hair; this is how you fishtail braid; this is how you French braid. This is how you put on mascara, but you can’t wear it until you’re in high school; you don’t need makeup right now. This is how you tan without burning (sorry I gave you my pale skin). Watch old movies and cartoons; stay away from raunchy TV shows; you don't want to fill your head with garbage, do you? This is how you dress without attracting unnecessary attention to your body; this is how you put on pantyhose without tearing them. Please don't jump over anymore bushes in your tights, Christine! This is how you wear shorts under your skirt so you can play soccer during recess.


This is how you memorize Bible verses; this is how you memorize all the books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy…all the way through Malachi). This is how you memorize the Ten Commandments. This is how you sing lullabies; this is how you rub your daughter's back when she's throwing upon the toilet; always throw up in the toilet and never the sink, because the sink will get clogged. This is how you make a REALLY YUMMY peanut butter and jelly sandwich; butter the bread and cook it like grilled cheese.

This is how you pray for your kids; pray for their future spouses; pray for their safety. You won't be perfect, and you will make mistakes, so pray a lot. This is how you serve a family; this is how you love unconditionally; this is how you be the mother God has called you to be.


Love you, Mom <3

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Busy, busy, busy!

You know those people who complain all.the.time about how busy they are, but secretly they love that they're busy because it makes them feel accomplished and successful? And maybe even the slightest bit prideful that they can juggle so much?

I was am one of those people.

I think it's a personality thing; I get bored easily and always have to be on the go. Until recently, I hadn't learned the value of taking time to rest and just BE instead of DO, DO, DO.

Then, I wrote down my schedule:
Monday: work 8-4, coach volleyball 4:30-6:15, play volleyball for two hours (game times vary...sometimes I wasn't getting home until 11:30).
Tuesday: work 8-4, coach volleyball 4:15-6:00, workout from 6:45-7:45.
Wednesday: work 8-5 *YAY! A day to stay after school and grade!*, coach volleyball 5:30-6:45, play volleyball 7-9.
Thursday: work 8-4, coach volleyball 4:15-6, workout from 6:45-7:45.
Friday-Sunday: half of my weekends, travel out of town to coach volleyball all weekend. The other half, try desperately to catch up on grading, planning, laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, and sleep.

Then it hit me: I AM OUT OF CONTROL. I am a slave to my overbooked schedule.

My whole life, I've taken pride in being busy. I loved when people heard my schedule and exclaimed, "Oh my word, how do you do it all?"

But I am not doing it all well.
I'm not a good teacher, because I'm too busy coaching.
I'm not a good coach, because I'm having to skip practice to teach/tutor/grade and play.
I'm not a good player, because I'm exhausted all the time. 
 I'm partially exhausted all the time from the workouts twice a week and lack of sleep.
I'm not a good homemaker, because I'm just trying to keep up with laundry so we have clean underwear for the week. Literally, that is my life right now.

It's time to simplify, to grow up, and to prioritize. It's time to make some tough choices. And it's time to just have some quiet time, some rest. What's wrong with that? Why do I feel like a failure if I let myself relax? Why do I feel guilty for not being "productive" every minute of the day?

I don't know, but I suspect many of my blog entries this summer will be about me trying to introduce simplicity and margins into my life. Be gentle with me, folks. Hold my hand, and offer advice if you have any.

Enough is enough. And honestly, I don't like that I've bought into the American mindset of "busy busy busy = success." I don't think that's God's best for me, or you, or anyone.

Here's to the journey towards simplicity and purpose!