Happy birthday, Barb!
Happy anniversary, Jessica and DH!
Erin, come sit at my table and we will drown ourselves in a bottle of spirits. Hair pats and hugs. I've had those classes from hell and every day I thought us new ways I wished I could torture them (it got really creative, too). Feel free to rant away. I'm so sorry you got stuck with a class that is equal to the dregs of humanity.
2 of them looked okay with the failing plan.
Those always drive me crazy! Grrrrrrrrr
Fellow teachers, I wish you an amazing year. May all the little "spawns of satan" find other places to go and may that be FAR away from your classes.
I always tell my students that they do not want me to hit "Sweeping Edict Mode" because at that point I'll just decree that people fail. It works for me, much easier on the paperwork, too.
Wait, ND still has a thing for goats? I thought he got that taken care of.
ION: In spite of the insanity that is working at my school, I had a great talk with babydyke diver today. Meara, I passed along your words of wisdom and she is feeling better and better about herself. Also had a talk with my "bulimic with a bipolar mom and insane family". This child has been accepted early into AMDA and is amazingly talented (a triple threat). Her family has so screwed her up that I count the day's until she goes to school so maybe she can get some help. Then had to give a jump start to my thespian vice-president who left his parking lights on. Keeping up with these kids is exhausting but is why I keep going back to that crazy school.
Hivemind help x2:
Ok. Let's say you e-mailed me this question:
I was wondering what your availability is between this Friday 8/29 - Sat. 9/6. I am trying to plan a date with [my husband] and just wondered if when you are free.
And I responded with:
I am out of town this coming weekend for the holiday. I may be able to do something on September 6th, but I need to check something before I commit to that.
How would you understand my response?
Also, I have an internship interview tomorrow. What do we think of this outfit? [link]
How would you understand my response?
That 9/6 is the only day you might be available but maybe not even then.
So, someone tell me how on earth I respond to this:
Oh I am sorry I must have phrased the question incorrectly. It was what nights are you free between 8/29 and 9/6, not just 9/6.
Because really, I want to say, "..."
Oh, dear. I think the only thing you can do is respond, "Sorry, I am only available on 9/6, and I need to check my schedule again before I commit to that". If you say it enough times maybe it will get through.
vw, I would say something along the lines of "unfortunately, the only day I might be available is the 6th. Would that work?" I wouldn't say anything about correct phrasing or understanding.
You know what feels good? Coming back to work after a tough summer and feeling welcomed and valued. YAY.
What doesn't feel so good is back-stabbing cramps coming out of left field for no apparent reason. WTF, body??
Oh dear doG I'm tired of dealing with insurance. At least now both trucks are moved over to a commercial policy and I've got my regular drivers listed as well as additional insured set up for the companies that require it. I've also got the latest round of general liability insurance tweaks done and am now also getting a quote on an additional umbrella policy since apparently $2,000,000 of coverage isn't enough for a few of my clients.
I have two art degrees, I didn't sign up for this.
We have this system where it's (1) verbal redirect (1) Think sheet (3) safe seat (4) buddy room.
Problem? It's all hedged in with superspecific lang., and the kids take it not seriously at all, so if you want a kids out, you get the "Have you gone through The Process?" questions.
My choices in answering
(A) I have tried to process with this student, but s/he is unamenable to participating.
(b) No, I haven't. I can't shut him up long enough to send him to the fucking safe seat,
Not that I have any experience managing a classroom, but I do have plenty of experience running behavior programs, and have learned a few things about how to document so that I can come out of situations smelling ... if not like roses, at least somewhat competent - so I have a suggestion.
Here is what I would do in your situation: In ordinary conversational tone of voice, attempt the verbal redirect. When the student(s) continue talking, maintaining the same ordinary conversational tone of voice, direct him/her/them to complete the "Think Sheet". Repeat this step with the "Safe Seat". And then when they do not comply with that, then send them to the "Buddy Room". When asked if you have gone through the process, you state that yes, you followed established procedure, but that the student in question refused to accept redirection, refused to complete the "Think Sheet", and then refused to move to the "Safe Seat", in spite of your verbal prompts.
