In a previous blog I mentioned that we were having internet connection difficulties and had to have a technician come over to deal with our problems. Well, as you may have experienced, people who work for those types of companies can never pass up a chance to encourage you to upgrade, or bundle, or upgrade. In this instance, we were not using the same satellite company that we were using for phone and internet. They offered an excellent deal to bundle, so we accepted. We got in touch with our (then) current company, told them we were switching, turned down their new, excellent deals to stay with them, and eagerly awaited the day when the new company could install the new dish.
That day came at the beginning of December (the 5th, to be precise). Since our previous network had cut off on November 30, we had been 5 days without "good" TV, and were excited for the installation. It was a very cold day, and the "installer" braved the wind and frigid temperatures to find a suitable place on our roof to mount the new dish.
Alas, there was no such place to be found. All of the angles to the satellite were blocked, if that makes any sense (I don't really understand all of the technicalities). So...he'll be back in April to try to dig a post into the ground to use for the dish.
April? We had already burned our bridges with our old company. What could we do now? I bet my husband that by winter break he would be begging the old company to take us back, and that we'd be paying double what we had before. And then there is the deadline looming in front of us...would our television screens go black?
But, strangely, we haven't missed our old channels. We watch the news at night, I watch PBS while I fold clothes, and the kids don't watch any TV at all! It's been an eye-opener for us - how much time we spent with the TV on, not really caring what we were watching.
Still, the deadline for the switch to digital - I hadn't paid any attention to it because we were already digital, so I didn't even know how to deal with it. But a neighbor related a story about how he lost his coupons and when he found them back they were expired (I think he told the story to see if we would order some and give them to him!). I went online and found the site, ordered, and the coupons arrived yesterday! I'm going to get my converter boxes before the day is out.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Field Trip Troubles
During my fourth year of teaching, at my fourth school in Minneapolis, I suggested to my team that we plan a field trip to the famous corn maze near Canterbury Park. It was a world map that year, I believe, and I thought it would fit in well with the world geography that was being taught in social studies. Somehow, perhaps because it was my idea, it became my responsibility to plan the trip. So I contacted the corn maze, asked about discounts, talked to them about when we would come, got permission slips out, and had the entire 7th grade loaded on a bus and out to Shakopee. But when we arrived, the place was closed! Panic!
Being a corn maze, it wasn't really "closed", just blocked off. Some of the kids had to go to the bathroom, so we explored the area a little (and inadvertently set off an alarm). The owner came rushing over, demanding to know what was going on. One of my teammates, fuming, informed him that we 'had confirmation', and she wanted to know why the place wasn't open. It was at that moment that I realized that I hadn't actually booked the field trip in the official way, that I had just assumed that because they were supposed to be open on that day, we could just show up. Unfortunately, it was cold and they decided not to open - until the two busloads of city kids showed up!
I relive that horrific experience every time I am called upon to organize a field trip for my students - which is way too often for my comfort. I am sure that soon I will have an ulcer that can be directly traced to the most recent trip I am planning - Wolf Ridge in March for my 7th graders.
Who knew there would be so much work?! I have searched for grants and scholarships (one yes, one no, two unknowns so far); we have held three fund raisers and are in the middle of a fourth (anyone want to buy some delicious, organic coffee?); and I have 4 more days until the deadline to let Wolf Ridge know exactly how many students we are bringing - and so far I have only heard from about one-third of them. Quite a few have told me that they can't come, or they don't want to. But what will they do at school for 4 days while the rest of us are gone? Will a teacher have to stay back? Should we just cancel?
When I think back to the day that I got this brilliant idea, I kind of wish that someone would have told me what would happen! I could do without the pain in the lining of my stomach associated with it.
Being a corn maze, it wasn't really "closed", just blocked off. Some of the kids had to go to the bathroom, so we explored the area a little (and inadvertently set off an alarm). The owner came rushing over, demanding to know what was going on. One of my teammates, fuming, informed him that we 'had confirmation', and she wanted to know why the place wasn't open. It was at that moment that I realized that I hadn't actually booked the field trip in the official way, that I had just assumed that because they were supposed to be open on that day, we could just show up. Unfortunately, it was cold and they decided not to open - until the two busloads of city kids showed up!
I relive that horrific experience every time I am called upon to organize a field trip for my students - which is way too often for my comfort. I am sure that soon I will have an ulcer that can be directly traced to the most recent trip I am planning - Wolf Ridge in March for my 7th graders.
Who knew there would be so much work?! I have searched for grants and scholarships (one yes, one no, two unknowns so far); we have held three fund raisers and are in the middle of a fourth (anyone want to buy some delicious, organic coffee?); and I have 4 more days until the deadline to let Wolf Ridge know exactly how many students we are bringing - and so far I have only heard from about one-third of them. Quite a few have told me that they can't come, or they don't want to. But what will they do at school for 4 days while the rest of us are gone? Will a teacher have to stay back? Should we just cancel?
When I think back to the day that I got this brilliant idea, I kind of wish that someone would have told me what would happen! I could do without the pain in the lining of my stomach associated with it.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
15th blog
I'm not doing ATTPS - I'm all about doing what's easiest! But this is my 15th blog just for fun. I would like to blog more often, and really I do have great ideas - but I can't picture anyone else really thinking that what I have to say is "time worthy". Because it does take time to read the blogs!
Is anyone else hitting a wall at school? I'm feeling like if I have one more responsibility, one more paper to fill out, one more meeting to attend, one more schedule to rearrange, one more new student...I don't even know. Is it getting worse each year? Or do the previous year's pain and agony go away during the summer? Then I need summer right now!
Is anyone else hitting a wall at school? I'm feeling like if I have one more responsibility, one more paper to fill out, one more meeting to attend, one more schedule to rearrange, one more new student...I don't even know. Is it getting worse each year? Or do the previous year's pain and agony go away during the summer? Then I need summer right now!
Winners!
I am part of a really exciting after school program called Gems, which is special to Minneapolis. Last weekend was our big fall/winter event, the Lego League Tournament. Between myself and my teaching partner, we managed 24 girls, 6 teams, and what seemed like a million events. After 10 hours and some blood, sweat and tears, our teams came out with 6 awards! There are many lessons that come out of this day and this program. Teamwork is one of them, for sure. Staying on task and using time wisely is another big one. Being able to shake off disappointment, performing under pressure, poise during presentations...
We were so proud at the end of the day. Our girls behaved well, took care of each other, and had a ton of fun.
Photo provided by Dan Fergus.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reader's Digest Version
Even though it's been a long time since I've blogged, I have had many posts composed in my head. Rather than create new blogs for each of my many topics, I'm going to do a condensed, Reader's Digest version of all of those blogs here.
First, back to libraries. I found out over winter break that my favorite library, the one-room, part of a strip mall, cozy place that is located not far from my house, has had its hours cut. It is now open only from 2:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, Fridays from 10 - 2, and not at all on the weekends. This was put into place before I could even figure out who to complain to about it, much less do any complaining. So now this little gem is going to have even less patronage because of the inconvenient hours, and before long will become obsolete.
Second, Facebook. I haven't really gotten into it like some of my colleagues have. I feel obligated to check it when I get an email telling me that someone has left me a comment or tagged me in a photo, but that's it. Something that's funny is that lately I have been getting invitations on my school email from parents to check out their Facebook profile. I received one of those from a friend last year, and when I asked her about it she said that it was kind of a mistake. Apparently when you are signing up you can have Facebook send one of those invitations to everyone in your address book (or maybe everyone who you have emailed?) - so her invitation went to people who she worked with, nurses and doctors who had emailed her... she was embarrassed. I've decided not to "friend" any of the parents - even of former students.
Third, I had a weird computer problem over winter break. When I would plug in my charger to the laptop, the light was dim and it wouldn't charge. It would power the computer though - so if it was at 17% when I plugged it in, three days later it would also be at 17%. I googled the problem and found some suggestions, which I tried (resetting some acronyms, etc). They didn't work. Finally I decided to take the computer into some sort of Mac store to have them figure it out. But, luckily, before I had time to look for a place it take it, the computer miraculously fixed itself. So now it charges beautifully.
At the end of Reader's Digest articles there are usually jokes or quotes or words. I'll skip that!
First, back to libraries. I found out over winter break that my favorite library, the one-room, part of a strip mall, cozy place that is located not far from my house, has had its hours cut. It is now open only from 2:00 to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, Fridays from 10 - 2, and not at all on the weekends. This was put into place before I could even figure out who to complain to about it, much less do any complaining. So now this little gem is going to have even less patronage because of the inconvenient hours, and before long will become obsolete.
Second, Facebook. I haven't really gotten into it like some of my colleagues have. I feel obligated to check it when I get an email telling me that someone has left me a comment or tagged me in a photo, but that's it. Something that's funny is that lately I have been getting invitations on my school email from parents to check out their Facebook profile. I received one of those from a friend last year, and when I asked her about it she said that it was kind of a mistake. Apparently when you are signing up you can have Facebook send one of those invitations to everyone in your address book (or maybe everyone who you have emailed?) - so her invitation went to people who she worked with, nurses and doctors who had emailed her... she was embarrassed. I've decided not to "friend" any of the parents - even of former students.
Third, I had a weird computer problem over winter break. When I would plug in my charger to the laptop, the light was dim and it wouldn't charge. It would power the computer though - so if it was at 17% when I plugged it in, three days later it would also be at 17%. I googled the problem and found some suggestions, which I tried (resetting some acronyms, etc). They didn't work. Finally I decided to take the computer into some sort of Mac store to have them figure it out. But, luckily, before I had time to look for a place it take it, the computer miraculously fixed itself. So now it charges beautifully.
At the end of Reader's Digest articles there are usually jokes or quotes or words. I'll skip that!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Online Teacher Grants
I have had great luck lately with an online teacher grant site: DonorsChoose.org. It's the easiest way to get supplies for projects or activities that I've ever used.
The site is specifically for teachers, and it has a very simple format. You follow a step-by-step "formula" to shop for materials (you order what you want on their site - through different vendors), explain why you need the materials, and submit. Then if (when!) you are funded, all you have to do is take pictures of your students using the materials, have the kids write "Thank You" cards, and send a packet back to donorschoose.
Teachers, let your imaginations soar! Last year I received supplies to teach my math enrichment classes how to bake (convection ovens, pans, measuring cups, and other gadgets), materials to open a school store (pens, pencils, sharpeners, notebooks), and books for the kids to read about the Periodic Table. This year I've received digital thermometers, Current Science subscriptions, fiction books with science content, reams of Astrobright copy paper, and toner for my classroom printer.
In the past when I've had a creative idea, I had to think of ways to get the materials for free or figure out how I could pay for it myself. Now, I just write a proposal and see if it gets funded!
The site is specifically for teachers, and it has a very simple format. You follow a step-by-step "formula" to shop for materials (you order what you want on their site - through different vendors), explain why you need the materials, and submit. Then if (when!) you are funded, all you have to do is take pictures of your students using the materials, have the kids write "Thank You" cards, and send a packet back to donorschoose.
Teachers, let your imaginations soar! Last year I received supplies to teach my math enrichment classes how to bake (convection ovens, pans, measuring cups, and other gadgets), materials to open a school store (pens, pencils, sharpeners, notebooks), and books for the kids to read about the Periodic Table. This year I've received digital thermometers, Current Science subscriptions, fiction books with science content, reams of Astrobright copy paper, and toner for my classroom printer.
In the past when I've had a creative idea, I had to think of ways to get the materials for free or figure out how I could pay for it myself. Now, I just write a proposal and see if it gets funded!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Not MILI related, but still...
As avid ice cream eaters, my family goes through several buckets of Kemps, Blue Bunny, etc through the course of a year. The buckets come in handy - I use them for flour, sugar, cookies, macaroni noodles, crafts...you get the point. Recently I pulled a bucket out of the cupboard and filled it with scones. When I tried to put a cover on it, I couldn't find one that fit. All of the ones in my 'cover drawer' were too big. I thought it was strange, but just switched containers and moved on with life.
Then last weekend we emptied another bucket (Cookies 'n Cream). While I was washing it, I noticed that it seemed smaller than usual. I looked at the lid. I pulled an 'old' lid from the drawer and compared them. The old one had 40 servings, 4.73 liters of ice cream. The new one...35 servings, 4.13 liters of ice cream. WHAT A RIP OFF!
I stewed about this for a couple of days. I shared my discovery with my husband, who was equally shocked and indignant. We contemplated calling the I-Team (or whatever news program would do a nerdy show like that). I told my students about it (they didn't care except that I was talking about ice cream right before lunch and they were hungry). I told colleagues about it. Then I told someone who I carpool with - someone who loves ice cream the way that I do. I knew he'd be sympathetic. And HE told me about this article that he had just read in the Star Tribune - about lots of packages that are getting smaller, while prices are staying the same or getting higher. I had noticed that prices were creeping up, but I hadn't noticed all the other sneaky things.
It doesn't make me feel any better to know that it's recognized and "out there", but I just thought I'd share.
Then last weekend we emptied another bucket (Cookies 'n Cream). While I was washing it, I noticed that it seemed smaller than usual. I looked at the lid. I pulled an 'old' lid from the drawer and compared them. The old one had 40 servings, 4.73 liters of ice cream. The new one...35 servings, 4.13 liters of ice cream. WHAT A RIP OFF!
I stewed about this for a couple of days. I shared my discovery with my husband, who was equally shocked and indignant. We contemplated calling the I-Team (or whatever news program would do a nerdy show like that). I told my students about it (they didn't care except that I was talking about ice cream right before lunch and they were hungry). I told colleagues about it. Then I told someone who I carpool with - someone who loves ice cream the way that I do. I knew he'd be sympathetic. And HE told me about this article that he had just read in the Star Tribune - about lots of packages that are getting smaller, while prices are staying the same or getting higher. I had noticed that prices were creeping up, but I hadn't noticed all the other sneaky things.
It doesn't make me feel any better to know that it's recognized and "out there", but I just thought I'd share.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)