My Class 2008-2009

This was an amazing year! I had a lot of fun, and I can't express how much I love these kids. I am excited to see where they all choose to go with their lives. We will see many great and extraordinary things from these kids!

My students this year were always extremely concerned about who was my favorite, so I would pull a stick and say a random student's name. Then they would ask two seconds later, "Who is your favorite now?" and I'd draw a new stick. Hence the end credits.

You Did NOT Just Do That

Last night at parent teacher conferences, I was flipped off. I know, I know what you are thinking. "Who would flip innocent little Gwen off?" Answer? A parent.

Here's the story:
I was sitting there telling her what an amazing daughter she has and thanking her for all of her support, when she starts in on a story of her own. "Teachers are not appreciated enough. I would know, I taught sixth grade ages ago and am currently teaching at the high school. At least in sixth grade Christmas comes along and you get an enormous haul (so many gifts you have to make at least two trips out to your car), but in high school all you get is...

She flips me off and yells, "Merry Christmas!"

And this my dear friends is why I teach sixth grade, at the elementary school.

Side note: This reminded me of the story about grandma Allen, flipping off all of dad's friends to say a friendly hello, and how she would practice straightening her finger on her pillow so she could flip people off "the cool way." Straight up, you know, not the lame curved finger bit.

In conclusion, take the time to thank some teacher who hasn't been thanked recently. You could be saving some of us "innocents" the bird. Also, tell grandma the true meaning of flashing the bird.