Teachers' Thread

[*NikkiBell*]

I thought I'd create a thread here for all of the podcast listeners who are also teachers. Come here to gripe, celebrate, wine, and be uplifted.

How's everybody doing these last few weeks of school? :teacher:

[luke]

Howdy!
We have a week off next week, then seven weeks back in before the summer break, can't wait!

:goodvibes

[zendisney]

I was laid off in December. I am a reading specialist. I have been doing some consultant work part time.
This has been an interesting school year. It's all good. I have to say I am still looking forward to the summer. There is something about "summer" its not just a time... it is a feeling. I hope everyone's school year end smoothly.
Peace,
Carla Rae:yay:

[californiadopeyfreak]

I teach in Southern California at a year round school. We get out June 18and come back July 20th! Short summer. But we get 3 weeks in October (Would love to go WW..wishing) and this year we get the whole week of Thanksgiving off! I have an annual pass to Disneyland..so will hopefully be spending some quality time with the mouse! Glad school is almost over for this year..these kids have been a handful this year! I teach students with learning disabilities and it has been really hard to come up with new and different ways to helps kids "get" things! Sometimes is sing Algebra songs in my sleep!:rotfl2: Yeah for us teachers! Just think of us in California..they have cut education to the bone..thank goodness I still have a job!

Cali

[Danauk]

Howdy!
We have a week off next week, then seven weeks back in before the summer break, can't wait!

:goodvibes

Thats the same for me too, only we get a week and a day off. The extra day is for report writing, only I have got ahead of mine and they will be done before our official day off to write them!! However we are expecing an OFSTED in those 7 weeks :headache:

[cj9200]

I don't know about teachers but my daughter is stressed out. Last minute projects are due and freshman year finals coming up. She just took an AP World History exam. That was intense. Remember, grading on a curve is a good thing.

For a fact, there is no way I could be a teacher. You guys are way underpaid. That and the lack of resources you are given. When she was in first grade, they allowed us to “audit” the class. I went and after 30 minutes (OK, five) I was ready to head for the door. If I was left alone in charge, by the end of the day you would see me in a corner flinching uncontrollably with a blank stare on my face. AND THOSE WERE FIRST GRADERS.

Like anything else in life, she has had one or two bad ones but overwhelmingly her teachers have had an incredible impact on her life and she will remember them forever. Thank you for that.

[Sooze]

If I was left alone in charge, by the end of the day you would see me in a corner flinching uncontrollably with a blank stare on my face. AND THOSE WERE FIRST GRADERS.



:rotfl2::rotfl2:

That's funny!

Another teacher checking in! I teach 3rd grade in Indianapolis. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer vacation!!! We have 3 days left with the kiddos, one teacher work day, then we're FREE!!!!

I've had a GREAT year... wonderful class with supportive parents. I'm actually looping with my class, so we'll all be together again in 4th grade.

It's fun to hear about all of the DISUnplugged-Teachers. Thanks for starting the thread!

[luke]

Thats the same for me too, only we get a week and a day off. The extra day is for report writing, only I have got ahead of mine and they will be done before our official day off to write them!! However we are expecing an OFSTED in those 7 weeks :headache:

We got ofsted in october, such stress, hope it goes well.
Are you primary or secondary?

:goodvibes

[tlcoke]

I am not a teacher but I work in Higher Education at the University of Louisville in a support role for faculty & staff in our in House Printing Facility. We work year round with only Major Holidays off (work permitting) and a 1 week break between Christmas & New Years.
It's amazing how many College Professors & Instructors don't seems to know when school begins to get their course materials into us to print for their classes.

[elemusing]

Hey All,

I wrote about myself in a different thread but here goes again - I teach Kindergarten -11 classes, 1st grade - 10 classes, and 2nd grade - 10 classes general music in West Tn (Paris). I LOVE my job. It is so fun and the kids are great! Where else can I hear, "you look so pretty today" and then in the next breath hear "my mom is fat too." LOL :rotfl2: um. . . too?

I have TWO days left! woohoo! Then an inservice in June and then inservice full time the last week of July. Kids come back August 5th. The kids are so ready to be out - I am too.

One reason I love my job so much is I get to see these little darlings grow from scared 4 and 5 year olds to the "big" 2nd graders in our school. (My school houses K-2). The changes are amazing.

You also get your heart broken alot when you see a kids who obviously got themselves ready for school and didn't bathe or eat that morning. Many days I want to take home a kid or two and feed them. :(

But I do what I can at school and try very hard to be positive and keep in contact with their parents. One thing I love about our school - during parent-teacher conference- if parents don't show up - we go to THEM. Many times they are surprised when we knock on their door and ask for a conference. We have 100% P-T conference because we go to them if they don't show up. Usually by 2nd grade they have learned that they might as well come because if they don't we are gonna come a knockin'! :)

My dream is to teach for 15 more years and then take retirement in TN and then go to GA or FL to teach (closer to my love - Mickey!)

Hang in there everyone- we are close to a break! Only 2 more days of getting up at 5am for me for a while! :thumbsup2

~Angie

[*NikkiBell*]

I'm so glad we can chat here. We have 21 school days left. I'm so tired too. We just finished state testing last week and the kids are nutty. I also applied for a new position for our district...an upper elementary reading specialist and literacy coach. I'll have two fifth grade reading classes and then work with third and fourth grade the rest of the day. That should make for an interesting year next year. Oh and I was just nominated as union vice president. Not sure if I'm going to do it or not yet though.

[carol1231]

I'm a PreK teacher (4 & 5 year old). I have a very good gig - Tuesdays and Thursdays, the other days I fill in if I'm needed in other grades, but I'm usually off. I love my schedule. Only two more weeks to go!! Then were heading to WDW!!!

[ericafny]

Another teacher checking in here. I just got certified here in NY in February and have been working as a SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher) with a preschool child for the past several months. I also work as a Behavior Consultant and have worked with the little ones (Early Intervention) too.

I am currently looking for a classroom teaching job for the upcoming 09-10 school year but the job climate in NYC/Long Island area is grim to say the least. NYC just announced they are at a hiring freeze and are only hiring for new schools and Long Island well..those jobs are coveted and you really need to "know someone" to get in. Good luck to me:sad2:

I work 6 weeks in the summer since I am a special ed teacher but I only work 4 hours a day to begin with so it's not so bad. I am still looking forward to the summer though so bring it on :banana:

[Stitchmistress]

I am a Speech/Language Pathologist in Middle and High School. Annual reviews are 95% done, Whoo hoo! They went really well. I also had some praise from the Special Ed director recently, which is nice, because sometimes you only hear negatives, it was nice to hear a positive. Summer here we come! :cool1: Oh, and OT, I just earned my ears today!

[ericafny]

I am a Speech/Language Pathologist in Middle and High School. Annual reviews are 95% done, Whoo hoo! They went really well. I also had some praise from the Special Ed director recently, which is nice, because sometimes you only hear negatives, it was nice to hear a positive. Summer here we come! :cool1: Oh, and OT, I just earned my ears today!

:cheer2: Yeah for getting some recognition from the Sp Ed Director and double yeah :cheer2::cheer2: for earning your ears ;)

[LSURyan]

Middle School Band Director checking in. We have TWO more days...woo hoo!!!
Then its a relaxing June until band camps start (I help the High Schools' camp) and an early August start.

[smphbear]

Well... tomorrow is our work day and the kids leave at 10:30 on Friday. The teachers then have an off campus luncheon.

The only downside is that I will now be working summers. This year has been quite a ride. 10 days before school started, I agreed to move from teaching Social Studies to 7th and 8th graders to teaching computer to 4th - 8th. I also took on the position of technology director. I do that work whenever there is a spare minute in my day. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. My boss is trying to talk me into getting my masters in admin so that I can be a full time tech director / vice-principal. I am thinking it over.

Nikki - Thanks for the I-Phone thread. I have to wait till the contract (with AT&T) on my piece of junk LG Shine will allow me to upgrade. I am just going to hang in for the new version in July. My new job makes it very easy to justify. DH has my money put aside. The waiting is no fun!

Hang in there everyone!

[DVCJones]

Hi, I am a middle school art teacher. I have had a very fun, but busy year. I started my M.Ed in Sept. I work full-time and I have two DDs 4 and 6. Oh yeah,:rotfl: and one husband.

I have 14 full days and 2 half days left in the school year...but who's counting.:rotfl2:

[smphbear]

Middle School Band Director checking in. We have TWO more days...woo hoo!!!
Then its a relaxing June until band camps start (I help the High Schools' camp) and an early August start.


Hi neighbor! I am not that far from Baton Rouge. We will spend some of our days at Blue Bayou. Enjoy the summer!

[Tissa]

Well I'm not a teacher yet but I just finished my 2nd year of school and plan to be a special education teacher. It's nice to have some down time before my boys get out of school and I start summer classes.

[aliyasmomma2003]

I am a high school English collaborative special education teacher in Kentucky. The kids have 9 days left and I have 12...I am so finished. The snow and ice really put us behind schedule this year. There were two weeks in January that I didn't go to work because of the snow. I am so ready for some Florida heat and Mouse Ears! We fly out on June 14th! :yay::yay::yay:

[IHeartTink04]

Teacher here too! I teach 7th/8th grade Business (Computer Classes basically) and we have 6 days! We get out the 29th!!!:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1::banana::banana :

Taking one last Disney trip in July before our baby arrives in October!

[Jacksmom99]

I'm a middle school special ed teacher. I have a self contained classroom for kiddos with significant LD or those who are dancing along the autism spectrum. We have 23 school days left. I am pretty relaxed right now actually. The state wide testing is finished, all but 1 of my IEP's are done, and I only have one initial assessment on the books right now. Sooooo much better than last year at this time! I might actually have time to TEACH for the next few weeks. I can't wait for summer though!!!

Kim

[disneymom8589]

I'm a 2nd grade teacher and I've taught at the same school since 1987. Most of those years were 1/2 time kindergarten, followed by one year in 1st grade, and the past 4 in 2nd grade. I love teaching 2nd grade. They are still sweet (for the most part!), but are getting to be more capable academically and socially.

Tomorrow is day 164 out of 180 and our last day is June 15th...but I'm not counting down! :rotfl: I think the kids have mentally checked out and it's just now starting to turn nice weather-wise.

On a side note, my DD graduated in December with a degree in elementary education and is subbing in my school district. Her 1st sub job was, coincidentally, in my class and no, I didn't purposely take the day off!! I was on the last legs of a bad flu bug. It's been fun having her sub in my building and seeing her with groups of students. She's the 3rd generation teacher in my family...my dad, me, and now DD. :goodvibes Our governor made HUGE cuts to our state's education budget, so it's hard finding a teaching job right now.

[mommyceratops]

I work in a school for 4 more days...so thought I would post here while I can! ;)

I am admin. but teacher's rock!! You guys are the best ever!! I don't know how you do it!

[mommyceratops]

I work in a school for 4 more days...(I got laid off for next year)

But I do not know how you guys do it! Teachers are amazing people!! You guys ROCK!!

[cruisefanz]

Two more days here!:banana::banana::banana:

I teach gifted 2nd-6th and special ed 1st & 2nd. :teacher: Just have a few IEP reviews to go and I'm free!

Just got the approved school calendar for next year...have to report the first week of Aug:scared1: The summer keeps getting shorter!

Hang in there and have a great summer everyone!

[Robbya]

Hey i am an elementary education major at elmhurst college in illinois. I hope to teach first thru fourth grade... anybody got and amazingly intuitive words of advice??....in addition are there any other college students here who are looking into teaching?

[schoen]

Do unemployed teachers count? I am certified in secondary english and russian, but I have yet to find a teaching job in a classroom. Currently I am self employed as a corporate training consultant. Michigan has a pretty tough teaching market, especially for secondary english... Maybe one day I will get a job. I hope to be in an urban school, as that was the focus of my pedagogy studies!

[msteddom]

I'm a high school history teacher in Los Angeles. We're right in the middle of testing and I hate it! We have four and a half more weeks.

Melissa

[jpeka65844]

Elementary music teacher here! I teach in a school of 420 students; grades Pre-K through 6, although after next year, all elementaries are moving to K-5.

I love my district and am so glad that we have a strong union that's keeping me employed. Classroom teachers have to have their plan time, you know......:lmao:

I really don't know what else I'd do. I can't imagine working with grown-ups all day. DH works in an office and I think I would go nuts! At least kids have their age to blame if they act like well...children! Adults have NO excuse!!!

I do have to say that teaching really does cut into my WDW time. No podcast cruise 1 or 2 for me, no Toy Story Mania Meet, no traveling in off season, period. We have some major penalties (days without pay, docking pay for subs) if we take personal leave throughout the year. I think it's stupid, it's MY days, MY job, I should be free to use it.

And before anyone says "Yeah, well, you get the whole summer off" I'll say, yes, but we technically don't get paid. It's pay for 9 months of work spread out over 12 monthly paychecks. It just makes those paychecks that much smaller. So it just APPEARS we're getting paid for not working......:goodvibes

[dmwang9]

Hello all!

I teach high school math and am in my 20th year. I was in Delaware for the first 15 years and then came to San Francisco 5 years ago. We have three more weeks to go, and then a week of faculty in-service. All that ends on June 23, and on the morning of June 24, I'm headed to WDW! :banana:

[elemusing]

Elementary music teacher here! I teach in a school of 420 students; grades Pre-K through 6, although after next year, all elementaries are moving to K-5.

I love my district and am so glad that we have a strong union that's keeping me employed. Classroom teachers have to have their plan time, you know......:lmao:

I really don't know what else I'd do. I can't imagine working with grown-ups all day. DH works in an office and I think I would go nuts! At least kids have their age to blame if they act like well...children! Adults have NO excuse!!!

I do have to say that teaching really does cut into my WDW time. No podcast cruise 1 or 2 for me, no Toy Story Mania Meet, no traveling in off season, period. We have some major penalties (days without pay, docking pay for subs) if we take personal leave throughout the year. I think it's stupid, it's MY days, MY job, I should be free to use it.

And before anyone says "Yeah, well, you get the whole summer off" I'll say, yes, but we technically don't get paid. It's pay for 9 months of work spread out over 12 monthly paychecks. It just makes those paychecks that much smaller. So it just APPEARS we're getting paid for not working......:goodvibes

Denice- your quote about thank God for the unions that DEMAND the teacher's planning times cracked me up. :lmao: That is SO TRUE! Thank goodness for that so we can have a job! hahahahahaha

And your last sentence about the summer off - TRUE TRUE TRUE. We dont get paid for the summers. And nowadays we get less time than in years past. Remember the old joke - my favorite three things about teaching - June, July and August??? That is no longer true- it is basically for us - June and 3 weeks of July. That is it. But I wouldn' trade my job for anything. I LOVE IT!!!!

[disneyderns]

8th Grade English teacher here from WI...We have about 14 days left - including some make up days from the LONG snowy and icy winter we had. :teacher:

This last year we got down to WDW in October during our fall break. I have 2 personal days that I attached to the 2 day break, took one dock day and voila...a week off! I love traveling to the World at that time of year. Low crowds, good weather, all the Halloween theming...Awesome!:cool1:

We also made it down at spring break time - but not for a Disney trip - just a lounge by the pool with the family trip. Of course we had to get a little Disney fix - so off to DTD...

Looking forward to the next trip - either Oct. 2009 or Oct. 2010...

DW is a teacher also, which makes planning the trips a challenge as we avoid southern travel in the summer as WI is so beautiful during the summer months.

[palavra]

Hi all, I'm a middle school social studies teacher. We are finished tomorrow but start back on August 13th. I'm just getting into the podcasts, and i think it is a great way to get my Disney fix. So, when is everybody going again?

[elemusing]

JUNE 7th!!!

[CCM MusicEd]

I teach music (band/choir/general) in a small district between Dayton and Columbus, OH. We will be finishing up on June 3rd, with a teacher work day on the 4th. This is a very sad time for me as this is my last year with this district. I've decided to go back to earn my masters degree and thankfully got an assistantship to do so! I'll miss my students and fellow faculty, though I will not be missing the unsupportive/unethical Board, treasurer and community (our elementary students receive NO music, which I think is an abomination, and the list goes on....) I sincerely hope for these kids the district brings back the general music postion they cut 7 years ago. But then again we only need a marching band for the football games right?:scared:

The nice thing is I'll be attending Florida State University which has a great music eduation program and the fact it is much closer to the world helps.though I swear that was not part of my decision making process!!!!!!! In all honesty it wasn't, I looked at the program and the experiences offered and Florida was by far the best.

Enjoy the rest of your year everyone!

[TAKitty]

Another teacher here! I teach high school. This is our last full week of school before three partial weeks. I am trying to see how I can swing the podcast cruise in 2010.

--Tracie

[timandlesley]

What a great thread.
I am a multi handicapped teacher for grades 2-3, and I am OVERWHELMED right now!!! Finally had my last IEP meeting yesterday but went and observed the crew of students I will get next year and am now busily trying to prepare materials for next year so I don't have to spend all of August doing it, plus trying to wrap up this year, always crazy! Only 30 days until our 18 day Disney vacation though so I am thrilled!:woohoo:
Lesley

[DVCJones]

Elementary music teacher here! I teach in a school of 420 students; grades Pre-K through 6, although after next year, all elementaries are moving to K-5.

I love my district and am so glad that we have a strong union that's keeping me employed. Classroom teachers have to have their plan time, you know......:lmao:

I really don't know what else I'd do. I can't imagine working with grown-ups all day. DH works in an office and I think I would go nuts! At least kids have their age to blame if they act like well...children! Adults have NO excuse!!!

I do have to say that teaching really does cut into my WDW time. No podcast cruise 1 or 2 for me, no Toy Story Mania Meet, no traveling in off season, period. We have some major penalties (days without pay, docking pay for subs) if we take personal leave throughout the year. I think it's stupid, it's MY days, MY job, I should be free to use it.

And before anyone says "Yeah, well, you get the whole summer off" I'll say, yes, but we technically don't get paid. It's pay for 9 months of work spread out over 12 monthly paychecks. It just makes those paychecks that much smaller. So it just APPEARS we're getting paid for not working......:goodvibes

SOooooo true. As a middle school art teacher, I know what you mean.;)

[belle8306]

First grade teacher here. We have 6 student days left. My class is soooo ready for summer! It is hectic right now getting everything wrapped up. I keep reminding them that we aren't done yet.:)

[FairyGodmotherJen]

4th grade teacher south of Indy here - I have THREE MORE DAYS with kids. This year has been a doozy - the end of my maternity leave the first nine weeks, a 2 week absence for pneumonia, my grandmother passing away, and a rather challenging class. I'll still miss some of them when they go, though (our kids go to an intermediate building for 5/6). Made it through Sports Day today, so just a few more!!! Oh, and I just started my masters this week on-line....:scared1:

Good luck to all!! (Hi, Shelley! ;))

[MeMom]

Today was our last day with kids. Now it's all paperwork and tying up lose ends.

I've been teaching in a Nashville school for about fifteen years, most of that in third grade. After asking for several years for a break from TCAP, the principal is finally letting me move down a grade. My team teacher is moving down, as well, and we are both pretty thrilled about the prospect of going through the year with no TCAP stress!

I'll enjoy a one week break before teaching four weeks of summer school, going to two workshops, taking an online course, running the kitchen at church camp, and then the next day catching a 6:30 a.m. flight to Disney World for a ten day all-family trip!

Aaaah, the restful summer life of a teacher! :)

[disneymom8589]

Another teacher here! I teach high school. This is our last full week of school before three partial weeks. I am trying to see how I can swing the podcast cruise in 2010.

--Tracie

I'm in the same boat! DH and I really want to go on the podcast cruise in 2010, but I don't think I'll be able to swing it. We get 3 personal leave days a year and can bank one from the previous year. I am going to need all 4 days for the 2009-2010 school year...2 for marathon weekend at WDW and 2 for our DS's wedding next May (he's proposing tomorrow night! :goodvibes), so I won't have the extra banked day I need for the 4-night cruise. If DS and his soon-to-be fiancee' change their wedding to the summer, we will very likely go on the cruise.

[Jotash]

This thread has brought me out of hiding. I'm a middle school social studies teacher, at least right now I am. I'm still waiting to hear if I'll have a job next year. My school doesn't tell us until the last day because they don't want us slacking off if we're not invited back. Only 10 more school days!!! We finish on June 4.

[froggy5657]

Not a teacher, but a student... Close Enough! We have a 4 day weekend

[TAKitty]

I'm in the same boat! DH and I really want to go on the podcast cruise in 2010, but I don't think I'll be able to swing it. We get 3 personal leave days a year and can bank one from the previous year. I am going to need all 4 days for the 2009-2010 school year...2 for marathon weekend at WDW and 2 for our DS's wedding next May (he's proposing tomorrow night! :goodvibes), so I won't have the extra banked day I need for the 4-night cruise. If DS and his soon-to-be fiancee' change their wedding to the summer, we will very likely go on the cruise.

We can take unpaid time off, so I might do that. I have never requested the time before, so I feel like they can't say no. I only get two personal days and they can't be banked.

Yeah, on your son's proposal!

[ericafny]

This thread is actually depressing me now...why can't I find a teaching job :sad2:

[PinkBudgie]

I don't have the time to read this entire thread right now but thought I would jump in too.

I teach Pre-K as part of a private elementary school. It is really like kindergarten was when I was little but we adjust for different kids and no pressure. We get out June 3rd. This has been a hard year because this class has so many strong personalities. Lots of drama. But I love them!

I'm looking forward to summer vacation but also sad because I may not have a job there next year. :sad1: Enrollment is down and there are only about 7 children registered for next year. The school is thinking of offering a 3 year old program too, so if they did I could do that. I probably won't know until Aug what happens.

My DH is a middle school math teacher so our whole family is on the school schedule.

[*NikkiBell*]

I'm so glad to see all of you on this thread. It'll be a great support for the upcoming school year! :)

We have 19 school days left. Unlike so many of you, we don't have to go in for one day as just teachers. We do our staff days twice during the school year.

I really am excited for this summer. It'll be my first one without graduate school in a very long time; I graduated in December! Woohoo!

I am also trying to figure out a way to do the podcast cruise. I can't get approval for all of those unpaid days and don't have any personal days left. I am combining them with a weekend for a short trip in November. I'm sure that there will be a special podcast event at one point or another that I can get to despite my teaching schedule.

Hugs to everyone who is still waiting to see if they will be hired back or get tenure. I feel very blessed to not have to worry about that any longer. I have been at my district for 6 1/2 years now and am very happy with it. Sure, it has its political upsets, but every school district does. We have a fantastic faculty and I feel like such a part of it. Last week, I was nominated to be next year's vice president of the union. They really are encouraging me to do it, but I am still undecided. Does anyone have experience with this?

[palavra]

This thread has brought me out of hiding. I'm a middle school social studies teacher, at least right now I am. I'm still waiting to hear if I'll have a job next year. My school doesn't tell us until the last day because they don't want us slacking off if we're not invited back. Only 10 more school days!!! We finish on June 4.
Good luck on keeping your job! I'm a middle school social studies teacher too!

[msteddom]

Good luck on keeping your job! I'm a middle school social studies teacher too!

High school social studies teacher here. Hang in there Jotash!

Melissa

[TAKitty]

I'm so glad to see all of you on this thread. It'll be a great support for the upcoming school year! :)

We have 19 school days left. Unlike so many of you, we don't have to go in for one day as just teachers. We do our staff days twice during the school year.

I really am excited for this summer. It'll be my first one without graduate school in a very long time; I graduated in December! Woohoo!

I am also trying to figure out a way to do the podcast cruise. I can't get approval for all of those unpaid days and don't have any personal days left. I am combining them with a weekend for a short trip in November. I'm sure that there will be a special podcast event at one point or another that I can get to despite my teaching schedule.

Hugs to everyone who is still waiting to see if they will be hired back or get tenure. I feel very blessed to not have to worry about that any longer. I have been at my district for 6 1/2 years now and am very happy with it. Sure, it has its political upsets, but every school district does. We have a fantastic faculty and I feel like such a part of it. Last week, I was nominated to be next year's vice president of the union. They really are encouraging me to do it, but I am still undecided. Does anyone have experience with this?

I too feel so blessed that I don't have to worry about having a job next year. I have been with my district for 10 years.

VP of the union can be a lot of work! I think it depends on your district. Our district only gives us one year contracts, so the union people are in every year negotiating.

Enjoy your summer! :wizard:

[hapandpam]

Fifth grade teacher and almost 30 years of teaching. Twenty-three more days with students for me, and a day of inservice at the end. The kids were pretty antsy last week, and I know that from now until the end of June will be challenging. It seems that every year we go later and later- this year until June 24 for elementary. High school begins local and state exams about 1 1/2 weeks earlier. I really wish the state would change our calendar and move the exams up. I would rather lose the time in February and get out a little earlier. On the bright side, we don't go back until the week before Labor Day, and the kids don't start until the day after.

A note about Union involvement. Depending on your district, it can require a lot of time and energy, especially if you are negotiating a contract or have a lot of personnal issues. However, it is very important for young people to become involved and learn from the experienced members.

[*NikkiBell*]

Thanks for the info everybody. We are an extremely small district with just under 70 teachers in one building for PK-8. It isn't a negotiating year next year so that is good. I'm still undecided though. Argh.

Hugs and pixie dust to you all to get through our short week! It was great to have an extra day to relax!

[soupy11]

not a teacher myself but just got engaged to a girl who is entering teacher's college in the fall!! Very exciting and worthwhile endeavour. She has the perfect traits for the job and will be an incredible teacher once she gets done the work!

[Bornteach]

HI all!

I am Kristin and I am an Assistant Principal at a large elementary school in Massachusetts.

We have almost 700 kids pre-K through 5th graders with several specialized programs.

Before, I taught 5th grade in Richmond Virginia and here in Mass too!

We have 22 days of school left and I can hardly wait for vacation!!!

[elemusing]

Hi everybody - don't want to make anyone feel bad but today was my first day of summer vacation!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:


Of course what did I do? Set my alarm and ran errands and cleaned all day. You know how you put off everything until you have a day off when you're a teacher. . .

Just 12 days until WDW! :banana:

[PinkBudgie]

Hi everybody - don't want to make anyone feel bad but today was my first day of summer vacation!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:


Of course what did I do? Set my alarm and ran errands and cleaned all day. You know how you put off everything until you have a day off when you're a teacher. . .




Yes, with both of us on school schedule, all year we say, "We'll do that in the summer when we have time". Always a big project of some sort. Of course, when summer rolls around it is always too hot to clean the garage or whatever it was. :rotfl:

After our boys graduate in 2012, DH and I would like to go to WDW for the first time. I am wondering if we can just take time off during the year to go during a value season since at least the boys will be in college and we won't have to worry about who to watch them or pull them out of school. Guess we'll see.

[palavra]

Tomorrow is my last day of school! Yea! (Who says the kids look forward to summer more than the teachers!:cool1:

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi everybody,

How's your week so far? I got an email from a parent just now asking if I'm ok because I was out Friday and Monday. I thought that was cute. We're out June 20th. It's almost time!

[irunnoft]

I thought I'd create a thread here for all of the podcast listeners who are also teachers. Come here to gripe, celebrate, wine, and be uplifted.

How's everybody doing these last few weeks of school? :teacher:

Horribly! I'm happy with my EOG testing results for my 7th grade Language Arts students. I'm NOT happy with our governor here in NC.

There are 12,000 teaching jobs on the chopping block here in NC statewide.

The governor just docked all state employees .05% of their annual salaries in the last two paychecks!!!!

The NC Education Lottery people received an 8% pay raise this past year while teachers received a little better than 2% raise. NOW, due to the economic budget shortfall of 4.3 billion dollars, they are talking about cutting teachers' salaries by 10% next year.

Our salaries (before they drop 10%) are frozen for the next three years. Teachers with Master's degrees will now be paid at Bachelor's degree pay scale. No talk of retroactive pay when the budget balances. . . of course!
Longevity pay is now frozen (this, BTW, is a small reward for reaching 10+ years of teaching).

Aside from cutting teachers, the governor in her infinite wisdom has decided to push the maximum capacity of students in each classroom - at least 30. I guess I'll need bunk desks next year.

And they wonder why teachers are leaving the profession in droves - especially in North Carolina!!

[*NikkiBell*]

Ugh. That sounds just awful. Much PD to you and your colleagues! Hang in there! :)

[firsttimemom]

Hi everyone- I just wanted to stop by and say thank you thank you thank you for everything you do for your students. I have a (just finishing) 3rd grader and 5th grader and we have been blessed with phenomenal teachers. It blows me away to see the hours you spend outside the classroom working on lesson plans, thinking up creative ways to motivate your class as a whole and 'student x' in particular, coming to evening school activities (which means the world to my kids).

You all know you are woefully underpaid- if it were up to me, I'd end that right now! I hope you all have parents and administration that appreciate your efforts.

[WLfan]

We have 8 more days of classes at the HS and then testing for two more weeks. These last two weeks of classes are DRAGGING. I can't believe how slow it's going. Where are you summer?!!!

[Dismom+two]

I know it says teacher but are Paras welcomed??
I can not wait until the last day...June 22.
I am a one-on-one Para with a second grader. We get along good when she is in a good place. Lately, I believe she is REALLY acting up...her way of pushing me away knowing the end of the year is coming quickly . It's been very hard and stressful.

I could sure use some pixie dust, good thoughts...prayers...whatever you want to send my way!

[TSNCS]

Hello all! I am a science teacher in WV. We have a desperate need for science and math teachers here. However, our pay here sucks! LOL! Our surrounding states all pay WAY more than WV. Anyway, I am not complaining really, I am thankful to have a job that is pretty secure.

We have two more days with students and two without. I am ready for my vacation!

[PinkBudgie]

Today is my last day with kids. :sad1: I'm happy because I do need a break but sad because I don't know if I will be back next year. Officially I have been laid off, but there is some hope that our Pre-K thru 12 private school may add a 3 year old program which I would do if they did. I'll go back on Friday to help clean the Pre-K room then I'm off for the summer. And then I'll be able to get ready for our week at Disneyland. :yay:

[jjnshane]

:teacher:
Hi everyone, I thought I would check in as well. I have been high school theatre (and sometimes English Literature when they need me) teacher in Central Florida for the past ten years. In addition to my "official" role of teacher I also play camp councilor, mediator, therapist and secondary mom to all of my students – the majority of them by now call me Momma J instead of by my name! :thumbsup2

I have had a wonderful year working with my students – even with budget cuts and stress coming down the pike the performing arts department at my school has held together as a family and has come through it – thankfully. Arts are usually the first programs cut, but since at our school there is only one chorus teacher, one band teacher and myself there is very little to cut unless you get rid of the program entirely! I don’t kid myself, that could always happen – but I know that if it did I would be moved to English and I would still work with kids interested in theatre after school.

Today is our last full day with the kids and the next two days are exam schedule days where we only meet with half of the class periods and the students get to leave early. Then we have 3 days of post planning next week – I don’t know what I will do those three days besides clean the auditorium! :laundy: – My grades are pretty much completed and I am fortunate enough to get to stay in the same classroom that I had this year for the next school year. :worship:

I am so ready for the summer – even though it was a great year with my kids, I am drained and need time to recharge my batteries. I am looking forward to some time off to hang out with my DD and head over to WDW and make use of our annual passes! :goodvibes

[PinkBudgie]

I just had to tell someone! The parents in my class are wonderful and many gave me great gift cards. One parent, though, gave me $25 in Disney Dollars!!! Extra money to spend on my trip! And it really looks so cool, engraving and sparkles and stuff. :goodvibes

[mrhistory]

My local district had two "money" superintendents in a row so we actually have a $20 million dollar surplus right now. We won't get a raise and they have upped class sizes, but we have not been asked to take furlough days or a reduction in pay. We finished last week and we will be at DW on Sunday.

[TAKitty]

Yeah! Final exams start tomorrow! It is such a feeling of relief!

[jpeka65844]

I just had to tell someone! The parents in my class are wonderful and many gave me great gift cards. One parent, though, gave me $25 in Disney Dollars!!! Extra money to spend on my trip! And it really looks so cool, engraving and sparkles and stuff. :goodvibes

I'm at a new school this year and the kids are slowly but surely finding out I'm nuts about Disney!

One parent sent me the WDW promo video where they used my name in all the "celebration" materials and I had one student bring me a Mickey Mouse to add to my collection on my shelf behind my desk. I've also had students ask me about my BWV wallpaper on my computer.

[PinkBudgie]

I'm at a new school this year and the kids are slowly but surely finding out I'm nuts about Disney!

One parent sent me the WDW promo video where they used my name in all the "celebration" materials and I had one student bring me a Mickey Mouse to add to my collection on my shelf behind my desk. I've also had students ask me about my BWV wallpaper on my computer.


It is nice to have students help feed your addiciton! :thumbsup2

There was one girl in my class who loved Mickey Mouse. She had it on everything and would always show me when she had something new. She was always making her own "Hidden Mickeys" like putting together 3 Ritz crackers. :rotfl:

[matu8063]

Horribly! I'm happy with my EOG testing results for my 7th grade Language Arts students. I'm NOT happy with our governor here in NC.

There are 12,000 teaching jobs on the chopping block here in NC statewide.

The governor just docked all state employees .05% of their annual salaries in the last two paychecks!!!!

The NC Education Lottery people received an 8% pay raise this past year while teachers received a little better than 2% raise. NOW, due to the economic budget shortfall of 4.3 billion dollars, they are talking about cutting teachers' salaries by 10% next year.

Our salaries (before they drop 10%) are frozen for the next three years. Teachers with Master's degrees will now be paid at Bachelor's degree pay scale. No talk of retroactive pay when the budget balances. . . of course!
Longevity pay is now frozen (this, BTW, is a small reward for reaching 10+ years of teaching).

Aside from cutting teachers, the governor in her infinite wisdom has decided to push the maximum capacity of students in each classroom - at least 30. I guess I'll need bunk desks next year.

And they wonder why teachers are leaving the profession in droves - especially in North Carolina!!

I teach in NC too! I teach 7th grade too! I teach math. I didn't know about the Masters pay going away. Where did you find that information from. I asked the teachers at my school and they had not heard of this. My school has over 50% masters degree teachers, myself included.

4 days left.

I hope to purchase an Annual Pass this summer before the our cruise on Royal Carribean.

Hang in there for all of the teachers that have lost their job.

Missy

[PE_TCR]

One more week here! I am an elementary and intermediate school Physical Education teacher. I think my students are glad just to get away from the Disney music I play in class. Not the top choice for the 7th graders. I wish I had summers off. I have to work many summer jobs (a lot of softball umpiring and working at Miller Park) to pay for our next Disney trip. The Magic will look so good in December when it's snowing again here.
I can't believe its June and we actually had a frost warning last night!

[*NikkiBell*]

Okay, here we go! I'm about to grade the very last test of the school year (a grammar one....oOOoOohhh, I just LOOOOVE me some good grammar!). WOOHOO! Summer here I come!

Our last day is in two weeks. The countdown has officially begun!

[Pappa Bear]

Two weeks ago Friday I closed the door on my 35 years career teaching and retired. My wonderful teammates surprised me at our end of year assembly by asking me to say a few words but I simply could not finish without choking up. The best I could tell them was that I believed in all of them and that I promised to be at their graduations from high school in 5 years and that I expected to see all of them in their caps and gowns. Then commenced a group hug w/130 7th graders that I thought I would not survive.:grouphug:

I have LOVED my job but increasing age has affected my physical ability to give the 110% my kids need and that I have taught them to expect. I have taught in a variety of settings, rural, urban, magnet, each with its challenges and rewards but it was always about my kids and nothing else. I chose to walk away before an administrator had to tell me it was time to. I will miss my kids and the rhythm of the classroom but I am confident that I made a difference in some of their lives and I could not ask for anything else.

She Who Must Be Obeyed and I will be at the World in September because we have never been able to travel outside of the school calendar. This is our first real vacation w/o students or our own children to supervise and we are really looking forward to it. :yay:

[smphbear]

Two weeks ago Friday I closed the door on my 35 years career teaching and retired. My wonderful teammates surprised me at our end of year assembly by asking me to say a few words but I simply could not finish without choking up. The best I could tell them was that I believed in all of them and that I promised to be at their graduations from high school in 5 years and that I expected to see all of them in their caps and gowns. Then commenced a group hug w/130 7th graders that I thought I would not survive.:grouphug:

I have LOVED my job but increasing age has affected my physical ability to give the 110% my kids need and that I have taught them to expect. I have taught in a variety of settings, rural, urban, magnet, each with its challenges and rewards but it was always about my kids and nothing else. I chose to walk away before an administrator had to tell me it was time to. I will miss my kids and the rhythm of the classroom but I am confident that I made a difference in some of their lives and I could not ask for anything else.

She Who Must Be Obeyed and I will be at the World in September because we have never been able to travel outside of the school calendar. This is our first real vacation w/o students or our own children to supervise and we are really looking forward to it. :yay:


Job Well Done... Enjoy retirement. I admire that you did what you felt was best for the kids and retired without someone forcing you to. You showed amazing courage by moving into a new phase of your life. I hope you enjoy retirement and your travels. The World is great in the off season. DH and I snuck in an adults only trip that was spectacular. I hope your trip goes just as well and that you get some of the pixie dust that we got! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi Teachers!!!

I just wanted to check in and see how everyone was enjoying their summer. Did you start hitting the Staples penny sales yet? They began today! I was very excited to see that they increased the teacher limit to 25 penny items per transaction. It'll make it easier once the better items start appearing in the sales later on in the month.

Nikki

[luke]

Only a week and a half (or a week) left in school for us Uk based teachers!
Plus sports day is this week which is always nice if the weather keeps good!

I have been part time this year but luckily have had my contract increased to full time next year, so maybe I'll even get back to wdw next summer ;)

Hope all educators enjoy the summer break, man do we deserve it :)

:goodvibes

[elemusing]

We don't have a Staples nearby. Yesterday I hit our local WalMart. OH MAN. I spent $177 on stuff for my classroom. ugh. The folders I buy are usually 10 - 15 cents each. This year they are 25cents. I have to buy at least 100. I will have to buy more later, but hoping they will go on clearance soon. They don't carry the cheaper 8 pack of crayons that I use with my kids anymore, so I had to buy the 97 cents each Crayola packs. :scared: (I buy 50 of these so I will have enough for two semesters - the kids are HARD on crayons).

So anyway - I spent alot more this year up front. The good thing is the school will reimburse up to $200 - the bad thing is - I only have less than $25 now for the rest of the school year.

You know I have taught at this school for 15 years. The reimbursement alottment has been the same for all this time. I wish they would allow at least $50 more to account for the cost of living. Ah but I am just venting.

Two weeks until I have to go back for inservice and then school starts back August 5. Where did my summer go? :confused3

ETA: in case you are wondering why I don't have parents buy their kids the folders and crayons, I am the music teacher. I tried sending home a note one year to get these supplies and you wouldn't believe the stuff parents sent. But very little of it was what I specifically asked for. ugh.

[DVCJones]

Yes, yes, yes!!! We are enjoying the summer now that the weather has improved. Yesterday, I went to the beach for the first time this summer.:banana:

We go back August 31st:sad1:

[dmwang9]

End-of-year inservice ended for me on June 23, and I was on a plane for Orlando on June 24. :cool1: Spent at week at WDW (short TR: awesome, humid, rainy, awesome, hot, and awesome), then came back to San Francisco, where I miss Disney but not the sweating.

The month of July is a "working month" for me. I have a ton of curriculum development stuff to do, and I'm trying to pick off a few hours of work each day. This coming weekend, though, is Azkatraz (a Harry Potter convention here in SF), so that'll be a bit of a distraction.

[*NikkiBell*]

That was an awesome trip the day after school ended! I'd be worried about snow days cutting into it! Very cool about the HP convention, too! :) Fun times!

[luke]

A week left, which includes sports day! I'm sooooo ready for my summer break :)

:goodvibes

[svalencia1]

Hello.I don't really post too often on this board but I thought I'd jump in here and introduce myself so that maybe I can get some advice from vetran teachers. :) My name is Sarah and I am a single mother of 2 beautiful children. We are all Disney freaks! I am also double majoring in Elementary and Special Education (Cross Catagorical). I want to teach primary grades Sp Ed. I will begin student teaching in December and am very excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time. It's been a long road (10 years) to get to this point but I am ready for the real work/ fun to begin!

[*NikkiBell*]

:welcome: Sarah! I am so excited to hear that you will be student teaching in the fall. I'd be happy to help if you have questions! Do you know what grade level yet? :teacher:

[mylittlebuttercup]

I'm so glad we can chat here. We have 21 school days left. I'm so tired too. We just finished state testing last week and the kids are nutty. I also applied for a new position for our district...an upper elementary reading specialist and literacy coach. I'll have two fifth grade reading classes and then work with third and fourth grade the rest of the day. That should make for an interesting year next year. Oh and I was just nominated as union vice president. Not sure if I'm going to do it or not yet though.


I am also a literacy coach in NJ. Hope you enjoy your new position!

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi Teachers!!!

I just wanted to check in as everyone prepares for a new school year. The school supplies are out in stores and it seems like most people down south and out west are not too far from the first day. How long do you have left? I have about 40 days until two in-service days and then the kiddos come in. I'm so excited! :)

Lately, I've become interested in getting loads of different things from Vista Print. I got business cards from them awhile back and have gotten some awesome freebie emails lately. I already made some large magnets for the chalkboard, pens, mouse pads, thank you cards, and more. Anyone else doing this?

[svalencia1]

:welcome: Sarah! I am so excited to hear that you will be student teaching in the fall. I'd be happy to help if you have questions! Do you know what grade level yet? :teacher:

Thanks so much for the warm welcome Nikki! I actually begin student teaching in December. I haven't been assigned a grade yet but I am hoping for 1-3rd grade. In August I will do 2 practicums where I will teach for a couple hours a day in Special Education at the high school and then a few hours each day teaching 2nd grade Social Studies, Math, and Science. I am so excited to begin but do not feel nearly prepared enough! The next few weeks I don't have classes so I will be perusing the net for ideas. :)

[smphbear]

Hi Teachers!!!
about 40 days until two in-service days and then the kiddos come in.

I wasn't jealous when we got out earlier, but I am jealous now. We start in-service Tuesday. I have a million details to get the tech stuff ready for the school. I hope I have time to decorate my room before Open House for new students. Enjoy the rest of your summer everyone!

[*NikkiBell*]

I can't even begin to think of my to do list!

[smphbear]

I can't even begin to think of my to do list!

I could share mine with you - halfsies? ;)

[*NikkiBell*]

Teachers! I just found the most amazing coupon ever for Office Max! It's for Sharpies at a penny each! You can reprint the coupon over and over if you need more than three. The sale is good through Saturday!!! :)

http://images.ed4.net/images/htdocs/officemax/Images/2009_wk32/promo/back_to_school.pdf

[Sooze]

Teachers! I just found the most amazing coupon ever for Office Max! It's for Sharpies at a penny each! You can reprint the coupon over and over if you need more than three. The sale is good through Saturday!!! :)

http://images.ed4.net/images/htdocs/officemax/Images/2009_wk32/promo/back_to_school.pdf

WOW! That is unheard of! Thanks so much for the link!!:thumbsup2

[PolynesianLily]

I hope I'm not intruding, but I thought that I would join in on this thread because I am going to University in the fall to become a elementary school teacher. I think that teachers are amazing people and that they have the best job in the entire world! I have to start doing placements in my second year and am so looking forward to doing this as it has been my dream since I was in kindergarten.

[*NikkiBell*]

Welcome, Lily! You're not intruding at all! :)

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi Everybody!

Who has already returned to school? I have exactly 25 days left!

I wanted to post a link to the DIS Book Club. I posted there about an amazing experience I had related to teaching. I think you all will enjoy hearing about it.

Here's the link:

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33158604&postcount=177

[TAKitty]

I have 20 days of summer until our first teacher in-service.

[DVCJones]

I just got my "See you soon" letter which included the "official" school calendar. Nooooooooooooooooo! I have 17 days left of summer vacation.:scared1:

[msteddom]

Mine should come while I'm at Disney World. Opening that will be a quick jolt back to reality!

[RutgersAlum]

31 days left for me, due to construction. Nice long summer this year, but it'll be a short summer next year:scared1:
Michele/RutgersAlum

[PinkBudgie]

Well, that summer was way too short. School starts on Monday. At the end of the last school year I posted that I didn't know if I would have a job this year. I taught pre-k in a pre-k through 12 school. This year we only have 9 Pre-Kers enrolled so no job there since I was the second teacher. The other teacher/director has been working hard to start a 3 year old program there but it won't be ready for a few more months. It all depends on the state approving our paperwork. If it all gets approved I will be the 3's teacher.

In the meantime, I am now the school's new librarian. :eek: A massive amount of work with very little hours a week to do it. We used to have such a nice library with two librarians. Now the budget for it has been cut drastically. I'll only be working 15 hours a week and five of those hours are not even library but giving the other pre-k teacher a lunch break. :sad2: I just hope all goes well so I can go back to teaching soon. :teacher:

[*NikkiBell*]

I've been going crazy on Vista Print lately. Everything has been free and I actually found a link for 1/2 off shipping!!! Woohoo! Anybody else use it?

So far, I've made:

Happy BDay/1 Day Extension Postcards
Large Magnet for No Name Papers
Thank You Card Postcards
Phone Messages Notepad
No Homework Postcards (Pink Slips)
Missing Assignments Notepad
Who's Blogging Today Large Magnet
Star Student Magnets (for their lockers)
Spelling Star Punch Cards
Afterschool Club Flyers

and I know there's more, but I can't remember right now! lol

[TAKitty]

I've been going crazy on Vista Print lately. Everything has been free and I actually found a link for 1/2 off shipping!!! Woohoo! Anybody else use it?

So far, I've made:

Happy BDay/1 Day Extension Postcards
Large Magnet for No Name Papers
Thank You Card Postcards
Phone Messages Notepad
No Homework Postcards (Pink Slips)
Missing Assignments Notepad
Who's Blogging Today Large Magnet
Star Student Magnets (for their lockers)
Spelling Star Punch Cards
Afterschool Club Flyers

and I know there's more, but I can't remember right now! lol

How is everything free?

[patsal]

Ugg I got my schedule today. I am not sure who made them up but someone forgot I have to be free 9th period to attend dept. chair meetings. I am the RTI/AIS person in the building who tracks the whole HS population and makes arrangements with dept. heads for interventions and reports. Usually this is my prep period that I give up. i have to go to the meeting after having 1 40 minute period per day to monitor and track as well as update the system every five weeks with all the info input by hand since the tracking program and grading program do not "talk" to one another! :surfweb: Now I have a class 9th and I am the only person in the HS certified to teach them so passing them on to someone else won't work either!

I have decided to close the program and discontinue worrying about it until I return on Sept. 1. I shall now go back to enjoying the last 2 weeks of summer vacation! Becasue it will be a very long 40 weeks with this schedule.:scared1:

[*NikkiBell*]

Sign up for their email list and they will email you links/coupons. Everything is free and you just pay for S & H. You can also use this link and get free items and 1/2 off shipping!

http://www.msyorksclass.net/

[dmwang9]

My in-service starts next Thursday. A week from than, we have two days of student orientations, and then classes start the following Tuesday.

Where did the summer go?

[disney_fan1972]

I teach HS Chemistry to 11th graders and Physical Science to 9th graders. I have mtgs on Aug 19 and 25... then Sept 1st hits and its all over :sad:

Looking forward to a new school year but I am sooooo not ready! I have a ton of planning that I need to do and with a 14mo running the house I just havn't had time! aaaahhhhhh

[CindyT]

Just found this thread. I have taught for 36 years, 1 in a parochial school and the last 35 in a public high school. Plan on teaching another 6. I start back on Monday. My husband is a teacher also, he teaches elementary, currently 5th grade and has taught for 33 years. He went back yesterday. This summer flew by. I think teachers everywhere are going to be facing lots of challenges due to lack of money for the school systems. I wish everyone a successful year.

[howlongtillsummer?]

Have you all had a good summer? Nearly time to start asking the famous question again

"How long till summer?"

:sad2:

[KML11]

Hi there! First year teacher here and I'm quite nervous. I'll be teaching kindergarten and our first day is the 25th. Any advice for someone just starting out? I'm trying to collect as much good information as possible. Hope everyone's school year goes smoothly!

[howlongtillsummer?]

I taught four to seven year olds for seven years. Next year I will have ten year olds and am looking forward to it.

With the little ones you need to be cheerful but firm. Be confident and they will respond well. Once you have them in a routine it is very easy. I always said you earned your money for the year in September - it is a hard month with little ones. It is a very rewarding year!

Best wishes

[*NikkiBell*]

I've had a mixed bag type of summer. Coupled with ending the school year being sick along with some other issues at home, it was up and down. I have had some great times towards the second half of it and things are looking much better for me.

KML - Congratulations on your first teaching position!!!! Kindergarten is SUCH a fun grade to teach! I did a maternity leave position teaching it. I just love them! Make sure you create name tags (use oaktag and string) for them to wear each day of the first week. This will help you and specials teachers learn their names easily. I'd also suggest subscribing to Mailbox Primary! It's a lifesaver and has so many excellent suggestions and ready-to-use activities!!! Be sure to stop back here and tell us how things are going. Remember we are here to help! :)