Hold my umbrella while I find your poncho! A May 2012 TR-- NEW-FINALLY! 1/17; pg. 29

[MHTeacher]

Ugh, that stinks.

Is Alabama going to the Common Core this year? If so, everyone will feel like they are starting over.

Alabama adopted Common Core, but it didn't really change course of study very much. I read a study where the standards for the state and the the common core were compared, and we had a 96% match up in math, and a 92% match up in language arts, so there isn't a whole lot of difference.

I teach in a private school, so it's a little different for us. I won't be tied down to all the paperwork that will go with documenting all the common core standards. The proof that we teach what we should be teaching is in the fact that 100% of our graduates attend college and are successful.

I know that last year, we adopted a new math series for K-6, that had common core standards. I HATED it! It made me want my old Saxon book back!

Little by little, I am figuring it all out for my new LA classes. The biggest challenge I'm having is trying to figure out how to include literature, grammar, writing, and spelling in a fifty minute class period.

 

[MeMom]

Kinda good that you don't have to make Math and Language plans, though, I would think. Another teacher and I ability group and switch - I teach Language/Writer's Workshop and she teaches SS/Sci. I am happy not to have to do SS/Sci plans.

We do Common Core, also, but we have to do tons of documentation/paperwork.

Hope you, Jackie, and all of our DIS teachers have a great, good, or at least tolerable year ahead. We'll shoot for great, probably get good, but at the very worst, we'll pray for tolerance to make it through until the end of May.

 

[natebenma]

Hope you, Jackie, and all of our DIS teachers have a great, good, or at least tolerable year ahead. We'll shoot for great, probably get good, but at the very worst, we'll pray for tolerance to make it through until the end of May.

What she said!!!

Once again, I want to say thanks to all of the teachers reading this report for your hard work and dedication to such an important profession!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Little by little, I am figuring it all out for my new LA classes. The biggest challenge I'm having is trying to figure out how to include literature, grammar, writing, and spelling in a fifty minute class period.

That is the hardest part. There is never enough time. Last year we split reading and language arts into two separate classes and that made things sooo nice. I loved it.

Hope you, Jackie, and all of our DIS teachers have a great, good, or at least tolerable year ahead. We'll shoot for great, probably get good, but at the very worst, we'll pray for tolerance to make it through until the end of May.

You, too, MeMom!!!

What she said!!!

Once again, I want to say thanks to all of the teachers reading this report for your hard work and dedication to such an important profession!!!

Thank you!

 

[MHTeacher]

Kinda good that you don't have to make Math and Language plans, though, I would think. Another teacher and I ability group and switch - I teach Language/Writer's Workshop and she teaches SS/Sci. I am happy not to have to do SS/Sci plans.

Hope you, Jackie, and all of our DIS teachers have a great, good, or at least tolerable year ahead. We'll shoot for great, probably get good, but at the very worst, we'll pray for tolerance to make it through until the end of May.

I've had four preps for several years--6th math, 7th math, 8th Pre Algebra, and 8th Algebra 1. So, the good thing is that I now only have three preps!

I hope you have a great year too. But first, let's enjoy these last three weeks of summer vacation!

Once again, I want to say thanks to all of the teachers reading this report for your hard work and dedication to such an important profession!!!

Thank you, Dee! I love my job, and wouldn't want to do anything else!

That is the hardest part. There is never enough time. Last year we split reading and language arts into two separate classes and that made things sooo nice. I loved it.

That would be great. When I taught only 6th grade, the students only split their class time between another teacher and me. I had 50 minutes for reading, and 30 for grammar. Trying to fit it all into a 50 minute period is my biggest headache.

Some teachers have suggested alternating grammar/writing and literature every other nine week period. I don't really care for that idea, because I feel as if the kids need to be having some grammar every day. Plus, if one kid just hates grammar or lit., he's tied into it for an entire grading period. *SIGH* I guess I have three weeks to get it all figured out!

 

[CatNipRules]

My son's school does a block schedule. Basically they have 4 classes a day. But, they have one class every other day. Last year, my son had English, History and Science in one semester. He is in AP science so he had that all year long. Then he had his electives. So basically each of the 4 classes a day was 2 hours long. I think that he liked it better that way.

I think that it gives the kids a chance to better absorb the subjects. Plus, it gives teachers a chance to teach the subjects and if one of the kids had a question the teacher was able to go over it better.

I definitely salute all the teachers out there.

 

[Lisa29]

I had forgotten you had booked the dessert party. Can't wait to read your update and see the pics.

 

[Nermel9]

Aww, I love your castle pic!

Mmm isn't CHH so good? I don't know why we don't eat there more!

Yay, I'm glad you got to say goodbye to Snow White, it was never one of my favorites, but I am sad that it's not going to be there anymore. And that's a good question, what are they going to do with all of the beautiful scenery from inside? Too bad they couldn't incorporate it into the Dwarves mine coaster or something!

Ohh, I'm sorry everyone got mad that you gave away the Peter Pan FP's but I'm glad they got over it once they realized you booked the dessert party! Yum!!!

 

[MHTeacher]

My son's school does a block schedule. Basically they have 4 classes a day. But, they have one class every other day. Last year, my son had English, History and Science in one semester. He is in AP science so he had that all year long. Then he had his electives. So basically each of the 4 classes a day was 2 hours long. I think that he liked it better that way.

I think that it gives the kids a chance to better absorb the subjects. Plus, it gives teachers a chance to teach the subjects and if one of the kids had a question the teacher was able to go over it better.

I definitely salute all the teachers out there.

Our high schoolers run a 4x4 block schedule as well. Three of those are 90 minute academic classes that meet for one semester only, and the fourth block is divided into two 45 minute periods that meets year round. One of those is Bible, for everyone, and the other is their fine arts elective. I know my girls enjoy the block, because if it's a class they don't like, they know they're finished with it in five months.

However, I teach middle school, and they are not on a block schedule. We run a 7 period day with each class 50 minutes.

I had forgotten you had booked the dessert party. Can't wait to read your update and see the pics.

It's coming up next!

Yay, I'm glad you got to say goodbye to Snow White, it was never one of my favorites, but I am sad that it's not going to be there anymore. And that's a good question, what are they going to do with all of the beautiful scenery from inside? Too bad they couldn't incorporate it into the Dwarves mine coaster or something!

Ohh, I'm sorry everyone got mad that you gave away the Peter Pan FP's but I'm glad they got over it once they realized you booked the dessert party! Yum!!!

That would have been a good idea, and who knows? Maybe we'll see those murals in the Dwarves mine coaster ride!

Pretty much as soon as they began to realize what we were going to do, they all got over their disappointment, and began to get excited about dessert!

 

[MHTeacher]

Wednesday, May 30—continued

When I left you, we were in line at the Wishes dessert party for our check-in.

My reservation time was for 9:20, but I had read here on the boards that you could begin checking in an hour before Wishes would start. I had also read that some of the desserts-namely those chocolate covered strawberries-get all taken quite quickly. Well, I had no intention of letting that happen!

At nine, they promptly began checking people in, and in no time we were being shown to our table.

We were at one of the first tables when you walked into the area, and the good news was that our table was right next to the railing. Just as I’d read on these boards, the tables are already pre-determined. So there’s no need to be first in line-except for those strawberries!

The CM who showed us our table explained how the fireworks would be right behind the castle, and what a good view we would have to see Tink “fly.”

The MSEP had also started, but we could only see the tops of the floats as they went up Main Street. I could hear the music, and I must admit-I missed my Spectro music. “On this magic night…”

We all headed off to the dessert tables to be completely and utterly overwhelmed. There were so many things to try. There were several carts-for lack of a better word- filled with trays of desserts.

They were angled toward the wall, but you could walk in between all of them. The drink table was against the wall, along with ice cream and toppings bar. But I must say, the traffic flow is quite the problem here. Disney definitely needs to figure out a better way to set up this self-serve buffet of sweets. People were walking every direction around the carts, and it was really congested.

Danaile, aka mindystar here on the DIS, was supposed to be at the party, so I was on the lookout for her, as well as those strawberries. She and her entire family were seated right near the dessert tables. We saw each other at the same time, and stopped and talked for a little while. I was a bad DISer and didn’t get a picture, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

Finally we got our plates filled, and got back to our seats.

Now here is the embarrassing part---I didn’t take any pictures of the desserts on the carts---None with the cute little signs telling the name of each dessert. I’m such a bad DISer. You will have to settle with seeing my one little plate---actually I had two plates. Believe me when I say that I probably had a sample of everything except the brownie and ice cream.

This is my first plate---yes--I went back. I pretty much tried everything the first go around. I didn’t necessarily finish it all though. The things I really liked are what I got the second go around.

From the top, going downward-not on the plate are: crème brule’, tiramisu, key lime pie, chocolate mousse, and a mango shooter. On the plate, starting with the rice-krispy and going clockwise: chocolate drizzled rice krispy, some sort of citrus muffin, peanut-butter/chocolate tart, chocolate covered strawberry, and a fruit tart.

For the drinks, you had a choice of water, coffee, hot chocolate, and I believe there was milk. The ice cream was dip yourself-and they had hot fudge and sprinkles for the toppings. There may have been more toppings—I didn’t eat ice cream, so I really didn’t look at the toppings.

The Magic, Memories, and Me show was next, and this was new for us! WOW! This show is amazing. All the lights change the appearance of the castle from a sand castle to under the sea. It was really great. It had us all oohing and aahing.

Because our table was right at the rail, Rachel and Reid turned their chairs around to watch the show. Then no one could come and stand in front of us during either show. One funny story here though. Right before “Wishes” began, a couple with their two small children came to stand at the rail to the right of our table. A few minutes after it began, the husband pulled a chair over. Pretty soon, one of the boys was sitting, and then standing, in it. A CM came over and told them they were not allowed to move chairs to the rail. The mom looked our way and said, “Well, those people have chairs at the rail.” He relented, but told here the little ones could not be standing in the chairs at all.

“Wishes” began, and we were in the perfect spot to see Tink. She flew right over our heads. This was one of the best parts!

The firework shots didn’t turn out so great, just because of our location. The fireworks actually looked as if they were to the right of the castle, instead of seeing them behind the castle, like they appear from Main Street.

When it was finished, the desserts were gone, and people began leaving. MK was closing at 11 that night, so most folks were headed out of the park after “Wishes.” We lingered at the railing a little longer, and then took a restroom stop at the back of Tomorrow Land Terrace. That must have been the first time I can ever remember using that restroom, and I must tell you it’s one of the smallest restrooms I think I’ve seen at Disney. It was only a two or three seater.

We finally made our way out of the park around 10:35 (I know this because I wrote it in my trip journal) to a crazy madhouse line for the monorail. We decided to use the resort launch, which had quite a long line as well. We had to wait through three launches. But the good news is that after the first, they sent a larger one, so more people got on. Even though we had to wait in a line here, I didn’t mind. I enjoy riding the boat launch, especially at night, when the resorts are all lit up. I think all the lights reflecting in the water are so pretty at night.

By the time we caught the fourth launch, made the stop at the Grand Floridian, and got back to the Poly, it was 11:30. It had taken an hour to get back to our resort! After everyone had showered, it was 12:30 when the last of us crawled into the bed. It was already decided that tomorrow would be a sleep-in day.

So, now the question—Would I do the party again? It was an expensive dessert party-about $125 for the five of us. Obviously the food was not worth the price. It was good-but not $125 good. I discovered that I have such plain taste. My favorite thing there was the rice krispy! Yes, they were even better than the strawberries. The strawberries were dipped in dark chocolate-good, but nowhere as good and sweet as milk chocolate! Now the berries themselves were delicious—very sweet and juicy.

The nice part was having a location to watch Wishes, without being jammed right up next to someone I’ve never met in the center of Main Street. I liked that I didn’t have to stake out a spot hours in advance. Of course I did get there an hour early, but I didn’t have to. My table would have still been there at 9:20 or 9:30. That was probably the best part. Having the view of Tink was pretty sweet too.

Overall, it was a fun thing to do. It was something new to try, and with ten trips in eleven years, we always want to do something different. I don’t regret doing the party, and everyone in the family—even Reid---seemed happy with it!

UP NEXT: DOWNTOWN DISNEY-NIGHTMARE? OR PLEASANT DREAM?

 

[MEK]

I think you got a wonderful spot for the dessert party. I remember watching Wishes from that spot pre- dessert party and, I agree, the fireworks are not quite as impressive as from Main Street.

The desserts really do look wonderful. I have never done the party, but, you're right, its all about adding experiences. I have always been afraid I won't quite be hungry for the desserts after eating a big dinner. Probably need to come up with a new strategy, like a really early dinner and no dessert.

 

[CatNipRules]

You had awesome seats!! I'm so jealous!

I'm hoping to convince my husband that it's worth the extra expense. However, I'm having a tough time with it.

I really want to do it!! LOL!!

Love the fireworks and Tink!
Really love your update!!

 

[KatMark]

Love the update, Michelle. Great seats, great shot of Tink. I'm glad you enjoyed the Memories show (I cried the first time I saw it). I thought of surprising Mark with the dessert party, but the cost turned me off since I don't really eat a lot of that stuff (plus I'm dieting for the wedding); and we do have a special place we watch the fireworks. If you had said the desserts were outstanding, I may have considered it.

Looking forward to the next update.

 

[MeMom]

I hope you have a great year too. But first, let's enjoy these last three weeks of summer vacation!

Too late. We officially started Thursday. Unofficially, I worked in my classroom Monday and Tuesday. I didn't go in on Wednesday, since it was truly my last free day. I will enjoy my weekends and holidays now until the end of May.

The MSEP had also started, but we could only see the tops of the floats as they went up Main Street. I could hear the music, and I must admit-I missed my Spectro music. “On this magic night…”

Me, too.
Me, too.
Me, too.

It is coming back, though!

This is why I would have a hard time paying for this, even as fun as I know it is. I can only eat a small amount of sugar at once. It would take me like three days to eat all of this. It all looks scrumptious, and I know I would like all of it, but I can only stomach a few bites of sweet stuff at a time, and then I can't even enjoy the sight of it. I don't know what the problem is. I can eat salty stuff by the tons, but not sweets.

The ice cream was dip yourself-and they had hot fudge and sprinkles for the toppings. There may have been more toppings—I didn’t eat ice cream, so I really didn’t look at the toppings.

Ice cream is my weakness! I would have indulged in that.


I think we will try the Dessert Party someday. Jill will be in line for the strawberries, for sure. That's one of her favorite Disney treats.

I was just thinking it was kind of funny - Reid was upset that he didn't get to fly over Tinkerbell, but instead Tinkerbell flew right over him.

 

[Queenofallthings]

I would have to say that I completely agree with all your comments about the dessert party....very expensive but worth it once!

We are chocolate covered stawberry fanatics too so when I read about you staking them out it made me laugh out loud!

Sounds like a really great evening! It's nice to do something new every trip isn't it?

 

[kschafer]

I did the dessert party on a girls only trip. It was great fun to splurge but I'm not sure I could easily pay for the whole family to go. You are right, the desserts are yummy but you pay as much for the experience and convenience as for the desserts!

Your change in teaching assignment would have me in a panic! Since I am high school, the worst I deal with is switching between science topics, I can't even imagine dealing with a change from math to LA!!

MeMom, I can't believe you are back to work already!! I actually start next week which is exceptionally early because I have to go through training for my new job (not sure if you saw on FB...I will be starting this year working for an online school. I will be in charge of 6-12 science so a really big range but I don't have to create any of the lessons or assessments, they are already done. My role will be more as facilitator and coach. Will be very different that's for sure!)

Good luck to all my fellow teachers this upcoming year and if you still have summer break left, enjoy!!

 

[natebenma]

Yum! The desserts look awesome! But I think I know what you mean. There is just too much there. After not too long, I think you risk sugar-shock.

That is my only complaint with Boma- there is just too much wonderful food to sample.

Sounds like you scored on your table location! I agree with the others. The dessert is nice, but I think the real value is having a spot to watch the castle show and fireworks.

Did you book as soon as it was available, or sometime later? I wonder if that matters.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Some teachers have suggested alternating grammar/writing and literature every other nine week period. I don't really care for that idea, because I feel as if the kids need to be having some grammar every day. Plus, if one kid just hates grammar or lit., he's tied into it for an entire grading period. *SIGH* I guess I have three weeks to get it all figured out!

If you are like me, the thought of having to do grammar and no lit for an entire grading period sounds horrific. I can only take so much of it. When we had both combined, I would do a lot of the grammar piece of it in the DOL at the beginning of class. That helped some. Also, I tended to alternate grammar and literature in units instead of grading periods.

The dessert party looks like a lot of fun! Having a place to sit and watch the fireworks would be the biggest draw for our family, too. All the treats look very yummy!

 

[mirage0306]

So nice to read about your experience with the dessert party. My DH just told me it's something he would like to do next time. I love how you are guaranteed a good spot for Wishes--that alone is practically worth the price to me!!

 

[wakica]

Oh my goodness, all those YUMMY looking deserts!!!! wow! I think I would have been flying right up there with Tink with all that sugar but it looks like such a GREAT experience to try once for sure