Mingos in the Watah! What in the Wuhld?

[shan23877]

Hi! I am new to the dis, so I usually just lurk, but I wanted to reassure you that as of last week Naveen is alive and well at MK . Seems like you have a great little community here MeMom! Thanks for letting me follow along. I'd love to try my hand at a TR if only to relive our trip Have a great night!

 

[IluvXU]

RttT and NCLB are big in my current class that I am taking. I do envy the private school teachers who don't even know those abbreviations. BTW if you ever have Battelle for Kids come and speak to you.. let me know. One of their presenters is now my old principal and I know TN was her area to work at this year.... she is great!

Good luck as you finish getting ready!

 

[ClaireW]

The start to your school year sounds tough MeMom - not enough fun getting to know you stuff and too much testing

What are you testing for? I know there are some big differences between the UK system and yours and I can't see how/why you should be expected to test before you've had time to teach them anything

And my only tip for dealing with the negativity (been there, done that in my last job) is to close that classroom door and keep out of the staff room - and if I'd been able to I'm sure a bit of Dis time on the school computer helps too

 

[MeMom]

My 2nd grader would love to be in your classroom! Heck, my older ones would love it too!!! It looks awesome! Your kids are going to love it!!

I hope they do. I hope it makes them feel comfortable on the first day, and I hope it lets their adults know that we will be able to have a fun learning environment if we all put our efforts into that.

Hi! I am new to the dis, so I usually just lurk, but I wanted to reassure you that as of last week Naveen is alive and well at MK . Seems like you have a great little community here MeMom! Thanks for letting me follow along. I'd love to try my hand at a TR if only to relive our trip Have a great night!

You come bearing good news! Thank you!

We do have a very nice little community here. We laugh and call it DIS town, and we think about how nice it might be to have a true Mayberry-like town of Disney friends. Welcome to the group!

RttT and NCLB are big in my current class that I am taking. I do envy the private school teachers who don't even know those abbreviations. BTW if you ever have Battelle for Kids come and speak to you.. let me know. One of their presenters is now my old principal and I know TN was her area to work at this year.... she is great!

Good luck as you finish getting ready!

I'll let you know if we ever have her. We have had a few really dynamic speakers over the years.

My thought process as things are now is to possibly retire at twenty years, move to Alabama, and start another job, possibly at a private school. We'll see.

The start to your school year sounds tough MeMom - not enough fun getting to know you stuff and too much testing

What are you testing for? I know there are some big differences between the UK system and yours and I can't see how/why you should be expected to test before you've had time to teach them anything

And my only tip for dealing with the negativity (been there, done that in my last job) is to close that classroom door and keep out of the staff room - and if I'd been able to I'm sure a bit of Dis time on the school computer helps too

Part of our testing consists of listening to the kids read and writing down all kinds of little marks above the words they are reading. Then you divide to find out the percentage of words read to words read correctly. Then you write down how many words they self-corrected. Then the formula gives you a level - anywhere from 1 to 44, by twos for the most part, but by one during some sections and skipping from 28 to 32 with no 30. Don't ask me any questions about why, because I wouldn't have a clue!

They go on and on about not putting kids into 'redbirds, bluebirds, and yellowbirds', and you older folks know what I am talking about, yet they stress kids out even more by dissecting it down even further. The kids know who goes to the 12 Reading groups and who goes to the 28s. They are not stupid. Call it by birds, colors, or numbers - they know who can read well and who can't. Like I said, you would just have to see it all in action to really grasp the craziness of it all.

No worries about me fighting off the negativity by closing my door and escaping via the DIS. I listen to my Disney music and DIS away during my breaks, when I am not doing any number of tasks. I don't go to the teachers' lounge at all, and I stay out of the little groups that gather in doorways in the afternoons. I stay in my room, mind my own business, and do my job. I still love working with kids, and I still love the moments of genuine teaching and discovery with the kids. I am extremely grateful to have a job, and I am equally as grateful to have one that has so many breaks. I value those and don't know how people make it all year with only one break!

If I had a secretary to do all of my testing and recording, it would be a lot better, and if they would let us teach for learning and not just teach xyz for assessment purposes, I could love the whole job again. Maybe it boils down to the fact that I miss loving my job.

 

[MeMom]

Let's make our way out of Hollywood Studios.

Nobody at home has boots like these.

Maybe a new Donald shirt for Jarvis if he goes in December?

Stitch has the right idea.

What a life!

Good night, Hollywood!

Time check.

Good night, blurry cast members.

Brooklynn wanted a picture on the horse.

Shopping our way out.

This would make for a fun summer Disney party.

Souvenirs to help you have some Disney happiness at home.

Good night, Sid.

Day is done. Night night.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I will say, I like the new fall break thing that they are doing here now. It already feels good to know that after nine weeks, we will get a free one.

The school I used to work for did the same thing and I loved it too. I would MUCH rather have time off in the fall than in the summer. Fall is my favorite time to travel so I would always plan a trip for that week, usually to the NC/TN mountains (those were my predisney days). But the mountains are beautiful that time of year and the weather is usually perfect for traveling. I also liked it because most other schools were not out at that time so things weren't crowded. Fall is a MUCH cheaper time to travel too. We've even been to the beach during that week and it was great!

So is this fall break a permanent thing from now on? I sure hope it is! That means we get to look forward to lots of fall Disney trips from now on! Both times that we have been in the past it has been during the Christmas season and I absolutely LOVE everything about it, but I have to admit that I am looking forward to seeing MK all decked out for fall this time. I love fall decorations and from what I have seen from your past TRs, it looks like it's going to be so pretty!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I want that pretty Mickey apron! That would make cooking a lot of fun.

That Grumpy shirt makes me thing of the "Dancing" Wolf Family, I think their older son needs that shirt for their next trip.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Wow Memom! Your classroom looks awesome! The kids are going to love it!

I have never seen fantasmic I really need to do that. Creightons 2nd bday trip had to be cancelled though. But I think we may be able to make it there for 2-3 days in September. The company that I work for was bought out and the new company came in and changed EVERYTHING. I got a $2/hr paycut and they are not giving us any vacation time.

 

[stayhomemom77]

The company that I work for was bought out and the new company came in and changed EVERYTHING. I got a $2/hr paycut and they are not giving us any vacation time.

Ugh! I'm sorry to hear that. But they can't keep it from you indefinitely, can they?

******

Hey MeMom, I think I need a pair of those Mickey boots!

And the hat...

And the purse...

And a bunch of the kitchen stuff...

Maybe one of everything!

I definitely need to shop more on my next trip.

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Maybe a new Donald shirt for Jarvis if he goes in December?

I just have to ask where you found these shirts? I've seen them a few times and I really want one now Thank you! Hahahaha

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Megablocks]

Okay, your pictures really want to make me see Fantasmic again. I'm not sure anyone else would be willing to wait in line with me, though, in a large crowd. Kailyn saw it in April and they had to stand, but I know she really enjoyed it. Your pictures also make me feel like I am right there, and I can picture being there so easily! Only 147 days

 

[frazers mum]

Memom, your classroom is lovely. You have gone to a lot of effort. I hope your children will appreciate it. We are now on week 3 of UK holidays. I'm slowly running out of ideas to fill the time! The wellies in your Hollywood studios shopping pictures look amazing. I could almost put up walking through snow if i had those little beauties on my feet!

 

[hollisterluva92]

Hope you have a good college year! Hope that change adds up to big bucks

Thanks! I hope so too! I have, so far, two gallon ziploc bags with change, a change jar in my room, and a cup of change in my room!
-The pink sorcerer's hat is new! I'll have to add that to my list!
-Cute Stitch shirt!
-I wish I was sitting on a chair on the Poly beach with my toes in the sand and a fruity drink in my hand!
-I love the bright home stuff!

 

[3timesmom]

And we'll all be here to listen and supprt her through her move, too.

You don't seem like you are struggling with your words at all! We definitely understand, and it was nicely said.

Of course, if you want to teach us some Portugese, that will be fun, too. Maybe you could teach us a special phrase - like maybe Have a magical day!

Sorry, MeMom, I just saw your post..it's been a crazy week...I would be more than happy to teach you some portuguese . So here it goes: Tenha um dia mágico!( Have a magical day! ). Todos nós precisamos de um pouco de pó de pirlimpimpim! ( We all need a bit of pixie dust! - I never noticed how weird "pixie dust" sounds in portuguese..it's a long and funny word - pó (dust) de pirlimpimpim ( pixie).. So..this brings an end to your very first portuguese lesson! Hope you enjoyed it . Love, Tania.

 

[3timesmom]

Oh, MeMom, I forgot to tell you I LOVE your classroom, it's really awesome!!! It would be a BIG hit here in Brasil since from 1st grade up our classrooms are really plain ( I don't know why since I think kids would really benefit from a creative environment). Nice job

 

[sunny_stace]

I want one of everything in those shopping pics! MeMom, you should have the mickey mug that says "you have a special way of making people smile"

 

[MeMom]

The school I used to work for did the same thing and I loved it too. I would MUCH rather have time off in the fall than in the summer. Fall is my favorite time to travel so I would always plan a trip for that week, usually to the NC/TN mountains (those were my predisney days). But the mountains are beautiful that time of year and the weather is usually perfect for traveling. I also liked it because most other schools were not out at that time so things weren't crowded. Fall is a MUCH cheaper time to travel too. We've even been to the beach during that week and it was great!

So is this fall break a permanent thing from now on? I sure hope it is! That means we get to look forward to lots of fall Disney trips from now on! Both times that we have been in the past it has been during the Christmas season and I absolutely LOVE everything about it, but I have to admit that I am looking forward to seeing MK all decked out for fall this time. I love fall decorations and from what I have seen from your past TRs, it looks like it's going to be so pretty!

It appears that the district is moving toward a more balanced calendar, so I think fall break wll be a part of that, for sure. The biggest gripe people have with it is starting before August 1st.

I want that pretty Mickey apron! That would make cooking a lot of fun.

That Grumpy shirt makes me thing of the "Dancing" Wolf Family, I think their older son needs that shirt for their next trip.

I sported my Mickey aprons at church camp this year.

That would be a good shirt for him.

Wow Memom! Your classroom looks awesome! The kids are going to love it!

I have never seen fantasmic I really need to do that. Creightons 2nd bday trip had to be cancelled though. But I think we may be able to make it there for 2-3 days in September. The company that I work for was bought out and the new company came in and changed EVERYTHING. I got a $2/hr paycut and they are not giving us any vacation time.

So sorry about that pay cut.

We'll find out what the kids think tomorrow morning. The big day is just about here.

Ugh! I'm sorry to hear that. But they can't keep it from you indefinitely, can they?

******

Hey MeMom, I think I need a pair of those Mickey boots!

And the hat...

And the purse...

And a bunch of the kitchen stuff...

Maybe one of everything!

I definitely need to shop more on my next trip.

That's why I take pictures. I get to look and enjoy without purchasing.

I just have to ask where you found these shirts? I've seen them a few times and I really want one now Thank you! Hahahaha

Can't wait to read more!

I can't remember exactly which store. We just kind of shopped our way out of the park.

Okay, your pictures really want to make me see Fantasmic again. I'm not sure anyone else would be willing to wait in line with me, though, in a large crowd. Kailyn saw it in April and they had to stand, but I know she really enjoyed it. Your pictures also make me feel like I am right there, and I can picture being there so easily! Only 147 days

Offer to buy them ice cream. It helps the wait.

Memom, your classroom is lovely. You have gone to a lot of effort. I hope your children will appreciate it. We are now on week 3 of UK holidays. I'm slowly running out of ideas to fill the time! The wellies in your Hollywood studios shopping pictures look amazing. I could almost put up walking through snow if i had those little beauties on my feet!

I'll come over there and help you think of things to fill your holiday days.

Thanks! I hope so too! I have, so far, two gallon ziploc bags with change, a change jar in my room, and a cup of change in my room!
-The pink sorcerer's hat is new! I'll have to add that to my list!
-Cute Stitch shirt!
-I wish I was sitting on a chair on the Poly beach with my toes in the sand and a fruity drink in my hand!
-I love the bright home stuff!

That's an awesome start on your Disney savings!

Sorry, MeMom, I just saw your post..it's been a crazy week...I would be more than happy to teach you some portuguese . So here it goes: Tenha um dia mágico!( Have a magical day! ). Todos nós precisamos de um pouco de pó de pirlimpimpim! ( We all need a bit of pixie dust! - I never noticed how weird "pixie dust" sounds in portuguese..it's a long and funny word - pó (dust) de pirlimpimpim ( pixie).. So..this brings an end to your very first portuguese lesson! Hope you enjoyed it . Love, Tania.

Thanks for the lessons! I will have to practice.

Pirlimpimpim.
Pirlimpimpim.
Pirlimpimpim.

I can do this.

Oh, MeMom, I forgot to tell you I LOVE your classroom, it's really awesome!!! It would be a BIG hit here in Brasil since from 1st grade up our classrooms are really plain ( I don't know why since I think kids would really benefit from a creative environment). Nice job

After you teach me the language, maybe I'll come there to teach.

I want one of everything in those shopping pics! MeMom, you should have the mickey mug that says "you have a special way of making people smile"

You're too kind. Glad you enoyed the shopping.

 

[Ty's Nonnie]

Hey MeMom! I'm all caught up. We did Fantasmic in October on our family trip. It had been awhile since I'd seen it. It was Scott and Katy's first time to see it and they loved it.
The picture of Bella in the highchair is so funny. There hasn't been a highchair invented that Ty can't escape from.
Your Nemo room is great. Maybe it will give you a little joy during those long draining days. I didn't buy anything at the Disney store yesterday but they had some cute stuff. I'm glad you liked the picture text of all our Disney pals I sent you yesterday.
As you know Ty started "school"/daycare Monday. We were very worried about how he would do. He has been with me while his Mom worked since he was born. He turned 2 in April and he needs the structure and routine. And I will be looking for a job soon. I got to pick him up today and I peeked in his room and watched for a bit and they were in their chairs drawing. And they said he did wonderful today. Here is what he was drawing. I said Ty what are you doing and he said "writing orange". I'm sure all of us Disney nuts can clearly tell what he wrote in orange but I asked him what it was anyway. See is you can guess....

If you said Woody on a train than you guessed right! I've already got him disney brainwashed!!!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Wow, those girls of yours are real night owls! I can't wait until we can stay out late with Everett. I always had a very strict bedtime when I was a kid, but all that went out the window at Disney. I still remember how exciting it was to be able to be up past bedtime, in a place that was so magical.

On those childhood trips we stayed with my grandparents in Deltona, so we'd stay in the park as long as we could after it had closed, until every last store had closed up shop, and then we'd go to IHOP on I-Drive and eat pancakes before we made the 30 min trip back. Sometimes its the small things (late nights and pancakes) that make the best memories. I'm sure your girls will remember those late nights and last minute shopping adventures with the same fondness that I do!

I also wanted to say that those Mickey rainboots are super awesome! I think wearing them would make even rainy days delightful!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Somehow I missed your classroom pictures!!!

Zach will be starting second grade in just over two weeks & I know he would LOVE to have a classroom that looks like yours. I've been in our school a few times this summer (Alex has had summer school & I've had to check the PTO mailbox) and it's hard to believe the first day is just around the corner. I think they just finished doing the floors & the furniture is just shoved back into the rooms. The teachers have a lot of work ahead of them before our school will be ready. I usually take the boys in to see their classrooms & meet or say hello to their teachers before school starts & it's amazing how it all comes together in the last few days!

I'm so sad that this will be Alex's last year of elementary school!