Some Thoughts...

Hi All! I have been thinking lately about my blog, ways to improve it, ways to change it, etc. I have been considering making this blog more than just teaching. I want to incorporate more of my personal life - productivity, food, grad school- into this blog but I feel as though no one will want to continue reading if every post isn't about teaching. Obviously all of my personal life ties into my teaching life so I do feel as though everything will still be relevant to all of you wonderful readers! I am also considering changing my blog name to Life in Flats...please leave me a comment below and let me know what your thoughts on this potential change!!

March Currently and Update

I cannot believe that it is already March! Only 70 more days of school for me. We are getting into the PARCC testing window here in DC and let's just say that it has been a simply terrifying time. I have been chosen to be one of the main testing administrators during this time [I will be testing a total of 8 days] and apparently if I screw up this test, I could lose my teaching license! I am hoping that the testing won't be as difficult as it has been for other school districts that have started testing this week. We are looking at another snow storm this Thursday that could be a doozy, anywhere from 5 inches to over a foot. I personally wouldn't mind a snow day so that I can catch up on some grad school readings! This semester has been easier than last, thank the lord. I also haven't heard back from Montgomery County yet, but I have submitted all my items and made it through the interview so I am expecting a contract this month from them. While I am waiting, I have linked up with Farley over at Oh Boy 3rd Grade! for this month's currently. I love Currently's! Check out below and let me see those currently's!

Listening: Barefoot Contessa...I enjoy her show, sometimes she has great recipes.

Loving: The fact that we are finally above freezing! I even wore a T-shirt outside even though it was 38 degrees. Felt amazing.

Thinking: About my contract. I really want to start fresh and I want that to be Montgomery County. I am hoping to hear back this month!

Wanting: My poor iPhone 5 is crapping out. I make a phone call on 100% and my battery drops to 80% immediately. I need my upgrade which comes March 27, thankfully.

Needing: A snow day which hopefully will come on Thursday so I can catch up on my readings.

Spring Break: Spring Break in the District is so freaking late! I will have only two weeks until the end of Spring semester at American University so I will be spending my time prepping for exams and papers.

So that is it! Go link up with Farley, you won't regret it.

Currently!

It has been a while since I have done a "Currently"! I love Farley, she has the greatest IG too. I would recommend checking her out. Check out mine below and then link up yours with the link above.

2015 Goals

Whewwwww it has been too long! 1st semester has been...interesting to say the least. My Principal resigned two days before Christmas so things are all sorts of crazy right now. Between grad school and teach two subjects, things have been quite stressful. Being a teacher leader in the Union and having to deal with our Principal resigning is adding a bit more to the stress plate. I also am interviewing in another district this month (January). It is time for a change and with my Principal leaving us this is a great opportunity. Anyhoo, on to the goals!!

Stay on top of my planning! I am about two/three days out. I want to be at least two weeks out going into the end of the school year (omggggg).

Move to another school district. I am ready for a change. 

Stay on top of my grad school readings. Part of the reason why I didn't do as well as I wanted to this past semester is because I didn't focus enough on myself and MY schoolwork. I need to practice what I preach to my students. 

I have lost about 11-12 pounds so far and I want to keep that up. I want to swim 2-3 times a week and go to Hot Yoga at least once. I have no excuse since the pool is located in my school building the Hot Yoga place is literally just on the other side of the street from school. 

Niagara Falls! I am trying to plan a visit over the summer.

Sushi. I have never had it and I am scared crapless to try it. 

A language. Duolingo is an awesome website and I have signed up to refresh my Italian and start German. 

Experimenting in the kitchen with recipes. I found a recipe for Chicago style deep dish pizza from Sally's Baking Addiction and I want to try it so badly. I need to get some baking dishes!

Get through a grad semester with straight A's.

Leave me love nuggets! [comments]

August Currently

Oh God. I can't believe I start Advanced Placement US History training next week and then pre-service week after that. AND THEN SCHOOL AND GRAD SCHOOL ON THE 25TH! I am hyperventilating! I have no idea if I can do this :( Anxiety is definitely running high right now. I am taking the time to do Farley's Currently over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade! Join up, it is a great link party.

Back to School Linky

I am linking up with Miss V's Busy Bees and Mrs. D for the Back to School Linky party. I cannot believe that we are so close to the beginning of the school year ago. Just over a month for me (August 25th). So stressful! Anywho, back to the linky!

This week's topic is Behavior Management. I teach high school so my tips are going to be geared towards older students. When I taught 4th grade, I used a star chart with huge success. With my Juniors and Seniors, I have to be a bit more creative. The biggest issue with my students is the fact that they don't turn in their homework which leads to some behavior issues during class time because they have no idea what is going on because THEY DIDN'T DO THEIR BLEEPIN HOMEWORK! I use pink slips (printed on obnoxious pink paper) that students have to fill out when they do not turn in assignments. This helps me keep a hard copy record of what the student has not turned in (for parents and administrators) and is kinda embarrassing for the student. They start realizing how not doing assignments affects their grade and they start to take it seriously. I use a document similar to this : http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pink-Slip-for-missing-homework-215981

I naturally changed it around to fit my classroom needs. Go link up so I can read your tips!!

July Currently!

I am linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the July Currently.

So I have a real addiction to the Real Housewives franchise and New Jersey is my favorite. The BF and I are going down to FL for 4 days and I am super stoked to just go and lay on the beach and relax. I have already started on my Unit 1 (Scarlet Letter) for my 11th grade English class. Which reminds me! I don't think I let everyone know that I am teaching 3 on-level 11th grade English classes and 2 US History classes. I am super excited!! So go link up with Farley if you haven't already!!