Nov 15 - done...next up, Dec 1

I have 9 more recommendation letters for the December 1 deadline...here's to writing!

It's been a very busy couple of weeks not just due to the writing. I'm concerned about my kids because big things have been cropping up.

I found out from two separate kids (through questionnaires I had given out earlier in the year) that one had been hospitalized for attempting suicide, and one had thought about committing suicide this past spring/fall. I am really concerned because both seem to be because of the pressure they feel from home/school to get great grades.

I just found out another one of my students was diagnosed with lymphoma, another one is on a waiting list for a kidney replacement, and another got into a car accident two nights ago.

Additionally, there are two students who are currently healing from injuries from sports - one had a concussion from soccer, the other a broken thumb from football.

Does there seem to be a perpetual full moon lately? Or is our world really getting out of control?

Next Up: November 15

Today was a professional development day. Schools who wish to be accredited through the National Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) must go through the re-accreditation cycle (every ten years). It is funny to balance the feelings of enjoying and appreciating having the time to reflect on the effectiveness of my curriculum and interventions, while at the same time keeping an eye on the November 15, November 30, December 15, January 1, January 15, and February 1 deadlines for writing recommendation letters. I have done about 13 to date, but have 47 more to go. I think this is a perfect reflection of the chaotic and under-resourced nature of our schools (as with many/any other industry).

Watching Everybody Loves Raymond while doing my recommendation letters certainly does make them go by more quickly :)