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 :)

I'm Alive....Barely

So yeah, did I mention recommendation letters before? I have roughly sixty to do. Sorry I've been off-line for a bit. I've been feeding my kids chocolate this week since it is Halloween. Have to get some joy into the day for everyone! :) My kids have been great these past couple of weeks, and however stressful it seems to be able to fit everything in, the kids remind me how it is all worth it.

National Merit Scholars

...need recommendation letters. I wrote three this past week, and am now focusing on my "Early Decision/Action" applicants.

I've been sick (I was out today) which has thrown a slight monkey wrench into my schedule, but I love being in a place where health comes first. Ms. Individual, one of my fellow guidance counselors, found someone to take over my detention duty so I could go home a little early yesterday since I was getting sicker and sicker.

Gotta say, I'm glad to be going back to work tomorrow. Daytime TV is not something I'll miss.

I've been receiving back questionnaires I sent to my seniors for gathering information for their recommendation letters. It's amazing the level of insight these students have into themselves and their experiences. I'm also amazed at the level of honesty and candidness they have in writing these things down for an adult who they don't know very well. There's a sense of trust, or perhaps naiivite that is there.

Gaaaa

Tired.

Happy.

Good day.

Albeit long.

One of our counselors is leaving. Jones is the man. Sad he's going. Makes the fifth in two years. Half our department. Something's going on.

One of my favorite meetings today was with a senior who is really coming into his own. Worked a lot on perfecting his activities resume and just having a good laugh together. It's great because last year, we started out tenuously - he wasn't sure whether or not he could trust me. When he found out he could, it's been great ever since. He also learned that gasoline wasn't free, which hey, not better time than now to figure that out.

Remember I told you about the student who was so excited over being able to attend one full week of all his classes after barely being able to attend one a day last year? He's starting to slip back, which is OK and not completely unexpected, but we want to nip it in the bud.

Back to School Nite was tonight. Had a lot of great parents come in over the three hours to introduce themselves to me. I had a lot of people come up and say nice things about me, and it reminded me of all the positive relationships that I've fostered with different families, and how that's great to help support them and their child going through the school. Can you see the rainbows and hear the choir of Care Bears? Yeah, I know, it's cheesy to feel good, but it feels so GOOD.

Haven't seen Mc Dreamy (as they call him) in a little while which is funny since his room's just upstairs from mine. I suppose that has made the days a bit less entertaining :)

Tomorrow's Friday!! And Monday's Columbus Day!! Another three-day weekend, hallelujah. I don't envy my previous corporate year-round work life :) I'm sure you want to punch me right about now, but let's spread the love :)

Ready to Fight

I don't understand why that is the motto of some parents. Two scathing voice mails and an email within 4 hours from a parent led me to understand she was quite perturbed that her son's community service hours were rejected by our school because they were done with an organization that openly discriminates against certain groups of people.

Without getting too much into it, I find it ridiculous that people get worked up over incomplete information and blame their anger and uncertainty on others. It just shows a complete lack of self control and respect for others.

Gah. OK sorry for holding onto the irritation. It's been a couple days since I've been able to write and get things off my chest. I wonder how other people hold it all in? Do they just let things cascade over them? Or do they not realize that they're even letting things cascade. I'd like if we could all be self-aware waterfalls. :)

TGIAF

Today was short and sweet.

Phrase I wish I hadn't overheard "yeah, that diarrhea was the most disgusting thing I ever tasted." God I love high school students!

I have some anxious seniors tomorrow, and a number of recommendation letters to do this weekend, but overall, I'm feeling great!