B is for birthdays and beach

Guess what blog is a year old today...Oh Happy Day! Who would have thought that I could blog for an entire year! What is even more remarkable is that this blog is actually older than one; Oh Happy Day was created sometime in 2008 and I completely forgot about it until a year ago//poor blog neglected for all that time\\ So in celebration and to rid myself of stress I spent my Saturday at the beach!

I visited Sanibel Island where I planted myself at Bowman's beach//my favorite\\. I love Bowman's beach because there is not a building in site and no cars can be heard. I like my beaches natural without any touristy attractions.

If you are a shell lover then you should visit Sanibel or Captiva Island because there are mountains of shells. I can always tell the serious shellers from the not so serious shellers. Dedicated shellers have nets with fancy bags to place their precious shells in. They stand in one spot for several minutes picking up more than one net full of shells praying that they find that special shell they have been hoping for. They look like they are panning for gold and not shells.

The not so serious shellers walk around kicking piles of shells with their feet holding a plastic baggie in their hand waiting to find a shell that they fancy. The funny thing is that the not so serious shellers will literally pick up any shell. I mean shells that have holes, broken in two and have barnacles growing off of them. Their baggies are overflowing with shells that serious shellers would glance over.

//can you tell that I spent a good amount of time observing people picking up shells today\\

I am not exactly sure what sheller I am...I walk, look and will occasionally pick up a couple shells. I always find the swirly shell above//I really should learn the name of some shells\\. I found four within in a minute and the one with a hole is just neat to hold up to your eye.

//Side note\\
I think I will write a book on beach etiquette since there is people that are unaware of how to behave at the beach

Show your toes so kids don't have to!

24 days away from "one day without shoes" which is a global campaign to raise awareness of the millions of children at risk of disease and infection as they grow up without shoes.

Essie has decided to make a special limited edition nail polish to promote one day without shoes! The nail polish is called: One Day Without Blues. The color is similar to the Toms flag which is also a baby blue. Essie wanted to encourage people to go barefoot while representing Toms signature color. The goal of the color is to draw attention to your shoeless feet to bring awareness to children that are without shoes on a daily basis.

Race to Nowhere

Another film has come out this past fall highlighting the pressures that students are facing in school. We are asking student to produce, produce, produce to score high on tests so they can advance in their education. The government, school districts, teachers and parents are putting more attention on student's performance on a test rather than determining if they actually learned the material. Unfortunately, test score numbers outweigh the love of learning. We are raising wonderful test takers not critical problem solving individuals. Techniques that encourage students to develop critical thinking skills are pushed aside due to high stake tests that are looming in the future.

I know that my students as well as myself feel pressure on the ever so lovely FCAT

//24 days away\\

I have never been a fan of these influential tests; although I do not reveal my true feelings to my students in fear that they will not see these tests as important. The group of students that I teach historically score low on these tests for several reasons. I hate that tests determine what a student knows and does not know; when in all reality we know that not everyone is a good test taker! Creativity, problem solving, thinking critically and the love of learning should have more value than a test score

//but this is just my opinion\\ 

I cried and I told him he has a disability

NBC's Parenthood did not disappoint in the episode where Max found out that he has aspergers.

There were a couple of items that stood out:

1. different wiring

Originally when Max's parents sat down with him to explain what aspergers is they said that he is wired differently.

I remember being told that I was wired differently due to my disability//SLD\\. At the time when I was told this it made sense and it still does. In fact, there actually may be some wires missing when it comes to me dealing with anything math related.

I think the reason why people tend to resort to the "wired differently" explanation is because it is a visual reference. We all know what happens when you plug a wire into the wrong switch...things do not go as planned. This is exactly what happens when a person has a disability things that you think should happen don't because the wiring is off...so we have to find a way around the mis-routed  wires.

2. explaining/telling

Toughest part of having a disability is telling someone that you have a disability. If you have a disability or have told someone that they have a disability than you know what I am talking about.

I am finally secure in telling others that I have a disability. Now this does not mean that I walk up to someone and say "Hi, my name is Megan and I have a disability", but if the "d" word came up in conversation then I may mention that I have a disability. The only reason why I tend to hold back revealing that I have a disability is because I DO NOT want to be treated differently because of my label.

3. crying

Max's mom cried when they were explaining what aspergers is to their son. There are really two reasons why people cry: sad or happy and in this situation Max's mom was sad. Her reaction was completly normal, but it may have signaled that having a disability is negative.

I know I have shed my fair share of tears due to my frustration and absolute disgust that this darn label will never leave me alone. Thankfully, the tears have stopped as I have learned how to adapt and deal with my disability...just do not try to get me to play euchre...worst card came EVER! 

4. buddy

Max's parent refered to him as buddy three seperate times during this episode

If you have ever taken any disability in the media class then you know that "buddy" is a common name to call someone who has a disability...well hello there buddy

5. life changing

Finding out that a loved one has a disability is completely life changing...nothing will ever be the same. One day your child is label free and developing like everyone else and then bam...a disability knocks you off your feet. Max's parent's noticed signs that their son was different due to his quirky behavior, but thought nothing of them...until they sought after expert opinion.

Having a disability has complety altered my life. I know that I am the person I am today because of all the struggles and triumpts that have come with having a disability. There have been days were I wish I was label free and was not weighted down with my disability, but I am grateful for all the experiences that have come my way because of my disability!

6. never going away

Max asked if the characteristics of his aspergers would last forever.

Much to my dismay...my disability is my ever present companion. If I could have one wish I would want to spend one day label free.

7. abilities

I loved how Max's parents not only told him how asperger made him different, but all the wonderful abilities that come with his labels.

I think humans typically over look the abilities when disabilities come into the picture. I wish and pray that there is more of a focus on a persons abilities rather than the lack of ability. I feel that when we focus too much on the label that the true abilities disapear.

I may have a disability, but that does NOT mean that I am not abled!

High Fives

Well today was the day. 4th, 8th and 10th graders took the FL writes. I usually dread tests, but today was different. I was excited to watch my students demonstrate all that they have learned this year and thankfully I was not disappointed in what I saw.

My student and I were relieved when we read the prompt which was similar to an essay they wrote over Christmas break. They may have groaned over homework during break, but I only heard sounds of joy when they realized the similarities between the two prompts! //there is a method to my madness\\ I had barely handed out all the material and said my speech before students were biting at the bit to start writing. In August they would have never been this eager to start writing, but they truly have grown as writers. I was literally told to stop talking! Watching them write was pure JOY as I saw them plan, pre-write and write their essays. If it was up to me they all deserve a passing grade for the growth and improvement they have made as writers!

CHERRY ON TOP

Since my 8th graders missed their lunch window a couple of them gathered at a side lunch table to eat together. After I turned in my box of supplies I headed over to their table to see what they were chattering about. As I approached them they began to high five one another for a job well done!

Operation Motivation

 This past week I thought of one last chance to encourage my 8th graders as they prepare for the FL writes. I had my 6th and 7th graders create encouraging cards for them. I really believe in the power and influence of encouraging words.

This idea came to me in the middle of a lesson where we were learning about using different resources//dictionaries, magazines and thesaruses\\. Usually when I have ideas like this I wait until the next day, but I quickly ended our conversation on newspapers and started mission encouraging letters! The letters/cards turned out really cute! They went above and beyond what I was expecting. I love how some of them used the state of FL and a pencil to stand for FL writes...so CREATIVE!!

My wonderful teacher aide delivered the cards to them this morning! They were a HUGE hit! One of my 8th graders asked for two cards because he believed he needed all the encouragement he could get!

Please pray for all FL 8th graders as they write their essays tomorrow! Pray that they retain all that they have learned and perform to their true potential.

NBC's Parenthood

I have been watching Parenthood this season on NBC. The only reason why I tuned into this show was because one of the characters has asperger. I have seen other shows where they try to depict an individual with a disability and they play the role completely wrong. Fortunately, for Parenthood one of their writer/executive producer,Jason Katims, has a 13 year old son with autism. 

When the show started one of the families featured, the Bravermens, had no idea that the reason for their son's quirky behavior was due to aspergers. Viewers of Parenthood get a glimpse into the process of diagnosing, dealing and treating an individual with asperger.

This week on Parenthood Max, the character who has asperger, accidentally finds out that he has aspergers. I am excited to see how Max's parents handle telling their son about his diagnosis.

You're invited

To go bare foot on April 5th to bring awareness to those who do not have shoes. TOMS shoes designates a day each year for you to take off your shoes and tell others how never having shoes affects individuals each year.

Did you know that in developing countries, children must walk barefoot for miles to school, clean water & medical help.

Hundreds of millions of children are at risk of injury, infection & soil-transmitted diseases that most can't afford to prevent and treat.

In certain regions of Ethiopia, wearing shoes and practicing good hygiene can prevent podoconiosis, a disease that causes swelling of the feet and legs due to prolonged exposure to irritant soil.

All of these issues would be non-existent if they had shoes!

Last year I participated in One Day without Shoes and had little issues; however this year I will be teaching...some what of a problem, but shoe less I will teach to bring awareness to those who do not have shoes.
//VIA\\

Reason #76 why I am not a vet

During the fall I visited my old roomate who attends UFs vet school. We went on a six mile hike, attended a Gator football game and then she showed me around UFs vet school. I always knew I would never work in the medical field and this little tour confirmed my reasonings.

We went through one of their labs and this is what I came face to face with. Multiple dead dogs in plastic lying on tables. You should be grateful that there is no smell button for blogs because the stench from the various dead animals was not pleasant! I asked C what the requirements for a dog to end up in a plastic bag on top of a lab table//In hopes that little Ruth would advance vet science once she has passed\\ and unfortunately there is a certain weight a dog has to be...so sorry Rue no break though for you!

 I did not have the courage to nudge any of the puppys, but from the looks of them I assume they would be pretty hard. Some of the dogs had they limbs wrapped in material.

 Last, but not least we went through a walk in freezer where the ice cream had been replaced with dead frozen horses. These horses were held up with chains that were connected to the ceiling. The chains were used to push/drag the horse to their designated lab station to be worked on. C said that the day where horses are worked on is even better than dogs; I however do not see how this scenerio would be better. I saved you from the picture of a dead horses' head just lying on the floor for all to see...not a nice picture!!

One of the lab had a nice illustration on the chalk board

It is not about me

http://www.studentsfirst.org/

Our mission is to build a national movement to defend the interests of children in public education and pursue transformative reform, so that America has the best education system in the world.

FEED Alert

Another store, American Eagle, has partnered with FEED projects to stop malnutrition. Every day 22,000 children under the age of five die of a preventable cause. Thankfully,  FEED with support of UNICEF'S nutrition program provides children with essential vitamins and mineral supplements they need to survive and thrive.

100% of the profit from this bag will go to feed a child that is suffering from malnutrition. Not only are these bags supporting children it is also providing women artisans in Guetemala with an income. These bags are handmade in Guatemala by using traditional Ikat fabrics in a variety of colors and woven patterns that reflect the vibrant Guatemalan culture.

If you are looking for a unique gift for someone I suggest you pick up a bag that supports a wonderful cause. You can find FEED bags at American Eagle or GAP...although if you ask me the bags at American Eagle are ten times cuter!

"You never gave me a referral but...

You did call my MOM"...this is exactly what I heard from one of my students on Thursday. Apparently, my phone call resulted in him not getting the touch screen phone that he wanted. In response to his comment I told him that I love his mom. In fact, I love all parents that are active in their children's life...it makes my job much easier!

Then On Tuesday morning I received a call from a concerned parent whose child misplaced his planner on the bus. She was worried that he was going to lose his homework assignments from that week. Unfortunately, phone calls like this are extremely rare, in fact it was the first one I had ever received of this kind. What makes this call so unusual is: A. a parent called B. a student was using his planner C. he was worried about missing homework...which means this student does his homework D. the parent and student are communicating about school work and E. the parent gave me a work number to call when the situation//new planner// was resolved.

The truth of the matter is that parents play such a vital role in their children's lives. I know being a parent is a challenge, but unfortunately there is no substitute for this role. If you are a parent I applaud you for what you are doing in raising your children; it is one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs!

WATER.

When was the last time you could not find clean water to drink for yourself? For me, there has not been a day in my life that I was not able to drink clean, cool and refreshing water. Unfortunately, around nine billion people do not have the opportunity to drink clean water. The water they are able to drink looks similar to the picture on the right------->  While we can drink water that is flavored or has added vitamins in it; this water carries something that you will never find in Evian bottle...e.coli, salmonella typhi, schistomsoma, choleravibrios and hepatitis A.

Thankfully there is an organization called Charity: water that is providing developing nations with clean, safe drinking water through the use of a well. Charity: water is a non-profit organization that uses 100% of public donations to directly fund sustainable water to villages.

Water is essential to life

Be a life changer and donate

http://www.charitywater.org/

The time has come

For my little 8th graders to spread their wings and fly on their own! FL writes is only a few short days away (March 1st). I feel like we have learned and practiced all we can in preparing for this test. At this point in the game I am polishing their skills and reviewing what they have learned this year. I see them three more times until they must fly on their own!

Fishes

I resisted the urge to buy a fish this weekend while waiting to check out in Wal-Mart. They looked so sad just swimming around in their cup waiting for someone to take them home. Luckily for them I did not take them home because I have a bad track history with fishes. Lets just say one time I gave my fish fresh water from the fridge and he did not take it well.                         

Week overview:

Three IEPs done...Thank you FTE

Parents showed up for ALL IEPs

Was told that I was a students favorite white teacher

Ended up having 1 planning instead of three

A student who usually does not do well on vocabulary tests only missed 2

Progress reports FINALLY finished