Monday, February 13, 2006

Change

No...I'm not talking about sexual preference.

Just change in general. I'm one of those people who is energized by change. It sort of stinks, but so far, I've been able to make good changes and not just change for the sake of change. I'm talking about school now.

I've decided to change jobs and schools next year. I'm not exactly sure what my new assignment will be, but it probably won't be art.

The school district is re-distributing a few of the grades next year to create a 9th grade center. This moves our 6th graders into middle school with the 7th and 8th graders. Currently, Tdub and I have a 5th and 6th grader. So...I've been under the impression that I had one more year with #4 being at school with me. I've had at least one child at school with me for the past 14 years. (I've been teaching 17.) So...I'm going to make the change and move into middle school with the two little guys. I never thought I'd come to this. There've been times when I dreamed of the day I could finish my day uninterrupted by the scuffle of feet and plonk of a backpack on a desk....yet another kid coming in just AFTER I'd gotten rid of the ones I'd been teaching all day. And yet now, since #1 is actually OUT of school and I recognize the fact that they do grow up and go away (i'm counting on the fact that he WILL eventually go away), I'm not ready to let go of being a part of someone's school life by being part of their school.

I know what you're thinking (all 4 of you who've made it this far reading). "What do THEY think about Mom coming to middle school with them?" Honestly, they don't mind and are actually great with it. The thing is, I'm not one of those hovering-over-the-shoulder sorts of mothers. I don't bother their teachers about what's going on. I don't come in for extra help in working through their projects. And, most importantly, if one of their teachers has to discipline them in any way, I DON'T make excuses for them or find some way to make it HER/HIS problem. I've actually fussed at a teacher before for being TOO lenient with one of mine when I knew she was somewhat "favoring" him because he belonged to me. I'll never forget the time one of #1's teachers sent him down to my room to have him tell me that he'd forgotten his homework and it was time to go out for recess. I quickly scribbled on a note for him to take back to her, "well, what are you sending him to me for? send him to detention with all the others who don't have their homework!"

So...I'm ready to make a change. I've got to stop for now...I started writing with the intention of finishing these thoughts but I've run out of time. I'll have to do it later. Maybe it will be better to break it up into sections lest I drone on and on. This way, there'll be two really boring posts for everyone to read.

Later.
grace



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5 comments:

Jenny said...

I love staying home with my young boys, but I am excited about the day when I go back to teaching. I hope to have the same "perk" as you do with being at the same school with your children. I guess I'll spend the next few years training myself not to be that "hoovering mother." =) I'm glad it's worked out so well for you and I hope this new school is the change you need.
jenny

Anonymous said...

Bring on boring post number two! It's great to hear the latest on the family! So, when will you know what classes you are teaching next year? Also, how will the school win the art competition without you?!?!?!?!? :-)

I'm sure this change will require a fair amount of effort with all the new curriculum, etc, but I'm sure it will be worth it. They say a change of scenery is as good as a vacation! (though I know this isn't what "they" were talking about. hehe!)

grace said...

Hey Emery! Thanks for your interest in post #2 :) I'll have to write it after school today. I'll probably find out my new assignment in a few weeks....and since the current management doesn't seem to care all that much about art competitions I doubt it will matter if they don't win it anymore. oh well.

Jenny: Thanks always for commenting and for your encouragement! We DO have mutual friends! I'll let you know later...but my BEST friend and confidant went to high school and of course college with you. He(husband) is the youth pastor at our church.

Off to school!
grace

Jenny said...

hmmmm... did she go to HS and college with me or Brett? If it is Brett I think I know who you are talking about.
Small world!
I hopped over to your blog of few months ago. Your comments on other blogs always intrigued me (I mean, who wouldn't be curious about a woman who talks about her ex-gay husband =)). Anyways, I began reading and I was so encouraged by the redemption of your marriage that I've been hooked ever since. So many of the the other blogs I read are either people just like me (kids the same age, stay at home moms, same struggles, same interests, etc) or the deep theological kind. I think I like yours because it is something different. Your kids are older than mine, your marriage is different than mine, you blend the deep talk with the "fluff" talk. I really like it! Since I have no idea who you are it's kinda of random I keep coming back, but I do. Maybe the Lord has something bigger in store for us?
Blessings,
Jenny

grace said...
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