Hi BK,

Not to get all weird so early in the morning but I thought a bit about the situation you described.

When kids make random threats to teachers it can really change the mood of the classroom. For everyone. And that isn't cool. It can be hard with muttered words to address and know if it is serious. Stoney is better at this. Hy works with teenagers. One of the things I've learned from hym is consistency... Follow the rules, implement the rules despite how other staff might change them for kids. It makes things difficult for staff following the rules yet it teaches the kid a lot. It takes time to sort out and it is worth it. Even without having a hairy fit, being calm and consistent and reporting the problem, Stoney's approach allowed the kid to work through and realize different rules with different people are frustrating and confusing. And other staff realized the need for consistency for the kids sake.

I've been through "threat assessments" with kids who in frustration said during state testing that is it they were going to blow up the building. Now there was really no "threat" reality but district policy was district policy and we worked on how to express frustration for that student more than we were (it was a big lacking skill for him).

1 more year of classes after this, then probably 3 years of research. THEN my dissertation.

I am in that rushing around and working super hard phase. I have only seen three kids so far, for two hours each. I am in a special program. Sorry I can't say more. (I had a threat myself a while ago now, but I am still being safe online.)

Anyway, I finally got to see my new space and start actually working on Tuesday. God it's only been three days, Tues, Wed and Thurs. Amazing the amount of work one gets done, but it's never enough.

One kid got me to actually slow down and listen to him. That's my job actually, so I am glad I did. And also so grateful that he allowed me to temporarily stop the whirlwind of activity that has been these three days.

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0...=1192928203000

My classes for the semester
 

Quantum Field Theory III
Quantum Mechanics I
Statistical Mechanics I

I did not know that Chancie... looked like intense training. A challenge is good! Do you enjoy teaching in Mass? I'm new out east and find I struggle to fit in as a teacher in NH. Oddly enough I am going to try out some of the "methodology" they seem to like so much and see if it works for the kids. We'll see how it goes.

I also am looking to stay away from the usual drama. It doesn't serve the kids and causes my alcohol budget to bloom out of control. Which then affects the health care budget and so on it goes. Luckily several co workers I usually debrief with are also on the more positive and directly confront problems with open mindedness and possible solutions train this year as well. That should help oodles.

My contract starts Tuesday the 21st. Should be fun. I've been in for other trainings and independent work in my newly assigned space. I am anxious to get back in and getting my self organized further. I don't mind putting in extra time at the beginning. Once we officially start I'll be meeting with the sped team and then with classroom teachers about the kids in their classes and won't have a second to spare preparing for the students.

Last year was such chaos for me as a newbie to the building that I really don't want a repeat. The vice principal promises more clear communication this year. She is pretty earnest about it.

It sounds great. I actually like exploring things for the first time WITH the students. They are generally patient and help a lot. However, I've never worked on projects like this. Wow. It is so cool that you are bringing this to your school and students.

I hope you take the first break, whenever it is, and actually get some relaxing in.

Re drama, I am also determined to steer clear, but my Asst Principal and my colleague are already talking shit about my Program Specialist. I won't be surprised if he at some point talks shit about them. Ain't it always the way?

One of my goals
 

So today is our annual special education department day. Last year we had 2 days. I am grateful this year we are more efficient (unlikely but let's go with it). We lost our day with our school team day, thank goodness. I was telling Stoney the story of how I met the special ed team at the school I work at last year. My goodness I forgot how odd that was.

I was brand spanking new to the school last year. New to the east coast and very nervous about "social norms" in NH. Every thing seemed so difficult. Getting to work was a challenge and I was going in for the first time and I needed to be on time. I get there, find a seat which was tricky because well I was obviously the new kid.

I ended up sitting next to the occupational therapist for preschool, K and 1st grade. She ends up being a lifesaver to me last year and a wildly adored friend now. At that moment she was a stranger who seemed a bit bristly. We open with an ice breaker the vice principal has planned. We are supposed to answer a question and be ready to share our partners answer with the group. The question was....

What was one of your most difficult moments in life and why?

I am sitting next to a stranger thinking to myself... What life moment that was difficult is appropriate to share at work with someone I don't know? And of all the ice breaker questions my god what was this woman thinking. I did learn why the woman I was sitting next too was a bit bristly, her father recently died. I don't even remember what I said.

So today I am thinking that how ever long this day will be I am not answering that questions again and having my answer shared with a group of strangers. Thank heavens.