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Grace/IL - (((Judy)))
Grace/IL - How was your week?
judy3ca - (((Grace))) How are you? Nice new color on you!
judy3ca - Grace, I had an okay week, but a pretty tough day today, LOL.
Grace/IL - I think it's my same color -- summer sky -- but I do admit it looks good on me in reality.
judy3ca - Very pretty, Grace--sorry I didn't recognize it at first.
Grace/IL - You're welcome to stay for the Professional reading chat.
Sharon - hideeho all!
Erin - ((Judy, Grace, Sharon))
Grace/IL - (((Sharon)))
Grace/IL - (((Sharon)))
Grace/IL - (((Erin)))
judy3ca - (((Erin)))
Sharon - right back at ya, grace, erin, and judy
judy3ca - (((Sharon)))
Erin - I tried to chat last week but was still so wiped out from being sick. I feel like a new person this week
judy3ca - Erin, glad you're feeling better!
Sharon - i'm so glad, erin
Grace/IL - I've been trying to discipline myself this week to work on the kdg level for my program. It's a real challenge.
Erin - I put in a request to teach 5th grade next year. I hope it's the right decision
brad - going to attempt to chat. Erin gave me her cold
Erin - ((brad))
judy3ca - Wow, Erin, congrats!
Sharon - hi brad....sorry about that to schwa or not to schwa study trouble
judy3ca - Hi brad
Erin - Sorry brad. I would never do it on purpose
Grace/IL - I'm glad you're feeling better, Erin. It's tough to be sick
Sharon - professional reading, teddy
brad - I never did get it, sharon
Grace/IL - (((Brad))), You've been quiet lately.
brad - really? LOL
Sharon - purdy interesting stuff though brad... i wouldn't have thought that schwa would be beneficial in blending
judy3ca - Sharon, Sister Anne's Hands arrived yesterday--very pretty, thanks for the recommendation.
Erin - Your questions really get the board going brad
brad - schwa--who came up with that word
Sharon - very pretty? i take it you liked the illustrations but not the text?
Erin - Judy, how many people are coming to your book club?
Grace/IL - I missed the schwa thing. What gives?
teddyjingles - do you all read same book at same time?
judy3ca - Erin, I didn't say RSVP, but a lot of people have said they're coming--probably 10 or more! I'm amazed. And luckily the book is very cheap at Amazon.
Sharon - grace, it was a study a professor did... gave incoming k's an oral blending test... some pronounced with the schwa some with not... they performed better with... suprised me
Sharon - buh/a/tuh
judy3ca - Sharon, nooooo, I meant it's a pretty story--does that make sense?
Erin - teddy, there are a few "core" books that we have all read, but then we make recommendations, we all spend too much money, and discuss the new ones
teddyjingles - so what book are you talking about now
brad - Kim, you weren't late after all
Sharon - yes, judy!
Grace/IL - Schwa comes from the Hebrew "schewa" . Came into use in 1895.
Erin - That's great Judy. You're motivating me...
Erin - Hi Alta
brad - should've known to ask Grace
Sharon - you just knew that in your head, grace? wow!
brad - but what is the def of schewa
Kim/1/Ca - Hey.....I brought tortilla chips and really HOT salsa........
brad - in hebrew?
Grace/IL - (((Kim))) You're on time.
Erin - I may be meeting another t-netter, Kim, in March
Kim/1/Ca - ((((smooches))))
judy3ca - Phew, Sharon, I was afraid I'd started the evening by offending you, LOL. Maybe I should have said it's a beautiful story--that's better. I'm soooo tired.
Grace/IL - My dictionary is sitting right on the shelf above my computer.
Erin - Yes, Judy, a difference between beautiful and pretty
Kim/1/Ca - brad.......schwa is /uh/
Sharon - judy... even if you DIDN'T like the book... it wouldn't offend me!
brad - yes, kim, I know. We're discussing origin of the word
judy3ca - Okay, okay, but I DO like the book, LOL.
judy3ca - (((cavey)))
Alta Rose - Hi Cavey.
cavey - Hi Guys!
Kim/1/Ca - oh.....(((cavey))) Hi to teddy
Erin - Wait Sharon, did you say those that used the /uh/sound did better? When? Later in school?
Sharon - lol! ok... we're scrate
Erin - Hi cavey
Grace/IL - (((cavey)))
teddyjingles - hi, i'm trying to figure out what book you're discussing
Sharon - no erin... they just did better in an auditory blending test... they were incoming kindergartners
brad - cavey, I'm on meds and when you popped in, I thought of "fried bologna" Hmmm.
Erin - teddy, no specific book right now
Grace/IL - We're a really colorful group this evening. The screen is sooo pretty!
Erin - Thanks, Sharon
Sharon - routman's book is being read
Erin - LOL brad
judy3ca - cavey (I already sent hugs) one of my ratbabies has pneumonia and we said goodbye to her today.
Kim/1/Ca - Well.....we have all read Mosaic of Thought, Reading With Meaning, Strategies That Work, Wondrous Words, a Graves book, some Routman.........lots, actually.
cavey - Okay Brad, tell me what about me reminds you of fried bologna
brad - what kind of odd schema is that, do ya' suppose?
brad - sorry for judy's ratbaby
Sharon - NASTY old schema, brad
judy3ca - thanks, brad
Erin - That's stomach to color connection, brad
Kim/1/Ca - Neener neener, Cavey.......I got my color. Teddy........we are also discussing a lot of articles.
cavey - Judy!!!! How did THAT happen?
Erin - cavey...the color, my dear
Sharon - judy, you lost a baby?
Alta Rose - Sorry Judy. :'[
brad - I have no idea, cavey. The meds (dayquil) is causing my mind to go rampant. My mind is always like this when I'm ill. Random disconnected thoughts. Drives wife crazy
Kim/1/Ca - Judy.....Erin has roaches.
Erin - Judy
Grace/IL - Judy, you figure she'll be gone by Monday?
Erin - No, no I don't have roaches, Michelle does
Alta Rose - How come my sad face didn't work?
brad - I've had songs from eighties hair bands going through my head all day.
judy3ca - The vet (who is a mom at school) said she came that way--that it takes a long time to "develop." Sharon, she's not quite dead yet, but she's very ill and the vet said no hope, so she's going back to the store on the guarantee. The other ratbaby is healthy and we want a friend for her.
Erin - "And I ran, I ran so far away...."
judy3ca - (((Alta)))
Kim/1/Ca - You wanna know WHAT song is driving me absolutely NUTS I can't get it out of my mind.......oh lordy........
cavey - Well, I certainly would have hoped to remind you of fried apple pies, or fried chicken , or fried hush puppies, or at least something edible
Sharon - possibly contagious something?
Alta Rose - Do tell, Kim.
brad - apple pie is good
Kim/1/Ca - "Everything Grows," by Raffi. My kids' new favorite. In my head for TWO SOLID DAYS now...........
judy3ca - Sharon, hope not contagious. I now know how to administer medicine, LOL.
Alta Rose - I use lots of songs for math....
cavey - Thanks Kim, babies do, animals too,....
Sharon - kinda like that love/hate relationship with the candy man waaaay back?
brad - No, Erin, more along the lines of "Smooth up in ya'" and "Don't close your eyes! Don't close your eye-ee-eye's!"
Erin - Hi Carolyn
Grace/IL - Hi Carolyn
Carolyn - Well hello!
Alta Rose - My T.A. told me she was singing, "Know your doubles, eliminate troubles," while making supper!
Kim/1/Ca - Oh, that's right.........SORRY Erin.....(hee hee hee)
cavey - Hi Carolyn
Erin - LOL brad
Sharon - (((carolyn)))
Erin - Thank you Kim...although my house may have a "D" on the door it does not have roaches
Kim/1/Ca - My son is playing Weezer on his guitar, hoping to help me.........not woiking.......
brad - Erin, it joys my sick little heart that you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.
Sharon - ut oh... a doubles song? alta rose send it to me puhleeze!
Erin - And, Kim, watch it...you may not know what I will present in March
Erin - I'm glad I could cheer you up brad
Alta Rose - Have you got Sara Jordan tapes / CDs? Lots of great songs for math and phonics.
brad - If I heard Multiplication Rap one more time, last year. . .
Kim/1/Ca - Erin, did you tell everybody.......you are going to be a guest speaker in my university class? Ooooh la la........
Alta Rose - Sure, Sharon, will send.
Sharon - no alta rose... is it on there?
Erin - Nope, Kim, you just did. I'm very excited. "I'm teaching in my imaginary friend's class.." That got some strange looks. LOL
Alta Rose - Yup, Sara Jordan. Addition something.
Sadie T - Hello! ... Alta..you got my color!
Erin - ((Sadie))
judy3ca - Kim and Erin, how fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon - hi sadie
brad - No, she didn't. The board has been a little slow of late
Grace/IL - How fun! What 's Erin going to talk about?
Kim/1/Ca - Sharon...thanks for the article. I will read it tomorrow.
judy3ca - What are you teaching in Kim's class, Erin?
Grace/IL - (((Sadie)))
Sadie T - I'm gonna go change colors...
cavey - Oh Erin, that's exactly what my husband calls you guys... my imaginary friends
Kim/1/Ca - Yeah...I will tell them all my "internet friend" is coming.........
Erin - Somehow she got me to commit to driving to Lancaster on a Wednesday night. I must reallylove this group
Sharon - have you tried to open it, kim?
Erin - Something about comprehension, not quite finalized yet.
Kim/1/Ca - Some of the strategies........some modeling, hands on stuff.......right?
brad - tape it for us kim. I'll do the soundtrack. (She's my cherry pie!)
Kim/1/Ca - Not yet, Sharon........still in Outlook.
Alta Rose - What are you going to talk about, Erin?
judy3ca - Ooooh, pretty Sadie.
Sharon - brad couldn't open it, kim... so you might not be able to either
Sadie T - Thank you Judy
Erin - I'm on my way to being the first member to meet everyone face to face...I'll be up to 2
cavey - Isn't she pretty in pink?
brad - I never was able to get all my faves off msn onto backflip. It just took my faves on outlook. don't get it. even nan at a loss
judy3ca - ROFL, Erin!
Sadie T - My color is "orchid"
Kim/1/Ca - Sadie.......Stephen Krashen will be in Fresno on March 21.......a Friday.
Sadie T - Erin, who are you meeting?
Grace/IL - You look lovely in "orchid"!
Sharon - my color is licorice
Alta Rose - ((((diane!))))
Erin - I'm meeting Kim in March. I'm a "guest speaker"
Sharon - (((diane)))
cavey - My color is bologna... well done
Sadie T - LOL Sharon. Hi Diane!
Erin - ((diane)) How are you feeling?
Grace/IL - Wow! Sharon. Licorice is niiiiice
judy3ca - My color is "medium" just like me.
cavey - (((little d)))
Alta Rose - How are you feeling, diane?
diane - hi everyone
brad - ROFL cavey
judy3ca - (((diane)))
Sadie T - Kim, did you get my email about that? What is Krashen doing in Fresno?
Grace/IL - (((diane)))
Kim/1/Ca - (((((diane!)))))
brad - to go with your sleek ordinariness, judy
diane - thanks for asking, alta...pretty good...
brad - Diane!
judy3ca - Glad you remembered, Brad!
Sharon - oooo... judy do you have a 1-900 number and a jamaican accent, too?
diane - i don't like my color, though, brb
Kim/1/Ca - Um......."Effective Second Language Acquisition (schwa<<<"
brad - LOL, I must not be the hugging type.
judy3ca - Sharon, ROFL, that would go with sleek extraordinariness.
Erin - That's because you're not sharing your cold brad
cavey - ((((((((((brad))))))))))
brad - true erin
Grace/IL - Well, Brad, we need to use a little decorum with you. Can't get over huggy here.
brad - I like it Diane. Orchid?
diane - hmmm...a little better
Sharon - (((((((((darb))))))))
Erin - Brad, how is your class going now?
Sharon - cavey hugged you from the front and i hugged ya from the back
diane - it's ravishing blueviolet
Sadie T - I am orchid!
Grace/IL - diane, a lot better!
Alta Rose - LOL, Sharon!
Erin - LOL Sharon
diane - that red just didn't suit me
Sadie T - Is it just my computer screen, or do these colors not quite fit their descriptions?
brad - Wednesday was positively horrid, but thanks for asking. We were off Thurs and Fri for "cold"
Sadie T - LOL Sharon, I was wondering about "darb"!!
Kim/1/Ca - You know what goes good with spelling? HIGHLIGHTERS. OMG........they were highlighting rimes today after dictation. They LOVE their highlighters.
brad - diane, now you remind me of a jellybean. . . mmm....jellybeans (homer drool)
Grace/IL - How cold has it been there, Brad. It's been below zero the last two nights here.
Erin - Brad, I wish we could get off for "hot". It has been in the 70's here...its January for cryin' out loud!!!!!!!
Carolyn - My kids love their highlighters too. BRB--I'm stealing Sharon's licorice.
judy3ca - Too bad we won't see highlighters after the budget cuts, Kim.
diane - you know, noone has ever said that to me before...i'm flattered...really
Sadie T - Cold weather, Brad, or because you have a cold??\
brad - Kim, we started doing that after winter break. My experience has always been; highlighters=mega-motivation
Alta Rose - We've had indoor recess for 4 days now. (-20 to -30)
Sadie T - .LOL
Erin - judy, the 1'st and 2nd year teachers in my district are all getting letters, just in case they aren't needed next year
diane - i HATE indoor recess...my kids are going crazy...of course for us it's simply rain
Kim/1/Ca - You slay me judy.........guess who dropped $110 at Staples last weekend?
judy3ca - Erin, how did they find out they're getting letters. We're still at the speculation stage?
Carolyn - Ok, now I'm chocolate, but it looks more like rust.
brad - cold weather. I had no idea and showed up Thurs, and no cars in parking lot. Principal came out and told me that when it gets so cold, they cancel because kids can't stay out at bus stop. Most districts delay so the weather has a chance to get a little warmer, but my district is too large, never delays as that would present a transportation problem, so cancel
Erin - The principal gave them a heads up today, and then, of course, we all knew.
judy3ca - Kim, ROFL, believe me, I just spend my own money, too.
Sharon - letters? even tenured teachers?
Carolyn - My principal told me to expect a pink slip on March 15th too.
Sharon - oh duh.... you said 1st and 2nd year
cavey - No Carolyn, that's butterscotch
judy3ca - reverse punctuation--it's an art
Erin - They froze our budgets for two months but we can order again on Feb 1. I'm spending all my money
judy3ca - (((Carolyn)))
diane - we're crossing our fingers that the tax increase measure passes on tuesday
Alta Rose - Here we have buses that don't run, but school is always open.
Erin - Sharon, non-tenured (first and second year)
brad - hate indoor recess too. time too short to actually have them accomplish anything.
Erin - Oh Carolyn
judy3ca - Erin, you're lucky, they took away money they'd promised us.
Sharon - hi jan!
Erin - (((Jan)))
Carolyn - But, are district is growing like crazy. They will still have to teach these kids. I'm hoping that it is just a precautionary measure.
Sadie T - Erin, two months = since December?
Erin - Looking very pretty in pink
judy3ca - (((Jan)))
diane - (((carolyn)))
brad - Wow! They're actually going that far (cutting 1st and 2nd years)!!
Jan - Hi, everyone. Can only stay a few minutes. Preparing workshop.
Erin - Our district has always had a good reserve. I think it helps that we're small
cavey - ((Jan))
Grace/IL - (((Jan)))
Kim/1/Ca - There is a district in Northern CA, Alta, who had their entire bus fleet grounded due to safety concerns...........HOO BOY.......parents driving 40 miles to take kids to school.
Sadie T - Hi Jan!!
brad - Judy, I'm laughing. I got 24 highlighters for seven bucks at Sams Club.
diane - hi jan!
Erin - Not for sure, brad, but if they do away with class size reduction, they won't need that many teachers
Carolyn - Next year would be my first tenured year, even though I have taught three--my first year was on a temporary basis.
Jan - Sadie, I just answered yur post on the board.
Alta Rose - Carolyn :'(
Grace/IL - What kind of safety concerns?
brad - That is a scary prospect
Erin - I saw that, Kim. But the bus dropped an axel in front of a student's house
Sadie T - Thanks Jan, I'll check it out.
Kim/1/Ca - Jan....Erin is coming up to be a guest speaker in my Chapman class in March. We are covering some MOT strategies.....you wanna come?
judy3ca - It seems to me (Jan, help me out here) they always send those letters to more than necessary. When I worked in Los Angeles, I got the dreaded letter for the first three years.
Carolyn - It is because of class size reduction. They will probably cancel that in a lot of districts.
Kim/1/Ca - wheels falling off........
Jan - Some districts going back to 1996 for layoffs in CA
Erin - Judy, you're right. My principal said in 1985 all teachers with 12 years or less got letters. They do it to cover their butts
brad - Isn't that just typical ass-backwards logic for budget cuts. Never mind all the other waste we could eliminate, let's cut TEACHERS!
judy3ca - brad, I love highlighters, too (I love 'em with copies of Ranger Rick and National Geographic Kids articles).
Grace/IL - Ouch!
Carolyn - Yes, I have received the letter before, but they always seem to end up hiring people. Luckily it IS a growing area.
Sadie T - Teachers cost more than anything else
Sharon - yeah... eliminate a couple of central office positions and you could pay for 2 or 3 teachers
Jan - Yes, Judy, you are right. They must give notice by March 15 or the teacher is automatically renewed. They will lay off many more than they need to.
Erin - Yeah, and today we all got a full color, four page, semi gloss brochure full of garbage from DO. Goes home to all families too. How much did that cost?
Sadie T - Well, except superintendants..
brad - DO?
cavey - I thought we were in a teacher shortage. We are out here.
Erin - Teacher and staff salaries and benefits consume 85 % of a budget. Doesn't leave much room for cutting
Erin - District Office, brad
Carolyn - In the meantime, though, you are in limbo, and you're not sure to hope for the best or try to beat the bandwagon to the other school districts and apply for jobs there. I'm planning on taking a wait and see approach.
brad - Here's a wild proposition. How about eliminating football teams? LOL, hee, hee, . . . yeah.
Jan - I attended a budget meeting in San Diego- guy from Sacramento gave report. Horribly grim.
Grace/IL - Have a principal in IL making more than $300,000. Just got something from a taxpayers group today and Hubby was reading it to me.
judy3ca - In the old days, teachers who were laid off could collect unemployment. I was too ignorant and principled (oh yuck) to do this.
Sadie T - Sorry, what I just said made no sense whosoever. Teachers and administrators cost more than supplies.
Erin - My principal advised people not to look. All districts in CA will be in the same boat probably
Sharon - football teams pay for themselves here... money making machine!
Jan - No one will be hiring until very late summer, if then.
Erin - What 's really scary is that the prison guards are not getting their budget cut, I think they're getting a raise.
Grace/IL - Some IL schools are looking at a 4 day week with longer days in order to cut back transportation expenses, etc.
Carolyn - yeah, it is weird--teacher shortage, but layoffs because we can't afford teachers.
judy3ca - Erin, do you mean he advised "not to look" for jobs?
judy3ca - We're keeping Class Size Reduction.
brad - I'm afraid Kim will answer, but here goes. . . why the budget issue?
Kim/1/Ca - Our superintendent said it would cost us money to eliminate CSR.......
Jan - There will not be a teacher shortage in CA---except math/science for secondary and spec ed
Carolyn - Oh, Judy, good for your school district. That's awesome. We might be able to keep it too, depending on the contract language.
Erin - Well not "not to look", but to not worry too much and to know that there probably won't be anything out there...i'm sorry I forget exact words. It made more sense at lunch
judy3ca - Ummm, brad, do you own any stocks? Have you watched their progress?
Erin - California has a $30 billion deficit
Grace/IL - Brad, doesn't IN have a financial crisis? The rest of us all see to have one.
Erin - Kim you lose state funding, but actually CSR encroaches on the general fund
brad - I'm in OH, and I've heard nothing, if there is one.
judy3ca - Erin, that's sad.
Kim/1/Ca - Because CA has a 36 BILLION dollar budget deficit because our incompentent governor and his cronies increased spending by 35% over the past few years.........never saved ONE DIME. Then we had the electricity "shortage" and he signed LONG term contracts with Enron-like people.
Jan - CSR is very costly---only part of costs covered by state.
Carolyn - It just is weird to think that we were just in such a money free-for-all in CA and passing out reward money like crazy for API and now suddenly, whoosh! It's all dried up.
brad - Our biggest problem around here is wondering if the state will come in. Remember, worst district. . .
Erin - My prinicpal had to come up with different scenarios, keeping CSR, doing away with it, doing away with it in certain grades
Grace/IL - OH must be one of the 4 states that aren't in crisis.
Jan - Carolyn, you are right. I just don't get it!
judy3ca - Yes, Jan, but CSR is still big money to our little district.
Alta Rose - What does the state do if it comes in?
brad - What is CSR?
brad - Never mind, I figured it out
Kim/1/Ca - Well, he stood in front of all of us and SAID that we won't get rid of it because it will COST us money to do so.
Carolyn - class size reduction
Erin - Oh yeah Carolyn , that's right. I guess we don't have to do well anymore...no financial incentive
Erin - CSR class size reduction
Erin - Sorry brad. Just saw that
Kim/1/Ca - We have 3 schools, 2 are elementary K-5.
brad - alta, a lot of restructuring is all I know
judy3ca - Class Size Reduction--we have maximum 20 in K-3 in my district and we get money from the state for the CSR.
Erin - Kim, it does cost in the sense that you lose some funding. But it has never paid for itself. I wonder what he is talking about
brad - It doesn't seem to be helping Cleveland. Their scores dipped this year
cavey - Anybody with any GOOD news?
Sadie T - Yikes, I'm having so much trouble following the discussion tonight - I read Erin's message as "doing away with certain grades." LOL I am close to believing that!
cavey - My son's birthday is Monday
brad - We have no CSR as a formal state measure. As a district measure we're supposed to have 20-1 in K-1, but it's not there
judy3ca - ROFL, cavey, how old?
Erin - Sadie LOL, it may come to that
Carolyn - But now, we will "get in trouble" if our API goes down? Even if there is no supply money, no book money, and class size goes up?
Sharon - brad, here they LIVE in the classrooms... stop teachers mid-sentence and take over if deemed necessary... generally make teaching a living hell
Kim/1/Ca - Good news........my kids have been making CONNECTIONS all over the place this week.
judy3ca - Sadie, ROFL! Now there's a solution!
brad - yikes, sharon.
Erin - Amen, Carolyn.
cavey - Thank you Judy. Nine
diane - let's see, cavey, it's been a long and weird week for me...but i'm loving my kids these days
Carolyn - Will we be expected to do more with less and then get blamed for the decline?
Alta Rose - Good news--My son told a joke on the radio this morning and won a free pizza, movie and popcorn.
Grace/IL - Good news! My stepson is being married Valentine's Day.
judy3ca - Carolyn, but API is going to be reconfigured, right?
Jan - Good news, here. My daughter is in the top ten for Teacher of the Year in her district. We just heard today.
Erin - Good news, my kids did great in Reading and Writing workshop when we had an observer today
Kim/1/Ca - Steven leaped up during "The Old Woman Who Named Things," (a class favorite) and said, "Be right back. I have a CONNECTION!" then he returns clutching Mr. Putter and Tabby...........
judy3ca - Oh, cavey, that's such a nice age!
Alta Rose - Jan--That's great!!
Erin - Judy, what have you heard?
cavey - Now we're back on track!!!!
Kim/1/Ca - I asked about his connection........"lonely old woman who gets a dog. Lonely old man who gets a cat."
diane - cavey, i LOVE 9 year olds
Carolyn - Yes, it is going to be reconfigured to include more of the CAT/6 and state standards test, but it is still API.
brad - Jan, whaddaya think of all this? Does this happen every so often in Cali?
Sadie T - Jan, that's great!!!
Erin - Cavey, my son will be 9 in March. Is yours an expert on everything?
diane - oh...that looks horrible in print LOL
Grace/IL - Kim, everything sounds fantastic in your classroom!
Kim/1/Ca - Wonderful, Jan........!
judy3ca - Erin, I read that API is only going to be 70% based on the new test.
Jan - Brad, it does happen, but this is, by far, the worst.
cavey - diane, you want mine? Just kidding.
Erin - Awesome Kim
Sharon - judy... my best question today... my highest reader reading a pretty tough poetry book... said, "I have a question. I wonder if I'm reading this right because it's not rhyming and I don't get it." first time she's ever acknowledged the text was stumping her!
Alta Rose - Great Kim!
Carolyn - Yes, Brad, it does. We have to ride the storm. My husband and mom have been teachers for years. It is always feast or famine in CA education.
Erin - What will the other 30% be?
judy3ca - Sharon, THAT is wonderful!
diane - lol cavey
Kim/1/Ca - Oh, Grace........the good with the bad, you know. Kwinzi is just becoming more and more difficult. And Luis is acting up again. (sigh)
Sadie T - Judy - API - based 70% on Standards test... exit exam included for high school... new subgroups that have to improve will be ELL and special ed
Alta Rose - I had one bring in a book today and ask if I would read it as she thought it would be good for SI. I was pretty impressed with that.
judy3ca - Erin, LOL, I don't know.
Erin - Brad, this budget problem is going to effect us for the next 18m onths
cavey - Erin, yes he is. I'm a complete idiot.
diane - wow, alta
Jan - Problem is, districts have already cut everything they could. Now, the cuts are really going to HURT!
judy3ca - Right, Sadie, do YOU know what the other 30% is?
Erin - Oh good cavey I'm glad I'm not the only one. Also my son does nothing wrong, it is always someone else's fault
Alta Rose - Actually, I had HER read it.
diane - we had a blast today as we read the final chapters of Poppy by avi...kids were talking about the tension the author created...i love ww
Sadie T - brb gonna go check an API thing...
Carolyn - Some good news here! My principal got someone to cover my class so I could go see my son's third grade performance. It was so nice to sit in the audience and be the mom. I had directed the same performance for my class on Wednesday.
Erin - Judy, the problem with the CAT-6 is it is less problems. Although it will take less time, each question is worth more
cavey - Erin, mine will admit he does something, but he always has a very good reason
Grace/IL - Hi amy
judy3ca - Ouch, Erin, that's scary!
Erin - Cavey, a very long and detailed good reason I'm sure
Jan - Biggest problem in California is unfunded mandates.
diane - hi amy
Kim/1/Ca - brb........(homer hystrionics<<<<<
Sadie T - Erin, CAT-6 won't take less time
amy - hi
judy3ca - Very good point, Jan!!!!!!!!!!!
Carolyn - Are the reading comprehension passages on CAT/6 timed like on the SAT/9?
Erin - But Jan, don't all states have unfunded mandates from the federal government
brad - jan, like???
cavey - Hi Amy
Erin - Sadie, NO? What have you heard?
Alta Rose - hi
cavey - diane, I love Poppy
Alta Rose - Sorry. (Rotten kid!)
Kim/1/Ca - like, special education, for one thing, brad..........
Jan - Virtually every state program that the state mandates, they do not fund....
Carolyn - I had many kids with EXCELLENT comprehension leave many problems blank last year because I hadn't trained them in being timed. I will try to do a better job of preparing them for that this year.
Erin - Special Ed is a big encroachment and the federal government makes it worse each year
diane - me too, cavey...such high drama...perfect read aloud...rich vocabulary
Jan - They also, two years in a row, have not sent money they promised and that was budgeted in district budgets. That is killing us!
Erin - Carolyn, I don't know about the timed part.
Carolyn - Jan, we just got told ALL staff development was cut in our district. What does that mean for BTSA?
amy - how long have you been teaching for?
Erin - Us too Carolyn. No professional development
judy3ca - Sharon, I'm reading my kids Love That Dog by Creech. One of my kids came in and said she'd read a poetry book at home and found the poems from the book and the one by "that William guy" (William Carlos Williams) looked exactly the same in her book--no caps, etc. This made a big impression on her, LOL.
diane - amy, this is my 3rd year
Alta Rose - Amy--Am on year #15.
Carolyn - That's another maddening thing. That means that we will now have to pay for our 150 hours of staff development and will have to do it on our own time on weekends, etc.
Jan - BTSA is really in an entanglement and we just don't know what will happen. That was our meeting in San Diego.
Grace/IL - Amy, I'm retired after 30 years.
Kim/1/Ca - They are going to try and remove BTSA from the block grant..........does that sound right?
Erin - Amy 7th year
Carolyn - My third year too, Amy, (second on contract)
cavey - Should I fuss about the pressure I'm getting from the homeroom teachers to make sure my kids score well on our state tests? They are all counting on my kids to carry the grade level. Anybody want to hear about that?
Sharon - i'm a little under the weather tonight guys and have to read the NRP's report on phonemic awareness... think i'll sign off, lay on the couch and read...
Sharon - oops judy... missed your post... i think i had that creech book to order... do you recommend it?
Alta Rose - G'night, Sharon.
Kim/1/Ca - Sometimes that is not such a bad thing, Carolyn, considering what many districts "provide."
Carolyn - I have to say, I hope that they get rid of some of the paperwork in BTSA. I sure don't enjoy spending so much of my weekends filling out that endless paperwork.
Jan - cavey, yes...what are they expecting you to do?
cavey - Amy, 15 or 16 years, I lose track
Erin - Judy, I read the kids a great short story today. Used the overhead, did questioning and prediction. They loved it!! Were on pins and needles to know the ending
judy3ca - ((Sharon)) HOpe you feel better!
Alta Rose - What's BTSA?
Grace/IL - Relax and enjoy the NRP thing, Sharon. "Night!
Erin - Cavey, that happens in our district sometimes. They count on the GATE kids to always do well
Kim/1/Ca - Ask your questions, amy....we are very helpful here.
Kim/1/Ca - good night, sharon.........
Erin - Feel better Sharon
Sharon - night all.... sleep sweet when you sleep
Jan - BTSA Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment...
judy3ca - Sharon, I love it, but I'm not sure about firsties--some of it is tough comp for my babies.
diane - lol, cavey...my kids carry the school on the testing too (of course, they are the only ones to take it...nothing like one class per grade)
Alta Rose - Thanks Jan.
Jan - BTSA is statewide and required for teachers to get a clear credential
cavey - Well Jan, I better make sure I drill and kill them so that they can pass the writing test with a prompt like " tell the story about when all the imaginary frogs escaped from the science lab"..
diane - night sharon
Carolyn - Is that new? I got my clear credential before I had to go through BTSA.
Jan - I see this pressure, cavey, in a lot of places. Kids and teachers really feel it. It needs to be stopped.
cavey - bye sharon!
Carolyn - I had to go to BTSA after I received my clear.
Sadie T - Sorry, I got kicked off. But I found some information while I was waiting impatiently for my computer to restart...
Erin - I hate that cavey. I never did well on that type of writing. I couldn't stand writing to a lame prompt
amy - thanks....do you feel that all of these standards take away from your freedom of what you are allowed to do in your classroom
diane - cavey, i gave my first practice test today...boy were they anxious...so sad to feel like i'm torturing them
Jan - Carolyn, yes new as of January 1, 2003
Jan - Carolyn, yes new as of January 1, 2003
Grace/IL - We're waiting, Sadie
Carolyn - No, Amy. I like the standards.
cavey - Yes Erin, and they will be scored on their tone in the lame prompt writing. How's that for authentic?
Sadie T - API 80% California Standards Test, 20% CAT-6. (for elementary. different for high school)
Carolyn - Well, then why do I have to do BTSA?
Jan - Sorry to repeat myself. It's old age.
Erin - Amy, I actually don't think teaching the standards takes away from creativity. It's makes me accountable for what I am doing. I just can't pull out my "September" folder each year. More creative than following a scripted program for sure
brad - cavey, how are the tests scored that they think yours will "carry" the grade level
judy3ca - tone???????????????
Erin - What is tone?
judy3ca - Sadie, wow, that's interesting. What I read was all wrong!
Jan - Districts make it a condition of employment
cavey - they call it tone Judy, it means voice
Kim/1/Ca - No.......the standards set the parameters for what you are teaching and what your "goals" are. It is my humble opinion that standards are not difficult to attain if you are a middle class child from a supportive home environment. THAT is not the collective face of the kids here in our region of California.
Sadie T - CAT-6 testing time varies, from 440 minutes in grade 1 to 755 minutes in high school. I don't know what it was before in elementary, but that's longer for high school.
Erin - Great, who can I trust, Judy or Sadie?
judy3ca - Oh, well, cavey, I'm speechless.
brad - (sneer) don't hold back kim
amy - some teachers i have spoken with before don't like them at all, its good to hear a different opinion thanks
cavey - Well Brad, for each kid there are two graders who score the test based on a rubric
Carolyn - Oh, OK. Thanks. I've never understood why some new staff at our school are assigned to BTSA and some are not. I thought it was a county thing.
Erin - Sadie, that's longer than the Stanford <<whine>>
judy3ca - Erin, ROFL, trust Sadie!
Sadie T - well, Sadie has the website to back it up (LOL) http://www.cde.ca.gov/psaa/api/elem02ind_wts.pdf
Alta Rose - Are your standards what we refer to as curriculum "objectives" I wonder?
Sadie T - That is the total time for CAT-6 and California Standards test combined
Erin - amy, some teachers confuse "standards" with "standardized". They think they have to "cover" everything in the textbook to teach the standards. Some never bother to look at them. Very frustrating
Sadie T - Oops here is the other link - for testing times http://www.cde.ca.gov/statetests/star/resources/itemtimes03.pdf
Sadie T - The other link was for API
cavey - Amy, I like the standards, I just don't agree with how our state has chosen to assess them
Erin - Well, all righty then Sadie. YOU WIN!!!! LOLOLO
Jan - Carolyn, if new teachers came from out of state, they may not be eligible for BTSA
Sadie T - Erin, that's so true about confusing "standards" and "standardized"
Kim/1/Ca - That is another issue, too, amy........the standards do not always ALIGN to the asinine standardized tests.........
Sadie T - Also some books that are supposedly "standards-based," aren't really based on state standards!
cavey - thank you Kim, my point
Carolyn - Well, I need to get off here. Hubby has his team's Academic Decathlon competition tomorrow and needs to get a good night's sleep. Fun to chat with you all here. Thanks Jan for all of the info on BTSA. I hear from Margaret that you are an outstanding BTSA coordinator.
Erin - Amen Sadie!! I tried to tell my grade level that,but some said "It says it's standards based so it must be" Similar to "It says it's low fat so I won't gain weight."
Alta Rose - G'night, Carolyn.
cavey - Night Carolyn. come again.
Jan - Margaret? Who is Margaret?
brad - Wow we've been able to say ass-backwards, asinine, and assessment on here tonite without getting bleeped
Erin - Good night Carolyn. Good luck
Sadie T - Kim, SAT-9 was not aligned to the standards, this year's tests will be
Grace/IL - 'Night Carolyn
Sadie T - LOL Erin, I like the "low fat" analogy
judy3ca - Carolyn!!!!!!! Wait--did I ever tell you I was an AcaDeca coach for 3 years???? Good luck to hubby.
Erin - Yeah, brad but you still can't say roaches
Carolyn - She went through BTSA with you at Irvine, she said.
Kim/1/Ca - For example, amy.....in Kindergarten, it is expected that children will be able to read, write, and represent numbers up to 30. That is not too unrealistic. But they are also required to recognize 30 sight words. Too many children arrive at school unprepared. HOW do we get them to recognize "sight words?" give me a break..........
Sadie T - Brad I was trying to #$@ess how my students did on their #$*ignment...
cavey - You beat me to it Erin.. LOL
Erin - Thanks Sadie I just made it up
brad - (ladies and gentlemen, Rev. Lengning has ascended to the pulpit)
Carolyn - Judy, you must have been crazy too! It is the most time-consuming activity and no one really appreciates what those kids do to themselves in preparing for it!
Sadie T - We were looking at some texts (this was before budget cuts) that say "standards-based" right on the cover... they are not based on California standards
Erin - I'm going to see if Kim is like this when she teaches. Boy will I have stories to tell
Jan - Oh, that's very possible, Carolyn! I've been there a long time!
cavey - Amen Sister
judy3ca - Carolyn, don't you know me well enough yet to know I'm crazy?
Kim/1/Ca - I have 2 words for you, bradleeeee
Alta Rose - Don't you think there is more and more pressure to get kinders to read, Kim? Our kinder teacher seems to be making that her mandate, altho I don't expect them to be reading when I teach first.
Erin - Sadie, also text book companies have to make money so they put lots of filler in. By teaching to the standards it has freed me from so much of that
Carolyn - You are, Judy, and that's why I love ya! Night all!
Grace/IL - She's like this in real life, Erin.
brad - crazy, ordinary, AND sleek. Judy never ceases to amaze
judy3ca - Brad, you forgot 'medium.'
Kim/1/Ca - Did I expound upon things when we had dinner, Grace?
Erin - crazy, ordinary, sleek and a FAST walker when there are books to be bought LOL
amy - what states do you all teach in?
Grace/IL - Now you're into my realm. I've been working this week on my kdg program to go with Roots and Trunks. How can I help these little guys?
Erin - Did Kim and Grace meet? Did I miss something?
Erin - California for me
Kim/1/Ca - Funny story about that, Erin.
Grace/IL - Welllll -- about the toll road thing
brad - medium kind've makes you sound like steak. . . . mmm. . . steak (homer drool)
cavey - Uh Oh Erin. face to face meeting competition from Grace
Sadie T - Hi Amy. I am in California too.
Erin - brad, bologna to steak...what next?
Grace/IL - Yes, Erin, we had dinner together a year and a half ago.
Alta Rose - Amy--Alberta, Canada.
Kim/1/Ca - Grace came out to CA for a wedding. I met her and her dashing hubby for dinner in Valencia. I waited and waited for them outside. They were waiting for me.....inside.
judy3ca - Brad, second reference, right? Are you a Simpsons fan? I'm not, but husband and kids love it.
brad - it's untelling. I tell ya', I'm swimming over here
Erin - Yeah, cavey, I'm gettin' kinda nervous. Planning my strategy. I know Jan comes to Valencia once in a whil
diane - brad's been eating bologna?
Jan - California, Amy.....
brad - bologna and ho ho's. rofl
Erin - Got it Kim and Grace. So that's one for Grace, Kim Erin and Judy. Anyone else?
Erin - I have to know what I'm up against here.
Jan - Erin, no BTSA meetings in Valencia this year! Maybe next. I will be dropping in on you when they do.
Erin - Sadie, where are you in CA
judy3ca - Erin, I think I'd worry if I knew I was teaching in front of one of you all!
brad - yes, Judy, not a regular watcher, but I catch it in reruns. Extremely witty, clever, and satiric
Kim/1/Ca - well..........you have probably suspected that brad and I have met...........
Erin - Jan I need you. I have to win this thing. Whatever thing it is. I'm so competitive
judy3ca - Brad, they love it--I prefer King of the Hill.
Erin - AARRGGH!! ARe you serious Kim?
brad - I"ve only seen that once, and it was mildly amusing.
Kim/1/Ca - I confess: I love the Simpsons.
cavey - I'm telling y'all come to Va . Last one here is a rotten egg.
Erin - Come on Judy. You would love it!!!
judy3ca - My husband still watches the reruns at 6:00--and all the kids are gone.
brad - If you really want a state of the union address, watch Simpsons
Alta Rose - Have you really, Kim?
Kim/1/Ca - Shhhh.....Erin! Trying to start a rumor here, hee hee hee..........
Erin - Did anyone watch the beginning of American Idol? Those judges are hysterical
brad - I don't let my kids watch, though
Grace/IL - cavey, you're in the east. Head on down to Orlando and I'll meet you there.
Erin - Whew, Kim!!! Just wanted to make sure
Kim/1/Ca - (head hanging down) No, I haven't met our Brad. (sigh) yet.
judy3ca - (Erin, I'm whispering, I LOVE American Idol--I'm so embarrassed to admit it).
Kim/1/Ca - Oh, judy........say it ain't so...........
Erin - Will anyone ever meet brad, That is the real question
cavey - Love to Grace, to escape this cold.
brad - (i'm whispering with judy)
brad - I"m not real
diane - judy...sadly, me too...
cavey - Is brad real?
Erin - Judy <fist in the air> I knew it because you love all those shows just like I do!!! Woo hoo!!1
judy3ca - Sorry, kim--but look what good company I keep, LOL.
Erin - Yeah, diane..
Kim/1/Ca - I could fly to Illinois and Grace could pick me up. Then we drive to Ohio for Brad and go to West Virginia.
brad - I finally got wifey hooked on AI this time around. LOL
amy - thank you for letting me in on your chat session....thanks for your input, i appreciate it
Kim/1/Ca - brad and I are the same.........
Erin - I'm going to wear my Survivor t-shirt when I go to Kim's.
Grace/IL - cavey, IRA is in Orlando in early May.
judy3ca - Erin, when we retire, you and I can sit around and watch TV. You're younger so you get the remote.
Sadie T - My computer is acting up... it doesn't like my .pdf files
cavey - Okay, ( I'm whispering too) I've been watching the Bachelorette. There, I've said it!
Kim/1/Ca - anytime amy
Alta Rose - Amy, you are welcome anytime!
Erin - Are those terrible singers for real or are they "plants"?
brad - (I've been watching Joe Millionaire) (truly blushing)
Grace/IL - You're right, Kim, I'm waiting for you to fly to IL.
diane - oh, cavey!!
Erin - Sadie, where are you in CA?
judy3ca - Erin, I think they're plants.
Kim/1/Ca - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO (clutching head) Survivor? Oh gawlllllllllll
Alta Rose - Hey, you guys, when are you getting all your professional reading done? LOL!
Erin - OH, brad, that's really bad!!! LOL
brad - KIm, not a fan of reality shows
amy - that is what it seems like
Sadie T - near Fresno
Erin - Oh yeah, I got Kim now. I'll tie my bandana around my head, too
judy3ca - Kim, I love Survivor--please don't hate me!
diane - alta, i tend to read in the bathtub in the middle of the night!!
cavey - KIm!!! I'm in the REAL Virginia!!!! For pete's sake!
Kim/1/Ca - they are stupid and insipid and appeal to the lowest common denominator.
brad - They are fascinating studies of human psychology
Erin - Thanks, Kim, I know who my real friends are.....
judy3ca - Oh, well, I finally did well in math--I'm the lowest common denominator.
Kim/1/Ca - Fresno is the Raisin Capital of California.
diane - hey...did kim just call us the lowest common denominator?
Grace/IL - How can you read in the bathtub. I'd get the book all wet
cavey - Well, I only watch those shows because they come on at 9:00 and that's when I'm on the treadmill
cavey - Well, I only watch those shows because they come on at 9:00 and that's when I'm on the treadmill
Kim/1/Ca - me too, grace........
Sadie T - LOL
diane - lol, grace, it's harder now that i've lost some weight!
Sadie T - Students were throwing raisins in class today
Alta Rose - I was wondering the same thing, Grace!
Kim/1/Ca - Lots of good stuff is on at 9:00.........Justice files, Cold Case Files, stuff on LIfetime, PBS..........sheesh.........
brad - mmm.... raisins (homer drool)
cavey - I said it twice to convince myself
Sadie T - I was trying to find some instructional value in it, but, turns out that flying dried fruit isn't very educational
brad - Lifetime??? Not Golden Girls reruns!!
Erin - Oh yeah, Lifetime, TV for women. That's real in depth
Sadie T - Somebody need to feed Brad, all he can talk about is food
judy3ca - Kim, I start reading at 9:00--is that okay???????? ROFL
cavey - Oh Kim, you like all that gross stuff. We like fluff!
Grace/IL - Mebbe we can have shelves built for the tub -- y'know, a board that goes across the whole thing with a book rack on it.
Kim/1/Ca - ((rolling eyes at brad) FASCINATING studies? A bunch of immature showoffs getting their 15 minutes of fame?
diane - i have to admit, i just watched a brady bunch rerun...
Kim/1/Ca - Don't diss Lifetime.
brad - IF Patty Duke has one more son who's woman done him wrong, why I'll.......
judy3ca - I love CSI--but I tape it.
Jan - When I consulted in Fresno, they gave me one of those giant singing raisins that used to be on TV. It still sits proudly on my shelf.
Kim/1/Ca - okay, i will grant you THAT point about Patty Duke, brad..........
Sadie T - LOL
Erin - I love Ed on Wednesday nights. I also have to watch JAG because that guy is so cute
Kim/1/Ca - ........and HOW did you know about that, anyway? Hmmmm?
judy3ca - Jan, that is a cool memento!
Erin - CSI awesome!!!!
brad - LOL, Jan, I still have a few of the figurines too
diane - i've always read in the tub...didn't realize i was performing great physical feats!
Sadie T - I finally realized what makes it hard for me to follow chats here -- reading UP instead of down.
Kim/1/Ca - That's good judy.....so do i....t.v. is down low and I read during slow stuff and commercials.
Sadie T - I was switching between this screen and another, and found myself reading backwards on the other page!
Sadie T - Weird
judy3ca - Okay, Erin, I haven't asked you about this one....I love American Dreams--have you seen it?
Jan - You're right - it is one of my treasures.
Kim/1/Ca - LOL Sadie...........
Kim/1/Ca - Krashen YES, Sadie? Road trip?
Erin - Haven't seen that one yet Judy.
judy3ca - Sadie, LOL, quick study!
Grace/IL - Don't even watch TV these days but I did all of my graduate school reading curled up in a chair in the corner with the TV going.
Kim/1/Ca - judy spelled memento right.......yeah judy.
Jan - Has anyone seen "The Hours?"
Sadie T - Maybe, Kim, maybe! It's a Friday, right?
brad - yes jan
Erin - Grace, a woman who studies just like me
Kim/1/Ca - CSI........very cool.
diane - oh hey...ordered the routman...waiting semi-patiently for it to show up...
judy3ca - Kim, I may be crazy and ordinary, but I CAN spell, LOL.
Kim/1/Ca - i love police stuff.
cavey - Well, Imaginary Friends, it's late here in EAST Virginia
diane - anyone still willing to discuss it if i post?
brad - CSI, crappy acting and dialogue
Kim/1/Ca - No, all day i think........let me check?
Erin - Oh wow, Kim likes something we do, Judy
judy3ca - Jan, I read "The Hours" but haven't seen the movie. I'm still raving about "Chicago."
Alta Rose - Yes, diane, I'm just getting started!
Erin - brad you have to be careful after admitting what you watch
Kim/1/Ca - You know I will always discuss, diane.........much to brad's disgust.
diane - hooray
cavey - See y'all later!
brad - entitled to my own opinion.
judy3ca - Erin, should we let her watch with us?
diane - night cavey
brad - Jan, did you read the book? (nite cavaey)
Kim/1/Ca - NO, Brad.......you are just plain wrong. Peterson is excellent.Very taciturn.
Grace/IL - Cavey's coming up on midnight. Have a good evening.
judy3ca - Night cavey!
Erin - diane, I'll discuss with you. I need to reread ...slowly this time
judy3ca - Brad, I'm wounded.
Sadie T - good night cavey!
Kim/1/Ca - ((cavey))
Jan - Loved "Hours!" I also read book. Seeing Chicago next week, I believe.
cavey - Night guys!
Erin - No , judy, she called us the lowest common denominator, i'm insulted. She has to watch something else.
Alta Rose - See you, Cavey!
Kim/1/Ca - Hours was okay.........i was surprised at the end though.
Erin - bye cavey!
brad - sorry to wound judy. I have seen 3 eps of CSI and on all three, this was my call. Excellent direction though and some interesting stories
diane - i just saw chicago...it was pretty good...for a musical...
judy3ca - ROFL Erin!
brad - Loved hours and chicago
Kim/1/Ca - and the lab guys are just plain........."cool."
judy3ca - Brad, LOL, I don't care--CSI was my daughter's show and now I'm hooked.
Erin - Brad, they film CSI by my house. The one at the ice rink is where my son skates
Kim/1/Ca - (handing judy some first aid stuff)
Jan - I was expecting the ending, since I'd read the book. Movie followed book closely.
Kim/1/Ca - Ed Harris good in the movie, Jan?
Erin - Plus, judy, it comes on after...(Kim cover your eyes) SURVIVOR
brad - Jan, highest compliment I can pay to movie is I felt the same way leaving the movie as I did finishing the book
Sadie T - I've got to go... see you on the chatboard
Kim/1/Ca - I didn't realize until it happened that he was the Septimus character.
Erin - Bye Sadie
Alta Rose - 'night, sadie.
judy3ca - Right, Erin, should I tell Kim how much I look forward to Thursday nights?
Grace/IL - 'Night, Sadie
Kim/1/Ca - (running screaming from the rooom in disgust...........survivor!)
Jan - The women are so wonderful, you hardly notice the men. They are definitely over-shadowed.
Erin - Let's tell her together, Judy. Here we go
judy3ca - Night Sadie.
Grace/IL - Kim, how was your book club Monday?
Erin - That's cool, we say SURVIVOR...and Kim runs.
judy3ca - Thursday night, rah!
Erin - We love Thursday night
Kim/1/Ca - We meet once a month, Grace.....
brad - The visual elements linking the three stories were so intriguing, I thought. Did you notice Jan?
diane - i haven
Kim/1/Ca - Yeah, I get a lot of good READING done on Thursday night.
judy3ca - Kim, I always read the credits.
Alta Rose - Reading? When "Whose Line" is on?
Erin - We will all have to be SURVIVORS with this budget crisis
Grace/IL - Oh, I thought it was weekly.
brad - LOL Judy
Kim/1/Ca - I can't believe that reasonable, intelligent, passionate educators such as yourselves would stoop so LOW as to watch Survivor and that modern Gong show thingy...............
brad - Kim, hee, hee, I liked Amazing Race and Mole too
judy3ca - Brad, actually I stole that from our son. When he was little and it was bedtime, he'd say, "Wait, I just have to read the credits."
Grace/IL - She watches enough so she knows what you're talking about though.
diane - should i admit to loving trading spaces as well?
Jan - Brad, I did. I thought the movie was spectacular in its transitions from "chapter to chapter." It was beautifully done.
Erin - That's all right, KIm. It'll come to grow on you and you will accept us as we are
Kim/1/Ca - <<<<<<<<<<screaming and pounding head.........Amazing Race?
Erin - Amazing Race is awesome.
brad - me too diane.
Kim/1/Ca - I love to HATE Trading Spaces. That is the worst most god-awful "decorating" I have EVER seen.
brad - The visuals were stunning. The cracking eggs with Woolf and servants and the "cracking eggs" with Meryl Streep
Erin - When I was home sick I think I saw every episode of Trading Spaces
diane - i was watching a rerun not long ago and recognized one of our first grade parents!! bizarre!!
Erin - Brad, have they said when the new Amazing Race is starting?
brad - The flowers Woolf arranges around the dead bird match the arrangements of the icing flowers on Laura Brown's cake
diane - oh, kim, i agree...my father is an architect...it always slays me when they say they are adding "architectural elements"...whatever those are
brad - erin, I haven't heard, but it should be soon
Jan - I felt the movie definitely enhanced the book...and I rarely feel that way!
brad - The pajamas on the boy and the ones on Ed Harris. All kinds of small touches like that.
Kim/1/Ca - Oh, yeah.........those. Sheesh........and that Frank guy........something funny about him.
Alta Rose - brb
Erin - All right, promised my son I would get off. Talk to you guys soon
judy3ca - Speaking of cracking eggs, my kids wrote good/bad leads today, several topics or own--one was: something you're not good at. Kid wrote about his ability to crack eggs.
Jan - Brad, I noticed the flowers! Fascinating!
Erin - Love ya Kim. Just remember you've got "friends in low places."
diane - brad...movie to text connections to patricia polacco
brad - something funny?? I about flipped when he said something about his WIFE a few weeks back
Grace/IL - I'm gonna' go stitch for a while. 'Night all.
Kim/1/Ca - yeah, diane.....like they re going to add pillars and gables and crown molding? (snort)
Erin - I think I'll do a comprehension exercise on Survivor when I come Kim
brad - nitte grace
Kim/1/Ca - I feel so ........ dirty.
Erin - Good night all!!!
judy3ca - Night Erin!
Erin - g'nite grace
brad - nite erin
Kim/1/Ca - (head between knees now)
diane - nite erin and grace
Kim/1/Ca - ((grace)))
judy3ca - Brad--who has a wife?
Kim/1/Ca - breathing, breathing, in........out..........
Jan - My workshop prep is calling me---see you all on the board. Nite, all.
brad - Frank on Trading Places!! Shocking!!
Kim/1/Ca - (((jan))))
diane - night jan
Kim/1/Ca - I need a wife.
judy3ca - Brad, oh, phew--I've heard Frank talk about his wife--I was afraid you were going to say Doug.
brad - I definitely feel I need a secretary at school
judy3ca - Night Jan
diane - lol, kim, my niece used to refer to my husband as my wife...i don't think he thought it was as cute as i did
Kim/1/Ca - I think his, uh, door, swings both ways (clearning throat).
brad - Judy?? Crush on Doug?
judy3ca - ROFLOLOLOL
judy3ca - ROFLOLOLOL
judy3ca - ROFLOLOLOL
diane - how 'bout vern?
Kim/1/Ca - DOUG? Oh fer heaven's sake.....not a survivor guy, puhleeeze?
brad - Vern's door goes one way, and we all know which way that is
Kim/1/Ca - Vern.........the most incompetent tradesman on the planet.
judy3ca - I like VERN!
Kim/1/Ca - And this time squeeze every single episode....like they don't KNOW ahead of time..........
brad - Vern loves to mix it up with Ty. Have you noticed?
Kim/1/Ca - Oh, yeah.....Vern is nice enough.
diane - vern says he really is an architect...hmmm....although, i like his light fixtures
judy3ca - Wait, are we talking about the same guy???? Vern, the Asian guy, right?
brad - that's him, judy
judy3ca - Well, I like most of his designs.
Kim/1/Ca - oh, sorry.....wrong guy. I'm thinking the carpenter dude.
Kim/1/Ca - Designs? Judy...........? Uh, hello?
diane - judy, i always love the pillows vern makes...beautiful fabrics
brad - I like Laurie
Kim/1/Ca - You call that, that.......MESS they make every week a "design?"
judy3ca - Right diane! And yes brad, laurie is best!
Kim/1/Ca - What I want to see is HOW LONG THAT JUNK lasts in the house after the crew leaves?
brad - I'd like to know that myself
judy3ca - Kim, you are making my face hurt from laughing! I detest Doug and everything he does, and most of what Hildy does.
Kim/1/Ca - His pillows are just plain, AWFUL, diane...............sheesh.........!
diane - the episode they did where our school parent was featured, they kept their bedroom. the other family was ed...
judy3ca - Kim, good point--it does look a little less than permanent.
Kim/1/Ca - explain, diane........sounds interesting
diane - the other family had the walls painted a weird green and then black tiles stuck on them like a checkerboard.
brad - genevieve does some wild stuff, but hildy is sometimes off her rocker
judy3ca - Diane, which episode was it?
brad - Nothing will ever top the 'MOSS WALL'
diane - it ruined the wall...then the dad lost his job and they can't afford to replace/fix it
judy3ca - I saw the moss wall, but the worst was the flowers in the cemetary bedroom.
Kim/1/Ca - ........and then they lounge around and "talk" at the end about how "wonderful" it all is and how the colors just "pop" and I want to just LAUGH OUT LOUD, which I do.........
judy3ca - Kim, that's why we love it--we laugh.
judy3ca - diane, that's sad\
Kim/1/Ca - Moss Wall.........a classic. Truly. A new low for decorating.
judy3ca - Did you see the one where they pasted hay on the walls?
Kim/1/Ca - And since WHEN does Joanne Liebeler do stupid "decorating" shows? She is a BUILDER for heaven's sake!
brad - sounds familiar
Kim/1/Ca - LOLOLOLOL judy..........yes
Alta Rose - Hey. It took my name off.
brad - What do you think of "While you Were Out?"
judy3ca - Kim, for someone who hates this stuff- you've sure seen a lot of episodes!
Kim/1/Ca - Very bad.....the men always look shell-shocked.
judy3ca - Now that's stupid, brad.
brad - LOL, I was thinking same thing judy
diane - brad, i find that one boring
Kim/1/Ca - Well.....it's entertainment..............for when I am .............unwinding .............after work.......you know.
diane - now, now...kim said she loves to hate it
judy3ca - Kim, ROFL
brad - I think the hosts/decorators aren't as charismatic. But I still watch
Kim/1/Ca - .....and the STUPID RIDICULOUS "questions" so they can win stuff..........give me a break.
diane - oh brad, i said boring...i didn't say i didn't watch! lol
judy3ca - I watched a few episodes, but I'm with Diane, boring and the "designs" are AWFUL!
brad - LOL, Survivor or Trading Places in Kim's Hell?
judy3ca - Well, Kim, it's time for me to READ. Good night all!
diane - night judy
brad - nite judy
Kim/1/Ca - Last night, Judy, LAST NIGHT!
Alta Rose - Goodnight, Judy.
diane - i should go too, guys...this has been one lonnnnnnngggg week. wish me luck, i have an MRI on sunday...
Kim/1/Ca - (((hugs and luck, diane, really)))))))
brad - you're in our thoughts, diane
Alta Rose - (((((Take Care, Diane)))))
brad - I hate being sick
diane - thanks!! night all!!! still hoping for that tumor...sort of...
Kim/1/Ca - Did you ever read Mrs. Mike?
brad - Mrs. Mike?
Kim/1/Ca - Set in Canada.........thought alta might know it.
Alta Rose - Never read it, but I remember you mentioning it, Kim. Author?
brad - Hey Kim, I'll chip in on gas if you're passing through.
Kim/1/Ca - Benedict and Nancy Freeman. I am reading the sequel. Quite good.
Alta Rose - I'll look for it, Kim.
Kim/1/Ca - I need to find out how much to fly to Chicago.........I am so very tempted to take Cavey up on her offer. Grace is serious too.
Alta Rose - Add it to my pile. LOL.
brad - When?
Kim/1/Ca - Summer?
brad - Duh, I thought maybe you had set a time
brad - I can't concentrate.
Kim/1/Ca - I know, Brad.......I can relate.
brad - I should call it a nite, pack it in, and see if I can dump this cold in my sleep
Kim/1/Ca - This has been the LONGEST week.....meeting, meeting, meeting..........sheesh.
Alta Rose - Goodnight, Kim and Brad. Feel better, Brad!
brad - nite everyone
Kim/1/Ca - (smooches to you guys)))
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