I personally have just begun reading this b...See MoreKate, While I'll agree with you that there are some topics that continually are brought up that may be no longer strongly relevant, the topics are important to many and one cannot sit back and say "I don't know who they're speaking of" and assume that it's not known by many of the other readers.
I personally have just begun reading this board and have never posted anything until recently, and I'll admit that the post was written primarily out of frustration for my situation. It's important for other parents to know what's out there, maybe their children aren't at a High School yet and I wish someone had let me know. Additionally, if enough of us 'complain', MAYBE something will be done. We don't know for sure who's reading, but we hope that someone who can do something and is actually interested, will take action. For the well being of our children and their education, I hope someone reads my posts! I myself have complained on several occasions and no action has been taken for 4+ years since another of my children had this same teacher's class - when will something be done?
I am saddened that many fantastic teachers will be leaving our school system due to the cuts. But whats more infuriating about that is there are many who SHOULD be let go, yet they're "untouchable" even going so far to say that they cannot be let go because of their time with the school system. While I will agree to protection for time, it must also come with rules for them - it's currently a one-way situation, and seemingly makes them untouchable in my eyes. If you're a TEACHER than for goodness sakes TEACH! The exam situation pushed me over the edge - "let me do this the easiest way possible" - the kids learn nothing, don't have to study and I can sit back and do what I do best... next to nothing. My post isn't a personal attack - or maybe it is - but what else is a parent to do? I'm not complaining if my kid fails a test, or gets a bad grade because they didn't do their homework, that is their responsibility. Just as it's the teacher's responsibility to be the adult and do their job. I'm complaining because this isn't doing the job!
So, while some of the topics may be irrelevant to you because you're not in the same situation or school, believe me, they will be relevant to others who know exactly what the poster talking about. This is a message board and people will post their opinions/gripes/questions and what-have-you. Agree or disagree it's an open board and is being used as such.
On 2/06/12, Kate wrote: > I am extremely disappointed in the postings on this board > that are approaching slanderous topics. It's time to put a > stop to topics that seem to be posted by the same people > who appear to have personal vendettas against a teacher, > school, or an entire county. Most of the readers on this > board don't have any idea what you are talking about. > You've been posting the same information for months, and > it's old news. > > Please try to find a topic that others throughout the state > find relevant. Thank you.
On 3/22/12, JHS TEACHER /Lewis wrote: > Hello! I voted on calendar 1, has it been approved yet? > > > > On 3/13/12, WHS -JCPS wrote: >> Sorry to hear that! Here at the new Washington HS that >> problem does not exist >> since we are brand new,WHS Teacher >> >> On 3/11/12, Elem teacher wrote: >>> That's crazy! Every county employee and parent needs >>> to voice their concern about returning earlier every >>> year. I don't know about your schools, but most of >>> our schools have small and loud window air >>> conditioners that make it nearly impossible to teach >>> when summer temps are above 80 degrees. The people >>> making these early start decisions should have to >>> spend a week in our classrooms during the hottest >>> days of the summer! >>> >>> >>> >>> On 3/08/12, Berkeley Teacher wrote: >>>> Wow, I heard that it might be as early as August 10th:) >>>> >>>> >>>> On 2/22/12, Nic wrote: >>>>> They are probably finalizing those calendars now, >>>>> or at least within the next couple of weeks. >>>>> >>>>> On 2/22/12, WV Teacher -JCPS wrote: >>>>>> Hello! Would anyone know if there is a calendar >>>>>> for Berkeley and Jefferson Coounty PS Teachers >>>>>> already? >>>>>> >>>>>> In a positive note, we might finish school on >>>>>> June 1st at JCPS. >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks! >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 2/07/12, JMO wrote: >>>>>>> Nope. It won't happen in my county in a >>>>>>> million years. Tourism is huge here. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 2/07/12, D.Phillips wrote: >>>>>>>> is there anyone concerned with the >>>>>>>> possibility of an all year school calendar?
On 3/24/12, No YRS wrote: > Check your board minutes to see if they voted, or if it's on the > agenda! > > > On 3/22/12, JHS TEACHER /Lewis wrote: >> Hello! I voted on calendar 1, has it been approved yet? >> >> >> >> On 3/13/12, WHS -JCPS wrote: >>> Sorry to hear that! Here at the new Washington HS that >>> problem does not exist >>> since we are brand new,WHS Teacher >>> >>> On 3/11/12, Elem teacher wrote: >>>> That's crazy! Every county employee and parent needs >>>> to voice their concern about returning earlier every >>>> year. I don't know about your schools, but most of >>>> our schools have small and loud window air >>>> conditioners that make it nearly impossible to teach >>>> when summer temps are above 80 degrees. The people >>>> making these early start decisions should have to >>>> spend a week in our classrooms during the hottest >>>> days of the summer! >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 3/08/12, Berkeley Teacher wrote: >>>>> Wow, I heard that it might be as early as August 10th:) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 2/22/12, Nic wrote: >>>>>> They are probably finalizing those calendars now, >>>>>> or at least within the next couple of weeks. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 2/22/12, WV Teacher -JCPS wrote: >>>>>>> Hello! Would anyone know if there is a calendar >>>>>>> for Berkeley and Jefferson Coounty PS Teachers >>>>>>> already? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In a positive note, we might finish school on >>>>>>> June 1st at JCPS. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thanks! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 2/07/12, JMO wrote: >>>>>>>> Nope. It won't happen in my county in a >>>>>>>> million years. Tourism is huge here. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 2/07/12, D.Phillips wrote: >>>>>>>>> is there anyone concerned with the >>>>>>>>> possibility of an all year school calendar?
When did you go back this past school yr.? August what? I became a teacher 15 yrs., ago for some of the perks, like summer off, but we already returned week earlier last summer, and looks like we could return another week earlier this coming school yr. What county are you in , if I may ask?
In many larger counties, private schools are plentiful, and they would love to continue traditional scheduling in order to increase their enrollments. Besides that, until the SBA funds adequately heated / air conditioned buildings throughout the state, I don't see it happening.
Counties are currently working on school calendars form next year. If you think your county is working on starting the beginning of August, voice your concerns to board members and your superintendent now. And, encourage parents to do the same.
On 2/08/12, D. Phillips wrote: > When did you go back this past school yr.? August what? I > became a teacher 15 yrs., ago for some of the perks, like > summer off, but we already returned week earlier last > summer, and looks like we could return another week earlier > this coming school yr. What county are you in , if I may > ask?
On 5/03/12, 52 yrsold wrote: &g...See MoreThat's interesting because in my county they keep asking the older teachers when they're going to retire. They know they can hire a new teacher for nearly half the price of an old one AND apply the excess amount to another administrator. We are cutting teachers and adding administrators and teacher coaches!
On 5/03/12, 52 yrsold wrote: > On 5/03/12, Al Sonjack wrote: >> Can anyone tell me what all of this means? I want to teach >> a few more years but this may make me retire a little >> sooner... > Its my understanding that the State of West Virginia is trying > to force its teachers to hang on so they dont have to pay > their retireing teachers until they are 62... So I would bet > that in 5 years the retirement age WV will be changed to 62...
The WV Online IEP is so frustrating! It takes hours upon hours to complete Progress Reports at the end of the grading period because you can only do one goal/objective at a time, and the system takes so long to reload every time. I enjoyed the good old days of simply writing a P if they made sufficient progress with the date. What a joke!
On 5/21/12, Berkeley County SPED Teacher wrote: > The WV Online IEP is so frustrating! It takes hours upon > hours to complete Progress Reports at the end of the > grading period because you can only do one goal/objective > at a time, and the system takes so long to reload every > time. I enjoyed the good old days of simply writing a P if > they made sufficient progress with the date. What a joke!
On 6/29/12, Frustrated wrote: > I teach sixth grade language arts and am struggling to keep > my girls focused because they all have Bieber fever. They > are constantly singing his songs and saying how much they > love him. All of their notebooks and folders have his > picture plastered all over them. I am tired of seeing his > face in my classroom. Does anybody know a cure for Bieber > fever so I can start the new year without all of the > headaches??
On 7/13/12, Here's a cure wrote: > How about a sharpie, a paper cutter, and some duct tape? > Should do the trick. I remember the New Kids on the block > were big when I was in sixth grade. I still think Donnie > Walberg has it going on! Best of luck to you. > > On 6/29/12, Frustrated wrote: >> I teach sixth grade language arts and am struggling to keep >> my girls focused because they all have Bieber fever. They >> are constantly singing his songs and saying how much they >> love him. All of their notebooks and folders have his >> picture plastered all over them. I am tired of seeing his >> face in my classroom. Does anybody know a cure for Bieber >> fever so I can start the new year without all of the >> headaches??
Living in a dorm can be fun-filled, but issues will arise. Resident Advisors (RAs) play an important role in improving the resident life experience. They educate the students on co-existing in a dorm to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are an RA managing a floor-full of bright-eyed freshmen or a high school counselor preparing his/her students for the transition to college living, here are few tips you can suggest.
Set ground rules for living together. Roommates come from different backgrounds. Setting rules from the inception can help avert and avoid conflicts. Once rules are discussed and laid out, there should be little excuse for disrespectful behavior between roommates.
RA Is a Friend Indeed A Resident Advisor plays different roles. She/he can be a conflict mediator and sort out issues between roommates. She/he can be an event coordinator planning fun activities for residents. As authoritative figures they must ensure order is maintained at all times by enforcing codes of conduct levied by the university. As a caretaker, they ensure students feel warm; helping with the transition from home to dormitory living.
Resident assistants are student leaders who can change students’ lives. Although there may be perks to being an RA, more often than not, RAs decide on this position to help. Those intending to be a role model for others with a heart of compassion acquire this role. For this reason, students must respect RAs.
Character Qualities Needed Even if a student manages to find the perfect roommate challenges are inevitable. Maintaining a warm, friendly relationship is important to ensure a cordial living situation. Here are key quality characteristics that will help foster this type of atmosphere:
Communication: In order to maintain a good relationship, students must communicate openly with their roommates and sort out issues without delay. When students have a “room-sharing” concern and keep it to themselves, misunderstanding will increase due to mounting frustration. Guidelines such as shared common space, visitor time and space, hours of silence, housekeeping duties and shared items should be discussed and agreed upon. Lack of communication is an incubator for resentment and fights.
Consideration: Consideration is another quality lacking in the current generation. When students treat peers the way they want to be treated, there will be no room for misunderstanding. For example, if a student is sick and could not perform their room chores, what treatment would they expect to receive from their roommate? That should be the treatment to give the roommate as well.
Flexibility: Sometimes, there may be a need to change the guidelines or adjust the rules. It is important to do what make sense and works for all involved. This way, students can help each other and the relationship will grow stronger.
Respect: Giving respect goes hand in hand with consideration. When a person can’t respect their peers, refuses to understand them or treat them properly it will be problematic. Degrading roommates for being different is a definite no no. Every student will have different personal issues as well. This should be respected. Students can use differences as way to grow in loving others different from themselves.
Summary Yes, there will be disagreements in the roommate relationship, but they do not have to turn into full blown clashes. With effort, and the help of the RA, the relationship can be cherished. When striking the right cord, roommates can become good friends even lifelong friends who lend a hand or shoulder when needed.
TOOLS FOR THE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY 1. Road To College Success Game About 40 minutes of play needed visit [link removed]
PREP 1. From the Life Choices card deck pull only the Dorm related questions (all questions labeled 1.x).
2. From the Chances card deck remove all cards labeled 2.x, 3.x, 4.x and 5.x. Cards remaining will be the Dorm cards and the cards that deal with money transactions.
3. Follow the simulation as outlined in the rules.
POST ACTIVITY
1. Have students INDEPENDENTLY jot down their thoughts on following question.
You are in a small dorm room that has 2 beds, 2 desks, 1 big closet and a small walk area. The bathroom is shared by an adjoining room that also has two students. What ground rules would you personally want to set for the following?
Sharing room space -
Sharing food -
Cleaning duties –
Having unexpected guests –
Study time / Quiet time –
2. Afterwards, team students up in groups of 3 or 4 to compare their lists. Their job is to come with 1 set of ground rules that would help the team in this living situation.
3. Have a few teams share their outcome with the class.
I personally have just begun reading this b...See More