Last Day of CJMS and Benefits Update
Today is officially the last day for other schools in MCPS but CJ got out one day early because the school is going to be renovated and the teachers need an extra day to pack up all their stuff before temporarily transferring to a different school. Yesterday was the last day of school for CJMS. I was glad to leave TB and IB because they created quite a toxic environment in that classroom. It was surprising though that TB gave me a little good-bye gift. After all she said and done in the classroom, it feels awkward receiving something from her, but I received it graciously and will do my best not to feel bad when I start avoiding her this summer. I honestly want nothing to do with either her or IB.
Next year is a clean slate and a new chapter. However, I do feel a little sad saying goodbye and have a great summer to our students. PB is leaving for Belgium, so I’ll never see him again. SJ and LM are going to be eighth graders next year and ZS is starting high school. The funny thing is that ZS is going to the same high school I went to and graduated from eight years ago. ZS graduated yesterday and I was pleased to see both his mom and dad attend the ceremony. I told them how much I enjoyed working with ZS and they were pleased. The dad as nice as he is, took a few photos of me with ZS. Usually ZS doesn’t really smile for pictures, but this time he smiled in all three! He was grinning from ear to ear. I’m glad I had made a positive difference in his life.
I also got evaluated yesterday. After not being really observed over the last year, I thought it was kind of weird that they would do this. But it was pretty basic: I either met a competency skill or didn't. There was no gray area. Luckily for me, I met all competencies, but I did have to indicate to them that two things needed to be corrected. One, I never helped NS administer her ALT-MSA (so to mention on my reference that I did would be a lie), and two, I didn't "strive" to support my students' needs, I dedicated myself a 100% to support them in meeting their needs. And the second one was something the administration always told me I was doing wrong. Rather than focusing on the kids, I should be collaborating with my co-workers better. Sorry, but in my mind, the kids came first. And the kids I will have in the classroom in the future will come first. You can't change my mind on this one.
Yesterday afternoon after work I went to Johns Hopkins to meet with my advisor to talk about benefits for next year. She basically told me that I will not be a full-time student so she can not tell MCPS that in order to keep my benefits. But luckily, Dr. DB will take my side and tell MCPS because I am fulfilling my internships, I would like to take a leave of absence in lieu of resigning from my position so I can keep my health insurance and all. Hopefully, MCPS will go for it. If not, I guess I’ll look into Cobra or something along those lines. Something will work out. Just gotta stay positive. I’m just tired of waiting for what will happen though.
As for now, I am going to stay on top of things and continue working on my opening statements and philosophy of education. I hope to be done with all of them before I start my internships. I got back from Phoenix a couple days ago and Jack reunited with me. It was a little hard getting back into the swing of things for him, but eventually he warmed up to the environment again. I’m a little hesitant bringing him to SV’s house (for I’ll be staying with him over the next couple of days) but we all will find a way to manage. Jack’s curiosity will keep his interest peaked. And I will be a comfort to him, I hope. And if worse comes to worse, I’ll just take him back home, which is 15 minutes away. No sweat.
Next year is a clean slate and a new chapter. However, I do feel a little sad saying goodbye and have a great summer to our students. PB is leaving for Belgium, so I’ll never see him again. SJ and LM are going to be eighth graders next year and ZS is starting high school. The funny thing is that ZS is going to the same high school I went to and graduated from eight years ago. ZS graduated yesterday and I was pleased to see both his mom and dad attend the ceremony. I told them how much I enjoyed working with ZS and they were pleased. The dad as nice as he is, took a few photos of me with ZS. Usually ZS doesn’t really smile for pictures, but this time he smiled in all three! He was grinning from ear to ear. I’m glad I had made a positive difference in his life.
I also got evaluated yesterday. After not being really observed over the last year, I thought it was kind of weird that they would do this. But it was pretty basic: I either met a competency skill or didn't. There was no gray area. Luckily for me, I met all competencies, but I did have to indicate to them that two things needed to be corrected. One, I never helped NS administer her ALT-MSA (so to mention on my reference that I did would be a lie), and two, I didn't "strive" to support my students' needs, I dedicated myself a 100% to support them in meeting their needs. And the second one was something the administration always told me I was doing wrong. Rather than focusing on the kids, I should be collaborating with my co-workers better. Sorry, but in my mind, the kids came first. And the kids I will have in the classroom in the future will come first. You can't change my mind on this one.
Yesterday afternoon after work I went to Johns Hopkins to meet with my advisor to talk about benefits for next year. She basically told me that I will not be a full-time student so she can not tell MCPS that in order to keep my benefits. But luckily, Dr. DB will take my side and tell MCPS because I am fulfilling my internships, I would like to take a leave of absence in lieu of resigning from my position so I can keep my health insurance and all. Hopefully, MCPS will go for it. If not, I guess I’ll look into Cobra or something along those lines. Something will work out. Just gotta stay positive. I’m just tired of waiting for what will happen though.
As for now, I am going to stay on top of things and continue working on my opening statements and philosophy of education. I hope to be done with all of them before I start my internships. I got back from Phoenix a couple days ago and Jack reunited with me. It was a little hard getting back into the swing of things for him, but eventually he warmed up to the environment again. I’m a little hesitant bringing him to SV’s house (for I’ll be staying with him over the next couple of days) but we all will find a way to manage. Jack’s curiosity will keep his interest peaked. And I will be a comfort to him, I hope. And if worse comes to worse, I’ll just take him back home, which is 15 minutes away. No sweat.