We are currently working on revamping the teacher evaluation system at our school to match up with the new state standards, and it is NO joke. In addition to counting test scores as part of the new evaluations, we are implementing new, rigorous standards for observations. My principal told me during our last evaluation committee meeting that ( Read more... )

I have been reading a lot of articles about babies who have died from hyperthermia after being left in cars. Some of these incidents are blatant cases of neglect, but others are tragic accidents. There was an article in the Washington Post a few years ago that I just stumbled upon that was tragic, shocking, and humbling. Called "Fatal ( Read more... )

Before ( Read more... )

Sometimes I feel like a complete fraud. Because I was valedictorian of my high school class, people assumed I was one of the brightest students. I wasn't. I was the kid who worked the hardest. At the end of the day, it all evens out to about the same thing. You end up knowing a hell of a lot when you actually do all of the assigned reading ( ( Read more... )

Jason was off today. I find more and more than I feel MORE frustrated and MORE out of control on the days when he is home. If Jason is away, I move smoothly through my daily routines. I get up with Sam, change her diaper, get her dressed, feed her breakfast. . . I let the dogs out, get them food and water, give them their medicine. I do the ( Read more... )

FROWNS ( Read more... )

My mother has launched a campaign on behalf of my sister. Every single time I see my mother, she says: "You should really let your sister babysit for Samantha." Last night, while we were out eating ice-cream she added: "Samantha doesn't have another biological aunt. It's for HER benefit, not your sister's. You should REALLY let her watch her so ( Read more... )

New parents are often asked the question: "Is she a GOOD baby?" I was taken aback the first few times I heard this query. What does "good" mean when you are only 6 weeks old? Surely even the most nefarious human being hasn't developed any devious schemes at this age! I realized quickly that this is shorthand for: "How does the baby sleep?" If ( Read more... )

The things I wish someone had explained to me at the beginning of my pregnancy ( Read more... )

Sam is asleep by herself in her crib, under the "care" of her Angelcare monitor. I am both happy and sad about this development. I think she's ready to sleep alone. In fact, when I go in to lie next to her bassinet, I think it sometimes triggers her to wake up when she would otherwise peacefully sleep through the night. I KNOW Jason is ready to ( Read more... )