student/faculty basketball game

The rain held off and the student/faculty basketball game was able to go on.  And, boy, did it go on!  At least half the middle school came out to watch, most wanting to play, but some just there as a spectator. The faculty had a good representation as well, with at least ten teachers there to play.  It was fun to watch the students foul the teachers, but even funnier to watch the faculty show no mercy against the students.  In the end, it was the faculty that ended up creaming the students which led to many outcries of "well, it wasn't fair, so it doesn't really count..." I think it was a lot of fun for everyone, despite the downpour the last ten minutes.

The funniest moment of the day happened in first grade, though.  They are learning about caterpillars in science, so today we had live caterpillars in science.  Each table had two for the table.  The kids started naming them and one table named them based off of their middle names.  When I asked them what each of their middle names were, the girls replied "Michelle" and "Grace."  When I turned to AA, his response with a completely straight face was "McCool."  I just about died laughing.  It was great!

Here are my student profiles for the day! Enjoy!

Samantha- Samantha is a chatty one. She is always talking and always has something to say, but knows when to stop talking and pay attention (most of the time).  She likes to be organized and on top of her work, which is good because no one at home seems to be.  She is right at grade level for almost everything, but is super smart. When she is older and can be more independent with her school work, I have no doubt she'll be at the top of the class.

Billy-  Oh Billy!  I could write a book on Billy and all of the funny things he does and says.  Billy has a ton of energy and is constantly not paying attention, which often causes him to struggle academically. I work with Billy on ELA, getting him to actually read the words on the page instead of making up stories based on pictures. Although he gets in trouble for not paying attention or following directions (or writing a letter asking a girl to make out ), he has the desire to please, which is so nice.  He comes from a strict, but supportive home which will help point him in the right direction as he grows older.

Travis- Travis is the student I spend the most time with.  He is also the student who struggles the most academically and is on the verge of being held back.  He is chronically absent and, when he is in school, he's falling asleep.  He is being tested for all sorts of learning disabilities and has a hard time in general academically.  His parents don't seem to do much with him at home and I don't think there is a lot of structure and stuff like bed times and dinner times at his house. Despite all of this, Travis is one of the sweetest, happiest kids in the class.  At recess, he has no problem running around with his arms out flying around the playground. He never has trouble getting along with anyone else in the class and is often seen just looking cluelessly happy.  Gotta love Travis!

"Work for a cause, not an applause.
Live life to express, not to impress.
Don't strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt."
-Unknown

something I struggle with every day