"Well, where are the parents?"

Tonight we had a Reading Night for parents to provide parents with strategies to promote reading at home for their children. Turn out wasn't great, but some very dedicated parents dragged themselves in after a full day of work.

I found myself very choked up as we had parents go through some of the reading tests their children are expected to complete at school. Clearly there was quite the barrier for the Spanish-speaking parents, but I found that many English speaking parents also struggled with reading.

I hear so often that the parents don't help at home and they just expect teachers to do all of the work...what about those parents who want so badly to be able to help and just feel helpless?

1 appreciation and 1 helpful tip

Sianna drew my name...

"I appreciate Ms. V because she works so, so hard for us. Um, I think my one thing for her to work on would be organization. She loses stuff in here a lot."

Truer words were never spoken.

While writing the bell work on the board...

Keyvohn didn't finish writing all of his vocab flashcards for homework so he came in early to finish them up. After closing his book, he got a rather pensive look on his face...

Ms. V: "What's up, dude?"
Keyvohn: "Ms. V, I never used to like school."
Ms. V: "Well what do you think changed?"
Keyvohn: "You. You changed everything. Well, bye! I have to go play before the bell rings"

Watching the presidential inauguration. My kids are beyond excited and can't believe how many people fit in D.C. 

Winter Break winds down...

I have done my best to relax over break, but I can't help but think about my kids. Sometimes these reflections make me smile and other times they make me cry. It's hard to balance celebrating what you are doing well and fighting to always give your kids more of whatever it is that they individually need.

I have decided to change a few things and have mapped out the rest of the year. Things still aren't perfect, but I'm excited to get back to Room 13. I love being surrounded by all of my college bound students.