The best of intentions

I know, I know, I promised pictures. But I've been corrupted by the R.uby P.ayne philosophy so you really shouldn't expect me to do homework. Mwahahahaha.

Did I mention I'm taking a graduate course? Yes, I am that stupid. Basically, if we get technology certified then we earn money to be used for equipment in our classrooms. I want need my own SmartBoard so I am killing myself in a college class again. Last night was webpages. I love webpages. I taught myself basic HTML at 17. I have 7 webpages that I can think of off the top of my head. I heart webpages. I don't think I know it all, because there are definitely webpage bells and whistles I want to learn. Java. PHP. Graphic design. Blog Template design. etc.

However, I do understand the basics of webpage creation especially when using a website composing program like Dre.amweaver. So I still believe spending 3 hours making a basic generic webpage was not the best use of my time. I spent most of the class staring into space while listening to the instructor or helping my classmates with their pages. I tried really hard not to be "that person." I hope I hid my boredom.

Anyway, I digress. So those pictures...yeah, they're coming. However, it's icy and cold - so don't expect them today. I did do some excellent google searching (Mo Mom should be proud) and came up with some pictures.

First, Carrie was right. We bought a Prius. A 2008 Prius with 200 miles on it (ok, now 250 because we've been driving it like crazy). It's purdy. I've decided to name her the Silver Bullet. And soon, very soon, I will be able to walk up to my care without whispering "Hello, my precious." Really...soon! I'm working on it.


My favorite features so far include the key fob and push button start. Hello! I don't have to spend 5 frantic minutes searching through my purse for my keys. I zipped the key into a pocket and haven't searched for them once. Plus, how cool is it that I just push a button and the car starts. Of course, I have to make a conscious effort to be sure I actually turn the car off. So far, I've remembered, but I'm sure I'm going to forget soon.

I also love the dashboard. Digital speedometer? Cool! I think our favorite feature is the little lcd screen in the middle of the dash. LMK loves to watch the battery charge or the gas mileage sky rocket. I enjoy coasting and seeing that I'm using no energy or gas, but charging the battery at the same time. It still freaks me out when the car shuts off at a stop light. Normally, that's a bad thing. Now, it's a good thing! It's nerve-racking!


I am also fascinated by the backup camera. I make LMK watch it while I back because otherwise it makes me queasy. I love being able to see behind me as I back up and I'd like to think it will help me drive more carefully.


Now to be honest. Several colleagues at work have accused me of being a "tree-hugger." Here is my confession. I think it's great that my car is good for the environment or BETTER for the environment, but that's not why I bought it.

Gas mileage was a HUGE selling point. I'm getting 45 miles to the gallon people and evidently the gas mileage is worse when it's really cold out. I can't wait to see what it does in the summer. I also liked the affordability (is that a word?) of the Prius. I didn't cost much more than the used 2-3 year old American made cars we were looking at with 20,000 miles on them.

So go explore. Before you know it. You'll want one, too!

Commence Panic

LMK and I bought a car yesterday.

All by ourselves.

It's BRAND new. 202 miles on it.

It's not the kind of car I thought I would ever buy and much more expensive, but the benefits out weigh the costs.

It's our first big, "adult" purchase on our own.

Anyone want to guess make or model?

Pictures coming.

Frackin' snow days

They've officially taken any fun out of snow days. We're now going to school through the 3rd week of June! The 3rd week!! Are you frickin' kiddin' me!?



What do we have today - SNOW DAY.

Oh, I am so pissed.

Meme-riffic

So, Misty posted a challenge that is really up my aisle. For some reason, it fascinates me to look at other people's desktops. That and I'm procrastinating.

How to Play:

• Capture a picture of your computer's desktop.
• Post it on your blog along with a link to who tagged you.
• Tag some people.
• Run and hide from them.

I have about 3 desktops that we rotate between. So I thought I would post them all. Along with a little ditty about when they're used and why.

The first is one I've had up for several months. It's actually a picture taken by Leesa. I love her pictures and this one just cracks me up. It could be Hokie. He loves his paper bags.


The second is one of the desktops on my school computers. It's actually on the "teacher" computer. The one that I use to do email, attendance, grades, etc. The kids love it and everyone comments on it when they see it. Plus, I like seeing my Lula-belle on a day to day basis. It makes me giggle when I'm having a bad day.


The third is the desktop of my Smartboard cart. The kids love this picture and so do I. I caught it on a fluke when were visiting the in-laws. They're kittens are adorable. Tango is on another computer, but I couldn't resist this picture of Jitterbug.


The last one is what our desktop looks like now. As I've been told several times since February began (by the girls, not just LMK), soccer season starts soon. Nine days, if you're counting - which they are. So our desktop is an ode to women's soccer. Such is my life.


I don't tag. If you do it, let me know so I can come see. :o)

Rub.y Pay.ne Hell

I am stuck in Rub.y Pa.yne hell.

I work in one of the poorest counties in NoVA or so I have been told. That's fine with me, poor kids still deserve a good education. Out of all the elementary schools, evidently I work at the poorest. Again, poor kids deserve a good education. I have a wonderful group of children. I can't imagine any "rich kids" being more compassionate, caring, or thoughtful. That being said, some days it pisses me off that we consistently lower our standards for these kids.

According to R.uby Pay.ne (or Ru.by Pay.ne according to my administrators), students should not be expected to complete homework. If in the event you give students homework, it should not be part of their grade and they should be given time in school to complete it.

`Scuse me?

So far, I'm bucking the system on that one, to a degree. My math kids have homework from time to time. They are rewarded for doing it, but not punished. That being said, the kids who have done the two digit by two digit multiplication and long division homework actually understand 2 x 2 multiplication and division. Wonder of wonders!

There are lots of statements I've heard from Rub.y Payn.e that make sense. I've seen it.

For example, in families of "poverty" the priority to make sure your child has a PSP, an iPod, and a cell phone even though you can't pay your bills. My mother taught me you pay your bills first, then you can get non-essentials. Call me crazy!

I just don't see how making excuses for these kids is going to do to help them in life. Nothing is done about chronic absenteeism instead we celebrate those who come to school all the time. Whatever happened court dates for children who miss too much school? People look at me like I'm crazy here. Get your butts to school. Period.

What kills me is all the excuses we make for these kids and then we have a meeting and are basically told, "you can have 12 kids fail" their state test and still make AYP. You have GOT to be kidding me. At least 50% of the 4th grade is below grade level. Most are improving, but I don't see some miraculous pass rate coming in. Why do I have students reading at a 2nd grade level, yet are supposed to pass their state test because they did it in 3rd grade? Something is not right.

When does Ru.by Pay.ne's work stop being an excuse and start to help these kids? Why are we not challenging these kids? Who is failing who around here? I'm not sure it's them that's failing me. I think it's the other way around.

If today's educational system doesn't do some changing we're going to lose some kids. Kids are falling through the cracks and I can't catch all of them.