Yesterday we began our week of Mock TAKS testing. Tuesday we benchmarked math in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Results from those tests are coming in, and I know teachers will share those with you shortly. The TAKS math test is the furthest away (April 7 for 5th grade and April 28 for 3rd and 4th), but we want to continue with our progress towards outstanding success on that test. Today (Wednesday) we will benchmark 4th grade writing and 5th grade science, and tomorrow is reading for all three grades. The reading test is our first test scheduled for Tuesday, March 3. Teachers may be requesting additional help at home to get all of our children ready. This is a team effort – when teachers, parents, and students work together, that’s when we truly succeed! Please be open to ideas your teacher may suggest to help your child at home. If you have any questions about TAKS testing or about the results that come home from the benchmarks this week, please contact your child’s teacher. You can also call or come visit me. My door is always open.
Mrs. Lee
Due to expected bad weather conditions, we have decided to start school at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday. Buses will run two hours later than usual. Please stay tuned to local news for any updates, but at this time we do not anticipate having to cancel school.
This post has nothing to do with education but everything to do with the people in our lives. So just bear with me. Earlier this year my dad’s physical and mental health began to decline rapidly. It has been very difficult to accept the way he has changed because of a debilitating disease. I have vacillated between being angry, worried, scared, and regretful about times in my life when I should have appreciated my relationship with him far more. Because of Alzheimer’s and a body that doesn’t want to cooperate, he is not the man he once was, but since the day he married my mom when I was 11, he has been my hero, and he still is.
This past Friday two members of our school family experienced deep losses. On that day, and since then, I hope that they have felt us wrap our arms around them to comfort and care for them while they grieve. That’s what friends and “extended families” do for each other when times get tough. That is the way I have felt at times through the last many months with my dad. There are teachers and staff at school who remember what I’m going through with my dad and they quietly ask about him. They don’t make a production out of their concern; they just find me in a still moment and check in. These little things let me know that my troubles are important to them and that our relationship is more than just work. No need for me to call you by name – you know who you are – and I am grateful.
As my husband will tell you, I am not the most vulnerable person in the world. It takes a lot for me to open up to others, but I’m working on this. I am continuing to understand that needing and relying on people is not a weakness. We all experience loss in one form or fashion, and when we lose, it’s comforting to know that there are people in our lives who will stand up with us in our hurt, or our pain, or our shame.
It’s hard to believe that it is January 6th and we are starting our spring semester. My mother used to say that as you get older, time really does fly, and she spoke the truth. I’m glad to welcome in a new year, however. With a new year comes new people into our lives, new challenges to confront, new friends to enjoy dinner with, new movies to help us escape the daily grind, and new mistakes to make. (Yes, I said mistakes.) I’m going to make them; you’re going to make them. And that’s a good thing! How else can we learn, and maybe more importantly, how else can we teach?
I am really happy to be back at school today. I loved having the two weeks off — don’t get me wrong — but I love my job too. I had so many hugs this morning from the kids, and they are glad to be back too. One kindergarten girl said to me, “Hi Mrs. Lee. I missed you!” And I said that I had missed her too, and all the kids. Then she said, “We can’t wait to see our teacher!” (Mrs. Davis, I hope that makes you feel good! 
) We’ve been with our families over the holidays, but we have a family here at school too, and I believe our teachers and kids feel that.
We have a number of things going on this month that I wanted you to be aware of. This isn’t an exhaustive list; I’ll update it as more information comes to light.
Jan. 5 – Teacher work day
Jan. 6 – First day of the spring semester
Jan. 8 – Promethean training for technology team (2:00-4:00 pm)
Jan. 9 – Technology training for teachers: Files & Folders (3:30-4:00)
Jan. 16 – Technology training for teachers: Digital Cameras (3:30-4:00)
Jan. 22 – TAKS training for staff
Jan. 23 – Technology training for teachers: Document Formatting (3:30-4:00)
Jan. 27-30 – Mock TAKS testing grades 3-5
I wish you and your family the very best in 2009! As always, if I can serve you better, please come talk with me.
Mrs. Lee
