No I am not in jail needing bail money (but thanks for the offer Tiffany :) ) The meeting actually went really well.
Imagine my surprise when we were greeted by the principal and told that we would be meeting in her office with the teacher! That's what I get for CCing the principal on all my emails right? Completely fine with me, I think the principal needed to be aware of what was happening in this classroom anyway. Hence my copying her on all of my emails initially.
There was no beating around the bush, I basically came right out and told them both that Caitlyn was not happy in this classroom, and I believed that she was also afraid of approaching the teacher. I really don't think that they expected me to say anything of the sort to be honest with you. Which I found great joy in. The principal looked at me funny, almost appalled, and said, "I can't understand why Caitlyn would be afraid of Mrs. L?"
And that's when I laid it out there for them both!
I told them that it started with the whole snack issue. And the principal was about to cut me off. I put my hand up and said that there was more, that was just what initiated all of this. Then I told her that she has been told in the classroom on several occasions that they needed to have fewer emergencies for the bathroom. Again, they were about to interrupt and I talked right over them and told them about the book situation and her not being able to read the library book that she brought into class. Once I had it all out there, I let them talk.
And talk they did! And in the middle of all that talking, there was a whole lot of back pedaling. Not to mention crazy distorted faces by the teacher. She insisted that she would never tell Caitlyn that she couldn't read a book from home. She also insisted that she was certain that they had a bathroom break on that Tuesday and that Caitlyn was mistaken. I am pretty sure that my daughter didn't lie about it, but even if there was a second bathroom break, my child was not comfortable enough to approach you and tell you that she needed to go to the bathroom again. So regardless of how many breaks you took, you still weren't accessible to my child when she needed you.
Once we got through what all of the issues were, I pulled out my ace in the hole, so to speak. Despite all of the medical ramifications that can happen from holding in urine or sitting in wet pants, I through this gem out there:
"Her father is an insulin dependent diabetic. When Caitlyn presents with issues that are characteristic of those with diabetes (intense thirst, urination issues) then there is reason for me to be concerned because her health is in jeopardy."
Oh the looks on their faces were priceless. And I do wish I had a camera so I could show you the pictures. Their mouths dropped open and they didn't even know how to respond. The only thing they could say was, "We have no way of knowing that." No, you don't. However, there are lots of things about these kids that you don't know. Therefore, you should not make blanket assumptions that just because a kid says they are having a bathroom emergency everyday that they are lying. Because there is obviously information that you don't know and that lack of knowledge could cost a child their health.
When all was said and done, Mrs. L said she was going to have a private conversation with Caitlyn the following day to assure her that she could ask her anything, especially when Caitlyn felt as though it was an emergency. She never did concede to saying she did the things or said the things my daughter said she did. But that's ok. Based on her reaction, it is clear that this teacher is NOT accustomed to being confronted by parents who question her judgement. (much like I reacted when she took my kid's snack away) In the end, my ultimate goal was reached.....
This lady now knows that Caitlyn informs me on everything that happens at school and that Matt and I take our daughter's educational experience very seriously. I think they got the idea that we don't just let things happen to her and when things are said and done that make her uncomfortable, we react accordingly. Needless to say, I really don't think this teacher will be messing with my kid anymore. She knows that we will be in there in a heartbeat if she does.
Oh and by the way.....Caitlyn told me that kids are now bringing in applesauce for snack time. Not only is that using a utensil, which was clearly shunned in the letter (same letter the principal wanted to show me in the meeting), but I also didn't realize that there are that many moms who make fresh applesauce for their kids. Note....that is sarcasm, I am certain it is the Mott's brand and in no way shape or form is that a damned fresh fruit or vegetable.
I do wish I had that gem the day we went to the meeting.
Monday, October 27, 2008
T Minus 90 Minutes
Until the meeting with the teacher from hell.
Wish me luck. Hopefully she will understand that when it comes to my daughter's well being and education, I am not someone to mess with.
I'm nervous, and I'm not really sure why. I guess it's because I don't really know what I want out of this meeting. I just want her to start treating my daughter with the respect she deserves in school. Caitlyn is now saying that she wishes she wasn't in this classroom. She is hiding books in school that she brings from home so the teacher doesn't see them. She is constantly worried about what I have packed in her lunchbox for snack. She asked me to put an extra pair of panties in her bag in case she has an accident because they didn't get a bathroom break.
My heart just breaks for her. She shouldn't have these worries when it comes to going to school. She should be worried about what she is going to wear and how much homework she is going to get and whether or not she will get to go on the playground equipment at recess. Not this other crap.
Will update when I can.
Wish me luck. Hopefully she will understand that when it comes to my daughter's well being and education, I am not someone to mess with.
I'm nervous, and I'm not really sure why. I guess it's because I don't really know what I want out of this meeting. I just want her to start treating my daughter with the respect she deserves in school. Caitlyn is now saying that she wishes she wasn't in this classroom. She is hiding books in school that she brings from home so the teacher doesn't see them. She is constantly worried about what I have packed in her lunchbox for snack. She asked me to put an extra pair of panties in her bag in case she has an accident because they didn't get a bathroom break.
My heart just breaks for her. She shouldn't have these worries when it comes to going to school. She should be worried about what she is going to wear and how much homework she is going to get and whether or not she will get to go on the playground equipment at recess. Not this other crap.
Will update when I can.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
New Voting Machine
This is priceless. Matt and I were watching Chocolate News on the Comedy Channel, don't ask, it was on after South Park, and this was a skit on there. I thought it was hysterical. Let's just hope it's nowhere near the truth!
Oh, and wish me luck tomorrow. We are meeting with the teacher at 3:00. Say at prayer at that time that I don't hurt this lady and end up in jail. Will update tomorrow after the meeting.
Oh, and wish me luck tomorrow. We are meeting with the teacher at 3:00. Say at prayer at that time that I don't hurt this lady and end up in jail. Will update tomorrow after the meeting.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A Horrible Nightmare
Before I tell you about the dream I had last night, here is the reply from Cate's teacher regarding the email we sent her. Now this just pisses me right off for several reasons.
Mr. Walsh,
I can meet with you on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afterschool at 3:00 or later if that is more convenient for you. Please let me know what time works for you.
Mrs. L
No mention of anything that we brought up in the letter. Also, second email we have sent, both have included me, they just came from Matt's email. First time she called Matt and completely ignored me. This time, completely ignored me again, despite the fact that our email was signed from both of us. This woman is not chalking up any points from me. God help her on Monday at 3:00. I want you all to say a silent prayer that I don't end up on Cops. Please.
Now on to the hellish nightmare that I had last night that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. ALL. DAMN. DAY!!!
Every morning I drive 2 blocks north and 1/2 a block east to drop Caitlyn off at my mom's house. I walk her in the house, say my goodbyes, give kisses and hugs, and I am out the door.
In my dream last night, I decided to drive the 2 blocks north. And that's it. I opened the car door and took Cate out and said to her:
"You can walk from here. You know the way."
I gave her kisses and a hug, and I remember touching her cheek as I kissed her. Then I got in my car and drove off. Fast forward to hours later (isn't that always how dreams work?) and I am back at home. There are loads of people there, my family and friends, but no Matt and no Cate. Turns out, she never made it to my mom's. And all I can think of is how in the world did she not get there? She only had to walk a bit over 1/2 block??? Then it occurs to me. My child is missing. She has been abducted. I have no clue for how long, who would have walked or driven up to her, who she stopped to talk to, nothing. and I begin sobbing hard. To the point that I can hardly breathe.
I then notice that everyone around me is just carrying on as if it's business as usual. Just another party or gathering at Nancy's house. So I start to think that they must know something that I don't. And I then flip flop my thoughts between two lines of thought.
1. She just hasn't made it to my mom's yet. (It never occurred to me that it shouldn't have taken her that long to walk the small distance to my mom's.)
2. She has been abducted.
At one point I remember someone saying that they knew a car had pulled up to talk to her. But I kept thinking it was impossible that she got in that car because we have had that conversation. She knows better.
Then Matt calls. Mind you, I haven't yet told him that his daughter is missing. I actually debate whether or not to tell him, or wait just a bit longer for her to make it to my mom's house. (Apparently I was really clinging to this theory and all logic had gone out the window.) I decide to tell him and again break down into hysterical sobs, to the point of not being able to breathe again. The whole time, these people are meandering about my house as if they couldn't comprehend why in the world I was so upset.
Then my alarm went off. I woke up dripping with sweat and my face covered in tears. I ran into Cate's bedroom and guess what I saw?? She wasn't in there. Nope. Gone. It took me a minute to actually realize that she hadn't been in there all night cause she slept at my mom's last night. But for that fleeting moment, I actually thought that the dream was in fact reality and somewhere among the people milling about my house I had fallen asleep and when I woke up it was really true that she was missing.
Needless to say, I called my mom's to talk to her. It was almost as if I had to just make sure that she was fine. I swear I haven't been able to stop thinking about this all day. It has been nagging at me. and I have come to the resolution that whether she likes it or not, she is not going anywhere without me for a looooooooong time.
Mr. Walsh,
I can meet with you on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afterschool at 3:00 or later if that is more convenient for you. Please let me know what time works for you.
Mrs. L
No mention of anything that we brought up in the letter. Also, second email we have sent, both have included me, they just came from Matt's email. First time she called Matt and completely ignored me. This time, completely ignored me again, despite the fact that our email was signed from both of us. This woman is not chalking up any points from me. God help her on Monday at 3:00. I want you all to say a silent prayer that I don't end up on Cops. Please.
Now on to the hellish nightmare that I had last night that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. ALL. DAMN. DAY!!!
Every morning I drive 2 blocks north and 1/2 a block east to drop Caitlyn off at my mom's house. I walk her in the house, say my goodbyes, give kisses and hugs, and I am out the door.
In my dream last night, I decided to drive the 2 blocks north. And that's it. I opened the car door and took Cate out and said to her:
"You can walk from here. You know the way."
I gave her kisses and a hug, and I remember touching her cheek as I kissed her. Then I got in my car and drove off. Fast forward to hours later (isn't that always how dreams work?) and I am back at home. There are loads of people there, my family and friends, but no Matt and no Cate. Turns out, she never made it to my mom's. And all I can think of is how in the world did she not get there? She only had to walk a bit over 1/2 block??? Then it occurs to me. My child is missing. She has been abducted. I have no clue for how long, who would have walked or driven up to her, who she stopped to talk to, nothing. and I begin sobbing hard. To the point that I can hardly breathe.
I then notice that everyone around me is just carrying on as if it's business as usual. Just another party or gathering at Nancy's house. So I start to think that they must know something that I don't. And I then flip flop my thoughts between two lines of thought.
1. She just hasn't made it to my mom's yet. (It never occurred to me that it shouldn't have taken her that long to walk the small distance to my mom's.)
2. She has been abducted.
At one point I remember someone saying that they knew a car had pulled up to talk to her. But I kept thinking it was impossible that she got in that car because we have had that conversation. She knows better.
Then Matt calls. Mind you, I haven't yet told him that his daughter is missing. I actually debate whether or not to tell him, or wait just a bit longer for her to make it to my mom's house. (Apparently I was really clinging to this theory and all logic had gone out the window.) I decide to tell him and again break down into hysterical sobs, to the point of not being able to breathe again. The whole time, these people are meandering about my house as if they couldn't comprehend why in the world I was so upset.
Then my alarm went off. I woke up dripping with sweat and my face covered in tears. I ran into Cate's bedroom and guess what I saw?? She wasn't in there. Nope. Gone. It took me a minute to actually realize that she hadn't been in there all night cause she slept at my mom's last night. But for that fleeting moment, I actually thought that the dream was in fact reality and somewhere among the people milling about my house I had fallen asleep and when I woke up it was really true that she was missing.
Needless to say, I called my mom's to talk to her. It was almost as if I had to just make sure that she was fine. I swear I haven't been able to stop thinking about this all day. It has been nagging at me. and I have come to the resolution that whether she likes it or not, she is not going anywhere without me for a looooooooong time.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
An email has been sent
Matt and I have sent an email to the teacher requesting a conference for any day after school next week. We have also sent a copy to the principal. I am thoroughly pissed and disgusted with this teacher. I am near the point of asking that Caitlyn be moved to another 2nd grade classroom and Matt agrees with me. The only thing stopping me from doing that is the fact that Caitlyn enjoys the kids that she has in there and I certainly don't want to do that to her.
I had Caitlyn outline the day and tell me the exact schedule of what they did. At no time in the afternoon did the teacher take them to the bathroom. She also made it clear to the kids that she was not to be disturbed as she was testing other students. My daughter took that literally and thought she wasn't allowed to ask her anything.
Another thing Caitlyn told me she said (and Caitlyn quoted her):
"Don't bring full water bottles. I am sick of you having emergencies, emergencies. Especially when we are working."
News flash bitch....they wouldn't have emergencies, emergencies if you actually carted them to the bathroom as a group once in the morning and once in the afternoon. And who is she to say that school policy of bringing in water is no longer acceptable.
The longer it takes for me to get a meeting with this lady, the longer I have to seethe about this.
I had Caitlyn outline the day and tell me the exact schedule of what they did. At no time in the afternoon did the teacher take them to the bathroom. She also made it clear to the kids that she was not to be disturbed as she was testing other students. My daughter took that literally and thought she wasn't allowed to ask her anything.
Another thing Caitlyn told me she said (and Caitlyn quoted her):
"Don't bring full water bottles. I am sick of you having emergencies, emergencies. Especially when we are working."
News flash bitch....they wouldn't have emergencies, emergencies if you actually carted them to the bathroom as a group once in the morning and once in the afternoon. And who is she to say that school policy of bringing in water is no longer acceptable.
The longer it takes for me to get a meeting with this lady, the longer I have to seethe about this.
It's not getting any better
The situation with the teacher that is. Truly, I think we are now at the point where she is just out to punish me, which directly correlates to punishing my child. Which in turn, directly correlates to me being a really pissed off mother.
Now we all know how things went with the snack issue. Well, I haven't pursued it any further. Partly because when I really think about it, it isn't directly effecting Caitlyn. It is more so my own pride that has been getting in the way. So I figured I would suck it up and just send the damned fresh fruits and vegetables after all. It's not difficult for me to do so I will just suck it up and do it.
Until the two instances that occurred in the past week.
Some history, we all know that Caitlyn is a fantastic reader. I recently told her that from now on, she will be reading more chapter books and fewer easier books. And by chapter books, I mean chapters that are about 4 pages long. I just want her to get in the habit of reading things that are a little tougher for her. For every 2 chapter books she reads, she can read any 2 books that are easy that she wants. I figure it's a good compromise. Secondly, the school issues library cards for the Chicago Public Library. They send home these elaborate letters about how we should encourage our child to use the library, take out books, learn how to look for books, etc. Being the good mother that I am (usually) I follow this and traipse her over to the library to take out books. We have actually been doing it since last year and the girl loves it. So I tell her to take Gus the Greedy Puppy to school so she can finish it during silent reading.
Caitlyn obliges and takes the book out when the teacher announces that it is time for silent reading. She takes the book up to the teacher and tells her that she got it from the library and she was going to finish reading it. No what the teacher's response was? No, you have to read a book from the classroom library.
WTF??? REALLY????
I was going to confront the teacher, then thought better of it. This bitch is digging her own grave with me. No doubt about it. First of all, anytime a kid shows interest in reading, you allow them to read. Secondly, who really gives a shit where the book came from? It's not like I sent her to school with Playboy or anything. I wouldn't do that until at least 4th grade :)
Then yesterday happened. Again, a bit of history. Caitlyn came home last week and told me not to send her water bottle to school with her. See we get another elaborate note from school every year about how kids need water to learn. When they are hydrated, they are more alert, etc. Again, I follow the directions. I asked Cate why she didn't want it sent and she said the teacher told the class that there are too many bathroom "emergencies." So Cate was worried that if she had the water bottle, she would have to go to the bathroom. Well sure she will, it's the natural progression of things right?
So she comes home yesterday and it turns out she had an accident. A pee accident. The way Caitlyn tells it, they didn't get a bathroom break during lunch. Which is at 11:30. Nor did they go in the afternoon at all. Caitlyn asked at one point to go to the bathroom and was allowed to go. A little later the teacher went on a tirade about the "emergencies" again and after Cate went to the bathroom she said no one else was going. Again.....WTF???? REALLY???? Maybe if you took them to the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day, these kids wouldn't have to ask you to go on an individual basis. But I digress.
Around 2:15, Caitlyn had to go to the bathroom. Badly. It was an emergency. She heard the teacher earlier, so she was afraid to ask. She relieved herself a bit in her pants. Probably enough to release the pressure that was building in the poor child's bladder. She told her teacher she had a small accident, who then said ok and sent her to the office. The office sent her back to class as they don't have a change of clothes for her. Nor does her teacher. See normally, my kid, like other 7 year olds, don't have accidents when they are allowed to go to the bathroom, so there was no need to send in a change of clothes. Caitlyn sat in the damp pants until she got to my mom's house around 2:50. Where she proceeded to break down into hysteria because she was so upset that she had an accident.
This morning, I told my daughter if she ever felt like she really had to go like that again and the teacher says no, that she is to leave that damn classroom and go to the bathroom. I certainly don't want my daughter suffering from a UTI, bladder infection, etc because this bitch won't take her class to the bathroom.
I haven't yet figured out what I am going to do. I don't know what to do. All I know is, this woman is in a serious power struggle with me and she is taking it out on my kid. and I am not having any of it. I want to see what happens after school today. Because of course, I sent her to school with a Junie B Jones book that certainly didn't come from the classroom library. If she even utters a syllable of disgust, this woman is going to feel my wrath. I have to talk to Matt about what we are going to do, because I think things are progressing to a point that indicates that they are only going to get significantly worse.
Now we all know how things went with the snack issue. Well, I haven't pursued it any further. Partly because when I really think about it, it isn't directly effecting Caitlyn. It is more so my own pride that has been getting in the way. So I figured I would suck it up and just send the damned fresh fruits and vegetables after all. It's not difficult for me to do so I will just suck it up and do it.
Until the two instances that occurred in the past week.
Some history, we all know that Caitlyn is a fantastic reader. I recently told her that from now on, she will be reading more chapter books and fewer easier books. And by chapter books, I mean chapters that are about 4 pages long. I just want her to get in the habit of reading things that are a little tougher for her. For every 2 chapter books she reads, she can read any 2 books that are easy that she wants. I figure it's a good compromise. Secondly, the school issues library cards for the Chicago Public Library. They send home these elaborate letters about how we should encourage our child to use the library, take out books, learn how to look for books, etc. Being the good mother that I am (usually) I follow this and traipse her over to the library to take out books. We have actually been doing it since last year and the girl loves it. So I tell her to take Gus the Greedy Puppy to school so she can finish it during silent reading.
Caitlyn obliges and takes the book out when the teacher announces that it is time for silent reading. She takes the book up to the teacher and tells her that she got it from the library and she was going to finish reading it. No what the teacher's response was? No, you have to read a book from the classroom library.
WTF??? REALLY????
I was going to confront the teacher, then thought better of it. This bitch is digging her own grave with me. No doubt about it. First of all, anytime a kid shows interest in reading, you allow them to read. Secondly, who really gives a shit where the book came from? It's not like I sent her to school with Playboy or anything. I wouldn't do that until at least 4th grade :)
Then yesterday happened. Again, a bit of history. Caitlyn came home last week and told me not to send her water bottle to school with her. See we get another elaborate note from school every year about how kids need water to learn. When they are hydrated, they are more alert, etc. Again, I follow the directions. I asked Cate why she didn't want it sent and she said the teacher told the class that there are too many bathroom "emergencies." So Cate was worried that if she had the water bottle, she would have to go to the bathroom. Well sure she will, it's the natural progression of things right?
So she comes home yesterday and it turns out she had an accident. A pee accident. The way Caitlyn tells it, they didn't get a bathroom break during lunch. Which is at 11:30. Nor did they go in the afternoon at all. Caitlyn asked at one point to go to the bathroom and was allowed to go. A little later the teacher went on a tirade about the "emergencies" again and after Cate went to the bathroom she said no one else was going. Again.....WTF???? REALLY???? Maybe if you took them to the bathroom at regular intervals throughout the day, these kids wouldn't have to ask you to go on an individual basis. But I digress.
Around 2:15, Caitlyn had to go to the bathroom. Badly. It was an emergency. She heard the teacher earlier, so she was afraid to ask. She relieved herself a bit in her pants. Probably enough to release the pressure that was building in the poor child's bladder. She told her teacher she had a small accident, who then said ok and sent her to the office. The office sent her back to class as they don't have a change of clothes for her. Nor does her teacher. See normally, my kid, like other 7 year olds, don't have accidents when they are allowed to go to the bathroom, so there was no need to send in a change of clothes. Caitlyn sat in the damp pants until she got to my mom's house around 2:50. Where she proceeded to break down into hysteria because she was so upset that she had an accident.
This morning, I told my daughter if she ever felt like she really had to go like that again and the teacher says no, that she is to leave that damn classroom and go to the bathroom. I certainly don't want my daughter suffering from a UTI, bladder infection, etc because this bitch won't take her class to the bathroom.
I haven't yet figured out what I am going to do. I don't know what to do. All I know is, this woman is in a serious power struggle with me and she is taking it out on my kid. and I am not having any of it. I want to see what happens after school today. Because of course, I sent her to school with a Junie B Jones book that certainly didn't come from the classroom library. If she even utters a syllable of disgust, this woman is going to feel my wrath. I have to talk to Matt about what we are going to do, because I think things are progressing to a point that indicates that they are only going to get significantly worse.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Progress Reports
Progress reports came home from school on Friday. Caitlyn has amazed me once again. She has all A's right now in her subjects which is fantastic. But that's not the part that amazed me. They are doing DIBLES testing again, it was done earlier in September. They don't look at as many categories as they did last year; this year they only look at nonsense word fluency and oral reading fluency.
Benchmark for nonsense word fluency is 50 words per minute. Caitlyn is reading 54. So she is meeting the benchmark.
Benchmark for oral reading fluency is 44 words per minute. Caitlyn is reading 98. 98!!!!!! The benchmark for June is 90. The average words per minute read by a third grader is between 100-110. To say I am stunned is an understatement. This kid is cruising along in the area of reading. And what's even more amazing is not that she reads at this level. Cause we all know decoding words isn't the most important part of reading. What's important is whether or not you can comprehend what you have read. And lo and behold, she is.
On Thursday last week, she read her first chapter book completely on her own. She was so very proud of herself for reading a book that had close to 100 pages. And I think her mom is pretty stinkin proud of her too. Then over the weekend, she read another chapter book. So now she is all gung ho to go through her bookshelf and clean out the books that are just too easy for her. And I am all about that seeing as we have books crammed in every nook and cranny of that shelf and 2 tubs full of them as well. Now I need to figure out what to do with all of them.
In other news, Matt's football team is tied for first place in his conference. He is playing the team he is tied with on Friday. So any good vibes you can send on over to Chicago would be spectacular. I would love for him to win his conference.
My school district has signed a new contract. So there will be no striking for us. Thank goodness. Things are crazy there as usual. Though it seems to be a much calmer year than it was last year. We had a couple "high profile" kids leave at the end of last year, so I think that's the reason.
As for my master's program, I have 2 really intense classes this term. One of the classes is online and I swear it is more work than the classes I sit in class for. The class that I have on Thursday is a huge amount of work. And I am convinced the instructor doesn't like me. Which is fine with me, so long as I can manage to get through until December and get the credit for the class. I currently have a 4.0 going and I would like to keep it that way. Let's just hope that the fact that this woman doesn't like me doesn't interfere with that ;)
Caitlyn is leaving for Atlanta on Saturday for a couple of days. She is going there with Rita to visit Jimmy. She is ecstatic about it and has been counting down the days for weeks. I am a little nervous though. Not because she will be away for 2 days in a different state. That happens all the time in the summer when she heads up to Wisconsin with Matt or Rita. What I am nervous about is not being on the plane with her. She isn't afraid of flying, she enjoys it actually. I just worry that if something were to happen, that I wouldn't be there to comfort her. I am sure it will all be fine and she will have a wonderful flight, but it scares me a bit.
Benchmark for nonsense word fluency is 50 words per minute. Caitlyn is reading 54. So she is meeting the benchmark.
Benchmark for oral reading fluency is 44 words per minute. Caitlyn is reading 98. 98!!!!!! The benchmark for June is 90. The average words per minute read by a third grader is between 100-110. To say I am stunned is an understatement. This kid is cruising along in the area of reading. And what's even more amazing is not that she reads at this level. Cause we all know decoding words isn't the most important part of reading. What's important is whether or not you can comprehend what you have read. And lo and behold, she is.
On Thursday last week, she read her first chapter book completely on her own. She was so very proud of herself for reading a book that had close to 100 pages. And I think her mom is pretty stinkin proud of her too. Then over the weekend, she read another chapter book. So now she is all gung ho to go through her bookshelf and clean out the books that are just too easy for her. And I am all about that seeing as we have books crammed in every nook and cranny of that shelf and 2 tubs full of them as well. Now I need to figure out what to do with all of them.
In other news, Matt's football team is tied for first place in his conference. He is playing the team he is tied with on Friday. So any good vibes you can send on over to Chicago would be spectacular. I would love for him to win his conference.
My school district has signed a new contract. So there will be no striking for us. Thank goodness. Things are crazy there as usual. Though it seems to be a much calmer year than it was last year. We had a couple "high profile" kids leave at the end of last year, so I think that's the reason.
As for my master's program, I have 2 really intense classes this term. One of the classes is online and I swear it is more work than the classes I sit in class for. The class that I have on Thursday is a huge amount of work. And I am convinced the instructor doesn't like me. Which is fine with me, so long as I can manage to get through until December and get the credit for the class. I currently have a 4.0 going and I would like to keep it that way. Let's just hope that the fact that this woman doesn't like me doesn't interfere with that ;)
Caitlyn is leaving for Atlanta on Saturday for a couple of days. She is going there with Rita to visit Jimmy. She is ecstatic about it and has been counting down the days for weeks. I am a little nervous though. Not because she will be away for 2 days in a different state. That happens all the time in the summer when she heads up to Wisconsin with Matt or Rita. What I am nervous about is not being on the plane with her. She isn't afraid of flying, she enjoys it actually. I just worry that if something were to happen, that I wouldn't be there to comfort her. I am sure it will all be fine and she will have a wonderful flight, but it scares me a bit.
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