Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Student Surveys

I had my students complete a short survey where they were required to write a little information on their family, likes and dislikes, etc. When reading them, here are a few of the questions and answers that really made my day:

* My family members are: 35 and 36 (Mom and Dad)
* I like it when my teachers: are under 40 years old.
* This year I am ooking forward to learning about: Utah History (I replied: That's fantastic--but we're studying World History!) :)
* I like it when my teachers: reward me for doing what I'm supposed to be doing anyway.
*If I could change one thing about school, it would be: make recess all day, no work and no rules. and a second sheet said: to have recess all day long (I replied on these sheets that we would then have to call this a "vacation.").
*If I could change anything about the school, it would be: our room, because I want the classroom to be like a house.
*This year I am looking forward to learning about: water animals. (I have no idea where this came from . . .)

These are just a few of the funny replies that the students wrote. I also had the parents do a survey on their students. The answers are so honest, and they help me know my students even better. What wonderful kids! I have a feeling it's going to be a wonderful, although challenging, year.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Justice

Ah, sweet justice. Or something like that! Yesterday, I was subpoenaed to be a witness in a court trial for an accident that I was involved in. I had to be at the court house at 1:15pm in order to not be in contempt of court. Long story short--they kept moving the case back, and finally at 6:35, 11 cases later, they called the case. Then, there was a short recess, and the case was settled without going to trial. They just looked at me and said, "You're free to go." After sitting there all that time, that was it. Kind of ridiculous. They are giving me $18 for my time. I'm not even sure why they give a stipend! Anyway, I've enough court proceedings and trials than I ever want to see again!

The Ultimate Question

School started again yesterday, and so begins the daily ritual that is 6th grade. I have a great class! They are enthusiastic, hard working, and very funny. Today, after giving them time to discuss some get to know you questions in small groups, I let them have a short question/answer session with me. They asked the funniest questions. They wanted to know what my favorite foods were, where I had traveled in the past, who was in my family, what music I enjoy, if I was married or had kids, where I went to school, and my hobbies. Then, at the very end, this little guy said, "Ms. Husbands, can I ask one more question? Have all your dreams come true?" I smiled and told him not yet, but I'm still hoping they will. Kids say the darndest things!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

No Ma'am!

So, the other day I was at a store and the little girl at the register said, "Have a good day, Ma'am." I was kind of horrified. First of all, when did I go from being a Miss to a Ma'am? It sounds so old and grandma-like. I wasn't even wearing a house dress or rollers in my hair! Second of all, this little girl was not little--married and all she was--just very young. Do younger people automatically give this title to those who are older? I think being married is the cutoff for Miss--you automatically are a Mrs. and therefore should also be considered a Ma'am. Is there a certain age where one can no longer be called a Miss but must be a Ms. or Ma'am? I still feel young, and could be considered so, so for all purposes I'm fighting the movement! That's Miss Husbands to you! :)