These last few days have been some of the most stressful up to this point in my teaching career. Parent-Teacher Conferences had me second guessing myself on everything that I have ever done this school year. My confidence level was a 1 on a scale of 1 to 100...not exaggerating either! By the end of day 1, my confidence had not improved!
CONFERENCE 1
The first conference was with a student that I really enjoy (I do enjoy all of them). I was glad that his conference was first because his mom and I have a pretty good relationship. I figured that I would be able to get the jitters out with this one, which was definitely not the case! First, mom let the baby brother out of his stroller and instructed my student to watch him during the conference. The baby found everything to get into. It didn't seem to bother mom though because she was able to stay focused. Next thing I know, out of the corner of my eye, I see the baby take a pencil and try to put it in his mouth. My student ran to stop him. In the process he knocked a chair off a desk, fell down, and the chair landed on his finger! Screaming and tears followed soon after. Mom looked at him and then turned back to me to continue on with conferences...WTH?? Wouldn't you have wanted to check on your son?? My student then asked to go get a drink. He didn't make it out the door, however. He stopped at a trashcan and THREW UP instead!! Again, mom looked at him and then turned back to me to continue on with conferences...WTH? I then had to tell her to take her son home for the night. Not only had he gotten sick, but his finger was huge!
When school started the next day, in he comes walking through the door...after having been sick 10 hours earlier. His finger was still huge and purple! I sent him to the nurse for ice immediately. The nurse took one look at it and called mom. After a trip to the ER, I found out that my student did indeed break his finger!
Happy to report that conferences did improve, minus the parent who told me that I was dumb and an idiot for thinking her student wasn't gifted (keep in mind, this third grader reads below grade level)...WTH??
What are some people thinking??
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
What a Year!!
The year is already off to a wonderful start. I can't believe that I just finished my first quarter as a first year teacher! Parent Teacher Conferences are this week...please pray for me! I am excited to meet with parents and get to chat about their child. My kids are so wonderful. Still, I am nervous about talking to parents. If you know me at all, you know that I'm not so great with with confrontation. I don't anticipate any, but you never know :)
On a sadder noter, please continue to pray for my student Grace. This link gives more information about her and her condition. I think that she is going to be featured on ABC nightly news. Grace is such a sweetie and needs lots and lots of prayers!
Monday, October 12, 2009
My Return!
Two years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to travel overseas to share the Good News. Father has once again presented me with a chance to serve him. I cannot believe how life has changed in the two years that have passed since my first visit! JC has become such an important part of my life and revealed his faithfulness many times over. I feel so blessed to once again get the chance to share about his grace and precious gift...himself. 
Life overseas was definitely a challenge. Public buses, a foreign language, etc were very taxing both physically and mentally. I really had to trust Father to provide and SURPRISE! he did :) The good things far outweighed the challenges. The Good News came alive to the people. 12 came to be brothers and sisters. How could one doubt that Father is good? Pr-s were answered then, and I know they will be once again. 
This Christmas, I will once again travel overseas to take classes, share, and love on the local people. Please PR that my heart would start being prepared for those that I will meet. PR that Father will already begin softening the hearts of those that I will interact with when I reach my city. PR that finances will be raised so that I can go serve our Father. This "story" is worth sharing with the world!
Life overseas was definitely a challenge. Public buses, a foreign language, etc were very taxing both physically and mentally. I really had to trust Father to provide and SURPRISE! he did :) The good things far outweighed the challenges. The Good News came alive to the people. 12 came to be brothers and sisters. How could one doubt that Father is good? Pr-s were answered then, and I know they will be once again. This Christmas, I will once again travel overseas to take classes, share, and love on the local people. Please PR that my heart would start being prepared for those that I will meet. PR that Father will already begin softening the hearts of those that I will interact with when I reach my city. PR that finances will be raised so that I can go serve our Father. This "story" is worth sharing with the world!Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My First Classroom
As promised, I finally am posting some pics of my classroom.
This is the bulletin board outside of my room, welcoming the students in. You can't see, but the lily pads each have a student's name on it.
First, I had these ugly display racks on this wall. I got creative and turned it into a homemade bulletin board. Hopefully it will stick. The first week of school, students each created their self portrait of how they feel about the first week of third grade. Good news! All smiling faces :) Hopefully when we create our portraits again later, there will still be smiles.
The amazing reading corner...complete with homemade cubbies and bookshelves. Thanks Dad!
The view of the room walking in. My desk is in the back of the room. The curtains were made by my Momma. I'm so blessed to have such a talented family!
A special thanks to: Mom and Dad for all of the donations (both time and material), Kristi for all of her help, the staff at Morris Hill for being so supportive, and all of you who are praying for me. Keep those prayers a-coming!
This is the bulletin board outside of my room, welcoming the students in. You can't see, but the lily pads each have a student's name on it.
First, I had these ugly display racks on this wall. I got creative and turned it into a homemade bulletin board. Hopefully it will stick. The first week of school, students each created their self portrait of how they feel about the first week of third grade. Good news! All smiling faces :) Hopefully when we create our portraits again later, there will still be smiles.
The amazing reading corner...complete with homemade cubbies and bookshelves. Thanks Dad!
The view of the room walking in. My desk is in the back of the room. The curtains were made by my Momma. I'm so blessed to have such a talented family!
A special thanks to: Mom and Dad for all of the donations (both time and material), Kristi for all of her help, the staff at Morris Hill for being so supportive, and all of you who are praying for me. Keep those prayers a-coming!
summer, cont.
More ups...but first a down. While I was in New Mexico, I found out that my Grandpa had passed away unexpectedly of many causes. Hence, a family road trip to California, which was interesting in itself. We stayed at my Grandpa's house, which was kind of weird and eerie, but it was good bonding time. I learned alot about my grandpa while going through the house and hearing stories from my dad and Aunt. Grandpa was quite a colorful man! Never a dull moment in his life.
Mom and Dad really wanted to show Kristi and I their old haunts (they both grew up in Southern California). So, one day, they dropped us off at Disneyland for the entire day! Quite the experience.
Posing outside of It's A Small World...guess what song I had in my head the rest of the day??
You can't really see, but this is on the Snow White ride. When I was younger and went to Disneyland, I freaked out on this ride...to the point of screaming. I fared a little better this time :)
AAAAHHHHH a Haunted Mansion! This ride still gives Kristi nightmares. Feel free to give her a hard time, if you see her :)
Super cool dolphins on our surprise visit to the beach on fourth of July.
The place where my dad used to set sail...literally. Apparently my dad and grandpa were quite the sailors back in the day.
Moral of the story: Value the time you have with people. You never know if you will have time together again. Live without regrets!
Mom and Dad really wanted to show Kristi and I their old haunts (they both grew up in Southern California). So, one day, they dropped us off at Disneyland for the entire day! Quite the experience.
Posing outside of It's A Small World...guess what song I had in my head the rest of the day??
You can't really see, but this is on the Snow White ride. When I was younger and went to Disneyland, I freaked out on this ride...to the point of screaming. I fared a little better this time :)
AAAAHHHHH a Haunted Mansion! This ride still gives Kristi nightmares. Feel free to give her a hard time, if you see her :)
Super cool dolphins on our surprise visit to the beach on fourth of July.
The place where my dad used to set sail...literally. Apparently my dad and grandpa were quite the sailors back in the day.
Moral of the story: Value the time you have with people. You never know if you will have time together again. Live without regrets!
The Roller Coaster I call my summer vacation
Can you believe that summer is over??? There were parts that seemed to fly past and still others that took FOREVER! I thought that I would share a brief glimpse into it (complete with pictures)
First, there was graduation, which was pretty exciting :) I didn't know it then, but it was also a very blessed time in my life. My grandpa was able to come out for my grad party, which I sadly did not look forward to. You see, my grandpa and I didn't have the best relationship. We definitely weren't close. I would even say there were some feeling of distrust and anxiety towards him. The time spent with him helped to lay some of those feelings aside. For the first time, I was able to really talk to him...granted not about the deep things...but just talk. It was the first time that he ever told me that he was proud of me and all that I had done. I am moved to tears still, just thinking about it.
I realized later what a blessing this time was.
But first, an up :)
I had the opportunity to be part of a work that headed to New Mexico. While there, I worked on stripping and waxing a mission school's floors. It was hard work, but I loved it! This trip provided me with some time spend with people I admire from my church back home. These wonderful people took the time to really pour into me and learn about my life. I loved hearing their faith stories. Since we were in New Mexico, we did take some time to look around.
The oldest adobe church in Sante Fe.
The oldest adobe church in Sante Fe.
The staircase in Loretta Chapel. When first built, this staircase had NO visible supports. The hand railing was added later. It was so incredible. The story goes that the sisters at the church put out an add for someone to build a staircase that would lead from the chapel up to the choir loft. An anonymous carpenter built the staircase and then left before receiving payment.
We also visited Bandelier...complete with ancient cliff dwellings and pretty scenery :)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Orientation!!
So, I've been pretty lazy with this whole blog thing! Sorry!
Today was my first day of new teacher orientation. The day started off really well, when I got picked up by a really good friend. It was fun getting to catch up on our 30 minute drive to Junction City (not looking forward to this drive everyday, by the way). We were told to go to JCMS, and thought we had reached our destination. Much to our dismay, we found all of the doors to still be locked, 10 minutes after our meeting was supposed to start! We had gone to the wrong middle school! Apparently, the middle school had moved, and I just hadn't gotten that memo, along with about 10 others. So, we eventually found our way to the right location!
The day was full of meetings that overwhelmed me!!! They were all technology related and I feel completely and totally stressed to the max right now. The upside, however, was that I got my own laptop! Thank goodness, because my laptop is about to die...again! It has put in 4 good years of service, so it will die with pride :)
Please continue to pray for me, as I embark on this exciting new journey!!
Today was my first day of new teacher orientation. The day started off really well, when I got picked up by a really good friend. It was fun getting to catch up on our 30 minute drive to Junction City (not looking forward to this drive everyday, by the way). We were told to go to JCMS, and thought we had reached our destination. Much to our dismay, we found all of the doors to still be locked, 10 minutes after our meeting was supposed to start! We had gone to the wrong middle school! Apparently, the middle school had moved, and I just hadn't gotten that memo, along with about 10 others. So, we eventually found our way to the right location!
The day was full of meetings that overwhelmed me!!! They were all technology related and I feel completely and totally stressed to the max right now. The upside, however, was that I got my own laptop! Thank goodness, because my laptop is about to die...again! It has put in 4 good years of service, so it will die with pride :)
Please continue to pray for me, as I embark on this exciting new journey!!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A New Job!
This last week has been one of the busiest, craziest, and most fantastic weeks of my life! I graduated on Saturday (cum laude, I might add) from Kansas State University. It is so crazy how quickly the last four years have flown by! I can't believe it! As soon as my graduation was over, my family and I hopped into the car and headed to Colby, KS. My cousin Matt graduated high school. I am so excited because he will be heading up to Manhattan in the fall. So excited and proud!
On Monday, I had an interview with Morris Hill Elementary. This was really exciting because I love the school and staff. They are all so friendly. After my interview, I had to say goodbye to some dear friends. The McMannes have to move to Louisiana and Monday was the day we said goodbye. I have really loved having a family in Manhattan to hang out with and love on! i am going to miss them tons!!
Wednesday (wearing you out yet?) I went in and had 6 six teeth removed. Talk about pain! Today (sunday) was the first day that i was able to leave the house. As soon as I got home, I took a three hour nap. I am getting in a lot of sleep. I am really lucky because I have a tremendously caring family who has been doting on me and helping me through it all.
This last Friday, I was offered a job! I am going to be the fifth grade teacher at Morris Hill Elementary. So excited! This will be a great place to start my career as a teacher :) God is so faithful!
Blessings! I hope that your Memorial Day Weekend and kickoff to summer is amazin!
On Monday, I had an interview with Morris Hill Elementary. This was really exciting because I love the school and staff. They are all so friendly. After my interview, I had to say goodbye to some dear friends. The McMannes have to move to Louisiana and Monday was the day we said goodbye. I have really loved having a family in Manhattan to hang out with and love on! i am going to miss them tons!!
Wednesday (wearing you out yet?) I went in and had 6 six teeth removed. Talk about pain! Today (sunday) was the first day that i was able to leave the house. As soon as I got home, I took a three hour nap. I am getting in a lot of sleep. I am really lucky because I have a tremendously caring family who has been doting on me and helping me through it all.
This last Friday, I was offered a job! I am going to be the fifth grade teacher at Morris Hill Elementary. So excited! This will be a great place to start my career as a teacher :) God is so faithful!
Blessings! I hope that your Memorial Day Weekend and kickoff to summer is amazin!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A job goes by the wayside...another one pops up!
Today, was a very interesting day (to say the least). I still have no idea where God is leading me after graduation. The stress is really getting to me. I am learning that I have to trust the Lord and not count on my own ways. Easier said than done, right!
Today, while teaching, I checked my email. A school had sent me a message, that said, "Thanks, but no thanks!" I was crushed! My first rejection. The rest of the day was spent wondering if teaching was the career I should pursue. Obviously, something must be wrong with me to not have been hired on the spot.
Stepping back, I realized that the rejection was actually an answer to prayer. I have been praying that I would have a clearer idea of where to go after graduation. I now know one place that I won't be going :) It isn't necessarily a reflection on me. To prove this, I received a call a few minutes ago. Someone from Wyoming called and offered me a job! What!?!?! She said that she loved me resume. It was the confidence boost that I needed. Sadly, I turned the job down because I really want to stay in Kansas. The job was to be the lead teacher in early childhood...not really what I was looking for.
Do I have room to be picky? Probably not, but I am!
Today, while teaching, I checked my email. A school had sent me a message, that said, "Thanks, but no thanks!" I was crushed! My first rejection. The rest of the day was spent wondering if teaching was the career I should pursue. Obviously, something must be wrong with me to not have been hired on the spot.
Stepping back, I realized that the rejection was actually an answer to prayer. I have been praying that I would have a clearer idea of where to go after graduation. I now know one place that I won't be going :) It isn't necessarily a reflection on me. To prove this, I received a call a few minutes ago. Someone from Wyoming called and offered me a job! What!?!?! She said that she loved me resume. It was the confidence boost that I needed. Sadly, I turned the job down because I really want to stay in Kansas. The job was to be the lead teacher in early childhood...not really what I was looking for.
Do I have room to be picky? Probably not, but I am!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Ms. Mason is a fashionista!
As you all already know, I'm not the most fashionable person in the world. In fact, I feel like I dress fairly drab and low key. My clothes don't make a statement. There has been no exception while I've been student teaching either. Brown pants and plain shirts are my favorites. I might throw in a necklace or something, but don't watch me for fashion ideas!
It was quite surprising when a student came up to me today while teaching. She looked at me with a straight face and told me she loved the way I dress. "You are always wearing the latest fashions Ms. Mason. When I grow up, I hope that I am as fashionable as you."
What?!?!?! I tried so hard not to laugh. She proceeded to ask where I did my shopping and told me that she would love to go shopping with me anytime I was available. Her mom, apparently, isn't up on the latest trends and makes her buy 11 year old clothes when she is 12. (again, tried not to laugh). "Don't you agree that I should be able to wear 12 year old clothes now that I'm twelve? I keep telling my mom that I want to dress like you someday and that I need to practice now."
I couldn't believe it! I always wanted to make a difference in my students lives, didn't know I was doing with the clothes I wore :)
God Bless!
It was quite surprising when a student came up to me today while teaching. She looked at me with a straight face and told me she loved the way I dress. "You are always wearing the latest fashions Ms. Mason. When I grow up, I hope that I am as fashionable as you."
What?!?!?! I tried so hard not to laugh. She proceeded to ask where I did my shopping and told me that she would love to go shopping with me anytime I was available. Her mom, apparently, isn't up on the latest trends and makes her buy 11 year old clothes when she is 12. (again, tried not to laugh). "Don't you agree that I should be able to wear 12 year old clothes now that I'm twelve? I keep telling my mom that I want to dress like you someday and that I need to practice now."
I couldn't believe it! I always wanted to make a difference in my students lives, didn't know I was doing with the clothes I wore :)
God Bless!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Positive Words of Encouragement
One thing that I have found is that it is easy to get down while teaching. I see my students not succeeding or have a run in with an attitude problem and think that I am not doing a great job. My trust in the Lord has definitely been tested.
When I finished up my Block B experience, my teacher made each of her students a smile folder. She included several pieces of motivational papers and encouraged us to each to continue to add to this. When I have had tough days, I have been reassured by these words of encouragement. I have teacher poems, stories, and words of praise/encouragement from teachers, friends, and even my parents. If you are a beginning teacher, please start your own folder! It will help you so much, I promise! It definitely helps me to keep on keepin' on!
Here's some of my favorites (that I am honored to have received):
When I finished up my Block B experience, my teacher made each of her students a smile folder. She included several pieces of motivational papers and encouraged us to each to continue to add to this. When I have had tough days, I have been reassured by these words of encouragement. I have teacher poems, stories, and words of praise/encouragement from teachers, friends, and even my parents. If you are a beginning teacher, please start your own folder! It will help you so much, I promise! It definitely helps me to keep on keepin' on!
Here's some of my favorites (that I am honored to have received):
- you are awesome! I believe you are a teacher at heart and I know that you will go out and do great things with your students. (Mrs. Apodaca)
- You are such a kind person. I know you are going to be a great teacher (friend)
- What if you are the one, the only one, with the chance to do it? What if this is the critical year for even one child. Read to them. Before the time, before the chance, is gone (Steven L. Layne)
- You have been one of my favorite people to watch on ths trip. The way father (God) has used you and charmed you, and the way that you have responded in faithfulness You had a lot thrown at you in a short period of time, and you really relied on God's strength to deal with that. He has really used you on this trip in a lot of ways.
As you can see, these words really help me to get through the tough days and even the good ones!
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