So, I have this blog...

It's actually fairly funny.  You know, when I bother to write it.  Recently, I haven't really bothered (obviously).  Let me tell you why (or not because if I vomited the story of everything that has gone down over the course of the last month and a half all over you, I'd be fired and you'd have emotions all over your blouse).  Let me just tell you one thing.  This year has been hard and emotionally exhausting.  But, it is almost over.  Almost.  Because we still have 1.5 more days of surviving (if you think that's hyperbole, then you aren't an ASD teacher at the end of the year).  So with this snippet of a post, I recommit to bringing you the funny (I did still write even though I didn't post...so there'll be some of that, plus family vacay is coming up and hilarity will ensue, no doubt).

Here's your sign

So this week, we started the dreaded state assessments.  Because I am the case manager for all students in the ASD program and I put the modification of testing individually on all of their IEP's, I was the one who got to test them.  Monday morning was committed to talking about what to expect and going over the visual schedule that we would use.  Tuesday, we started the daunting task of the actual testing.  I sharpened my #2 pencils (btw, if #2 pencils are soooo great, then why aren't they #1 pencils?), got my scrap paper ready and put the sign you see to the left on my classroom door.  Right in the middle.  Blown up to take up the whole 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper. Did that stop no fewer than 5 people from opening my door and asking "Oh, are you testing?"  No it did not.  I got so mad.  I asked our process coordinator if I could change locations.  He told me the only place left was in a tiny trailer used for administrator meetings behind our school.  I said, "I'll take it!"  I don't think he thought that I would because of the potential for volatility with my students.  So we moved our testing to the trailer and all was well (for which I am thankful).

Truth be Told

To say I'm a little fed up with a lot of things is an understatement.  On Monday (actually Sunday afternoon), I declared it "Off the Hook Week" (this is much like Shark Week, but waaaaay cattier). Many of my not-so-friendly colleagues got my full opinion whether they wanted it or not.  I really didn't hold anything back.  At all.  But, someone has to advocate for my students (and in one case one who isn't even mine, but needs a little compassion) because they can't do it for themselves or they will end up being written up for insubordination.  Also, on my behalf, I didn't say anything untrue nor unprofessional (although, there were definite words that came to mind).  I'm not sure what next week will hold as we begin state testing so I won't be out and about.  At least no one will have to worry about being quiet when I walk into a room.

In other news...

The baby bunny died today.  Fortunately, I discovered him and buried him prior to the monkeys' arrival home from school.  Still, they were sad and the Clover is currently coloring on a brick for the ever growing cemetery in the backyard.