One thing that I've learned since I've been teaching high school is that it's basically 6 times the amount of kids that I had last year in 1st grade. That could also translate into 6 times the amount of kids that are overwhelmed with everything that life throws at them. And ALL of that equals a bunch more things to worry and stress about.
Last month when I was at a conference in Anchorage with 2 co-workers one of them said to me; "You just have that type of personality where people feel very comfortable talking to you about anything!" That has proven to be very true recently.
It is for that sole reason that I choose to come back next year. Because I know what some of my kids go through on a daily basis and I want to be there for them as much as possible.
Within the past month or so there has been a couple of my sophomores that have really been having a rough time with things. For whatever reason they feel comfortable talking to me about some of the things that they're dealing with. One of them is constantly writing in his journal and has me read it when he's done. The other two have talked to me about everything specifically because they were falling behind in class. I really worry about these three kiddos..and many others.
BUT
They keep pressing on. And that makes me VERY proud of them.
In other news 7 days until SBA/HSGQE testing and ALL the kiddos have been working VERY hard to make sure they're fully prepared for each of the tests. Keep them in your prayers as they get ready for these tests!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
The Polls Are In...
I'm not sure where I really want to start with this post or where exactly I want to go with it either...so bare with me.
This year it took me a while to decide if I wanted to come back to Chevak for year 4. I was going back and forth and through the list of pros and cons that was causing more stress that its intentions.
It was only when I wasn't actually stressing out on the decision that it came to me. I was actually not even in Chevak when it became so clear to me. This whole month, I have been apart of a tutoring program for the 11th and 12th graders that have yet to pass the HSGQE exam. It has been a very draining process for me but so rewarding as well. It requires the 12 students to get 30 additional hours of tutoring OUTSIDE of school throughout the month of March. Anyway, I was traveling with the boys and girls basketball teams to regionals (since 7 out of the 12 students are in basketball it only made sense that one of us went to avoid them from getting off track). My intentions were to go with the team and then when I returned to Chevak let people know that I wasn't going to be coming back next year. It just had become a constant battle with myself. I wasn't feeling like I was making an impact/difference here, and so I ultimately wasn't planning on coming back.
However, that all changed thanks to the attitudes of some of my kiddos that were on the ball teams. Even in the face of defeat, they never let that radiate through themselves. They never threw their hands up and quit. They didn't change who they were as people based on what was happening in their current situation. One of my kiddos really showed me that throughout the weekend. Even after a tough lose and he still maintained a positive attitude and looked more at how he could improve rather than quitting. At that point, I decided that I too was going to look at things as to how I can improve, rather than giving into defeat.
So long story short, I will be coming back next year. Yes, I still have many doubts about that decision but that is what feels right to me at the current time. Yes, I know that there are people that will disagree with this decision for whatever reason but hopefully they can still be supportive of me.
This year it took me a while to decide if I wanted to come back to Chevak for year 4. I was going back and forth and through the list of pros and cons that was causing more stress that its intentions.
It was only when I wasn't actually stressing out on the decision that it came to me. I was actually not even in Chevak when it became so clear to me. This whole month, I have been apart of a tutoring program for the 11th and 12th graders that have yet to pass the HSGQE exam. It has been a very draining process for me but so rewarding as well. It requires the 12 students to get 30 additional hours of tutoring OUTSIDE of school throughout the month of March. Anyway, I was traveling with the boys and girls basketball teams to regionals (since 7 out of the 12 students are in basketball it only made sense that one of us went to avoid them from getting off track). My intentions were to go with the team and then when I returned to Chevak let people know that I wasn't going to be coming back next year. It just had become a constant battle with myself. I wasn't feeling like I was making an impact/difference here, and so I ultimately wasn't planning on coming back.
However, that all changed thanks to the attitudes of some of my kiddos that were on the ball teams. Even in the face of defeat, they never let that radiate through themselves. They never threw their hands up and quit. They didn't change who they were as people based on what was happening in their current situation. One of my kiddos really showed me that throughout the weekend. Even after a tough lose and he still maintained a positive attitude and looked more at how he could improve rather than quitting. At that point, I decided that I too was going to look at things as to how I can improve, rather than giving into defeat.
So long story short, I will be coming back next year. Yes, I still have many doubts about that decision but that is what feels right to me at the current time. Yes, I know that there are people that will disagree with this decision for whatever reason but hopefully they can still be supportive of me.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Why!?
I sit here in study hall and wonder why?
Why do people think that it is okay for treat others like they don't matter?
I have a very hard time wrapping my head around the idea that there are still people like this around. It makes me sad, it makes me wish that people would realize how much they have an impact on others. Lately I've really seen many of my kiddos suffering because of how their being treated by their peers and even their family members.
This year I really tried to get my kiddos to buy into the concept of "love love". I just figured that if they learned how to 'love love' each other while they were at school that it could carry on with them outside of school. Little did I know how hard it would be for them to try to be positive influences outside of school when they are faced with so much hate and negativity.
How can I expect them to be positive while they are at school when they are coming with all their hurt.
Why do people think that it is okay for treat others like they don't matter?
I have a very hard time wrapping my head around the idea that there are still people like this around. It makes me sad, it makes me wish that people would realize how much they have an impact on others. Lately I've really seen many of my kiddos suffering because of how their being treated by their peers and even their family members.
This year I really tried to get my kiddos to buy into the concept of "love love". I just figured that if they learned how to 'love love' each other while they were at school that it could carry on with them outside of school. Little did I know how hard it would be for them to try to be positive influences outside of school when they are faced with so much hate and negativity.
How can I expect them to be positive while they are at school when they are coming with all their hurt.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Future...
The future is often a scary thing, filled with unknowns. That's why it's so daunting to think about what the future holds because you can never be certain. This is where I find myself right now, trying to think about the future but not thinking too concretely because you can never know what the future holds.
Today I've been very distracted trying to think about where I see myself in the future. I haven't been able to get much of anything done without finding myself daydreaming about the possibilities. Do I see myself in Chevak for another year? Or do I see myself ending this chapter in my life? There are many considerations that are going to be apart of this decision, if I am faced with making a decision. The district hasn't yet offered contracts, so there is a possibility that I wouldn't be offered one, but nonetheless I suppose it's better to try to be prepared.
I can't even focus enough right now to the things that need to be done.
Other than the distractions in my mind, there is some exciting things happening. I'm not sure of all the details but I'll be sure to let you in on all the excitement once things are finalized.
Today I've been very distracted trying to think about where I see myself in the future. I haven't been able to get much of anything done without finding myself daydreaming about the possibilities. Do I see myself in Chevak for another year? Or do I see myself ending this chapter in my life? There are many considerations that are going to be apart of this decision, if I am faced with making a decision. The district hasn't yet offered contracts, so there is a possibility that I wouldn't be offered one, but nonetheless I suppose it's better to try to be prepared.
I can't even focus enough right now to the things that need to be done.
Other than the distractions in my mind, there is some exciting things happening. I'm not sure of all the details but I'll be sure to let you in on all the excitement once things are finalized.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
New Year, New Ideas
Things have been busy since I've last blogged. Actually it seemed like things were pretty chaotic! Thankfully it is beginning to look like I've caught up with everything and can now take more time to keep everyone informed.
One big thing that I wanted to share was how awesome my kiddos did in the Christmas program. In the past it was near impossible to get any middle school/high school kiddos that would be willing to perform for the Christmas program. I was able to convince 3 grade levels to do something for the program.
I was most excited for the 7th/8th graders. In those two grade levels there is a decent size cluster of kiddos that are very talented dub steppers. I asked them if they would be willing to do something for the Christmas program if I found them a Christmas dub step song (I'll have to post the video when I go back and get the right cord to upload it to the computer). Needless to say we found a song and the kids put a lot of effort and practice into their performance. Most of the students were having doubts and thinking about backing out by the time the dress rehearsal came around. A coworker and I were able to convince them to continue with everything they practiced. They got a standing ovation! The excitement even continued when they performed it for their parents and the rest of the village!
Some of the sophomores had been working on making a Qbook for one of their classes. The teacher came to me and asked if the rest of the sophomores might be interested in taking what they wrote for their book and making it into a skit for the Christmas program. They spent weeks coming up with a script, making props, and practicing (That's another video I'll need to upload). They even convinced me to Yuraq during part of their skit!
I was very proud of my kiddos and all the effort they put into the Christmas program!
Tomorrow, begins a new semester and new ideas for my classes! With the help from a dear friend and coworker I have been able to map out the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade class. I spent a good portion of this weekend organizing test data (11th/12th), identifying areas of improvement, grouping students in learning groups, finding materials for the semester, and creating learning stations. I am excited that the students are going to be in control of their learning with the self-directed learning stations. Hopefully all of this will lead to good test results for the kiddos.
The freshman are getting into Catching Fire and it's exciting to see them getting so involved with the tribute that they've been assigned. It's also nice because none of them have been able to see the movie since there isn't a theater anywhere close by!
I'll keep you updated with everything that goes on!
One big thing that I wanted to share was how awesome my kiddos did in the Christmas program. In the past it was near impossible to get any middle school/high school kiddos that would be willing to perform for the Christmas program. I was able to convince 3 grade levels to do something for the program.
I was most excited for the 7th/8th graders. In those two grade levels there is a decent size cluster of kiddos that are very talented dub steppers. I asked them if they would be willing to do something for the Christmas program if I found them a Christmas dub step song (I'll have to post the video when I go back and get the right cord to upload it to the computer). Needless to say we found a song and the kids put a lot of effort and practice into their performance. Most of the students were having doubts and thinking about backing out by the time the dress rehearsal came around. A coworker and I were able to convince them to continue with everything they practiced. They got a standing ovation! The excitement even continued when they performed it for their parents and the rest of the village!
Some of the sophomores had been working on making a Qbook for one of their classes. The teacher came to me and asked if the rest of the sophomores might be interested in taking what they wrote for their book and making it into a skit for the Christmas program. They spent weeks coming up with a script, making props, and practicing (That's another video I'll need to upload). They even convinced me to Yuraq during part of their skit!
I was very proud of my kiddos and all the effort they put into the Christmas program!
Tomorrow, begins a new semester and new ideas for my classes! With the help from a dear friend and coworker I have been able to map out the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade class. I spent a good portion of this weekend organizing test data (11th/12th), identifying areas of improvement, grouping students in learning groups, finding materials for the semester, and creating learning stations. I am excited that the students are going to be in control of their learning with the self-directed learning stations. Hopefully all of this will lead to good test results for the kiddos.
The freshman are getting into Catching Fire and it's exciting to see them getting so involved with the tribute that they've been assigned. It's also nice because none of them have been able to see the movie since there isn't a theater anywhere close by!
I'll keep you updated with everything that goes on!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Update, Update, Oo-Ha-Ha
Things have been very chaotic since I've last posted that I can seem to never find the time or the energy to ever post on here.
Right now, I'm proctoring yet another test. All the testing is so draining, I can't even imagine how my kiddos keep their stamina. Just last month many of them were involved in the HSGQE exam retake and now a majority of the same kiddos are participating in the Work Keys exam. I'm pooped with testing. Since moving up to highschool with my ELL "title", I have become one of the designated test proctors for the school. Due to the fact that I have my certification in K-12 ELL, I get to test all the ELL kiddos at Chevak school.
Last month I was sent on my first "training" for LEP (Limited English Proficient/ELL) Data and LEP testing. I was very nervous at first because I thought that there was going to be a TON of expectations for me to come back to Chevak with. I am also not comfortable or confident with anything that has to do with data so I was worried that most of the items that was going to be presented was going to be too confusing and overwhelming for me to understand. It turned out that the training was a breath of fresh air. Right away at the beginning they went over all the things that I studied, practiced and trained while I was in college. Everything was coming back to me and I was starting to feel confident in bringing the information back to Chevak. It was also nice because I was able to help my coworker that came with me, as she started to feel overwhelmed with all the information.
Volleyball is under way and that has brought along more work, stress and excitement to my already full plate. Last weekend we traveled to Hooper Bay (which was a first for me) and played in 5 matches. It was the girls' first game and it took them some time for them to get comfortable and work the kinks out. Once they started to get comfortable the really shined. We left Hooper Bay 3-2 and with a new respect for each other as a team. This weekend we will be hosting a small tournament here in Chevak with Kalskag and Hooper Bay. In the next weeks to come there will be lots of weekend traveling. It's an exciting opportunity for me because I'm getting to experience new places that I would never have had the chance to experience otherwise. It's also fun spending time with the girls and getting to know them better.
There are other things that I want to post but I'm going to do them separately. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as there are some things going on right now that are making things very stressful for me.
Right now, I'm proctoring yet another test. All the testing is so draining, I can't even imagine how my kiddos keep their stamina. Just last month many of them were involved in the HSGQE exam retake and now a majority of the same kiddos are participating in the Work Keys exam. I'm pooped with testing. Since moving up to highschool with my ELL "title", I have become one of the designated test proctors for the school. Due to the fact that I have my certification in K-12 ELL, I get to test all the ELL kiddos at Chevak school.
Last month I was sent on my first "training" for LEP (Limited English Proficient/ELL) Data and LEP testing. I was very nervous at first because I thought that there was going to be a TON of expectations for me to come back to Chevak with. I am also not comfortable or confident with anything that has to do with data so I was worried that most of the items that was going to be presented was going to be too confusing and overwhelming for me to understand. It turned out that the training was a breath of fresh air. Right away at the beginning they went over all the things that I studied, practiced and trained while I was in college. Everything was coming back to me and I was starting to feel confident in bringing the information back to Chevak. It was also nice because I was able to help my coworker that came with me, as she started to feel overwhelmed with all the information.
Volleyball is under way and that has brought along more work, stress and excitement to my already full plate. Last weekend we traveled to Hooper Bay (which was a first for me) and played in 5 matches. It was the girls' first game and it took them some time for them to get comfortable and work the kinks out. Once they started to get comfortable the really shined. We left Hooper Bay 3-2 and with a new respect for each other as a team. This weekend we will be hosting a small tournament here in Chevak with Kalskag and Hooper Bay. In the next weeks to come there will be lots of weekend traveling. It's an exciting opportunity for me because I'm getting to experience new places that I would never have had the chance to experience otherwise. It's also fun spending time with the girls and getting to know them better.
There are other things that I want to post but I'm going to do them separately. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as there are some things going on right now that are making things very stressful for me.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Let the challenges continue...
Before I write about teaching..here are some pictures since I've been back in Chevak...
Jo was attempting the "Gallon Challenge"...he failed
Kiddos we ran into when we went out by boat! The found baby ducks
I was blessed to be asked to go to camp with a family here in Chevak. We took a 4 hour boat ride to get to "Moose Heaven" were we set camp. We picked 60 gallons of blackberries in one day. That night I went to bed seeing berries..
Some of the berries that we picked...
Teacher work day we went to Old Chevak. On the way there, one of the boats caught a seal.
Okay now to teaching...
Whoever said "Oh, you'll get the hang of things sooner or later" was a liar. I really don't think that I'll ever get the "hang" of teaching the older kiddos.
BUT- that's what makes it exciting for me. I NEVER have any idea on what to expect. It's like a constant surprise. I usually had a good idea on what the day would hold when I was teaching the little kiddos, it's a completely different ball game now.
Tomorrow begins the third week of school. Technically it's the second week of actual 'teaching' since we had sea week and tundra fest one of the weeks. It's like I started a completely new profession.
I am very thankful that I came into this already having a relationship established with many of the students I'd be working with. It has helped tremendously with the general attitude of the classroom.
Right now, my kiddos are doing a lot of journaling and a lot of reading. That's one of the things I love the best about teaching the older kids, I get to read books that I love with them. The junior high kiddos aren't sold on reading books yet but I'm getting A LOT of excitement from the high school kids.
I'm doing a project with 2 of my classes. The sophomores-seniors are reading "The Freedom Writers" and they love it already. We just finished the first section (which is only about 50 pages) and they're anxious is reading more. Some of them have seen the movie and have realized that the book is much better because it has more of the story. Both of these classes have started journaling, using the book as their model. We have decided that we are going to make our own 'Freedom Writers' Chevak style. It's going to be different because my students aren't 'fighting' racial issues but I'm still excited for them!
Quyana Agayun
Whoever said "Oh, you'll get the hang of things sooner or later" was a liar. I really don't think that I'll ever get the "hang" of teaching the older kiddos.
BUT- that's what makes it exciting for me. I NEVER have any idea on what to expect. It's like a constant surprise. I usually had a good idea on what the day would hold when I was teaching the little kiddos, it's a completely different ball game now.
Tomorrow begins the third week of school. Technically it's the second week of actual 'teaching' since we had sea week and tundra fest one of the weeks. It's like I started a completely new profession.
I am very thankful that I came into this already having a relationship established with many of the students I'd be working with. It has helped tremendously with the general attitude of the classroom.
Right now, my kiddos are doing a lot of journaling and a lot of reading. That's one of the things I love the best about teaching the older kids, I get to read books that I love with them. The junior high kiddos aren't sold on reading books yet but I'm getting A LOT of excitement from the high school kids.
I'm doing a project with 2 of my classes. The sophomores-seniors are reading "The Freedom Writers" and they love it already. We just finished the first section (which is only about 50 pages) and they're anxious is reading more. Some of them have seen the movie and have realized that the book is much better because it has more of the story. Both of these classes have started journaling, using the book as their model. We have decided that we are going to make our own 'Freedom Writers' Chevak style. It's going to be different because my students aren't 'fighting' racial issues but I'm still excited for them!
Quyana Agayun
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