Friday, November 12, 2004
Proud Parent Post, Beware!
I’m a proud parent so beware of the following story. I can’t help writing it. I have a good friend, JT Rissman, who had kids before me. He would talk about them all the time. I would smile and say in my head that I was never going to subject anyone to the same experience. 10 years and 3 kids later, I find myself talking to strangers hopping they will ask if I have kids. It is a sickness that I have accepted whole heartedly.
Anthony had his first grade conference this last week. He goes to school at Valley Crossing in Woodbury. It is a very interesting school that groups the students in houses. Each house is made up of two grades (k - 1, 2 - 3, etc.).
The conference format was also interesting. The first 15 minutes was student led. Anthony showed us the work he had done so far this year. He showed us some of his writing at the beginning of the year and was excited to show us how much he had improved. Anthony then, with the help of Sarah and I, highlighted areas he had strengths and areas that he needed to improve. We looked at his reading from the same perspective.
Math was my main concern. Anthony, in my eyes as with every parent who looks at their own children, is a genius. I use think of his brain as a sponge but I now feel it is much more efficient than that. He picks up most concepts instantaneously, others without even having to have them presented to him.
He also has a gift explaining mathematical concepts. It is fun to watch him explain ideas to Nate and Michael. He will use different methods explaining one concept. It makes the teacher in me proud.
After the first 15 minutes of the student led conference, the teacher was added to the picture. She discussed specifics of Anthony’s strengths and weaknesses. I was happy to see she saw many of the same characteristics in Anthony that I do.
When Ms. Piddy told us that she recognized Anthony’s gift in Mathematics, tears filled my eyes. I could not help to be overwhelmed with pride that someone else recognized that Anthony has an amazing Mathematical brain.
Anthony was incredibly enthusiastic about school and what he was learning. Several times during the conference his eyes lit up when he starting talking about what they were doing in school. This tells me that he enjoys the classroom environment.
I was pleased with the conference and how Valley Crossing is challenging Anthony.
Anthony had his first grade conference this last week. He goes to school at Valley Crossing in Woodbury. It is a very interesting school that groups the students in houses. Each house is made up of two grades (k - 1, 2 - 3, etc.).
The conference format was also interesting. The first 15 minutes was student led. Anthony showed us the work he had done so far this year. He showed us some of his writing at the beginning of the year and was excited to show us how much he had improved. Anthony then, with the help of Sarah and I, highlighted areas he had strengths and areas that he needed to improve. We looked at his reading from the same perspective.
Math was my main concern. Anthony, in my eyes as with every parent who looks at their own children, is a genius. I use think of his brain as a sponge but I now feel it is much more efficient than that. He picks up most concepts instantaneously, others without even having to have them presented to him.
He also has a gift explaining mathematical concepts. It is fun to watch him explain ideas to Nate and Michael. He will use different methods explaining one concept. It makes the teacher in me proud.
After the first 15 minutes of the student led conference, the teacher was added to the picture. She discussed specifics of Anthony’s strengths and weaknesses. I was happy to see she saw many of the same characteristics in Anthony that I do.
When Ms. Piddy told us that she recognized Anthony’s gift in Mathematics, tears filled my eyes. I could not help to be overwhelmed with pride that someone else recognized that Anthony has an amazing Mathematical brain.
Anthony was incredibly enthusiastic about school and what he was learning. Several times during the conference his eyes lit up when he starting talking about what they were doing in school. This tells me that he enjoys the classroom environment.
I was pleased with the conference and how Valley Crossing is challenging Anthony.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Deep Dark Hole
I did it.
I didn't do it because my parents said to or because my brother insisted. I didn't do it because I was inspired or hopeful. I didn't even do it because I felt I could make a difference.
I did it sadly because I did not like Bush.
I hate the fact that I voted against and not for. It is contrary to one of my core beliefs. I think this comes from being a Texan in Minnesota. I despise watching sports and having people root against the Cowboys, the Astros, or my Spurs. It hurts to have people do that.
Do not try to convince me that Kerry had a better plan for Iraqi or health care or education. I don't care anymore. It was Kerry's job to convince me, a college educated teacher and parent of three, that he would best lead the United States. He got my vote. . .
. . . because I really didn't like Bush.
Pitiful!
I didn't do it because my parents said to or because my brother insisted. I didn't do it because I was inspired or hopeful. I didn't even do it because I felt I could make a difference.
I did it sadly because I did not like Bush.
I hate the fact that I voted against and not for. It is contrary to one of my core beliefs. I think this comes from being a Texan in Minnesota. I despise watching sports and having people root against the Cowboys, the Astros, or my Spurs. It hurts to have people do that.
Do not try to convince me that Kerry had a better plan for Iraqi or health care or education. I don't care anymore. It was Kerry's job to convince me, a college educated teacher and parent of three, that he would best lead the United States. He got my vote. . .
. . . because I really didn't like Bush.
Pitiful!
