Been Out For 2 Days

I was out last Thursday and Friday with extreme shoulder pain.  I couldn’t do anything without my left shoulder being in pain.  They tell me it was the weather.

In the summer, I was diagnosed with having osteoarthritis in my shoulders.  My left one is worse as there is no cartilage left between the ball and socket so it’s bone against bone.  Every time I move, it makes noise.  I have been going to physical therapy 1-2 times a week since June.  It’s not helping so they tell me that they can do arthroscopic surgery but it may not help.

Eventually they tell me that I will have to have a shoulder replacement but am too young.  They also say that they only last for 10 years.  Physical therapy would be up to a year.  Eventually my right shoulder will need replacing as well.  Nothing to look forward to.

We moved ELA/SS night!!

Hi guys.  No school on Wednesday.  Lucky you.  We have moved the ELA/SS night to March 18th.  I will be giving you guys Friday to work on it and a few days next week.  I will give you guys more details on Thursday.  See you then.

Social Studies Night is still February 18th

Well all of this snow has really put us behind in school.  All last week I was going to be working with the students on their Social Studies project that is due this coming Thursday, February 18th.  I’m planning on working with all of the students on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  I will also be staying after school Tuesday and Wednesday until 4:30-5:00 to help those that need more assistance.

This project is a big part of their grade and I want everyone to be successful on it.  I have posted a copy of the original packet that some students have requested and for those who like to procrastinate.

Student Theme Sheet 2010

NHD Packet 09-10 Word

NHD Packet 09-10 PDF

So….I finally wrote my 1st referral of the year.

Actually I really hate to write referrals and I give students several chances before I even get to that step.  This particular student has had it coming for awhile but I have been trying to work with him.

Although when a student is singing rap songs using words like “ho” and “licking it”and saying “I wasn’t f****** talking” when it was apparent to the class that he was, I have no choice but to write a referral.  I do not allow anyone to curse in class as it shows a lack of vocabulary skills and intelligence.  Students say, “I just wanted to express myself”.

Well to me, your self “sucks” if you have to use such words.  But then I also have to look at what students are used to hearing at home and they do not know any better manners.  I guess that’s where I’m sympathetic to them but at the same time, you can’t use that kind of language in front of other students without getting punished.

Oh well….we’ll see how he is the next few days.  Tomorrow is a new day.

Forgot…..Progress Reports

Forgot to mention that progress reports went out today. They were put into students’ mailboxes today so they have no excuse for not knowing why they have a bad grade.

Back from Turkey Break

It was actually good to get back to work today. Even though I look forward to being away from students, it was nice to start over fresh today and work hard for the next 3 weeks. Winter break will be here soon, maybe some snow also.

– Posted From My iPhone

2nd Round of Progress Reports

On Monday, the students will receive their second progress report for the 1st marking period. Some students will hopefully wake up and realize that they need to start working. I’m pleased with most of the students.

President Obama’s Speech to Students

Here is Tuesday’s speech put through Wordle.

Mr. Pepper’s home today

I had to take today off for a really good reason.  On Sunday evening, my wife and I were canning peppers, mostly habaneros.  I had never worked with them before as they are very hot.  We grew some this summer and we do a lot of canning with what we grow.  Well….I wasn’t thinking and handled them without gloves.  About an hour later, my hands were on fire.  I tried everything to get the pepper oil off of my hands….de-greaser, lemon juice, vinegar, milk, yogurt.  You name it, I tried it.

I’m sitting here now this afternoon and have tried some Cortizone cream.  So far they feel a little better.  I should be back to work on Wednesday.

1st Full Week of School

Well I think we survived our 1st full week of school.  Most of the students seem to be pretty good except for a few knuckleheads.  Students had their 1st Current Events quiz.  Will see how well they did after the break.

Enjoy the three day weekend and come back ready to jump into all kinds of work.