A Perversion in Philadelphia

As I've blogged over the eight months, I've tried to stay away from the political and focus on my experiences with my students.

However, I do have strong feelings about what goes on in my school district, particularly about the (IMHO) mishandling of low-performing schools. A Good Day Teaching writes passionately about the situation at West Philadelphia High School. If you teach in Philly or are simply interested in the behind-the-scenes dealings of an urban district, please read her thoughts.

Note: Her post is very slanted. For basic coverage of the most recent incident involving West, check out The Notebook or The Inquirer.

Our Lives, Our Fortunes, and Our Sacred Honor

From Sunday night, on the Parkway...

Hope everyone is enjoying their July so far!

We Mutually Pledge to Each Other...

I took a hiatus from blogging for about two weeks while I went on a road trip with two of my best friends. I'm back now, ready to tell some stories, share some thoughts from the past year.

In the meantime, in honor of our nation's 234th birthday, I thought I'd share this photo, from The Washington Note.

Happy 4th of July!!

The End

Our last day of school with students was Friday. (I saw a grand total of 4 students. However, I did teach a bunch of kids how to play SET. I also went on a long walk with one of my students and gave a very compelling speech about why she should think seriously about college.)

Tomorrow is the last day of school for faculty and staff.

I'm rather ambivalent about this. My job became my passion this year. While I welcome the break, I am going to miss that which makes me so happy every day.

Doldrums, Part II

Bored out of my mind, and exploring the internet. I found this great (and accurate) description of how scientists view the world:

via Abstruse Goose

Doldrums

Three days of nothing down, two to go.

What on earth am I going to do today? I never thought I would miss teaching so much, so soon.

...I don't even have any funny quotes these days! This is what happens when I come to school but don't see my students!

She Did It!

You may remember my student who dropped out of school, but who returned after some reconsidering...

Well, she graduated! She did it! I watched her march across the stage with pride and accept her diploma. And now she intends to attend a 4-year university! I really hope she pulls through...

Future aside, I am really proud of her present accomplishments.