Monday, May 4, 2009
Church cancelled!
For the first time I can remember, church was flat cancelled. The previous week, the bishop stood up after Sacrament and asked all the high school kids to go home. But yesterday's meetings were cancelled. We've had no scouts, young women's, etc for weeks, but I was shocked that they cancelled Sunday service. I have always said though, that if something is going around, you are going to get it at church. People feel so obligated to go that they often go sick. Maybe it was a wise call. Definitely something to remember--thus the blog entry. LOL
Saturday, May 2, 2009
No School For Another Week!
Yes, that's right, under the recommendation of the Texas Dept of Health, we have no school for another week! At this point, I think more schools in the San Antonio area are closed than open. Kids are thrilled, but I have a few concerns. I know they are worried about the spread of the virus. However, the kids are heading back after two weeks off, straight into TAKS testing.
For those unfamiliar with TAKS, it's Texas' version of torture for students and teachers alike. I was exposed to state testing in California, but nothing like this. So much pressure is placed on the students that Zach literally made himself sick the day of his first TAKS test. They tell the kids that they won't go on to the next grade if they don't do well. They sequester them in one classroom all day with no breaks. Even lunch is brought into the room. It's pretty intense. I know just as much pressure is placed on the teacher as well. The students then recieve their results a couple weeks later and great value is placed on that. Luckily, Zach tested well (commendable) and was given accolades. But what about those students who don't test well?
Anyway, I've digressed. They will be taking TAKS the week they return after 2 weeks of play. The district has posted work on the website for them. But most of the parents I've talked to don't plan on making their kids do it. I guess I'm the ogre, b/c I'm making them do it ALL. LOL
Also, when the kids return to school, they will just have a little over 3 weeks left to cram in a lot of material, then summer break starts. It's just crazy! At least during summer break we can go places, do things and get together with their friends. These poor kids (and mom) are getting cabin fever!
This hits us as well! Considering that I work as a substitute, I am currently out of work. Not a good thing! I just have to keep reminding myself that "this too shall pass!" :)
For those unfamiliar with TAKS, it's Texas' version of torture for students and teachers alike. I was exposed to state testing in California, but nothing like this. So much pressure is placed on the students that Zach literally made himself sick the day of his first TAKS test. They tell the kids that they won't go on to the next grade if they don't do well. They sequester them in one classroom all day with no breaks. Even lunch is brought into the room. It's pretty intense. I know just as much pressure is placed on the teacher as well. The students then recieve their results a couple weeks later and great value is placed on that. Luckily, Zach tested well (commendable) and was given accolades. But what about those students who don't test well?
Anyway, I've digressed. They will be taking TAKS the week they return after 2 weeks of play. The district has posted work on the website for them. But most of the parents I've talked to don't plan on making their kids do it. I guess I'm the ogre, b/c I'm making them do it ALL. LOL
Also, when the kids return to school, they will just have a little over 3 weeks left to cram in a lot of material, then summer break starts. It's just crazy! At least during summer break we can go places, do things and get together with their friends. These poor kids (and mom) are getting cabin fever!
This hits us as well! Considering that I work as a substitute, I am currently out of work. Not a good thing! I just have to keep reminding myself that "this too shall pass!" :)
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