Road of teaching

My poor students have been subjected to The State Test this week - two days (so far) of sitting. At their desks. Testing.

Can I go to the bathroom?
No.

Can I get a drink of water?
No.

Can I pick up my pencil? It dropped.
No. I'll pick it up for you.

Seriously. That's how it's been. We [teachers] feel bad for being so militaristic during The State Test, but [first of all] we have to, and [second of all] I would argue that we make up for it by buying the kids treats and letting them chew gum, and going outside to line dance during our breaks.

In the midst of the testing, our community is celebrating our annual Apple Blossom Festival.
Carnival + Food fair = crazy kids! Throw The State Test into the mix, and things get even more interesting.

So, one morning (Wednesday to be exact), I walk into the school office to retrieve my testing box. My boss is in there, checking the boxes out to us.

I pick up the cardboard box and am about to head out of the office when my boss says, "Oh, while you're in here, Dahlia, I'd like to offer you a continuing contract at fourth grade."

As my friend Bek would say, "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!"

But what I really said was "Oh my goodness - thank you," or something like that.

"I assume you accept?"

Of course!

As a witness would later comment, I had the biggest smile that morning as I carried my testing box to my classroom.

So, Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus! I get to continue on this road of teaching.

And now I get to go walk in the Apple Blossom parade with my students. Ciao!

Fantastic Friday

I greet my students every day with what we call "The Morning Message." It usually begins with

Good Morning, Class,

and usually ends with,

Love,
Ms. Avila

and in between I inform the kids what we'll be doing today, complete with transition words and usually at least one instance of alliteration.

Have a merry Monday...terrific Tuesday...wonderful Wednesday...thankful Thursday...fantastic Friday...

You get the idea.

All that to explain the title of this post.

And now perhaps a little more illumination on today's events will help further explain why today was fantastic.

1. It was my first day as an auntie.

PC: My mom, ntbka (now to be known as) "Grandma"

Little Brynn Loree Avila was born last night, weighing in at 8 pounds, 0 ounces. She got to be my first experience holding a newborn. My brother Armando got to show me how.

The only down-side to her birth is that my sister-in-law Lisa is still recovering from her C-section delivery. :( Not fun.

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2. This is funny.

Earlier today, my mom was searching for my little brother, Oliver. She searches in the house, in the yard, in the driveway...where could he be?

You know where she found him? Curled up, asleep, with Pepsi (our dog)... in the doghouse!

I wish I had a picture of this. It gives a whole new meaning to the saying "in the doghouse."

For another funny anecdote, be sure to read Bek's latest Funny Friday.

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3. You know how, when someone's gone, people all of a sudden start saying nice things about them?

Like, "She was always so nice."
Or, "He always found a way to make me laugh."

Well, now that my one-year teaching contract is almost up, I kind of feel like that person who is gone...or leaving.

People I've known and related with all year are beginning to say,
"Oh, you've done such a great job."
"We hope we can keep you."

And it's really encouraging! But - who am I kidding? I really have had a wealth of support and encouragement this entire school year, from friends, family, and colleagues -- even parents of my students, and the students themselves...

This lovely daffodil graced my desk a couple of weeks ago. I asked around to identify the gifter, but I found out zilch. So I just enjoyed it. [I've discovered I love receiving flowers.]

...which is one of the reasons I love the school I am at...and one of the reasons I am so grateful to God for His goodness...and one of the reasons I have, as of today, applied for a continuing position at this school!

What next year will bring, only God knows. He clearly opened the doors for me to be where I am right now, and I know He'll be faithful to continue guiding me according to His will.

Lead on, Lord.

And that was my fantastic Friday.