Future goldfish owner.

All last week was benchmark testing (which signifies the end of the first nine weeks). Benchmark testing is the most exhausting experience... ever. Imagine a classroom of 17 children without a break, without a recess, without a real schedule for 3 days straight, and include a teacher without a break, recess, or real schedule. Yeah, all heck enjoys breaking loose. Definitely crashed each day. This coming week is also going to be insane... mainly due to not having real lesson plans because of remediation from the benchmark tests. If any student made a score under 75%, then they have to be remediated. JOOOY!

I've had to call two parents to schedule conferences either for academic or behavior reasons. T still is being disrespectful, therefore received an N (Needs Improvement) on her report card. Her mom didn't like that too much, but she wants to work with us (other teachers did bring to my attention their concerns for T as well).

B's parents also came in wondering why B didn't have any O's (Outstanding) on her report card. I had to tell them that it was "an administrative decision to not give any students O's this grading period." The decision bothers me (some kids deserve an O in some areas!!), but what can I do?

On a non-teacher note, I bought a 10-gallon fish tank today. I'm pretty excited about it since I assembled and decorated inside of it myself; my creative outlet has been fulfilled. I've been wanting a goldfish for awhile, and so I used some birthday money to get it setup. I haven't picked up the fish yet from Pet Paradise (best pet store ever)... have to give the tank 24-hours first. The filter isn't filtering, so I have to call customer support about that tomorrow...

This weekend was really great since the S's threw me a surprise birthday gathering at good ole Chick-fil-A. It was pretty hilarious, therefore, it was perfect. It meant a lot to me to have my local friends there. Overall, good times.

Gosh, I didn't get to any other life stuff I wanted to get done this weekend... I need to go start packing/etc. before I head up to PA for Thanksgiving. Loooots to do.

- Miss Chelsea :)