The End Has Come!

Not much else to say...my summer vacation officially began at about 10 this morning. Tonight's the faculty party--let's see how these other teachers get down! I'm am planning to have asummer at the pool, interrupted every so often by a few hours of work to prepare for the coming year. I got a classroom (!) and a full schedule of French for next year, so no more cart dragging for me. If only I can now figure out how to effectively teach the French conditional, subjunctive, future perfect and past perfect tenses to high school juniors... C'est enfin l'été!

I'm Proud

Last night, my high school had its Class of 2006 graduation. I was much more excited this year than last, because I taught many of these students. I felt like I knew even more because of their various stints in ISS. It was great to see all of them all cleaned up and excited about finishing high school (some were somewhat of a miracle, I must say!!). It reminded me of when I graduated, and so I was happy to be able to share that experience with them. My principal tells us from day 1 that it is important that each of his teachers participate in graduation. We all march in with the students, wearing gowns and graduation hoods. It's a cool feeling to be right there with the graduates, watching their legs shake and hearing them breathe heavily as row after row stands up in front of them, walking across the stage. The student's leg next to me got pretty violent in its shaking when the row right in front of us stood up. It's amusing to hear the same worries and fears that we had when we were graduating ("Is my cap on straight"..."Oh my God, I'm going to fall!"). I was proud of my students, and glad to be a little part of their lives. It's nights like these that I forget all about the things that they may have said in the past, or the behavior they used to exhibit. It feels wonderful to see your hard work and your students' perseverance culminate in one celebratory evening.

Exciting Times

I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking about next year. I know the things that I want to improve on. My students are telling me that they want to speak French. The can write it, but speaking isn't something that I haven't been pushing, so it has become a bit of "nails on the chalkboard" feeling when some of them open their mouths. My main goal for 2006-07 is is that my students 3rd year will be held accountable for speaking on a daily basis, in addition to their writing duties. I think this is the only way that they be successful on the AP test the next year. I also want to get rid of the the textbooks that we have, and teach in units, rather than giving them the stupid vocabulary that's in each chapter (like shark and octopus, before they learn how to say cow). I also think that I am going to start a French National Honor Society. I was talking to some of my students, and they told me that it would be really cool since they would get to wear the stole at graduation. In other news, our 2007 summer trip to Europe is also in full swing. We are going to Paris, Madrid and Barcelona...11 days. It's gonna be great... Overheard Girl: "Hey guys, is summer a season?"

Allez, Juin!!

I can't believe that it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post. The eloquent Mr. French will put how I've been feeling like this: "The shadow of another school year is gaining quickly upon us..." Most days, I feel like this: "Good God, when do I get to lay down past he butt ass crack of dawn..." Overall, I am really excited about next year, taking AP certification courses this summer, and just having an old-fashioned break. The French dept. at my school took about 40 students to a French Restaurant here in North Dallas Suburbs, Texas. It was a great time. The students had to talk to REAL French people to order their food. It was funny, because most of them had never had a 3-course meal before. It was great getting to talk to my kids outside of school, and to know them a little bit more on a person basis, rather than a student basis. I feeling like I am letting some of my students down. They are wnating to talk more, but I am not sure how to incorporate that into my curriculum. If anyone has any hints (besides just question and response), let me know. I'll be sure to post some more Overheard(s) soon.

It's MY Week!

This is officially "Teacher Appreciation Week". If there are any other teacher (or people for that matter) that read my blog, take a bow. Hopefully you'll get an apple. For its part, our school hosted an Honors Banquet for the senior class. The students were to choose a teacher that has impacted them at some point in their scholastic career. Early last week, much to my surprise, I was chosen. I must say that the food was pretty good. I will never turn down a free meal! It felt pretty good to be thanked, but I guess it was really for the seniors, and not me...but who cares! I got cake! Overheard: N: Hey, E, what's your middle name? E: Alfredo. N: Oh, like the cheese? I really like pasta and cheese.