Gallery

This pictured was taken a few years ago and I still laugh every time I see it. I wanted a skeleton for a body unit, there was only one available in the entire school. I asked to borrow it and this is how it was delivered to me. I think my sentiments were perfectly captured in this picture.

Mr Camacho broken — A skeleton . . . borrowed . . . in less than mint condition

Monthly Advice–March

This month, a bit of humor, and a bit of truth:

Spring fever is real.

March 20, 2019 is the first day of spring.

Spring fever is defined as: restlessness and excitement associated with the start of spring. It is further defined, and known as mood, emotional, and behavioral changes that result from the arrival of spring.

With record breaking cold and rains, with a polar vortex that made parts of the US colder than Antarctica, with my own sentiments that winter weather has lasted much too long, I most assuredly anticipate spring fever.

There’s nothing I can offer to help alleviate concerns, or ward off this illness, my advice is only to remind you, or tell you, that it exists.

Spring fever is real: either you will feel it, or your students will feel it, or your co-workers will!

Whoever catches it, just be kind–this too shall pass . . .

Things I never knew . . .

Installment #6:

Five things I never knew . . . until I became a teacher:

there is a scarcity of breaks during the school day — for teachers and students alike
actual prep time is precious (if it’s built into the schedule and left untouched, that’s beautiful, and rare)
time flies, especially during recess, lunch, and passing period
copying is actually time-consuming
there is never enough time

Teacher Tip #6

It’s just a test.

It seems that the end of February we start entering a delightfully misunderstood and stressful season: testing season.

There’s quarter tests and WIDA about this time of year. These are followed by state-standardized tests, which are then followed by the next set of quarter tests.

These state-standardized tests and quarter tests, if you’re in secondary, may overlap with PSATs, and special subject exams (think AP). There’s also, of course, every other normal test sprinkled in between all of these *big* *important* tests.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in elementary or secondary, there’s this near two-month testing window rapidly approaching and I’m here to remind you: It’s just a test.

I have fallen victim to the stress and I passed it onto my kids. Don’t do that. They’re already stressed, they already know that these things are a big deal. So, I implore you–remind them: It’s just a test.

It’s one day out of 180 this year.
It’s one day out of however many they have accumulated over the years.
None of these tests are measuring their kindness, their dedication, their hard work, their perseverance, or any number of far more important qualities and traits they possess as human beings.
Tests can be taken again.
Tests are singular snapshots; they do not measure every aspect of learning and growth.
Tests are subject to human and technological error.
Tests are like every other assignment–there will be multiple opportunities to show just how much they have learned; today, and this test, are not the only opportunity to demonstrate learning and growth.

Tests–state tests, district tests, exit exams–are important, but they’re not the most important determinant, measure, or indicator of educational excellence. Remember that, and remind your students too.

Things I never knew . . .

Installment #5:

Five things I never knew . . . until I became a teacher:

The 100th Day of School is a mutual celebration for students and teachers–truly
The 100th Day of School is secretly fun and educational . . . if you plan it right
The 100th Day of School is terribly messy
The 100th Day of School is a uniquely elementary experience, and even within this world a much more primary experience
The 100th Day of School can cause a ton of disagreement (a discussion on *when* it actually is, can turn into a hilarious as well as infuriating debate)