So, it's been just shy of a month since my last post. We have finished the EOGs (End of Grade tests). The kids in North Carolina take the EOGs at the end of the year. The 3rd and 4th graders take a day of just reading and then two days of math. One test is with a calculator and the other is without a calculator. In fifth grade they do the same as 3rd and 4th, but they also do a science test.
The test is a BIG deal down here because not only do they announce how every school did on the test, but it's not just a measure of how many passed/didn't pass. They really care about growth. So you could have a whole class that everyone passed, but if they don't make growth, you're in trouble. The school gets recognized and ranked based on the growth, and there's bonus money attached to each school for the growth that the kids show. So it's so competetive and very stressful.
Needless to say, this year, I didn't have all my kids pass the tests and they didn't all show growth. I got my scores on Friday and seriously had a hard time with it all. I feel like I need to just hang it up and quit teaching. I don't know what else I could have done this year. I seriously gave 100% to my teaching every day and I did so much EOG review that I thought I'd lose my mind! I have to think, I can only lead my students so far... if they aren't willing to give 100% themselves, and I KNOW they didn't all give 100% all year... then there's only so much that I can do. Right?
Anyway... that's been the biggest thing that I've been dealing with lately. We bought a bunch of stuff for Scott and Christie's baby shower this weekend. I'm not sure when their shower is, but we bought them some much-needed things that we hope they'll love. I also bought the baby some killer onesies. They are seriously cute!! It's only two more months until I am an aunt again and I can't wait!!
My mom called me yesterday to confirm that they're coming down to visit me over my next track out. So July 24th-31st they will be here. It should be fun! We have our beach house from the 1st of August-6th and I can't wait to go to the beach and just chill. I think we might go to Myrtle Beach, SC for one of the days because it's only 45 minutes away!!
Alright... that's enough from me for now. I'll try and post again before the end of my school year, but it's going to start getting really crazy around here. Next Friday we have our next season ticket Bulls game, and then Saturday night we're going back for a game with my 4th graders. It should be fun!! It's also Father's Day next Sunday...
Until next time...
>^..^<
