science project.

We just finished a chapter on oceanography, so for a science project, the kids profiled different sea animals.

no, not a plane crash.

It turns out that a plane did not crash into the mountain. Thankfully. What we heard and felt was the sonic boom of the space shuttle Endeavor on its way to Cape Canaveral. And what I saw was clearly the path of the shuttle. Now I can rest easy.

update on marvin.

Since I've created a special chart for Marvin, his attitude and his behavior have improved. Some days he does really well, but others he still can't hold it together enough to get by without punishment. He hasn't gone to the office since our little crisis a few weeks back, so I suppose that is proof of improvement. I'm hoping for improvement on a grander scale. This will be the fourth week with the behavior chart and hopefully the first week he can receive a prize (a Hot Wheels car).

So here's his chart that he relentlessly refers to as his "shart" even though I correct him every single time, "Ch-ch-chart!"

plane crash?

I was standing outside on the phone tonight. The sky was clear and I was admiring the stars. In the next instant, I looked up and saw a huge white line cutting the sky in half. It looked like a jet stream, but it was closer than I had ever seen one before. It was there, bright and white, and within minutes it was gone.

Then, moments later, I heard what sounded like an explosion not too far away in the mountains. I felt it too. The ground shook, and my house shook. It freaked me out. I immediately got off the phone and had a mini freakout with Jacki. We concluded that a plane crashed into the mountain. It still has me shaken as I try to go to sleep tonight.

What is also unsettling is that I'm fairly certain I won't be able to find any news about this tomorrow or any time soon.

lately.

I had my second round of report cards and parent-teacher conferences at school. Thankfully, my parents were happier this time around. Many of my kids have improved their grades since the first quarter, so I had some happy moms and dads. Miguel's mom was so happy that it brought tears to her eyes. I've implemented behavior charts for Levi and Marvin, and their parents seemed happy with the results from those.

Ana Maria and Lorean have been sick and absent from school for at least a week now. The principals tell me that Ana has hepatitis and Lorean has dengue fever. Both of these are pretty serious, so I'm hoping and praying that they will recover quickly.

Life here has become pretty routine. Not much exciting happens. Although the other day I was sitting incorrectly in one of the kids chairs (my butt on the desk and feet on the seat), and the imbalance of weight caused me to topple over in front of my class. I somehow landed on my feet but ended up with a bruise on the back of my leg. The kids were stuck somewhere between shock and laughter as I promptly continued to conduct class.

For the first time this week, I was the teacher responsible for a student receiving demerits. I didn't feel too great as I signed the paper that was to be sent home to Jasson's parents, because he sat there and cried. Receiving demerits devastates the students. I don't see that I have another choice, however, when I can't control a certain behavior.

100th day.

Monday was our 100th day of school. The kids didn't really understand what that meant. I don't really understand how they didn't. At least they liked their "100th day" stickers that I made them wear all day.

"Today is the 100th day of school!"
"Gwhaaaat?"
"We've been in school for 100 days."
"Huh??"
"Guys, we have come to school for 100 days."
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

I'm just glad there aren't 100 more.