Le Blog

I’m very proud to be a teacher of French here at Harrison County High School. I have been teaching here since 1997 and I’m both grateful and proud of being an educator here who makes a positive difference in the lives of students. French enrollments are often lower than Spanish enrollments — however I do not allow that to deter me from delivering high quality instruction to my students. In fact, “we” may be small but small in number only — our track record is impressive. Today, I’d like to blog about how French has helped one young lady who is now a Junior at the University of Kentucky. Her name is Kirstie. Kirstie is a Russian major — however her minor is French. The Russian Department at the University of Kentucky is very impressed with the fact that she has studied French for 6 years — 4 here at HCHS and 2 years at the university level. In short, the seeds for her language success began here in Room 101 and I am blessed to have been HER teacher.

Kirstie spent meaningful time with me today recruiting at the Middle School and in my 5th period French I class today. It seemed perfect — high school students aspiring to become college students need to communicate with HCHS alumnus who are now SUCCESSFUL college students. These college students encourage and tell high schools what they need to know and what they need to do NOW in order to prepare for their future.

Her advice: Develop strong study habits NOW!

Whoa! The school year seems to be slipping into so much busyness. I hardly feel that we are at the end of the school year with so much taking place. Here’s a run down for you and for myself:

Friday, May 18th
6th Period Exams (I dislike deviating from the schedule — but our timing has caused our written exam to be today.) Friday, my French II students will take the Interpretive Communication Exam by receiving in French directions about how to prepare a crepe. Creative and delicious aspect of testing.

LDCs will be completed by the end of the week — in terms of a rough draft. FINAL COPIES are due on Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

Monday, May 21st
5th and 7th period exams
French I — German underclass levels

Tuesday, May 22
No school for students
TEACHERS Make UP Day so I will be here!

Wednesday, May 23
2nd and 4th period exams
French I
Informational REPORTS DUE

Thursday, May 24th
1st and 3rd period exams
French III

Friday, May 25th
1/2 day for teachers/GRADUATION DAY!

This young man is simply “inspiring.” He reminds me that no matter how difficult or busy I become, that I am a very fortunate individual. And so are YOU! Enjoy.

Finish Strong

I would be remiss if I did not start out my academic week THANKING everyone in this great community for supporting, well-wishing and/or tolerating my pride for having participated in Mr. Bill Caywood’s production of Lost In Yonkers, which not only took place April 26th-29th but glimmered and glistened with the magic of New York Theatre right here in downtown Cynthiana.

Monday, April 23, 2012 — Regular Instructional Day.

All students and teachers must report to their regular 1st period class for purposes of attendance — all 3 days.

Tuesday, April 24th — Juniors take the EOC in the subject of U.S. History
Testing is in the morning during 1st–3rd periods (8:07 a.m. — 11:25 a.m.)
While Juniors are testing — other students will go either to the gymnasium or to the Auditorium
Afternoon classes 5th, 6th, 7th periods meet for 40 minutes

Wednesday, April 25th — Sophomores take the EOC in the subject of English 10
Testing is in the morning during 1st–3rd periods (8:07 a.m. — 11:25 a.m.)
While Sophomores are testing — other students will go either to the gymnasium or to the Auditorium
Afternoon classes 1st, 2nd, 3rd periods meet for 40 minutes

Thursday, April 26th – Sophomores and some Juniors take the EOC in the subject of Algebra II
While Sophomores and Juniors are testing, other students will go either to the gymnasium or to the Auditorium
The day’s set up is much like Tuesday.

Thursday evening at Roh’s Opera House, please make plans to see Lost In Yonkers at 7 p.m. There will be question/answer/meeting actors time after the production.

Friday, April 27, 2012 — Regular instructional day.

I think I may have Spring fever….but alas, onward we press. :)

I’ve finished my “fun” book and am now reading something more in line with my profession yet is also beneficial to my personal life as well. The title of the book is The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do by Charles Duhigg. I plan to share what I’m highlighting in the book as I read it on this blog. So far, I’m mesmerized by the idea that most of the choices that we make in life are not true bonafide decisions — they are “habits.” “And though each habit means relatively little on its own, over time, the meals we order, what we say to our kids each night, whether we save or spend, how often we exercise, and the way we organize our thoughts and work routines have enormous impacts on our health, productivity, financial security and happiness.” Reflection — so while those little things appear to be meaningless in the present tense day to day life– over time the little things that we do from day to day make themselves seen and wind up having far-reaching results as we repeat the “little habits” over and over again. Hm, very interesting.

I especially nod my head “yes” to the words, “there is no separation between life and work.” Even while at “work”, I’m living my life. Life doesn’t start at 3:30 p.m. when I’m allowed to go home. (I rarely go home as early as 3:30 p.m.) While students are at school, they are also living their lives. . . not just existing in an institution until the final bell of the day rings at 3:10 p.m. I hope that my students ponder this message closely and begin to understand that the quality of life is not something that we put off until something in the near or distant future happens. It is always “now.” So enjoy your day, whatever it brings…reading, discussing, dancing, collaborating, writing, thinking. . . .sounds like a good day to me.