One more week down, two more to go until Christmas break! I can’t believe how quick this week has gone by. My students have, oddly, been really good. Either they’re getting into the routine of things and getting over their attitudes with me, or I’m in for a hell of a week next week. You never know what kind of day to expect from these kids. Tomorrow should be pretty laid back (cross my fingers) we’re just doing a catch up day for most of the kids to complete work that they haven’t done because they’re absent so much. Ryan was floored to hear that I have some kids that are gone for 3 or 4 of the days each week- and its a regular thing. Seriously- half these parents just don’t care. It’s pretty sad. Hopefully I can get them caught up and get their grades looking better. I’m *blush* starting to actually like some of these kids. They crack me up sometimes… we listen to music a lot if they are doing independent seat work, and one cd that CRACKS me up that they love is Ray Charles… their favorites are "I’ve Got A Woman" and "Georgia on My Mind". Its hilarious to see a class full of 7th grade innercity boys quietly singing the words to some of these songs.
Tonight Ryan’s basketball team KICKED BUTT. This is the first game that they have really put a lot of effort into it and they were awesome. It was their first win, and it was against a team that was undefeated until tonight. The crowd was wild- the other team was getting all worked up and so were we. I just LOOVE the basketball games that get your adrenaline rushing.
This weekend I have another senior photo shoot… its a senior guy and his girlfriend. We’ll see how that goes. Its freakin cold out and snowing, but I guess it doesn’t matter for me- I can bundle up. Their butts are going to be the ones freezing!
Well, I suppose thats it for now. Not much else to type about. I wish that I could update during the day, but the school internet blocks yahoo and typepad and even scrapjazz! Any site that has to do with "blogging" or "free mail". I can’t do anything fun on the computer there! So, I would have lots more to update if I could just update during the day when things are fresh in my mind, but I guess I’ll have to deal with it, huh?
nicolebarczak.com 
First of all, sorry to here that SJ and TP are blocked from your school. That stinks!!! I am sure we are not too far behind, just yeterday they blocked Myspace and hotmail was out years ago…
I am glad to hear that it is gettign a little better with the Jr/ High kids. Hopefully your attendance people are reporting these extensive absences to the courts…. most parents don’t want to go there and will start sending their kids more often. TTYL!