What to Expect for the Next year

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

I am now a resident of Washington, D.C. Hello cute little house on Capitol Hill J

Started Professional Development (PD) August 13, 2012 at IDEA Public Charter School in Deanwood.  So IDEA PCS became a military academy in 2005-2006. It is career-focused and aims for their students/cadets to go to college and/or maintain a career. It has a JROTC program that used to be required of all students focusing not only on academics but providing mentorship, leadership training, citizenship, and self-discipline.  The purpose and plan of the school at inception are great and have helped students in the past, but the school is struggling. http://www.ideapcs.org

Almost 4 years ago, IDEA PCS recovered from two major fires that threatened to shut down the school forever.  The first one occurred in the beginning of January by a student in the front office during winter break.  An accelerant was used in order to purposely destroy records.  After the first fire, the school made it its only mission to be able to reopen school within the next few weeks for second semester.  Only a week or two later another individual (student status unidentified) broke into the building to steal tvs, computers, and other electronics.  It wasn’t until early in the next morning that authorities were notified of a fire in the building.  By that time, the whole second and third floor of the historic building was torched. 

At this time, let me tell you a little bit about the community—Deanwood is a residential neighborhood that was not demographically zoned out.  There were no race or income restrictions in the area, as opposed to many other parts of DC.  The school itself used to be Carver Elementary School.  This building is preserved as a historic site because it was the first public school to admit black students.  Residents had to continually fight for basic city services, which brought out leaders and activists in the community.

The existence of IDEA PCS is a reflection of the growing community that is Deanwood.  Students of IDEA PCS come from all over the district but the majority of students come from the Deanwood and Minnesota Metro area.

This semester I will be working with Ms. Mallari co-teaching Math 7, Math 8, and one section of 9^th grade algebra.  I co-taught 7^th and 8^th grade math this summer so I cant wait to repeat that experience.

With all the administrative changes that have been taking place over the last month I am really excited to see how this year will shape out.  First day of school: 28 August 2012

w/love ks

mai burfday

Warning: this post is going to make me sound a little crazy.

Yesterday was my 22^nd birthday. I’m staying at Chelsey, Brittnee, Caitlin and Kyair’s house still because, guess what…I’m homeless still! I spent all day driving around by myself looking for apartments and houses. 5 hours alone on your birthday is not what I would call an ideal celebration.

So much crying.

Around 5pm Chelsey gave me a call to see when I was coming home. Stuck in traffic, was looking as though I wasn’t going to make it until 7pm.  Upset and lonely I told her that they can go ahead and eat dinner cause I didn’t know when I would be home…she refused.  Turns out all the girls made reservations at a Korean restaurant in Baltimore for my birthday.  I get home and am showered with hugs and so much love.  I wasn’t with family, but I was still surrounded by people who cared about me. 

One thing yall should know about me: I Hate Surprises.  Not because they are inherently awful, I just don’t like not being prepared. (good thing I’m a teacher right?) But, these girls are great at them. Somehow they hid candles, a cake, lots of wine, and people from me.  It was just a small celebration but I love everyone that was there. I have no complaints about the relationships I am building from this time of my life.  We all come from very different locations and life experiences but are brought together by what we care about and what makes us who we are, not what we are.

w/love ks