Precious little has occupied my “to-do” list this week other than figuring out the menu for Thanksgiving. It was simple: sliced ham, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, cranberry sauce, dressing, and gravy. Dessert was an apple crisp with homemade whipped cream. Today’s to-do list includes drinking my coffee and solving a couple of word puzzles. I think that will cover today’s activities. Tomorrow may find me putting up Christmas decorations, but we shall see.
–Mrs. Johnson <><
Today marked my nineteenth Cougar Camp at Clark Middle School. I shared an introductory presentation with the students in most classes. I’m looking forward to working with this year’s group of students.
–Mrs. Johnson <><
I was thinking last night and realized that I have met individuals who prefer to live in the Land of Ignorance like the Lethargarians of The Phantom Tollbooth. Hmm, if you want to live in the Land of Ignorance, don’t buy anyone else a ticket. Take that trip yourself.
–Mrs. Johnson <><
I had a student or two playing some review games recently. Things were not progressing favorably, so the claim was made that “bugs” were in the computers. When things were going well, i. e., in a winning manner, the bugs had magically disappeared. I cannot make this up.
—Mrs. Johnson <><
We have been in school for twenty-six days. It is said that we need thirty-one days to form habits. Some of my students are still learning good habits: raising their hands to be recognized, keeping hands to ourselves in the hallways, using a proper voice level while walking, and following directions. Each Monday, I ask the students to complete their planners for the week. I want them to write down the plans for the week so that it helps them remember when at home. Planners help provide a check-off list as well. Did I study for my quiz? Check. Did I complete that math homework assignment? Check. Have I practiced my musical instrument for band or orchestra and turned in my practice card? Check.
— Mrs. Johnson <><
There is a reason why we are wearing different school shirts in this picture. Mr. Phan was my teaching partner for the past three years. I had the privilege of planning lessons, laughing, and becoming friends with him during our time together. I will miss his laughter and insights and our shared love of the best band ever: U2 and his alma mater the University of Southern California (Fight on!). I will miss our map dress up days and rivalry between Texas A&M and his adopted school Texas. It’s not always easy to find a work bestie, but I was fortunate and blessed to have him as one of mine for the 2019-2022 school year.
Cue War singing “Summer.” That song is in my mind and a part of my youthful memories of good music with talented musicians. I’ve visited the Plano and Frisco libraries, washed laundry, solved a few daily Wordle puzzles, and savored drinking my morning coffee from a ceramic mug without reheating it.
– Mrs. Johnson <><
I plan to watch ESPN’s College GameDay tomorrow morning as I sip my morning brew. Look for “Ole Crimson,” the flag from Washington State University. It’s a tradition that it’s seen in each episode.
Mrs. Johnson <><
Here we go into the new school year. We will be working on social studies and focus on the cultures of the world and geography. Be ready to learn something new, review things you already knew, or find yourselves somewhere in between.
–Mrs. Johnson <><
Tomorrow, we begin our new marking period. Some students will change class periods and the mode of instruction. Some are coming back to in-person school, so I will see their bright eyes over their masks. I plan to send a welcome email to them and a farewell email to those who are no longer in my class. It will have to wait until I have a second cup of coffee.
–Mrs. Johnson <><