My friend Ruth Ayres has created a wonderful spot for sharing moments from your week. She even has a page to give you all the details you need to know about sharing your own celebrations. So head on over and see what everyone else is celebrating.
The week of speech contest is always a bit frantic, and this week has been no exception. Weather has brought it's own special problems this January. Seems we've been out of school as much as we've been in school. Trying to keep things going is a challenge. I've been managing things pretty well, but today I kind of let the stress get to me. I hate that. I sometimes forgot to "Live Aloha"
So, celebrating the good things....
1. Here's to my former co-coach, who took over improv rehearsal Tuesday when an emergency dental procedure kept me from being able to go to rehearsal.
2. Here's to one of the bravest kids I know this year. A sophomore girl who didn't blink an eye when I asked if she could take over a part in our Reader's Theatre group on Saturday because someone else was academically ineligible. She took the script, highlighted her part, made sure she got the cuts we made. She came after school and practiced the scenes she was in like a pro. My words to her after school, "No matter what happens tomorrow, it will have nothing to do with you. You stepped up and gave the rest of the kids a chance to perform. I'm really very grateful for that." I hope she believes me.
3. And here's to the rest of the group, who rallied around her. Who told her not to worry, they'd take care of her. And they will. This same group, practiced on their own Wednesday when I was at a state meeting.
4. Here's to the improv group who also lost a member (same kid). They took it in stride (although I hear they "beat" him with their choir folders when they saw him in that class). They tried it on their own and then decided they need another person. So they took one of alternates and worked a bit after school with him and promised more practice time tomorrow.
5. And the real celebration--my kids. My kids who go out for speech, not for the accolades, not for the ratings, but for the fun, camaraderie, and experience.
Now that's something to celebrate.
Aloha.
The week of speech contest is always a bit frantic, and this week has been no exception. Weather has brought it's own special problems this January. Seems we've been out of school as much as we've been in school. Trying to keep things going is a challenge. I've been managing things pretty well, but today I kind of let the stress get to me. I hate that. I sometimes forgot to "Live Aloha"
So, celebrating the good things....
1. Here's to my former co-coach, who took over improv rehearsal Tuesday when an emergency dental procedure kept me from being able to go to rehearsal.
2. Here's to one of the bravest kids I know this year. A sophomore girl who didn't blink an eye when I asked if she could take over a part in our Reader's Theatre group on Saturday because someone else was academically ineligible. She took the script, highlighted her part, made sure she got the cuts we made. She came after school and practiced the scenes she was in like a pro. My words to her after school, "No matter what happens tomorrow, it will have nothing to do with you. You stepped up and gave the rest of the kids a chance to perform. I'm really very grateful for that." I hope she believes me.
3. And here's to the rest of the group, who rallied around her. Who told her not to worry, they'd take care of her. And they will. This same group, practiced on their own Wednesday when I was at a state meeting.
4. Here's to the improv group who also lost a member (same kid). They took it in stride (although I hear they "beat" him with their choir folders when they saw him in that class). They tried it on their own and then decided they need another person. So they took one of alternates and worked a bit after school with him and promised more practice time tomorrow.
5. And the real celebration--my kids. My kids who go out for speech, not for the accolades, not for the ratings, but for the fun, camaraderie, and experience.
Now that's something to celebrate.
Aloha.
I love when students show their maturity by taking risks! You have taught your students well! Here is to keeping the spirit of aloha alive in the midst of "clippers and vortexes."
ReplyDeleteImprov, speech, readers theatre?!?! Sounds like so much fun!! Your students sound like they are making great choices!! Yay for them!
ReplyDeleteSounds like your kids are learning a lot more than speech! They are learning life skills like collaboration, and risk taking, and perseverance! Hurray for them and for their teacher!
ReplyDeleteWe have an annual 'alumni' evening where former students come back to talk about the school, Deb. One of the things we 'always' hear is how much they love speech and debate in their high schools! Speech and debate teachers, including you, rock! Thanks for sharing all your good news, and best wishes for a wonderful day for your kids!
ReplyDeleteHere's to the leader of this improv group - you- empowers her kids and finds ways to make sure they succeed. Yay for you, Deb!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a wonderful day at the contest. I know you all gave it your best, because less than that would not do. This is a joyful celebration!
ReplyDeleteOh my, dental procedure with unexpected changes before the contest, no surprise stress builds. It's great that you have found your celebrations. I agree with Carol, your students are learning so much more than speech.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you wrapped your celebrations around the speech event. My celebration today includes a shout out to you for inspiring me to start a middle school speech team :) Your work matters to your students and to students you have never even met!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool. I can't wait to hear more about it!
Delete