Considering this is that "Once in a blue moon" day that my grandma used to reference, I thought it a perfect day to blog. I haven't been too consistent with it, mainly because I feel kind of shy and awkward. I think it just creates evidence that I ramble. BUT, since I want to expand my PLN and other PD opportunities, I think I need to take the leap - jump off the cliff (as in cliff jumping at the lake) because I know there aren't any rocks below. (right?)

This is the end of the pre-start of school week. I had a meltdown on Sunday because I'm stressed and wondering how I will possibly do my job with all the extra workload. What do I do when my 'best' isn't good enough? How do I sleep at night? How do I keep the light-hearted attitude and smile? How do I meet the deadlines imposed by the Ministry, the Board and my Principal? while at the same time, keep my students on track and stoke their love for learning? (Maybe this is an assumption that they even WANT to learn ...) My caseload is the students with LD's, MID's, OCD ODD ADHD ADD and behaviour issues. I have grade 9 students who read at a grade 2-3 level and who can't write very well, but who have to take the regular 30 credits and who want to 'be something'. There are 185 students at my school who have an IEP. The total population is 630 - that makes 28.5% are on an IEP - and there are 2 of us and I have to teach a course. (But I'll save that for another blog post ...)

I consider September more of a "New Year's" resolution time than January, really. And, I resolve to ... be more organized, more creative and have more balance in my life.

Cheers!