We really need to come to some agreements about how to use email and all the other communication technology. For many this is an effective way to communicate. It is available at all hours and the response can be at any time of the day. But for some the idea is to be instantaneous.
We punch the send key and then wait for the reply. If the reply is not within our patience range, we fire off another and then sit and wait. That is not exactly the way it works for those of us with jobs -- and teaching is a very important job.
With students sitting in front of you, you are not going to respond quickly. Some of us work on our email at the end of the day or right at the start of the next. Some may use a M-W-F system to keep up with the flood. And it is important to remember that there are lots of it.
In so many cases, the question asked in the first email was answered when the son/daughter came home. In other cases, after 24 hours the entire situation looked differently. So the teacher wades through 30-40 emails that were answered before she/he sent the reply.
In the next few weeks, I want to talk about communication - emails, parent portal, conferences, telephone messages and all that. We want to communicate and we want to be responsive. But we also need your help, suggestions and patience.
Check back for more.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
SW Second Act Musical
The Wizard of Oz Directed by Alexis Wilcock and Jesse LaVercombe
Dates:
December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th at 7 p.m.
December 5th at 2 p.m.
In the Southwest Auditorium
Tickets cost $5 for Students and $10 for Adults
Dates:
December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th at 7 p.m.
December 5th at 2 p.m.
In the Southwest Auditorium
Tickets cost $5 for Students and $10 for Adults
SW Baseball Poinsettia Sale
Help support the baseball program at Southwest by buying a beautiful poinsettia!
The Bachman-grown plants come in a 7-inch foil-covered pot and are available in red, white and pink. A great deal for $15 and they make great gifts as well!
Order yours before Friday November 27th by emailing Christine Tjossem at ctjossem@comcast.net.
Delivery will be Saturday December 5th. Thanks!
The Bachman-grown plants come in a 7-inch foil-covered pot and are available in red, white and pink. A great deal for $15 and they make great gifts as well!
Order yours before Friday November 27th by emailing Christine Tjossem at ctjossem@comcast.net.
Delivery will be Saturday December 5th. Thanks!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday - in between
Nice to have the extra day this weekend. The shopping frenzy is almost over - or so the newspaper says. Early hours hopeful and then steady as the day goes. I guess we have to wait a few days for the experts to tell us if we had a good time.
My brother-in-law is here in MN for a few weeks before returning to Nigeria where he lives now days. Of course he was out early yesterday and stayed for hours. I think the wandering through shopping malls and pack stores was a treat. But he was successful so he says. Now the task is getting it into suitcases for the trip back.
Nice to have family about. The chatter and family conversations are a break from all the normal routines of business and daily matters. Hope your break included hours for family and friends.
Only a few school things to get done prior to returning so that is okay. Bright and sunny out and a little cool but not bad day for a walk and a few outdoor activities. Have fun.
My brother-in-law is here in MN for a few weeks before returning to Nigeria where he lives now days. Of course he was out early yesterday and stayed for hours. I think the wandering through shopping malls and pack stores was a treat. But he was successful so he says. Now the task is getting it into suitcases for the trip back.
Nice to have family about. The chatter and family conversations are a break from all the normal routines of business and daily matters. Hope your break included hours for family and friends.
Only a few school things to get done prior to returning so that is okay. Bright and sunny out and a little cool but not bad day for a walk and a few outdoor activities. Have fun.
Friday, November 27, 2009
The Day After or what is yet to come?
So the turkey is in the tupperware and already sick of the leftovers. Some probably hit the streets at 3 in the morning to get a jump on those fantastic sales. Some probably had to go back to work. But whatever, it is the day after and now the rush is on for the holiday season. In what ever manner you celebrate the winter or the end of the year and onslaught of the new one, I am sure the TV ads have just about ruined it.
Why can't we just celebrate being with one another and not because it is 25% off all day or only for the fours before sun up? It is a very nice autumn day out there and in the middle of some store there is fussing and fighting, my friends. I am glad to see people out around the lake and just enjoying the moment.
Just about 1/3 of the school year is behind us. There are actually only 192 days left until the 2010 graduation and the end of this school year. There are so many distractions and the moments speed by all too quickly. Instead of hurry up perhaps a slow down is in order to appreciate the instances and momentary experiences. Most of those include other people - friends, very close friends and/or family. Those experiences are not available at MOA and frequently do not include 25% discount.
Happy sane holiday -- have wonderful couple days and enjoy the moments!
Why can't we just celebrate being with one another and not because it is 25% off all day or only for the fours before sun up? It is a very nice autumn day out there and in the middle of some store there is fussing and fighting, my friends. I am glad to see people out around the lake and just enjoying the moment.
Just about 1/3 of the school year is behind us. There are actually only 192 days left until the 2010 graduation and the end of this school year. There are so many distractions and the moments speed by all too quickly. Instead of hurry up perhaps a slow down is in order to appreciate the instances and momentary experiences. Most of those include other people - friends, very close friends and/or family. Those experiences are not available at MOA and frequently do not include 25% discount.
Happy sane holiday -- have wonderful couple days and enjoy the moments!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving
Football, turkey, food, family and friends. I guess that is all of it. It is one of those times of reflection and we probably don't take enough time for thought and reflection. We are 11 weeks into another year. Kids grow up way too quickly. I hope all the SW families have much to be thankful for. Because we are thankful for what we have we are also reminded there are those who do not.
There is more all of us can do. Whether that is part of a political process or a sense of community or that is within our families, there are ways to expand our being and sharing. I trust the holiday season is wonderful for you and your families!
There is more all of us can do. Whether that is part of a political process or a sense of community or that is within our families, there are ways to expand our being and sharing. I trust the holiday season is wonderful for you and your families!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)