Some call me "Flem"

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I'm an elementary school teacher turned high school English teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL), and adjunct professor here in Philly. These posts are the views, as I see them, from room 105, my first classroom number. Enjoy, engage, and share!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Charter/Deformer - You Missed this marriage or nah?




















Rest well

Dear Maria, Marialla, Patrick, and Taj,
Hi you guys. You didn't know me, but my name is Mr. Fl----Mr. Steve. I'm a teacher. You didn't know me and I never had the privilege of meeting you. But today, I'm very very sad about what happened to you guys. You were so young, so innocent, so full of life and so full of potential. Do you know what "potential" means? It means that you can---could have been---anything you ever wanted to be! You could've have been a teacher like me. Or maybe you could have been a person who makes bridges or drives a truck or a superhero, like a firefighter!

But it makes me really sad that you guys are no longer here to run around and play or even go to school like the bigger kids! You probably had fun on July 4th right? Did you eat hamburgers or do---did---you like hot dogs better? Did you get a chance to see the fireworks with all the lights and the loud noises? I'm sure you really liked those or did they scare you? Maybe you even got a chance to get some ice cream or water ice?

Well, even though I didn't know you, I'm sure going to miss you! I know your family is going to miss you too! You were four years old and one month old and very beautiful kids! Can you---could you count to four? I'm sure you could! Then you would have been five years old, a whole hand, and even go to school with the other five year olds! It makes me sad that you won't get that chance!

Patrick, is that your little brother you're holding? Don't you ever stop holding him! Don't let go of him! Ever!
Maria and Marialla, you two stay together! Hold hands! And don't let go! Ever!

Bye now dear hearts!
Rest well little ones!
Mr. Steve


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

My heart bleeds

My heart bleeds for the families of these four young children who died in the very tragic fire in Southwest Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. Rest well little ones.


Bus driver made the kids' day

I'm riding on SEPTA's 108 bus toward 69th Street. We passed a group of toddlers with their preschool teachers in a park. They were waving at the bus. Initially the driver didn't see them. Once he did, however, he honked and honked! That small act on the part of the driver, you had better believe, made the day of those kids!!

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Punishment?

The future of our students is too worthy an investment for principals to think of switching teachers' grade assignments as 'punishments' or 'Ahh, I got you! That'll teach you to speak up!'

Unfortunately, this is the reality here in Philly and undoubtedly in other places as well.

Taking the wings out of dead flies!!

I can remember being a little lad, outside in the summer sun, watching ants at work. I was so enthralled by the dead bugs, chips, onion rings, and water ice remnants they'd be feasting on. I remember watching with intrigue the hills they constructed from dirt inside the earth.

Then, too, I can also remember looking at the different types of ants I'd see. Some were black, others were red, some were smaller than others and some even flew! ((WOW))

I also remember being interested in dead flies. They wouldn't be dead before I got a hold of them, however. I took their wings out and examined them closer. I saw them "wash their face and hands" often. That is until I ended their stay on earth.

Then there were the dragonflies, beetles, June bugs, fire flies, hornets, and yellow jackets. What naturally followed was the flipping through of the old World Book Encycopedias to learn more!

I fear that in this age of high stakes testing, Common Core and many special interests, who feign invested interest in our children, that such learning and discovery and excitement about such learning and discovery will fizzle!

Ooops, it already has!