The week of April 21st-28th
This week started off super busy. I had a presentaion in my consulitng class which involved my goup and my self the opporutnity to present our final trainng documents to the class. Then I had my defense on Tuesday April 23rd and that's when all hell broke loose. My defense was a disaster. I was given the ultimtium to write more than half of my critical review over. When I heard this news I thought my world was going to shatter right before my eyes. I felt so overwhelemed, to be honest I felt I was set up for failure.
I am suppose to graduate in one week and the week before graduation, I got news that I would not be graduaitng if I do not redo parts in my paper. I felt extremely frustrated because it seemed as if all of the writing, hard work, begging my roommate and peers to help me with my paper and trips to the writing center was all done in vain becuae more than half the material in my paper was not going to be used in my rewrite.
To be honest after the news I became depressed. I Wrote for hours and hours and hours non-stop. Sometimes I forgot to eat or felt I didnt have time to because of how much work that needed to be put into my paper in order for me to graduate.
At the end of this week, I am in the closing stages of my paper. I have writen more than 26 pages in two days. I am determined to graduate!
Right after my defense I had to go to work, after crying my eyes out at the defense and in my car before I walked into Skyline Middle School. I had to put a smile on my face and still think about the kids that I was going to come in contact with. I had to do my job and put my emotions to the side and that's what I did. My kids made me laugh and really made my day. Once I got home the reality set in and I began working. I have been working every since. Even with all of the stress, I know that God will not put anything on me that I cannot bear, so I'm going to continue fighting to the end.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The week of April 14-21st
The week involved me continuing to make final edits to my critical review. I finally got it submitted and had a defense set for April 21st.
I had lots of work to do for my consulting class. My group had the opportunity to create training for suprisors at Virginina Mennonite Retirement Center (VMRC). This project has taught me so much over the last few months. I have somehow grown a passion for consulting. I like the idea that I can fix problems, well atleast try my best to or provide recommendations. Most of this week was spent preparing for my defense, and adding or making changes to our training materials.
At Skyline Middle School, I am teaching Beyond classes twice out of the week now instead of only once a week like they usually were. This gives studnets more chances to participate in enrichment courses which have grown to be the most popular aspect of the RAOS program. Myself and another team leader are leading a class called GIRLS ROCK! In the class we teach the young girls about the important of choices, etiquette, integrity and hardwork. We expresss the importance of how women can be successful and provide the girls with information on how to start a business. So far this has been one of the most rewarding classes that I have ever taught in RAOS. The girls open up about sensitive topics and I enjoy being able to answer their questions. I'm looking forwards to next weeks class.
The week involved me continuing to make final edits to my critical review. I finally got it submitted and had a defense set for April 21st.
I had lots of work to do for my consulting class. My group had the opportunity to create training for suprisors at Virginina Mennonite Retirement Center (VMRC). This project has taught me so much over the last few months. I have somehow grown a passion for consulting. I like the idea that I can fix problems, well atleast try my best to or provide recommendations. Most of this week was spent preparing for my defense, and adding or making changes to our training materials.
At Skyline Middle School, I am teaching Beyond classes twice out of the week now instead of only once a week like they usually were. This gives studnets more chances to participate in enrichment courses which have grown to be the most popular aspect of the RAOS program. Myself and another team leader are leading a class called GIRLS ROCK! In the class we teach the young girls about the important of choices, etiquette, integrity and hardwork. We expresss the importance of how women can be successful and provide the girls with information on how to start a business. So far this has been one of the most rewarding classes that I have ever taught in RAOS. The girls open up about sensitive topics and I enjoy being able to answer their questions. I'm looking forwards to next weeks class.
The week of April 7-14
This week was very hectic. I was preparing to have my research paper completed so I could present a final copy and set a date for my defense.
The week involved multiple trips to the writing center during the same day. The AHRD graduate program has pushed my ability to limits that I never thought I would reach. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, I mean its a Masters program but I felt at times overwhelmed and incompetent.
At the end of this week I had my written comprehensive exam retake. Luckily I passed but it was hard managing the time I spent on my research paper and the time I spent studying for my written comprehensive exam. I also had to tackle classwork and go to work but my job was my release away from papers and studying. I enjoy my job and have fun everyday with my students. It was good to come to work and have multiple students make me smile without even knowing the stress I was going through at school.
This week was very hectic. I was preparing to have my research paper completed so I could present a final copy and set a date for my defense.
The week involved multiple trips to the writing center during the same day. The AHRD graduate program has pushed my ability to limits that I never thought I would reach. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, I mean its a Masters program but I felt at times overwhelmed and incompetent.
At the end of this week I had my written comprehensive exam retake. Luckily I passed but it was hard managing the time I spent on my research paper and the time I spent studying for my written comprehensive exam. I also had to tackle classwork and go to work but my job was my release away from papers and studying. I enjoy my job and have fun everyday with my students. It was good to come to work and have multiple students make me smile without even knowing the stress I was going through at school.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Week of March-31st
This week at work was all about preparing the students for the last week before they had spring break.
This week we also had our beyond the bell showcase that allowed students to show their parents what they have been working on in their beyond courses over the last 8 weeks. We didn't have as many parents show up that we wanted to but we had an alright turnout.
One thing we can do better the next time around is to send more information home to the students and get more students excited about having their parents support them.
I think the program was a good idea but it still needs a lot more work to get more students and parents excited about coming.
The students had a lot of energy this week. Team leaders really had to step it up to keep students under control.
The week of April 1-7th
We didn't have to work at all this week because of spring break. So no work but I had plenty of work to do for my consulting class and lots of writing my critical review.
This week at work was all about preparing the students for the last week before they had spring break.
This week we also had our beyond the bell showcase that allowed students to show their parents what they have been working on in their beyond courses over the last 8 weeks. We didn't have as many parents show up that we wanted to but we had an alright turnout.
One thing we can do better the next time around is to send more information home to the students and get more students excited about having their parents support them.
I think the program was a good idea but it still needs a lot more work to get more students and parents excited about coming.
The students had a lot of energy this week. Team leaders really had to step it up to keep students under control.
The week of April 1-7th
We didn't have to work at all this week because of spring break. So no work but I had plenty of work to do for my consulting class and lots of writing my critical review.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
This week of March 18-24th
This was the week of WRITTEN COMPS!!! I was stressful trying to prepare for written comps but I was able to get through it and I am glad its over! I know I have 2 weeks to find out about my results but I'm still feel a sense of relief.
At work we only had a 3 day week because of parent teacher conference, so work was great and flew by really fast!
This week at work was all about preparing for this program we have on Tuesday called the Beyond the Bell showcase. This program gives students a change to show off everything they have learned in their beyond class. The showcase is great program that gets parents involved and lets students broadcast their talents.
We also had a staff meeting Friday. One thing in the staff meeting that I found was interesting was that my supervisor asked for feedback from us as employees. I thought that was a great thing to do because feedback allows you to grow. My boss taught me a valuable lesson about not being afraid to take constructive criticism even when your the boss. There is allows room for improvement. I learned that this week at work.
This was the week of WRITTEN COMPS!!! I was stressful trying to prepare for written comps but I was able to get through it and I am glad its over! I know I have 2 weeks to find out about my results but I'm still feel a sense of relief.
At work we only had a 3 day week because of parent teacher conference, so work was great and flew by really fast!
This week at work was all about preparing for this program we have on Tuesday called the Beyond the Bell showcase. This program gives students a change to show off everything they have learned in their beyond class. The showcase is great program that gets parents involved and lets students broadcast their talents.
We also had a staff meeting Friday. One thing in the staff meeting that I found was interesting was that my supervisor asked for feedback from us as employees. I thought that was a great thing to do because feedback allows you to grow. My boss taught me a valuable lesson about not being afraid to take constructive criticism even when your the boss. There is allows room for improvement. I learned that this week at work.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Week of March 11th-17th
This week was a lot of fun! It was the week of the inauguration so JMU had lots of events on campus. I had a great week at work. I only worked 3 days out of the week because we had an early release day on Tuesday.
In my Explore class I got a chance to teach students communication skills. As RAOS ambassadors they had the opportunity to learn the do's and dont's's of proper public speaking. They created speeches about how the RAOS ambassador course has made them a better leader and what they like most about the class. I really enjoyed students present their speeches on Wednesday. I witnessed the shyest students step out of their shell and present their speeches really well. The speeches were really touching. Based on the speeches students seemed to really enjoy the RAOS ambassadors course. It feels really good know that students actually took something away from the class.
In my basketball beyond course students went over basic basketball fundamentals. Students also got a chance to scrimmage each other, that was a lot of fun to watch. I wish I had more time to work with students individually. To help build their confidence. Having a Beyond once a week is really difficult. Students lose motivation and forget the aspects of last week class.
Team leaders also had a school dance to chaperone Friday, that was a lot of fun. It was funny to see how students are still in that awkward middle school phase where they don't want to dance but they kind of want to.
Overall great week. I would not change anything. I am busy working on my critical review, preparing for a presentation Monday, working on a consulting project and studying for written comps on Friday. I'm really glad that I am halfway through my last semester at JMU!!! its kind of bitter sweet.
This week was a lot of fun! It was the week of the inauguration so JMU had lots of events on campus. I had a great week at work. I only worked 3 days out of the week because we had an early release day on Tuesday.
In my Explore class I got a chance to teach students communication skills. As RAOS ambassadors they had the opportunity to learn the do's and dont's's of proper public speaking. They created speeches about how the RAOS ambassador course has made them a better leader and what they like most about the class. I really enjoyed students present their speeches on Wednesday. I witnessed the shyest students step out of their shell and present their speeches really well. The speeches were really touching. Based on the speeches students seemed to really enjoy the RAOS ambassadors course. It feels really good know that students actually took something away from the class.
In my basketball beyond course students went over basic basketball fundamentals. Students also got a chance to scrimmage each other, that was a lot of fun to watch. I wish I had more time to work with students individually. To help build their confidence. Having a Beyond once a week is really difficult. Students lose motivation and forget the aspects of last week class.
Team leaders also had a school dance to chaperone Friday, that was a lot of fun. It was funny to see how students are still in that awkward middle school phase where they don't want to dance but they kind of want to.
Overall great week. I would not change anything. I am busy working on my critical review, preparing for a presentation Monday, working on a consulting project and studying for written comps on Friday. I'm really glad that I am halfway through my last semester at JMU!!! its kind of bitter sweet.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The week of February 25th and March 4th
My mom birthday was February 25th she turned 63!!! I wasn't able to go home during the week but I did send her a gift in the mail about a week prior to her birthday she really enjoyed it!
At work during the week of February 25th we had our usual day of RAOS. I assist students with their homework and then we have our fun time or an explore or beyond class. This week we were trying to enforce the growth mindset in students. The grown mindset program is a program that we have in place that gives team leaders a chance to teach students how to develop their brain by studying. This growth mindset program also tries to make students believe that can really grow their brain. Students in middle school have a hard time realizing some of the things they can do in life. A lot of students knew that the brain is a muslce but they don't understand the concept of making your brain smarter by studying and learning in different ways.
During this week we taught students about different learning styles and showed them a video about how the brain grows and what things your need to make it grow (water, food and rest). I also taught students in my RAOS ambassadors class what to do during public speaking. Students became really engaged as I showed them videos with good and bad public speaking examples. Students now have the task to create their own speech about the some of the things they learned from the RAOS ambassadors class and present it to the class. I really wish we had more time to work with the students a little more during the RAOS ambassadors course. This week was a lot of fun. I also got to teach basketball fundamentals with my beyond students. Right now we are trying to determine what would be the best possible incentive or trip that will align with the basketball beyond course. We usually take all of the students on a field trip once they complete the 8 week Beyond course. Since basketball season is over we won't have an opportunity to go to a basketball game on the JMU campus. Right now we are determining what would be the best fit for the students in the basketball beyond class.
This week during March 4th
We got a lot of SNOW!!!!!This week was a lot of fun. I was a little nervous about being stuck in Harrisonburg but I took a chance Wednesday afternoon and drove home to Richmond. I only went to work twice out of the week. We didn't have wednesday to work because of the snow and we were already off thursday and no staff meeting friday.
I thought I wasn't going to see my family during spring break because the students at the middle school still had school. But because of the snow I was able to go home.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
This week was a great week
The students behaved really well for a majority of the week. Students are really excited to go the Massanutten water park on Friday March 1. A lot of the students who have earned the trip have been showing the core RAOS values focused effort, cooperation, joy and respect. I'm really excited to be able to share this fun experience with the student in the RAOS program. I'm sure next week will be exciting for the students! I'm looking forward to a great week!
The students behaved really well for a majority of the week. Students are really excited to go the Massanutten water park on Friday March 1. A lot of the students who have earned the trip have been showing the core RAOS values focused effort, cooperation, joy and respect. I'm really excited to be able to share this fun experience with the student in the RAOS program. I'm sure next week will be exciting for the students! I'm looking forward to a great week!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
This week was a great week!
We have this campaign going on called the I am campaign, that allows students to think about their strengths and abilities. It helps them determine what could potentially become a career option for them when they grow up. This campaign tries to help students see pass their age now and view themselves in the future. It allows them to set academic goals also.
The first part of the campaign allowed them to come up with 3 words that best describes their abilities. So once they came up with 3 words they then had to narrow it down to one word that really describes them. That word became their "I am: word.
The next part of the campaign students had to come with their "I can" statements using their I am word. For instance if a student I am word is "I am creative" their "I can" statement could be something like.. I can use my creativeness to become an graphic designer one day.
The last part of the campaign is "I will", which gives students a chance to determine what things they can do now to help them develop themselves to reach their "I can" goal.
I really enjoy doing this campaign with my students but sometimes I which we had more time for our students to really grasp the information we are presenting to them. For middle schoolers this activity may be a little hard for them to understand because sometimes they don't see pass "the now". I believe more time will help them grasp the information.
Overall a great week. We had Tuesday off so we had a staff meeting and got a chance to plan for the next few weeks.
We have this campaign going on called the I am campaign, that allows students to think about their strengths and abilities. It helps them determine what could potentially become a career option for them when they grow up. This campaign tries to help students see pass their age now and view themselves in the future. It allows them to set academic goals also.
The first part of the campaign allowed them to come up with 3 words that best describes their abilities. So once they came up with 3 words they then had to narrow it down to one word that really describes them. That word became their "I am: word.
The next part of the campaign students had to come with their "I can" statements using their I am word. For instance if a student I am word is "I am creative" their "I can" statement could be something like.. I can use my creativeness to become an graphic designer one day.
The last part of the campaign is "I will", which gives students a chance to determine what things they can do now to help them develop themselves to reach their "I can" goal.
I really enjoy doing this campaign with my students but sometimes I which we had more time for our students to really grasp the information we are presenting to them. For middle schoolers this activity may be a little hard for them to understand because sometimes they don't see pass "the now". I believe more time will help them grasp the information.
Overall a great week. We had Tuesday off so we had a staff meeting and got a chance to plan for the next few weeks.
Friday, February 8, 2013
This week 2/4/13
This week was full of excitement at my job. On Tuesdays and Thursdays team leaders or volunteers teach enrichment courses called Explore and Beyond. The Explore class that I'm leading for the next 8 weeks is called RAOS Ambassadors. Students who show that they are leaders in and out of the classroom are chosen by their team leaders to be in the RAOS ambassadors Explore class. In the RAOS ambassadors class, I teach students different leadership skills and try to make sure students understand the importance of being an ambassador for the RAOS program. In the class we enjoy students favorite snacks and then students participate in different team builders that give them a change to practice the leadership skill we are going to be talking about that day. This week we focused on patience and persistence. Students seemed to really enjoy the team builder called the human knot and silent birthday lineup. I also try to show a video that relates to the content being taught.
In the Beyond class I am teaching basketball with another team leader. Last week we talked about the importance of grades and discipline. We also spoke about other sports related career that students can partake in if they do not play sports professionally. The week we reviewed some of the topics from last week. Then we split the girls and boys up and each team leader taught the fundamentals of basketball. I went over the triple threat, boxing out, defensive stance, free throws and basic rules. The group of girls that I have are really fast learners. I just wish we had more time to work on improving their skill level. Our beyond and explore classes are only a hour so they are really short and it takes a lot to even get students settled before the lesson starts. I know that we can't increase the time because students have the first part of RAOS to do their homework.
Since grad school is kicking my butt, I came into work really late yesterday. I like that fact that our boss is so understanding. He didn't mind me coming in late as long as I had a legitimate excuse. I was trying get my documents together for my oral comps and I loss track of time but I had to get it done. I was glad my boss let me get it done. He really cares about our success as students and I really appreciate that.
Overall this week was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed going to work!
In the Beyond class I am teaching basketball with another team leader. Last week we talked about the importance of grades and discipline. We also spoke about other sports related career that students can partake in if they do not play sports professionally. The week we reviewed some of the topics from last week. Then we split the girls and boys up and each team leader taught the fundamentals of basketball. I went over the triple threat, boxing out, defensive stance, free throws and basic rules. The group of girls that I have are really fast learners. I just wish we had more time to work on improving their skill level. Our beyond and explore classes are only a hour so they are really short and it takes a lot to even get students settled before the lesson starts. I know that we can't increase the time because students have the first part of RAOS to do their homework.
Since grad school is kicking my butt, I came into work really late yesterday. I like that fact that our boss is so understanding. He didn't mind me coming in late as long as I had a legitimate excuse. I was trying get my documents together for my oral comps and I loss track of time but I had to get it done. I was glad my boss let me get it done. He really cares about our success as students and I really appreciate that.
Overall this week was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed going to work!
Friday, February 1, 2013
After school team leader
I work at Skyline Middle School in Harrisonburg. I'm an after school team leader working with 6th graders. I love my job so much. I have a fun time at work and enjoy coming to work everyday. The program I work with is call RAOS which is soar backwards (hoping to give all students the opportunity to soar). RAOS is an after school program that is free of charge with about 75 students in total. The RAOS program has four 5th grade teams and two 6th grade teams. The RAOS program provide students with 50 minutes to complete their homework which is called FLEX, plus another hour or so of enrichment classes called EXPLORE OR BEYOND or other program activities or playtime. Usually team leaders and volunteers lead the enrichment courses. To give you a example of some of the enrichment courses we have: basketball, flag football, cooking, step, aviation, robotics and tons more. All of these classes are chosen by the students and students participate in them for 8 weeks.
Team leaders teaching the courses are in charge of designing the course content and activities in each of the courses.
Team leaders have lots of responsibilities they have their own team of about 10-15 students. Team leaders meet with teachers to make sure students in their classes are on top of things to improve their grades. Team leaders have access to report cards and interim reports so they try to make sure students are completing homework and developing good study habits.
I love the team leader student relationship that I have with my students. I really have a good time with my students in my class and I enjoy assisting them making sure they are completing their homework to stay on top of their grades!
We do a lot of fun things too! We have a RAOS rally that give students many chances to win prizes.
Students receive incentives called RAOS RAYS when they show joy, focused effort and cooperation. These values are what the RAOS program live by. When students show each of these values team leaders instantly award them by giving them a Ray. We have a drawing at the RAOS rally. All of the rays are collected for the drawing and a few lucky students get a chance to win a prize. Students also go on free trips. A trip is usually the reward for the students once they finish their eight week course. Students also go to Kings Dominion at the end of the school year free of charge with the program. We are also going to the Masanutten water park and Funky's for in mid year RAOS trip.
That is basically what goes on at my job. I will continue to blog about what goes on a weekly basis!
Here's a link too share more about the RAOS after school program
http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~bholsinger/index.php?pages_id=6&t=Unnamed-Page-5
Team leaders teaching the courses are in charge of designing the course content and activities in each of the courses.
Team leaders have lots of responsibilities they have their own team of about 10-15 students. Team leaders meet with teachers to make sure students in their classes are on top of things to improve their grades. Team leaders have access to report cards and interim reports so they try to make sure students are completing homework and developing good study habits.
I love the team leader student relationship that I have with my students. I really have a good time with my students in my class and I enjoy assisting them making sure they are completing their homework to stay on top of their grades!
We do a lot of fun things too! We have a RAOS rally that give students many chances to win prizes.
Students receive incentives called RAOS RAYS when they show joy, focused effort and cooperation. These values are what the RAOS program live by. When students show each of these values team leaders instantly award them by giving them a Ray. We have a drawing at the RAOS rally. All of the rays are collected for the drawing and a few lucky students get a chance to win a prize. Students also go on free trips. A trip is usually the reward for the students once they finish their eight week course. Students also go to Kings Dominion at the end of the school year free of charge with the program. We are also going to the Masanutten water park and Funky's for in mid year RAOS trip.
That is basically what goes on at my job. I will continue to blog about what goes on a weekly basis!
Here's a link too share more about the RAOS after school program
http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~bholsinger/index.php?pages_id=6&t=Unnamed-Page-5
Work Experience
Work experience is a course at JMU that I am currently taking during my second year of graduate school. I am required to blog about my work experiences at my current job. In this blog I plan to share to good and bad experiences at my job. To evaluate my performance plan to share areas that I need to work on to become a better leader and facilitator. I work with middle school students so I'm sure my stories will be interesting. I hope you enjoy my blog site!!!
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