Happy and Sad

It is 4th Period and I am "planning." I don't really have a whole lot to work on at the moment, as I graded all of the completed projects yesterday.

Sad things that happened today: L., one of the very first students that I made a connection with, has been transferred to Miss Francis' Computer Class in 4th Period, instead of our class in 1st Period. Apparently, she is required to take a particular math class that is *only* available during 1st period, so she will be there 1st instead of with us. I will miss her, as she is a really good kid who works hard and showed appreciation when she got a little extra help.

Good things that happened today: J., the young lady that called me a "LOSER" during the first couple of days, has become one of my favorite students. She can be very "high maintenance" and likes to act like she can't get anything done by herself. However, with a little bit of encouragement, she is shows herself to be a very bright and capable kid.

I helped her complete her "two-tone" name graphic project today. She was very excited when she finally got it done. However, she told me that she didn't like the way it turned out because the colors were placed incorrectly. I said, "Well, you know how to do it now, make it again just the way you want it." I was expecting her to say that would take too long or be too hard, but she started right in and did it. It took her awhile, but she redid the whole project by herself, with no help. She was finishing as Mr. Jewett began his lecture on our web design. When she got it done, she looked for me at the back of the room and waved her arms, pointing to her work. She was very proud of it and wanted to share it with me.

J. is also in my Study Hall at the end of the day. As she was working on some homework, I quietly bent over and told her that I thought she did a great job on her "two tone" project. She blushed and mouthed "Thank you." I could tell that she was very happy about it.

I really like teaching.