First of all, my apologies. I'm sorry that I have not posted in MONTHS! But sometimes life happens and you get swept up in a million other things that seem more pressing than a blog post. But alas, I'm back with lots of pictures and stories to tell. October was tough beyond belief. With all of the organizing, behavior correcting and grading that must happen during that month, I was overwhelmed. It felt like year two was no simpler than year one, and I was unhappy. But so many little moments brought me back to myself. My parents sent giant button candy (my grandmother's favorite) and my student who switched schools visited me twice! Homecoming was around the corner and I found my school spirit again. My yearbook students took fantastic pictures at the big football game and parade, and my parents and brother were in town to see my after school teacher-life. My family and I spent a day kayaking, they took my spin class, and I showed them around Fremont Street and the container park (old moving containers that have been converted into miniature shops and restaurants). 
Last year I became a co-adviser for the class of 2017 student council and this year we amped up the fundraisers! My students hosted a dodgeball tournament. Students could enter teams of six and play against other students as well as TEACHER TEAMS. I mean, what student doesn't want to throw things at their teacher? (OR VICE VERSA!) Of course I encouraged my students to participate, but I was overwhelmed by their interest. A few of the boys on the baseball team (mostly my 12 honors English kids) formed a team called the "Maroon Cobras" and they dominated the tournament. Their champion t-shirts are on the way and they have pledged to hold on to the victory by participating in as many future tournaments as we host!
While reading Frankenstein with my seniors, I heard about an event going on at a local theatre. National Theatre Live plays a broadcast of the incredible Danny Boyle production once a year in October. I advertised the event to my students and talked up the movie as best I could. I also told them that I'd be an hour early and buy the first 3 student's tickets FOR THEM! They seemed interested so I hoped that a few kids would show up. Not only did I have nearly 20 students attend the movie, but 6 students were there when I arrived, so I very happily bought 6 tickets, and of course my own.
The kids made the night unforgettable with funny and insightful commentary as the movie played. I was proud beyond belief and they were bragging about it in class for weeks!
Grading for hours is never fun. But it becomes more bearable when you are doing it in a living room full of friends and old music. So I have to say thanks to my amazing roommates who keep me sane and grounded when the going gets tough. They keep me laughing and inspire me with their dedication to students and families.
Bailey teaches kindergarteners, most of whom are Spanish speakers and do not know their colors or animals when they enter her classroom. She works with their families to make sure reading is happening at home, regularly, and that the kids are practicing their sight words. She ensures her students will be strong readers and writers when they enter the first grade.
Emma is a middle school teacher. That should be all I even have to say about it: MIDDLE SCHOOL. She teaches disgruntled and challengingly hormonal pre-teens to use proper grammar. She makes thesis statement writing a game, and uses her young, fun energy to keep the students hooked. I truly do not know how she does it, but I'm thankful for her positive spin on the craziness of her kids.
And they were incredible co-hosts of our first "Friendsgiving" celebration. We named our turkey Jonathan and made some delicious sides for our feast! Thankful just doesn't cover it for these two sidekicks.
I'm lucky to have such fantastic female role models in my life. My aunts are stylish, giving, and full of inspiration. My grandmother is a force to be reckoned with: she is the leader of my cheerleading squad and would do nearly anything to see me happy and successful. My older sister is my adviser when it comes to relationships, career choices, and healthy living. She is a bright bundle of energy and happiness, and every year I look forward to simply sitting beside her and taking in some of her fantastic advice. And of course my mom is my rock. She is endlessly supportive and inspires me to give everything I can to my students, just as she did for her kids. Spending this annual weekend with her has shaped our relationship into one I always wanted. She is my confidant, my guide, and my role model.
I'll begin to sign off with some final notes. My students are brilliant and make my job both fun and devastating. They are capable of more than they believe simply because the expectations for them (set by their parents, previous teachers, or society in general) are far too low. I will continue to work to make sure they know what they can and WILL accomplish in their lives if they put their minds to it.
I had one more visit from two favorites from last year. They loved my Hanukkah door and were happy to sit with me while I graded and input scores. They are my reminder to keep going, make that lasting impression, and form inspiring relationships with as many of my students as possible.
Sending love to all this holiday season,
Ms. Landau
