The Happy News thread

[WarpGirl]

So can I take that to mean you're not insulted?

[Pennjazz]

Alelou
Post subject: Re: The Happy News thread

I don't envy you the football game obligations at all, but I've enjoyed being a band parent -- in my case a jazz band parent (and they always put that at the end of every concert, so we get to hear the whole, sometimes quite painful program). Most of all I wish the wonderful band director that they had up until this year hadn't finally retired. He was really somebody special, who knew how to push the kids to excel.

At this point, thanks to brutal state budget cuts and the resulting school closing, layoffs, and program cuts for three years in a row, we're just glad to still have a music program at all.

Well, as a music teacher, I wish your program success. I just finished subbing for a band director at a middle school. I was there the last 9 weeks, conducted the Spring Concert, and went through 4 Memorial Day Parades. Now, I am looking for full-time employment. Crossing my fingers that I can find something...

P.S. If you know of any openings, please let me know...

[WarpGirl]

Okay first, thank you for sticking with teaching even though in this economy it is not a profession with many prospects. Second, if I hear anything I'll let you know, but it would likely involve a move to another state.

[Alelou]

It's just horrible out there for most teachers right now (exception probably being math and science). They're not hiring locally ... they're just reshuffling the music teachers' gigs, and hoping if any new money shows up in the budget to hire back some people who got laid off.

I'd keep an eye out for full-time substitute jobs as the end of summer approaches, though. That can get you a foot in the door. Good luck.

If you've exhausted the reasonable substitute gigs, you might want to check with local colleges if they need adjuncts, though you'd probably make a better living working at Target.

[Kotik]

Or you start learning German and come over here to the old world. There's a serious shortage of teachers in Germanyland.

[Weeble]

Given this is the happy news thread....

My birthday present got here, I know birthday was back in March, but the wife and I are notoriously slow trigger pullers. My hammock is up in the back yard. Productivity is imperiled. Got my iPod on random with a couple of thousand choices, everything from George Jones to the Cocktail Slippers, as I write Bachman Turner Overdrive is blasting over the backyard Bozes.

Life is damn good!!!!! Retirement is awesome and work is overrated!

><((((0>

[WarpGirl]

[Alelou]

Turns out I don't have to have retinal surgery! Halleluiah.

However, the retinologist did ask me how I exercised and advised me to avoid ... and she actually said this ... boxing. AND kick boxing! This amused me a great deal, since I look exactly like the middle-aged English teacher I am (and could probably pass as a librarian, too).

[WarpGirl]

Oh I am glad for you Alelou! That must be a great relief to you and your family.

[Alelou]

Huge relief. Sad about the boxing, though...

[Kotik]

Madam, your laboratory analysis looks reasonably well, but you should consider reducing your sky diving activities

[panyasan]

Good news Alelou! Personally I have no problem seeing you as a kick boxer!

My good news: two weeks ago my daughter finally got her test and the results were very clear: she has dyslexia. That means her brain works differently which makes it very hard to learn to read. We now have a statement of dyslexia which means she can have training and special tools that will help that is covered by the heatlh insurance. Otherwise we have to pay it ourself. Also there was an advice for the school and the statement helps childern with dyslexia to get extra time for tests. I am glad we can move forward and makes plans to help her!

[WarpGirl]

I am happy for you Panyasan!

[Alelou]

That's great, Panyasan. I know a number of dyslexic students who have gone on to become brilliant students because they got the help they needed when they needed it.

[Silverbullet]

Panysanne, not all people with Dyslexia have trouble reading. I am Dyslexic and I have always been able to read at least six years above my age level. but you should see my writing. Letters transposed, space where they don't belong. Words unreadable. Sometimes I will think I have written something only to find out I haven't. My sentence structure shows it too.

I have gotten in to trouble because I often read Not for now or now for not. Believe me it is a trial.

If all your daughter has is reading ability loss she can correct that and is lucky.

You should study Dyslexia there are different forms of it.

SB