Hello followers and visitors! Thanks for reading my blog for the last two years! I have really enjoyed writing it, and have taken some time to look back and reflect on my experience. It is a great "live journal" for what I am doing now on staff for Teach for America. There are many moments of weakness that I had, and I love that I have the opportunity to look back at my thoughts on those hard times whenever I want.
I am now going to be moving to a new blog... because well, it's not longer Delta, What? or CBB in the Delta! I have moved to Texas to work with a different region still in the TFA network.
Because of the nature of my work, this new blog will not be so much a journal of my daily experiences. Instead I will be writing about general musings on life and funny anecdotes! Please feel free to follow me there, or contact me any other way. I don't want to lose my virtual loves!
Again, thanks for partaking, reflecting, and reacting on my posts. I have really grown these last two years, more than I probably realize right now. These are def my most formative years, and it was great to have a safe and constant outlet.
My new blog: Crisp. Brash. Blissful. CBB.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Hiatus
Sorry for the hiatus of sorts... I am in Minneapolis for the weekend. Love, fun, friends, besties, cities. Love love love.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Last Ctown Visit
Had a wonderful dinner in Clarendon tonight. Went out with some future TFAs and then met for dinner with my favorite Clarendon employee: Gilda. During dinner three of my favorite students stopped by when they saw my car (I almost cried again). Then, as I was driving out of town four students were screaming my name down the road, so I stopped and got to say goodbye to them again.
This experience sure was difficult. Without some close friends I don't know what I would have done. But, furthermore, without the students, I absolutely don't know what I would have done. They are what made me consider a third year. Not the TFA core values or beliefs. Not the faculty. Not the administration. Absolutely those crazies that would scream across town, or stop their cars just to give a hug or say hello.
I am super happy I spent one of my last nights in the Delta doing that. Happy feelings, happy endings.
This experience sure was difficult. Without some close friends I don't know what I would have done. But, furthermore, without the students, I absolutely don't know what I would have done. They are what made me consider a third year. Not the TFA core values or beliefs. Not the faculty. Not the administration. Absolutely those crazies that would scream across town, or stop their cars just to give a hug or say hello.
I am super happy I spent one of my last nights in the Delta doing that. Happy feelings, happy endings.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thoughtful Moments
I'm lacking inspiration tonight. Still tired from the end of school and the end of my TFA experience. I'll try to update more tomorrow!
Last day of school
My lunch crew - the lovely ladies. I will miss them a lot! :)
Some of my favorites at school: Chanster, Gilda, and Chad.
Maple house represent! Andrew and Griffin.
All seven TFAs at CHS this year!
Coaching crew! Ben and Harold.
My GREAT assistant coach for Sr. High and sole TFA remaining at Clarendon next year!
HELLOOOOOO BLOGGGG
SORRY I've been absent. Had to step away from my computer for awhile. Teaching and living rural has made me obsessed with the computer. I had to detox!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend
Highlights:
1. Arkansas Travelers
2. Griffin Douglas "Griff Dog" Pepper Karaoka
3. Saying goodbye to MS people who are done with school (jealous)
4. Bare Naked Ladies at LR Riverfest
5. Sitting out on the dock at 3AM under the stars
6. 3 day weekend
1. Arkansas Travelers
2. Griffin Douglas "Griff Dog" Pepper Karaoka
3. Saying goodbye to MS people who are done with school (jealous)
4. Bare Naked Ladies at LR Riverfest
5. Sitting out on the dock at 3AM under the stars
6. 3 day weekend
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Packing
I am moving in about 10 days! The moving truck comes on Friday. Yikes. Such a different feeling than when I left college. Moving somewhere new without any friends there for a job? I did not expect Texas in my future, but here we are. On the way to bigger and better things...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Crying, Bying
Some of my students have their last day today. I'm dying. (And crying) I never thought they would have the profound effect on me that they have. Blessed, blessed, blessed.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sometimes there's highs, sometimes there's lows. This is a low.
Two days before the school year is over. Two days. I had a high today. I had a low today. Unfortunately, I am letting the low effect me much more. And I don't know why. So, hopefully writing about it will alleviate some of the stress and sadness I am feeling. I feel really sad. I wish I didn't.
First, the high:
I gave out student surveys today and reviewed their progress towards goal. Overall, as an 11th grade (not AP students) we improved 1.7 years in reading (YAY!!), 8% in ACT Writing (decent), and 3 points on the ACT Reading section (YAY!!). I gave each student their scores and showed them their improvement, and then they did a reflection on it. I had AMAZING responses from students about where they want to go, what they want to do, and what they are thankful. And I don't understand why I can't be happy -- because so many of them said THANK YOU and LOVE YOU on their surveys. So reflective, so thankful, and so loving.
But, then I get a message on facebook from one of my students in 10th grade. She says, "Ms. Butla, saw this on fbook, thought you'd like to see it."
Why do you think I would want to see this? You didn't. You sent this to me to make me upset.
Why do kids do this kind of stuff? To be mean? To have some type of control? I don't know, but it has me feeling like complete shit. Why does this have more of an effect on me then the above mentioned surveys? I don't understand.
First, the high:
I gave out student surveys today and reviewed their progress towards goal. Overall, as an 11th grade (not AP students) we improved 1.7 years in reading (YAY!!), 8% in ACT Writing (decent), and 3 points on the ACT Reading section (YAY!!). I gave each student their scores and showed them their improvement, and then they did a reflection on it. I had AMAZING responses from students about where they want to go, what they want to do, and what they are thankful. And I don't understand why I can't be happy -- because so many of them said THANK YOU and LOVE YOU on their surveys. So reflective, so thankful, and so loving.
But, then I get a message on facebook from one of my students in 10th grade. She says, "Ms. Butla, saw this on fbook, thought you'd like to see it."
Why do kids do this kind of stuff? To be mean? To have some type of control? I don't know, but it has me feeling like complete shit. Why does this have more of an effect on me then the above mentioned surveys? I don't understand.
Bobby
Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you're riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and live.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fundraiser, Super Success.
SUPER SUPER Success.
We raised almost $1,000!!! We only needed $700 for the ACT Academy. Yayyyyy!!! Thank you to everyone who participated!
We raised almost $1,000!!! We only needed $700 for the ACT Academy. Yayyyyy!!! Thank you to everyone who participated!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Fundraiser Success!
Elated! That's how I feel today. We had our faculty vs. student basketball game today to benefit my students going to the ACT Academy. This program is one week long at the University of Arkansas, and a great opportunity. We were fortunate (sorry for those of you who've read about this already) enough to have 16 students admitted to the program this year.
We did three rounds of fundraising. First pie your teacher in the face, then the actual game and concessions, and finally a shoot for $25 type of competition. We raised a lot of money, and the kids were great. I tried not to be in too much control, and allowed them to do all of the MCing. They really took ownership, collecting money, narrating the entire thing, and promoting the event. We put signs up all around school, did announcements, and had some funny other ideas.
The teachers won (WOOT WOOT) and I think everyone had a great time. Here are some picture highlights:
We did three rounds of fundraising. First pie your teacher in the face, then the actual game and concessions, and finally a shoot for $25 type of competition. We raised a lot of money, and the kids were great. I tried not to be in too much control, and allowed them to do all of the MCing. They really took ownership, collecting money, narrating the entire thing, and promoting the event. We put signs up all around school, did announcements, and had some funny other ideas.
The teachers won (WOOT WOOT) and I think everyone had a great time. Here are some picture highlights:
Sunday, May 22, 2011
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