October 2013 Update- Rough, Laugh, and Roll

Well folks. October was rough.

I learned a lot. About myself and others.

I also learned there are still reasons to laugh.





Here are some of what made me laugh this month:

Student A: "Why are you losing your hair?"

Me, with a straight face: "Because I eat too much chocolate"

I love the look my student gave me. A look of shock and disbelief.

And then I smiled. My student caught my sense of humor.

On a different time and day, a student asks:

"What are you dressing up as for Halloween?"

Me: "A poorly paid teacher"

Student: "But that's what you wear everyday! You should dress like a Navy guy since you were in the Navy."

Me: "You mean, the Air Force?"

Student: "Yeah, the Navy"

Me: "Ok"

My students crack me up! I really do enjoy laughing in my classroom with these amazing kids.







Some of the things I enjoy about being a teacher:

• When I see my students "get it" and then they continue to work hard
• When they say the funniest thing without trying to be funny (read what I wrote just previously)
• When I see parents/guardians really care about their kid without hovering over them
• My principal locking up the school at 5:30 pm-- it forces me to leave before then

Some of the things I find fascinating:

• When parents think it's the other kid's (or someone else) fault since their kid is perfect and innocent of any mischievous wrong doing
• There is more to teaching than just liking kids
• Collaboration with the right folks can really influence a child for the better
• Paperwork, at least in my job, is a necessary 'evil'
• Being a problem-solver is an essential skill to have as a classroom teacher
• Naming your migraines after a student can cause your eye to twitch uncontrollably
• Having a sense of humor is a vital tool to being successful in a classroom full of kids

I had a conversation with a few parents recently which went something like this:

I am not here to talk about you. It really is not about you. It's about your kid. What can we do to help your kid be successful in school?

I recognize what you are telling me. But let's pause for a second and look at it from a different perspective.  I care about your kid. You care about your kid. So let's figure out a way to help your kid be successful in school.

 I must say, my conversations with some of the parents have went really well. 






Other things that happened in October:

Catching up with folks that taught me a lot.

The first weekend of October, I was reconnected with dear friends, mentors and teachers. I spent a couple of years with them in some of the most beautiful islands of the Pacific. By the very manner they lived their life, I learned who I can become. I don't know of any better way to say it.

From an early age, I learned that the ability to influence change knows no boundary, or is it limited by land or language.

To dear friends and family,  thank you for sharing with and including me in your lives! All y'all have helped me get to where I am right now. Thank you for showing there is so much good and beauty in this world!





Sometimes, things happen.

When those things happen, I am learning I need to do my best to move forward and roll with life as best as I know how with my head up and shoulder straight.

Moving one foot in front of another can go a long, long way.

It is neat to know there are folks to lean on.

I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from my past. These experiences have helped and prepared me to cope and respond with the appropriate mind frame when the unexpected happen.

There is still so much hope to look forward to and more reason to laugh.

"Burn baby. Burn."

I could not have said it any better myself.

September 2013, Rock Climbing

Took our group of young men rappelling and rock climbing. I consider it a success since it was their idea. We've been working with them to plan an activity they wanted to do for quite some time so when they said they wanted to go rock climbing, we jumped on it. Literally. It took some time to plan and coordinate everyone's schedule.

I also wanted to make sure we followed the right protocol and safety procedures.

But it was not as easy as they might have expected. Some wanted to give up so badly that they were yelling for us to let them down.

So I said "I will only let you down if I see you try!"

Waiting to rappel down

This is where we rappelled down and also rock climbed.

I guess it wasn't as traumatic an experience as I thought since these young men still let me be their adviser. They are already excited for our upcoming monthly camp out activity. They've already planned their meal for dinner-- ramen noodles with boiled hotdogs and eggs.At least they're showing ownership...

They are also excited about our February camp out over the frozen Strawberry Reservoir. They've been wanting to do it for quite some time now. I was never really confident in their camping abilities before. But now that we have had a year of camping under our belts, the trepidation is still there, but with a bit more confidence in these young men.

My responsibilities in my congregation gives me the responsibility to work and mentor the 12 to 13 year old boys. I've been working closely with them for almost a year now. I am really lucky to have a very diverse group of boys that are supportive of one another. Most attend the same congregation I do. There are some who attend different denominations and others who do not have any faith they subscribe to. They attend the same school which helps.

I can honestly say I will miss them when they move onto the next stage of their lives. For some of them, it's only a few months away. But it is good to see them start developing a greater sense of confidence. One of the young men I've been working with actually has shown more willingness to talk to people he does not even know! If anything, I can say that he is my success story. A year ago when we went to scout camp, he did not talk to anyone. Now I can't even keep him quiet! 


Here are other activities we've done this year. They are responsible for coming up with and planning each activity:

  

August 2013 Update- Classroom Update

Here's my classroom before and after photos:

Before:

After:

I could not have had my classroom ready without the help of so many! Thank you!!

Having taken a detour into the classroom has been filled with so much personal growth. I can honestly say it fits me naturally.

At least for now.

We'll just have to see what happens in a few years what opportunities present themselves to me.

July 2013, Good news and sunburnt

Here's the good news:

I finally have a classroom of my own to teach in!

Yup, I accepted a job offer in an elementary school that allows me to teach in a classroom while I work on getting my teaching license. I will teach the three R's- reading, (w) 'riting, and 'rithmatic.

Additionally, with my acceptance at Utah State University's (USU) Alternative Teacher Placement licensure program this Fall, come December 2014 or 1.5 years,  I will finally have my teaching license. It has taken me two years to get here but it's a step forward.  I am very excited to see my goal closer to being accomplished. I won't lie-- it's been frustrating but I recognize where I've been and know where I am going.

Although, I'm not sure about how I feel being the only male teacher in the school though (not including the custodian). At least as of my interview, I was still the only male teacher in the entire elementary school.

The not so good news:

My classroom budget is only $175 for the entire school year.

This includes ink for my classroom printer, paper and other things I use in my classroom. And other items I use in my class such as those I give away to reinforce the desired behavior from my students.

There's a separate budget for the entire school but I don't know how much of that will I be a part of.

I actually had this vision that each of my students would have access to their own technology (for example an iPad)  in my classroom but because I am not working at a Title 1 school, I will not get any additional funding that comes from Title 1 grants.

Maybe for $175,  I could just draw an iPad on cardstock instead. But even then, I'm not even sure that'll be enough for each of my students for the entire year!

But this gives me opportunity to also figure things out and think of other options. Maybe I can find a corner to sit on and stay there with a mug on one hand on the weekends...hmmm.

Besides, many hundreds of teachers have come before me and have made things work. Hopefully those after me won't have to figure things as much as I, and others before me. I'll just have to do my best to learn from others on how they made it work for them.

Still, I am honestly just excited to have my own classroom!

I'll also have a para-professional working part time helping me and a brand new teacher who will be splitting her time working part-time in two different schools.

Additionally, I will have a strong support network. I have new teacher coordinator who will visit me weekly, a reading coach and a math coach who will visit me at least monthly, and coaches from USU who will also visit me monthly. That's a total of 4 coaches whose entire purpose is to help me succeed in the classroom--at least that's what they tell me:) I've met each of them and they are amazing teachers!

And should I find myself crawled up in a ball in the corner of my classroom one day, they reassured me all four of them will be there quickly. I'll call them my own team of Fantastic 4.

Since I am no longer working at a Title I school, I'll have to consider a different way to pay off my student loans.

It appears I will be the only male teacher (not including the custodian) in our elementary school. Good thing my second trip to Zambia prepped me properly! My group included 15 women. There were only two adult males and two boys.


Here's what else happened in July:

Flaming Gorge, where I discovered brown boys can and do actually get burned. 

In case you didn't realize, that brown boy is me.

A week in Bear Lake continued to the contribution of my peeling skin. My nose is so red it reminds me of that famous reindeer of all!

Ouch. 

Got to spend a week with many of our scouts.

 This is one of the many awesome young men I got to meet and work with (kid wearing red).

 He was very reticent about camping but here he is walking to spend the night in the wilderness learning how to build his own shelter. I was even more impressed that this young man who was not excited to go was now spending time encouraging one of the other young men that was at the back of the pack.

This is where I stayed for one night. 

I had a tarp and an emergency blanket. Easy to pack. It was as comfy and cozy as it looked. 

Thank goodness there were trees to soften the weather. 

Another adult and I took our campsite a few hundred feet ahead of where the group of 50 scouts slept. The camp staff took their camp on the other end.

Later than night, way after curfew, I woke up to 7 flashlights hiking up towards my campsite. I jump out of the bushes and ask where they were going, they freak out. Apparently they weren't expecting anyone to come out of the bushes that late in the evening. 

They tell me they were looking for the RV I had mentioned the adults were staying in.

I laughed and reminded them I was just joking. 

There really was no RV nor was there a comfy bed where the adults were sleeping. We were also sleeping on the ground. I tell them to go back to their camp site.

Then the scouts tell me they could not sleep because some were throwing rocks. So they ask if I can stop it. I told them: "Figure it out. This is supposed to be your wilderness survival experience."

Maybe it was the whine on their voices or that I was just really, really tired but I relented. So I wake up the other leader, and we go back to their campsite. 

I turn on my teacher voice and said: 

"Time to turn off your flashlights and go to bed. I still see lights turned on... I still hear voices. Voices need to be turned off now. Whoever is throwing rocks, you better stop that now. I will find out who you are even if I have to interview each of you individually.  Yes I know there's 50 of you. 

And should you think I won't do anything about this, please know if you are still throwing rocks when I leave, be assured I will find out who you are. I will tell your leaders and your week here could  be cut very short. So don't ruin it for everybody. 

Those of you who are enjoying this overnight camp and not throwing rocks, thank you for your example." 

After a few minutes (actually more like 20), they eventually went to sleep, at least from what I could see in the dark, in the middle of the woods.  

The boys were working on their merit badges so I knew I had to leave them on their own. I hurried out of their campsite to allow them that opportunity.

The water front. The place where I sizzled under the sun. Sizzled like bacon that is.

The night where 14 boys became one unit. We were so proud of these group of amazing young men! They were truly respected by the staff and other scout troops. They took care of each other and well deserved their recognition. 

I feel so lucky to know these amazing kids!

This is the following morning. 

They decided to sleep under the stars on the last night of our week long camp.

It was great to see these group of boys, 12-17 years of age,  finally become one. They really have come a long way.  We kept emphasizing that the responsibility of making decisions and planning were the patrol leaders responsibility. This was their camp not ours so they had to learn how to make decisions, get others to work and support one another.

We set high expectations, taught them how to fulfill their responsibilities, and I was really impressed that each of these young men rose up to surpass those expectations! In addition to watching out for each other, they also took care of things such as cooking and cleaning the camp site.

This is my second trip attending scout camp and I must admit, a well ran scouting program where the boys are allowed to make mistakes and to make their own choices, provide so many opportunities for them to grow!

Also, the camp staff were mostly their age as well and I was thoroughly impressed at their abilities.

One of the photos taken of me by the young men. Yup, I've turned ghetto. 

Yo (with a smile that is).

July 2013-- the month when I got burnt badly...sunburnt that is.

June 2013, They called me a hippo! Fastkart and other school memories

We spent the last day of the school week racing go karts. It was fun and a great way to channel all those energy of working with and thinking of kids all year long! We did several laps and two runs.

My time, Rockstar, could have been better but not bad overall I thought.

As I reflect on the ending of this school year, I can honestly say it was an amazing experience! 

I met so many dedicated individuals willing to do everything they can to help one student succeed. Now it wasn't always easy and we had quite a few frustrating moments but it was neat to see parents, students and teachers working together. 

Hearing what made teachers frustrated only showed me how much they really cared. Even more than hearing their frustration, it was also good to see their willingness to be a part of the solution and contribute positively and productively to the overall success of one student.

I believe one parent summarized it best:

"A student has to work really hard to fail here.  Because the efforts made by teachers and parents does not allow any kid to fail easily in this environment."

I don't think I could have said it better. 

I really learned a lot this year.  

The individuals I met and the lessons I learned from each one of my colleagues, parents and students helped build my confidence and motivation to teach even more. It really takes a supportive and collaborative village- focused and centered on the well being of the individual, to raise a child. 

The success I saw in my students were made possible because of the choices the students made, the consistent and diligent efforts of parents, their fellow students and dedicated teachers. 

It wasn't always a rosy experience but honest and sincere collaboration from everyone produced many positive results. 

Even if I was pushed into the deep end of the pool getting here, two very different schools (teaching grades 4-6 and grades 7-12) later  and two years after I decided to change my career field into teaching, I can honestly say I made the right choice. 

Here are a few of my memories from this school year:

"Mr. Roque, I thought you were mean the first time I met you."

What do you  think of me now?

"You're just a silly, funny guy!"

I'm not so sure that really helps build my street cred so don't tell anyone else okay?

----

It was good to see many of the seniors I worked with get the recognition they deserved by walking on the stage of the Egyptian theater and receive their high school diploma

-----

I caught one middle school boy running after two boys his own age. 

I asked him to meet with me and explain why he was doing that. He tells me those two boys called him a hippo. 

"So, what's wrong with being called a hippo?"

"Well, Mr. Roque, it means you're slow and fat!"

"Really?"

"Yes, Mr. Roque. They were insulting me"

As I listened to him I saw his shoulders rise each time he uttered a word.

After he finished explaining his side of the story, we discussed what would have happened if he did catch the two boys and punched them as he wanted to. 

"I really don't want to see you suspended or worse, kicked out of school because you decided to beat them up. Is that something you want to see happen?"

His shoulders drop, his eyes staring at his feet as he softly replied, "No."

Knowing how the other two boys are,  I decided to bring a hippo, carved from wood, I got from Africa the following day. I placed it on my desk on a very visible location. 

That very day, the two boys noticed it. 

They approached my desk slowly circling like wolves around a herd of sheep. Snickering they each held the wood carving in their hands. Without looking up, I continue to let them pass it off to each other.

"Mr. Roque, why do you have a hippo on your desk?"

Continuing to work on my computer and other notes on my desk, I say--

"Well boys, did you know that hippos are the number 1 killer of humans in South Africa?"

Out of the corner of my eyes, I see the disbelief on their faces. So I stopped what I was doing, and looked straight at them.

"Really Mr. Roque?"

"I actually almost ran into one when I was walking back to my tent at night when I was in Africa. It was as big as a minivan! And the guy walking me back to my tent told me to be very still. After passing the hippo, he explained to me that hippos kill more humans than any other animals in Africa."

The two boys looked at each other with knowing glances, placed the hippo back on my desk and left talking between themselves.

From there on out I never heard them teasing my young friend again. 

If only they knew, had I not stopped my young friend, he could have really done a number on those two and they would have found out how true my statement really was!

------------------

Working at a school, I also got to experience many a baby and wedding showers. It was a good shared experience with many awesome folks! It was neat to see colleagues in a relaxed, casual and still professional environment. 

Here's a photo of how professional we were. 

We were separated into four different teams, given a roll of (clean) toilet paper and tasked to create a wedding attire.

My group's choice of fashion design, modeled by one of our fellow teachers (second from left), is a fusion of two cultures-- a traditional European veil with a Hawaiian grass skirt. Yup, clothing made from toilet paper can be quite stylish.

We won.

But then again, why wouldn't we? I mean, just look at that awesome and creative design. The blending of the the two worlds says it all!

Seeing how many boxes of diapers were given as a gift for this baby shower gave me greater understanding of what I can give to future baby showers. And not to forget the cake! I really enjoyed the cake. Too bad I don't have a photo of it.

----------

Seeing a middle school student gain greater confidence in himself because he recognizes what he can and is able to accomplish, I don't really know how else to explain that. 

I had one student that would walk the halls daily looking at the floor to and from one place to another. 

Every time I saw him in the halls, I'd tap him on one shoulder and hide (yeah, what can I say I'm really just a kid me-self!). 

Eventually, he figured out it was me. It wasn't as much fun anymore because he'd just call me out on it.

The smile on his face though each time I did that was refreshing. 

I remember meeting with his parents at a parent teacher conference. When I told them how amazing their son was, they were caught unaware. They then tell me their concern for him. I listened. And called our school counselor and one of his other teachers and asked if they could join us in our conversation. A few minutes later, both show up. Together we discussed, listened and identified a plan to help this young man. 

We decided every week that this young man needs to lay out a plan or a goal of what he wants to accomplish on a daily or weekly basis. I asked him to write them down. At the end of the week we reviewed his progress.

In my meetings with this young man, we would also discuss the obstacles he might face and what he could do to still accomplish his plan despite of these obstacles. 

Then he and I took some time discussing what resources he will need to accomplish them.  I also kept the parents informed of our plan and his progress on a regular basis. I am so thankful for how supportive they were. The parents were getting frustrated because they were feeling like they were unable to reach their son.

After several weeks of getting into this habit, I asked for the parents to discuss and monitor their son's progress. 

I suggested that before the start of each school week to spend a few minutes going over to plan his week. And this is what I emphasized-- focus and celebrate his accomplishments no matter how insignificant it may appear to them. Helping their son recognize the accomplishments he is making can help with his motivation.

It was good to give the parents a useful tool that can help strengthen their relationship. Weeks turn into months and to see the changes in this young man because of the love and efforts made by his parents could not have been any better!

Observing this kid over several months, his confidence in himself and with his peers impressed me so much. This kid and his parents are just amazing.

I do not consider myself anymore an expert than the next teacher or parent but to see how a child can progress significantly through simple means such as talking with and listening to a child and collaborating with parents taught me a lot! 

-----

I really enjoyed having my office / desk in the school's library. The spacious open layout, the exposed bricks, the vents, and  steel reinforcements gave it the industrial look I've always been interested living in. And the floor to ceiling windows at all three sides, could not have been more inviting and the right fit for me and my students.

I realized how spoiled I'd gotten when I switched classroom for two days with another teacher. Sitting in her classroom gave me better perspective on how different and frustrating classroom management could be in that small setting!

Having my desk in the school's library also gave me an open and approachable access to many of the school's students.  In a way,  they felt comfortable approaching me.

But I don't really think it was just me though. The culture of the school that was there before me, gave the students confidence they can approach any one of the teachers in our school for any assistance.

If nothing else, here are a few things I will take from this year's experience:

-  Visiting a student in their home can more about the student than just seeing them in school

-  Always be approachable

- It is more valuable to be trusted than to be liked

 - Listen

-  Stop what I'm doing and look students in the eye when they are talking to me

-  Let colleagues be there for me as much as I am there for them

- Smile and laugh more

- Never take things too seriously

- Take a deep breathe and exhale when things get too serious, it helps with the perspective

- Recognize that they are still just kids!

- Overreacting with humor to a situation can get kids to settle down pretty quickly much more than yelling at them and telling them to be quiet

- I don't have to react to every situation

-  When I give the kids opportunity to do so, they can actually do a better job themselves of resolving whatever it is they are struggling with

- Enjoy the humor of and in the situation-- I just need to do better in making sure it is also the right time to enjoy the humor in the situation

Well, I guess this is it.

I can't and don't really know how else to better summarize my year's experience working at Davinci in one entry. Hopefully though, you the reader caught a glimpse through this month's entry of my amazing year there.

May 2013 Update- Mutton Hollow and Graduation

I got reconnected with a dear friend. We had a late lunch and drove back to their home. I was fascinated by the street sign:

For some reason the street name sounds familiar... can't put my finger on it. But oh well.  I am intrigued though with how streets or towns receive their name. I looked it up online but could not find any source that offered to explain the origins of these small town's name.

Maybe that's the anthropologist (novice-- a very, very, very, very novice if I was one) in me. 

It really is great to reconnect with dear folks from the past.

Another month comes and goes and here are just some of the highlights:

• Finally passed my entrance test for Utah State's Alternative Teacher Preparation program. After taking the math portion of the test three times, I finally made it! This opportunity opens up so many more options for me and I am excited to see what's ahead.

• On May 31, I watched many of the seniors I've worked with walk to receive their high school diplomas. It was an amazing experience to see the students with their families get the recognition they deserve. 

• The student speakers were amazing! They spoke with such sincerity that I could not hide my enthusiasm. Who am I kidding-- I am not very adept at hiding my enthusiasm. The student speakers were much better than the guest speaker... don't tell anyone but I fell asleep during that part of the program. 

• Graduation ceremony was held at the Egyptian Theater in downtown Ogden. Here's one of the amazing students I got to work with:

I have no idea why my mouth is open. There are times when I am asked if I am stoned in my photos. This one looks like what I really look like-- enthusiastically happy for graduation!

April 2013, Oh boy...

A student asked me if he/she could give me this letter as a formal complaint. I took it from her/his hands, read it, looked at him/her, and laughed. Really hard.

Her/his friends told me: "Mr. Roque, we tried to help as much as we could. Honestly, this is her/his best version."

I told my student I'd help edit this so he/she can be taken seriously.  All I could say was:

"If you speak ghetto, you'll get ghetto in return"

At least we all got a good laugh in return.

They asked if I'd frame this letter. I said "But of course!" It now sits in my living room framed.



Lesson learned in April:

• My job as an educator, in helping students succeed in school, is best made possible when educators work closely with parents or guardians. I enjoy these times most.  When I don't get the cooperation of parents, not so much.

• I am constantly impressed at how amazing young folks are! I am learning never to under estimate their capability.  They consistently impress and amaze me.

• It is best to have health insurance first before purchasing a $450 moped. Or having at least a helmet before riding one.

• When a bag of Cheetos, woops-- a party size bag of Cheetos-- is "accidentally" bought more out of habit than anything, an intervention is needed. Thank goodness I had enough self-awareness to offer it to a colleague! Swearing off eating  Cheetos is a very courageous act and a good first step to admitting one's addiction.... but such act of bravado can hold more credibility if fingers are washed off first as to not get caught red handed (pun intended).

March 2013 Update-- Warm sun

I am seriously learning to like Arizona's warm weather. Too bad they don't have an ocean.

Lessons learned in March:

• Either I need to slow down or I need to match the enthusiasm of our 12-year old scouts. I enjoy working with them thoroughly. 

• We planned to go camping on the frozen Strawberry reservoir in February but we decided to postpone it until next year. I don't know who is more excited-- us old folks, or the young men. Just take a wild guess on this one...

• Parent teacher conference can be worthwhile. I enjoy getting to know my student's family really well.

• A sense of humor can go far...really far in helping me keep my sanity.

• Limiting myself to a  bag of Cheetos a month is harder than it really is...HELP!!!!

February 2013- Yup, skiing.

Our school took our honor roll students skiing. I joined a few of our students in our very first ski lessons. This is a photo taken by one of my students of me:

I also got to enjoy a weekend in St. George, Prophecy Wall.

January 2013- Snow, and more snow

Coming back to work after two weeks of break was interesting. I had forgotten student's names and got out of sync with the routine I had gotten myself used to.

Overall, I thought it was great!

Here's something funny that happened this month. After MLK Day, my co-worker came in asking what I did for the holiday. He then showed me this photo:

He pointed to the kid wearing a purple tie. He said he was watching and when he saw this guy he took a photo to ask if it was me!

One of our students were there as well and my co-worker showed the kid the photo. We managed to convince the poor kid that it was me, doing my weekend job as the president's secret agent! We all had a good laugh.

Here are also some pictures from the snow welcoming me to January: