Since the Covid 10 school closure in mid-March, I've basically had three "new" things interjected into my life. The first was an increased usage of Google Meets for the e-learning coursework; the second was incorporating nordic walking into my list of exercises that I enjoy; and the third is this hopeful part-time job at FedEx Ground.
Unfortunately, yesterday Amber learned her new teaching schedule for next year, and that's not exactly good news. The junior high is returning an additional language arts period to the master schedule, which is good. Instead of hiring a language arts teacher, though, the district is piecing together a language arts teacher by assigning other teachers to literature or writing sections. So teachers that had previously focused on their area of math, science, and social studies are now picking up a writing and/or literature section. The district is saving money by essentially absorbing a language arts teacher, and the district will report that it is adding a section of language arts to junior high. While I have faith in the hearts of the "alternative language arts teachers", I fear that this move will just create turmoil and frustration and confusion among students and staff. Apparently, anybody can teach language arts in our district. And while I know that the district will correctly assert that all the "alternative" teachers have proper certifications for language arts instruction, having this situation will not be best for kids, and it will not be best for staff. Essentially, I fear this move will make teaching English in high school even more challenging.
9:55 p.m. - I had my orientation at FedEx Ground today, and it went fine. I was by far the oldest, but it was interesting. We have another orientation evening tomorrow night beginning at 6 p.m., and I will learn more about the job then. It's weird that I feel nervous, but they are very busy now, so they are talking 4-5 hours every day, Monday through Friday, which is nice. If I could get 20 hours in a week, that would be about $250 a week, which would be nice. Plus, one of the lines I heard tonight was that I get paid to get a workout, which is part of the reason I do officiating and umpiring anyway. Apparently we have to start wearing masks tomorrow, and every shift starts with some stretching and warm-up. Something else they said was that the job is like playing Tetris. I hope I do okay.
Things that I NOW think about with the coronavirus. (4/29)
Illinois had the most positive cases reported yet yesterday because more testing is being completed. More deaths occurred too. I find myself wondering if limited testing is what the "economic experts" want to see.
- Illinois Stats
- February 29 was the first reported positive case in Illinois.
- March 20, there were 585 reported positive cases.
- YESTERDAY
- 242,189 tested (+27,237); 48,102 positive (+4,199); 2,125 deaths (+192)
- 19.8% of all tests recorded have tested positive
- 4.4% of all positive cases recorded have died
- TODAY
- 256,667 tested (+14,478); 50,355 positive (+2,253); 2,215 deaths (+90)
- 19.6% of all tests recorded have tested positive
- 4.3% of all positive cases recorded have died
- More tests are being completed each day., and the percentage of positive cases among all tests has gone again under 20%...good news.
- Rock Island County - 369 positive results and 9 deaths
- Paint the shed.
- Replace seals and gaskets in the pool motor.
- Fix the drain spout.
- Fix the ditch.
- Figure out the truck spare tire.
- Continue scoring research papers - 3 sections down; 2 to go
- Finish course syllabus
Things For E-Learning
- Still can update EnvisonMe sites
Prayer for My Heart
You who are over us and also one of us,
You who are...
Help me have...
a pure heart, that I may see thee;Help me have...
a humble heart, that I may hear you;
a heart of love, that I may serve you;
a heart of faith, that I may abide in you.
- Amen
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