Thursday, October 31 - Happy Halloween!

5:00 a.m. - So it's Halloween, and my "costume" arrived yesterday, which is good.  It's not much of a costume, but it will suffice.  I will be Gru off of Despicable Me, and apparently the staff is going to be dressing up as minions.  And Halloween is a big deal at ICE, so I'm just going to walk around and see what the heck happens.  After the "party morning", there is a SIP day at the high school.  I'll be attending to learn some more about this LETRS training that the teachers are participating in.  After that, I hope to work on the tractor, as I didn't get to that yesterday.  The weather isn't going to cooperate very well today, but maybe it's okay because it's a short day and the events of Halloween are taking place in the gymnasium.  

Yesterday was going fine until the afternoon.  Then I had four "student incidents" that we had to work through, and three of them were from the same kindergarten class.  Those dang rules that go along with going to school...sheesh.  We did get through them, however, and we made it to the end of the day.  And then after the school day, I came home to a full house of grandchildren!  It's okay, they will grow up soon enough.

One other big thing I was able to get done yesterday was to finalize a recommendation for the new paraprofessional position.  It's still just a recommendation at this point, but it's another step closer at getting a para in the building that will help our situation with better meeting the needs of our special education students and having more effective supervision of recess and lunch sessions.

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS.

• bounce sheets - mouse trap in Eagle
• fix mower
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen, Tyler, Caleb, Chase, Cole Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

November

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Wednesday, October 30

4:55 a.m. - Yesterday was a day of eliminating items from the to-do list.  I started off the morning by writing out beginning of the month payments and mailing those off, as well as cashing a couple of officiating checks.  Then it was off to the ROE before school to get fingerprinted for another check off of the list of things to do for being a substitute bus driver.  Once back to school, there were a couple of small items to take care of and then an IEP meeting after school and then interviews for the new paraprofessional position we are adding to the building.  My day at school ended with a teacher finding a dead raccoon - a big one - outside the east entrance of the building.  I was able to find a snow shovel to carry the thing out into the woods and toss it as far as I could manage to get it.  Just another day in the life and times of principal at ICE.

Today is Halloween Eve.  I have some work I need to get done at school, but not much in the way of "meetings" - maybe I can get into the classrooms and spend some time seeing the teachers and students at work.  After school, I want to dive into fixing the tractor and maybe mow the back yard.  In other news, the Yankees managed to win a game to stay alive, but they are down 3-1 to the Dodgers.  While watching the game I had a political text message argument with Cole.  It's hard for me to imagine him as a MAGA guy...ugh.  At least a week from today, the election will be over for the most part.  I'm sure there will be some close states that have to be recounted, but the big part of the election will be done.  Plus, our community will have voted on whether or not to build a new elementary school.  

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS.

• bounce sheets - mouse trap in Eagle
• fix mower
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen, Tyler, Caleb, Chase, Cole Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

November

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Tuesday, October 29

5:43 a.m. - I'm unofficially done with officiating in October.  I say unofficially because I seem to jinx myself when I say those things.  Yesterday culminated with junior high girls basketball at AlWood; I hadn't been there awhile.  I did get to see Jason Danner and officiated with Marcus, so it was a fun night.  

Yesterday was fairly uneventful, at least according to "normal standards".  I needed to have a conversation with a couple of kindergarten students, needed to have the ROE folks come and give out an award for employee of the month, and I need to have the students sing happy birthday to Ms. Lower.  Finally, I need to have a conversation with a teacher that was unhappy with her observation evaluation.  I know that sounds "busy", but it's a day at ICE, and it's a day as an ICE administrator.  

I have to go to the ROE to get my fingerprints done after another item I did yesterday, which was to get the paperwork I need to have in order to get my fingerprints taken.  This whole bus driver thing is going to give me a headache.  Then I'm headed back to school for a day at ICE, followed by two interviews for our paraprofessional position.  We were going to have four candidates to interview; now we have two candidates, as two of the four pulled their applications.  

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• complete interviews for aide position

OTHER THINGS.

• take basketball officiating test
• consider taking basketball officiating test again
• get stupid bus stuff completed; try again for fingerprints
• pay beginning of month bills
• pay Shawn $200
• fix mower
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

November

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Monday, October 28

5:49 a.m. - Yesterday was a rough one.  After a nice weekend of weather and camping, it was time to put the Eagle into storage for the season.  That process is about like the close of the pool process - it's pretty much an all-day affair.  We got the camper back home and unloaded all the contents that might fall victim to mice visits; then I took the camper to Shawn's and winterized it before he moved it into his storage shed for safe keeping.  I know it sounds weird, but it's tough on my old heart to see the end of camping season.  Then my heart got another bruise when the Bears suffered a shocking loss to the Commanders.  The Bears were up 15-12 with three seconds left, and the Commanders threw a hail mary play, and it worked.  Ugh.  I ended up watching a Hallmark movie after the Harrison grandchildren got picked up; at least the Hallmark movie had a happy ending.  This week features a light week of officiating; in fact, the only night I officiate is tonight, as I travel to AlWood with Marcus.  I haven't done AlWood junior high in awhile.  The "big deal" this week is that Halloween will be here!  Apparently at Illinois City Elementary, Halloween is a pretty big deal.  And after Halloween, let's start prepping for the holiday season!

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• complete interviews for aide position

OTHER THINGS.

• watch basketball officiating video and take test
• get stupid bus stuff completed; try again for fingerprints
• pay beginning of month bills
• pay Shawn $200
• fix mower
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Thursday, October 24

6:06 a.m. - One parent-teacher conference day down; one to go.  I also got through yesterday's admin meeting without a ton of things to add to my to-do list.  I also finished up a teacher evaluation that I was working on.  And I wrapped up the night by spending the night in the camper, and I slept really hard, which was nice.  If I could repeat yesterday today, that would be a good thing.

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS.

• post information on Facebook
• fix mower
• take poly containers back to Sentry Pool
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Wednesday, October 23

6:08 a.m. - Volleyball is completed for the season.  See you next August.  I don't mind volleyball as much as I did when I first started out.  I'm getting more comfortable, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing it, and I really prefer to work with Shawn or Jacqy.  Yesterday was also the last full day of the week...sort of.  We have very long days coming up today and tomorrow, but the students are only in the building until 1:30 p.m.  This is all because of parent-teacher conferences.  Today I also have an admin meeting, I think.  I'm hoping tonight to spend the evening in the camper.  

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS.

• fix mower
• take poly containers back to Sentry Pool
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Tuesday, October 22

5:38 a.m. - Day one of this wacky week is down.  Yesterday, I went to TRE to have a meeting, and I also took a tour of that building.  It's got two more sections of students than ICE; for some reason, I thought there were more than that.  Later in the day back at ICE, we had an IEP meeting which confused me.  The parents were told their student needs an IEP; that was determined by a doctor without knowing what interventions were already taking place for the child that is helping the student be successful.  I just shook my brain.  Finally, last night was a junior high volleyball game...always a treat.  Then for a little "overtime" for the day, when I got home after 9 p.m., I got some gross clothes on and put all the garbage in the big dumpster I ordered from Dumpster Near Me.  

Today, I'm already dealing with two staff members that need to be gone.  I don't have a lot on my agenda, but that's not necessarily a good thing.  Business or odd things usually crop up.  Like I have said many times while in this new role - life is a box of chocolates.

Things for School 

• figure out sick/personal day for Anita
• send Marcus's message out to staff about BLDD meeting
• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS.

• fix mower
• take poly containers back to Sentry Pool
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Monday, October 21

5:57 a.m. - Yesterday was productive on a lot of levels.  I went to the church fall breakfast and went to church service.  Then I went back home and worked on the tractor, and I think I have the problem figured out and ordered some parts.  Plus I ordered a dumpster to have delivered today; maybe tonight after my games I can start filling it up.  After this work, I went to my parents house to visit and get some hay down for the week; I also helped mom move her tractor around.  Then I went back home and got the trailer ready to move to Loud Thunder.  That went okay, but the warm weather has an influx of Japanese beetles at the campground.  Amidst the battle, I enjoyed some campground time with only two other campers in the campground, and then I watches some football inside.  I tried to take a little nap, but then Amber and the Harrison children arrived.  We had supper, they rode bikes, and we went to the playground before they had to leave.  I contemplated going home, but I decided to stay the night, and it was a wonderfully, quiet peaceful night.  Oh, I did enjoy some campfire time, and I even cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs over the campfire.  

Today could be an interesting day.  I'm going to Taylor Ridge Elementary for a meeting, and then it's back to ICE for a couple more meetings.  After school I'm headed to Orion for junior high girls basketball, and both games could be highly competitive.  

That was a busy, productive weekend - football game Friday to see Tony; closing the pool Saturday; and then working on the mower and getting the camper out to Loud Thunder...sheesh.  I hope all that work earned me a good week this week, as this week is a little wacky - regular days today and tomorrow and then 1:30 dismissal days with parent-teacher conferences afterwards.  And then Friday the weekend arrives - the final weekend of camping season.

Things for School 

• figure out sick/personal day for Anita
• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS.

• fix mower
• take poly containers back to Sentry Pool
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with Chris Johnson

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Sunday, October 20

8:05 a.m. - It's over....it's all over....until March.  The pool season is done.  Yesterday was a very long day, and Jack and Rhonda were over to offer their help, which helped a lot.  It's just a very long process of closing the thing up.  I'm glad that's over with.  We used 30 gallons of anti-freeze, and need a gallon more to get it done.  Prior to picking up the antifreeze from Sentry Pool, I had a prescription to pick up, and in the process I did some shopping...geez that was expensive.  I also treated myself and went to that Stacks pancake house...that's really good. 

Today won't be such a long day, but it will be eventful.  I should probably go to church service, because today is the fall breakfast.  I need to do some work on the lawnmower.  I'm going to get the camper out to Loud Thunder for the last week of camping season.  And next week is the last week of volleyball officiating, which is always good.  And next week is parent-teacher conferences week, which will be all new for me.  And I can't believe it's October 20 already.  Where did the Fall go?

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS.

• order a dumpster
• fix mower
• take poly containers back to Sentry Pool
• take pool motor to RIM for cleaning/maintenance
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Dec. 23- Carmen Christmas

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

20 - SUNDAY - blocked camping - camper to Loud Thunder

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - open

Saturday, October 19

6:26 a.m. - Today isn't going to be much fun, but before today, let's talk yesterday.

The day itself went fine.  I was able to get some things done, and we executed a fire drill in the building that we needed to complete.  The ending of the day was a little crazy, but we got through it.  After school I was at home for a bit, and then I went to the Rockridge at MonRose football game, where Rockridge pulled off the upset.  I rode with Marcus and his brother Greg, but at the game I also spoke with Tony Bizarri because he was in town to watch the game and visit with friends.  When Tony went across the street at halftime, I also had a chance to catch up with Fred McLaughlin.  I hadn't seen neither Tony nor Freddie for a long time, so it was nice to chat with them.  

And now today.  I need to close the pool.  In order to close the pool, I have to get some antifreeze; in order to get antifreeze, I need to empty out the truck.  In order to close the pool, I need to empty out the shed and reorganize it.  While I'm going after the antrifreeze, I need to pick up a prescription and do some shopping for some stuff.  As you can see, it's just a lot of needing to complete a lot of things.  The weather is going to cooperate, so that's good.  The big goal is to get the pool closed.  If I get all this done today, I can take the camper to Loud Thunder tomorrow and enjoy a nice day there.

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS

• Oct. 25th pick up antifreeze for pool from Sentry pool (and plug)
• pick up eye drop prescription after Thursday at 11 a.m.
• response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

20 - SUNDAY - blocked camping - camper to Loud Thunder

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Friday, October 18

5:40 a.m. - I was able to get into classrooms yesterday, which was nice, but now I need to get some work done to report to the teachers on what I saw.  I also need to continue to work on getting a new paraprofessional hired, but I did learn more about the position and the hiring process for non-certified staff, which there isn't much of one.  And finally, we got through another junior high girls basketball game.

Let's get through today.  I'm going to go to the Rockridge football game tonight - mostly to see my cousin Tony.  Tomorrow I'm going to work on closing the pool.  It would be great if I could get that done on Saturday and then get the camper out to Loud Thunder on Sunday.  

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS

• Oct. 25th pick up antifreeze for pool from Sentry pool (and plug)
• pick up eye drop prescription after Thursday at 11 a.m.
• response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

20 - SUNDAY - blocked camping - camper to Loud Thunder

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - BLOCKED

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Thursday, Oct. 17

5:28 a.m. - Yesterday was productive.  I didn't get to the classrooms, but I'll get to that today.  The evening featured junior high girls basketball, which is always a trial in patience.  

Today features another teacher observation, and I've come to look forward to those opportunities as chances to have a conversation and learn more about how I can support the teacher and building.  Today also features another trip to Mercer County Junior High for another girls basketball night.  Just keep swimming.

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS

• pick up antifreeze for pool from Sentry pool (and plug)
• pick up some letter from DMV about driving a bus
• pick up eye drop prescription after Thursday at 11 a.m.
• response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with Holtschlag

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - SUNDAY - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Wednesday, Oct. 16

5:10 a.m. - Yesterday was as bad of a Tuesday to start a week as I had envisioned.  It wasn't an easy day, but it could have been worse.  Maybe the colder temperatures helped.  In the evening there was a BOE meeting, which went well from my perspective.

Today is another busy day and full day, but nothing earth-shattering.  I have a couple of meetings/conversations in the afternoon, and then I have a junior high girls basketball game to officiate in the evening.  I'd like to try to get in some classrooms to complete some informal observations in the morning.  

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• think about that Evaluwise training that showed up yesterday

OTHER THINGS

• pick up antifreeze for pool from Sentry pool (and plug)
• pick up some letter from DMV about driving a bus
• pick up eye drop prescription after Thursday at 11 a.m.
• response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with Gingerich

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with Holtschlag

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - SUNDAY - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Tuesday, October 15

5:27 a.m. - Yesterday after getting the camper back, I tried to work on the yard.  I got a lot of it done, but the steering linkage on the mower is giving me trouble.  I think it needs replaced, but I'm not sure how much of it needs replaced.  I'm probably going to end up ordering all the parts and hoping.  

Today, school has all the ingredients for a recipe of a difficult day.  First, the weather is going to feature clear skies but cold, windy temperatures.  Next, we are coming off of a three and a half day weekend.  Third, we are about a couple of weeks away from Halloween, and apparently that's a big, big deal.  Basically, our brains are probably not going to be on school, and we are going to be cold and tired.  And after a day of fun, I have a Board of Education meeting.

One thing I don't have this week is volleyball officiating! I have a couple of junior high girls basketball games, so that's good.  This weekend I want to get the pool winterized and put to bed for the season.  

I watched my first Hallmark movie last night in between watching the Monday Night Football game.  I love that Hallmark movies always have happy endings.  I know that's not life, but it's still nice to watch a world that solves the problem and saves Christmas!  Yes, I know it's not yet even Halloween, but being out in the cold, gray, windy weather had a feel of the holidays to it.  

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• analyze the latest principal performance survey

OTHER THINGS

• pick up some letter from DMV about driving a bus
• check on Knauff date - Dec. 13, sent another email message today 10/15
• pick up eye drop prescription after Thursday at 11 a.m.
• response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - SUNDAY - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - SUNDAY - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Monday, Oct. 14

2:05 p.m. - It's always hard for me to drive back home alone listening to the radio from Columbus Day Weekend in the Fort Madison area having visited Carmen, Tyler, and now Caleb.  The entire ride home I'm just saddened at reflecting on regrets and mistakes and wondering about what might be if I had been "A Better Man" - one of the songs that conveniently came on the radio about halfway through the drive.  Maybe I should just stop listening to the radio when I'm driving by myself.

We had a nice weekend.  The weather cooperated.  We got to the two harvest places (pumpkin patches) that we normally like to visit, and we got in some good campground time.  I also took Amber to get some stuff at WalMart and we went to the casino.  And each day we were able to spend a little time with Caleb.  

Today it was get back home and write out some bills.  I think I'm going to spend the afternoon moving stuff around in the shed to get ready to close down the pool.

JBiz

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS

• check on Knauff date - Dec. 13
•  response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• Pay bills for middle of the month, including stupid Country Companies, water, and NW mutual
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Friday, October 11

4:59 a.m. - Yesterday's Admin meeting was a long one.  Of course the meeting meant more things to add to the to-do and event list.  After school I got the Eagle down to Fort Madison, but I'm not pleased with the leveling job.  I'm going to try again today when I get back down there.  I can't see to get the front-to-back level enough, and I ran out of daylight last night, and I was tired and frustrated.  

Today is a half day, but it's an important day.  We have an academic performance celebration, and this is something I've wanted to do for a long time.  I think I have it figured out how I want the day to go; I hope it just goes that way.  I'm likely going to sneak out of school early and head back to Fort Madison, but we'll see how the day goes.

One thing I'm not doing for awhile - officiating.  The result of that is less money, but more relaxation time.  Oh, and I check my jury duty summons again this morning...looks like I didn't get selected this week - yes!

The weather appears to be cooperating with weekend plans ... bring on the Harvest Festivals!

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS

• check on Knauff date - Dec. 13
• pool tabs in chlorinator
• hay down for mom
• firewood
•  response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• Pay bills for middle of the month, including stupid Country Companies, water, and NW mutual
• Sunday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 23 - I'm open - no games.  And Carmen suggested these days might work on her calendar.  She has her church Christmas program on the 22nd.  Maybe they could drive up and spend the night on the 22nd and stay as long as they would like or are able on the 23rd?
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

November

1 - blocked

2 - blocked

3 - SUNDAY

4 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

5 - open

6 - JHBK at Rockridge - 5:30

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30

8 - open

9 - JHBK at AlWood - 9 a.m.

10 - SUNDAY

11 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

12 - JHBK - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

13 - JHBK - at RR - 5:30 p.m.

14 - open

15 - MonRose Girls Scrimmage - 5:30

16 - open

17 - SUNDAY

18 - at AlWood - 6 p.m.

19 - open

20 - at Geneseo 7:15 p.m.

21 - at Geneseo 6:00 p.m.

22 - MonRose Boys Scrimmage - 5:30

23 - at Galesburg 10:30 a.m.

     - at AlWood - 3 p.m.

24 - SUNDAY

25 - at Williamsfield - 5 p.m.

26 - at Galesburg - 7 p.m.

27 - at Wethersfield - 2 p.m.

28 - THANKSGIVING

29 - at BPC - 7:30 p.m.

30 - at Riverdale - 11:00 a.m.

December

1 - SUNDAY

2 - at MerCo - 5:30 p.m.

3 - open

4 - at United - 6 p.m.

5 - at Erie - 7 p.m.

6 - at MonRose - 5:30 p.m.

7 - at Erie - noon

8 - SUNDAY

9 - BLOCKED RR BOE MEETING

10 - at Moline - 7 p.m.

11 - BLOCKED - Winter Program

12 - at ROWVA - 6 p.m.

13 - Erie (Knauff?)

Thursday, October 10

5:20 a.m. - One of our fire alarms decided to take a crap at 3:40 a.m. today...that was fun.  Needless to say, after I found which one it was and turned it off, I couldn't go back to sleep.  

Yesterday was another day (I know it's a broken record) of working with something I didn't seem coming at school.  I can't really elaborate, but I continue to be amazed how each day brings on something that I didn't anticipate happening.  And then at the end of the day, we headed to Cambridge for volleyball.  Of course the varsity match had to go three sets with the third set winning score at 30-28....sheesh.

Today the great weather continues for us as the hurricane (Milton) has passed over Florida.  There will be many people attempting to clean up storm damage after what they experienced overnight.  I'm not working any volleyball tonight nor girls junior high basketball.  Instead, I'm hustling home after school to get the camper down to Wilson Lake Campground and get set up for the weekend.  Wilson Lake is down by Carmen, Tyler, and Caleb in Fort Madison.  I just hope my camper fits the site I reserved.  

There is also a lot of crap again happening at school.  There's going to be an instructional coach in the building, and I have an admin meeting at 9 a.m.  Plus I need to make a couple of phone calls to parents that may not be a whole lot of fun.  I'd really like to just start my weekend in Fort Madison tonight and not come back tomorrow for school, but I have planned an academic celebration assembly, so I need to be back for that.

Just keep swimming....just keep swimming...

Things for School 

• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month
• pool tabs in chlorinator
• hay down for mom
• firewood

OTHER THINGS

• Get response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• Pay bills for middle of the month, including stupid Country Companies, water, and NW mutual
• Sunday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 23 - I'm open - no games.  And Carmen suggested these days might work on her calendar.  She has her church Christmas program on the 22nd.  Maybe they could drive up and spend the night on the 22nd and stay as long as they would like or are able on the 23rd?
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• jury summons - week of 10-7-24
• Call Sunday 309-204-9090
• 14th Judicial Circuit Court
• 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 304
• Rock Island
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

10 - (THURSDAY) blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day - reservation begins today

       admin meeting 10 a.m.

11 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

12 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

13 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

14 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

Wednesday, October 9

5:20 a.m. - I'm feeling fortunate that I don't live in Florida right now.  Hurricane Milton is expected to hit the east coast of Florida, and it's a biggie.  While it may lose a little punch before it reaches land, right now it's Category 5 and forecasting folks are using language like "historic" and "catastrophic".  Yikes.  

Yesterday was just another day in paradise.  I think I'm starting to get use to the "business", and by that I mean the "busy nature" of each day.  Yesterday was a perfect example.  At 7:15 a classroom teacher entered the building to tell us she was going to have to go back home because I pipe was broken in her basement and she had water all over.  So now it's scramble time to find a sub for the class.  In the middle of the day, a dad contacted me to get information on his son, and he apparently hasn't had much interest in his child's school before, so now I need to look into that.  Upon entering the building yesterday, I would never have anticipated those types of things, but that's how the day goes - see what happens and adapt or bend and do the best to carry on the day as if no one knows any different.  

Oh, and yesterday I had my eye appointment check-up, and that's going well.  And yesterday afternoon I went to Quad City Christian for the first time and worked some volleyball officiating, and that went fine.  And I observed the new music teacher in class, and that went fine.  And day two of the pilot para experiment went better.  

So today, while the only "official thing" I have at school is a post-observation visit with Anna, I also need to get ready for the academic assembly on Friday, and I want to do some work with the pilot para's schedule - adding notes that were put in place by Karli yesterday.  After that, I'll see what else is on the to-do list or tackle the "unknown items" that are likely going to occur today.

Things for School 

• Oct. 9 - 2 p.m. - post-observation with Anna
• absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS

• Get response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• Pay bills for middle of the month, including stupid Country Companies, water, and NW mutual
• Sunday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 23 - I'm open - no games.  And Carmen suggested these days might work on her calendar.  She has her church Christmas program on the 22nd.  Maybe they could drive up and spend the night on the 22nd and stay as long as they would like or are able on the 23rd?
• CALL ABOUT JURY DUTY SUNDAY NIGHT!
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• jury summons - week of 10-7-24
• Call Sunday 309-204-9090
• 14th Judicial Circuit Court
• 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 304
• Rock Island
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

9 - VB at Ridgewood Cambridge - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

10 - (THURSDAY) blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day - reservation begins today

       admin meeting 10 a.m.

11 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

12 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

13 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

14 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

Tuesday, October 8

5:42 a.m. - Another day...another day.  Yesterday was a day I anticipated as being "rough", and it was.  The new paraprofessional idea wasn't exactly "smooth sailing", and I anticipated that would be the case.  Hopefully with what was learned yesterday, today will go better.  I don't have to report for juror duty today, so that's good.  

Yesterday I also reported for a junior high girls basketball game, and that's always a challenge. 

Today I have a busy day.  I have an eye appointment, and then I have to get back for an observation of a teacher, and then I have volleyball tonight.  

Yesterday, my parents' friend and family friend Jack Youngquist passed away.  He had been ill for awhile, and this will be tough for my parents. 

Things for School 

• Get absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS

• Get response from Carmen regarding Christmas (maybe the 23rd)
• Pay bills for middle of the month, including stupid Country Companies, water, and NW mutual
• Sunday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 23 - I'm open - no games.  And Carmen suggested these days might work on her calendar.  She has her church Christmas program on the 22nd.  Maybe they could drive up and spend the night on the 22nd and stay as long as they would like or are able on the 23rd?
• CALL ABOUT JURY DUTY SUNDAY NIGHT!
• 10/8 - 11:00-11:45 - eye appointment at Milan Medical
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• jury summons - week of 10-7-24
• Call Sunday 309-204-9090
• 14th Judicial Circuit Court
• 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 304
• Rock Island
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical
• Feb. 12 - 10 a.m. - Eye Appointment

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

8 - - eye appointment - 11 a.m.

       VB at QC Christian  5:00 p.m. with Gerald Carrothers

9 - VB at Ridgewood Cambridge - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

10 - (THURSDAY) blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day - reservation begins today

       admin meeting 10 a.m.

11 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

12 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

13 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

14 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

Monday, October 7

5:33 a.m. -  We are back for another work week.  And believe it or not, I think we are headed for the end of the first nine weeks grading period.  The time has gone by quickly, and much like the previous weeks, there is a lot going on this week.  At the end of the week is our first academic assembly celebration on Friday, which is an 11:30 dismissal day, but we have an instructional coach in the building on the 10th, and on that same day I have an admin meeting.  I also need to have an observation with another teacher.  And of course there are a couple of volleyball nights along with a junior high girls basketball night this evening.  On Thursday, I'm hoping to get the camper down to Lake Wilson Campground in Fort Madison, as we are spending the weekend in Lee County.  

Mrs. Zampogna is back this week, though, so that helps!

Things for School 

• Get absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS

• Pay bills for middle of the month, including stupid Country Companies
• Sunday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 23 - I'm open - no games.  And Carmen suggested these days might work on her calendar.  She has her church Christmas program on the 22nd.  Maybe they could drive up and spend the night on the 22nd and stay as long as they would like or are able on the 23rd?
• CALL ABOUT JURY DUTY SUNDAY NIGHT!
• 10/8 - 11:00-11:45 - eye appointment at Milan Medical
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• jury summons - week of 10-7-24
• Call Sunday 309-204-9090
• 14th Judicial Circuit Court
• 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 304
• Rock Island
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30 p.m. with Kraig

8 - VB at QC Christian - eye appointment - 11 a.m.

                5:00 p.m. with Gerald Carrothers

9 - VB at Ridgewood Cambridge - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

10 - (THURSDAY) blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day - reservation begins today

       admin meeting 10 a.m.

11 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

12 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

13 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

14 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween

Sunday, October 6

11:52 a.m. - The camper is back next to the house and plugged in.  I did a little work on the Eagle before loading her up for the return trip home.  I need to throw in some more clothes before Thursday, but I pretty much left it the camper hooked up to the truck.  Before leaving the campground, I also got in a little 30-minute hike in the woods.  I wish I could have stayed out there longer, but time wouldn't allow it...check out time is 11 a.m.  My mind really has a chance just to calm down and relax while out in the woods.  I wish I could do that more.  

Today I want to watch some of the Bears game, visit my folks, and visit Chase at his work.  I'll probably grab a bite of supper there, and then I'll likely drive out to the office while Amber is working and finish up an evaluation that I started on Friday.  

Things for School 

• Get absent days for staff entered into SDS by the 15th of each month

OTHER THINGS

• CALL ABOUT JURY DUTY SUNDAY NIGHT!
• 10/8 - 11:00-11:45 - eye appointment at Milan Medical
• start making a payment on Chase - Mercer County
• case information is in my checking account info
• jury summons - week of 10-7-24
• Call Sunday 309-204-9090
• 14th Judicial Circuit Court
• 1317 3rd Avenue, Suite 304
• Rock Island
• Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Wang physical

OFFICIATING/UMPIRING UPCOMING

October

7 - JHBK at Sherrard - 5:30 p.m. with Kraig

8 - VB at QC Christian - eye appointment - 11 a.m.

                5:00 p.m. with Gerald Carrothers

9 - VB at Ridgewood Cambridge - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

10 - (THURSDAY) blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day - reservation begins today

       admin meeting 10 a.m.

11 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

12 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

13 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

14 - blocked camping Fort Madison - Columbus Day

15 - BLOCKED - BOE meeting - 6:30 p.m.

16 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

17 - JHBK at MerCo - 5:30 with ????

18 - blocked

19 - blocked

20 - blocked camping - consider taking camper to Loud Thunder?

21 - JHBK at Orion - 5:30 p.m. with ????

22 - VB at MonRose - 5:00 p.m. with Shawn

23 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

24 - BLOCKED - PT CONFERENCES

       admin meeting 9 a.m.

25 - no school

        - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

26 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

27 - blocked camping Loud Thunder - end of season

28 - JHBK at AlWood - 5:00 p.m. with Marcus

29 - open

30 - open

31 - BLOCKED Halloween