More 1st Year Experiences.......

So until school starts (and to make sure I get into a blogging routine), I'm going to bring up things from my first year. Today's topic is all of the professional developments I attended this year.

As a first year teacher, I wondered how many professional developments I should attend. My rationale was that I needed all my classroom time for not only instruction but for classroom management and routine. I taught single-gender classes and my boys class could be.... um.... a little rambunctious
to put it mildly. I could (and did) handle them, but to substitute teachers with whom they had no connection, it could be a problem. My girls class wasn't as bad, but there were a few who could cause problems. So these were the things I had to weigh when deciding if I should sign up for profession developments.

Of course, my school system already had mandatory trainings I had to attend. Most of these were very pertinent, like the two I attended on classroom management, but some were a waste of time. One main one sticks out in mind. The training on how to teach children from poverty.

I don't know, maybe growing up being in and around poverty the ideas they presented either were a) common sense (to me) or b) fundamentally flawed. It was a waste of my three hours and I was fully participating!

Let me get back on topic because I could write about that all day. The main reason for this post is to talk about my two favorite professional developments I attended. Both were out of town trips and even though I missed some school time, I feel it was worth it. The first one I'll talk about is the NCTIES conference in Raleigh, NC.

Basically, this conference was all about how to use technology in the classroom. Session I attended ranged from using google projects for students to creating a STEM classroom to using Discovery (channel and website) in day-to-day teaching. The last two sessions I mentioned were very important to since I teach both math and science classes. This conference was good for me because it gave me instant ideas to use when I returned to my classroom. I also have been tinkering with these ideas so that I can use them more frequently this upcoming year.

My favorite conference of the past year was going to the National Science Teachers of America conference in Indianapolis. Not only was it my first time to Indy but I was able to hear new ideas and meet teachers and swap methods.

One of the favorite pieces of this conference was meeting Leland Melvin. Melvin, former NFL player, now works for NASA going around to schools education kids about STEM opportunities. One of my goals this year is to bring Melvin to my school to speak. I know the benefits of kids seeing people who they can identify with and I think they would really enjoy hearing him, his background, and what he does now.

I also got to meet with teachers from other school districts across the nation and see how they're using STEM inside of their classrooms. I was able to gather valuable information on tactics that work in districts that are similar to mine. In addition to seeing Bill Nye, the Science Guy I was able to get free stuff that I was able to use before the school year ended.

While in Indy, I also got to take in some of the sights, such as the NCAA Hall of Fame and Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts. See attached photos. Well that wraps up this post. Until next time, peace.

Trying Something New

I completed my first year of teaching in June, and just started teaching summer school this week. I figured that this would as good a time as any to start capturing my thoughts about school, education, and my teaching career in general.

My first year was a whirlwind journey. It was my first year with students (7th graders) and while I was able to use some of the same things I used in my previous teaching stint with adults, where I helped them get their GEDs. However, much of my year was filled with new experiences, some I couldn't even imagine before I started.

There was the death of a student at my school, the removal of my principal, a fight that sent a kid to the hospital with broken ribs, me becoming the head track and field coach and of course the End-of-Grade tests. Through it all, I think I managed to not drown and definitely reach some kids. My kids did well on the tests, and they were rewarded with a party and got to pie me in the face, which they all enjoyed. (Video may be posted later)

What did my first year teach me? It taught me that students just want to be understood. It taught me that instilling confidence in them matters just as much as the information I'm giving them. It also unfortunately taught me that despite your best efforts, some students will have to learn the hard way.

Most importantly, my first year made me want to come back for another. This year affirmed how much I enjoy, no scratch that I love teaching and there are very few feelings like seeing students learn. So with the knowledge that I have tons to learn about the nuisances of teaching I am ready to embark on year two. I can also see how my students from last year perform outside of my classroom.

All in all, I am excited. Summer break is never long enough but the joys of teaching for me has me itching to get back in the classroom and try to reach a new group of children. Until next time, peace.

Super Sunday is almost here....

Well we've survived the long two weeks without football and Super Bowl weekend is here....

I'm saving who I'll pick for tomorrow but I'm just glad that the actual game is here.

The talking heads have struggled with actual game insight, though that's changing.

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Week 2 Picks....

So week 2 of the NFL is upon us and teams have the opportunity to show that week 1 wasn't a fluke. The Texas and Redskins are at the top of that list as are the Chiefs. We'll see who didnt have one game of glory. And I try my hand at this game picking things. And here are my picks:

-Cowboys over the Bears
-Ravens over the Bengals
-Chiefs over the Browns
-Falcons over the Cardinals
-Packers over the Bills
-Titans over Steelers
-Vikings over Dolphins
-Buccaneers over Panthers
-Seahawks over Broncos
-Raiders over Rams
-Patriots over Jets
-Chargers over Jaguars
-Texans over Redskins
-Colts over Giants
-Saints over 49ers

Until next time peace.

Week 1 NFL Thoughts.

Now that the first week of NFL football is over, I can take a look back and see what, if anything, was learned.

I did learn that while the preseason records may not matter, the way you play does. That means you, Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys first team offense didn't play well during the preseason, often failing to end drives with touchdowns. That continued against the Redskins as Dallas didn't score any first half points, and only 7 overall. Of course it doesn't help if T. Romo can only do 3 step drops. I know they're missing two starting offensive linemen, but for a team that wants to host the Super Bowl in their own stadium, they've got to play better than they did Sunday night.

Another trendy preseason pick, the Jets didn't look so hot on offense either. The Ravens reminded them that games are won on the field and not on HBO. Ray Lewis showed why he's the best middle linebacker in the game, punishing Dustin Keller, hitting him so hard he lost track of downs later.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTZrwvnlQdA&sns=em

Sanchez definitely has work to do if the Jets will be playing late in January. Throwing for only 74 yards will not get it done. And they just might miss Thomas Jones.

Other thoughts:

- The Hayneswoth situation in DC is getting a bit annoying. Either trade him of let him play. His teammates say he's doing a good job and they want him out there. So can we please cut the power play.

- These are the same Browns. Wow that playoff season of a couple of years ago seems pretty distant doesn't it.:-/

Well those are just some thoughts. I have to see how bad I did with my 5 fantasy teams this week, but just know I left A. Foster and M. Forte on the bench. :-(

Until, next time.

Gearing up for Preseason Week 2

The NFL Preseason continues tonight and we won't learn much except who will become teams backups. However, we will be one week closer to the regular season beginning. Before previewing Week 2, here are some of my thoughts about Week 1......

- There is no need to add more weeks to the NFL season. I'd you saw Eli Manning get his face gasped opened, you see just how intense any NFL game is, exhibition or otherwise. These men would end up killing themselves with 18 games plus the playoffs.

- The Jets are making the case for D. Revis really easy. Wait, I think the Giants just caught another deep pass. If they are a true Super Bowl contender, he can't miss any regular season time. He makes everyone's job much easier, and that defense needs that security blanket...

- The Cowboys need to start scoring touchdowns. Especially in the red zone.

- Lastly, come on Sept.9th. It can't get here fas enough.....

First week of August.....

So all 32 NFL teams have started training camp, and there have plenty to talk about.

First, the best CB, Darelle Revis, in the game is holding out. And he should. Without him, the Jets will become a good defense but not necessarily one that can carry the team to a Super Bowl. With him, the defense has a chance to be one hoisting the Lombardi trophy come Feb. 2011. And really this is when his leverage is highest. He's already shown what he can do on he field, and he should be rewarded as such. One play can change his value and the Jets (or any other sports franchise) would have no problem cutting him. They spent the latter portion of the season and playoffs saying how important he is, now its time to pay him as such.

If its August, then its Brent Favre time. Just within the past 48 hours he's retired and un-retired, causing ESPN, Twitter and social media to nearly explode. Some may look at Favre as a diva, and he may very well be, but he's only doing what the Vikings are letting him do. They (Minnesota) actually need him to come back or their run last year could've been all for naught.

My guess is that Favre will be back, and the Vikings just might end up in the Super Bowl if A. Peterson can figure out how to hold on to the ball.

Well thats it for now, just some quick thoughts on early training camp action.

RIP Jack Tatum

I think the title says it all..... if it doesn't... check out this video...

This NBA off-season has been pretty interesting hasn't it...

Here I thought we'd stop talking about the NBA once we had 'The Decision'. I figured that the LeBron backlash would subside and we would be able to talk about football, which provides us several topics. Nope, not a chance.

Now, reports are that Chris Paul wants out of New Orleans. Even though he has two years left on his contract, he has formulated a list, one thats ever-changing, and submitted that list to the Hornets management.

After a Monday meeting, word is that Paul never asked for a trade. I HIGHLY DOUBT that. He's friends with Wade/LeBron and just watched them get together on the same team. He then looked at his team and realized that ownership has already stated they wont pay luxury tax penalties (i.e. won't add any more good players). He sees that his options are to play the next two seasons in New Orleans where he won't see the conference finals, let alone the NBA Finals or try to get on another team, so that New Orleans can get back some talent for him.

I say trade him! He won't have any higher value than right now. He makes $14.5 million dollars and yet he won't be able to fill that stadium consistently. You might as well get some picks back, shed some salary and make your team more attractive to the potential suitor. Also, you have Darren Collision who showed last year, that he can fill in and play the PG role pretty well.

Once the season starts, too many variables begin to move. First of all, the demand for him could drop drastically. Not to mention, he could get hurt.

I know it seems like Paul is forcing his way out of town, but so what if he is? He's doing it at a time when its actually beneficial to the team. New Orleans probably won't ever be able to pay their players superstar money yet right now, they are set up to have some young talent that can grow. No it won't the Oklahoma type-talent and growth but its enough to contend for the playoffs. Which frankly, is their ceiling in the current landscape of the Western Conference.

Will they or won't they? Another decision in the making.

Back..... Again.....

Whats up....



I was inspired this morning. After reading today's On.Us.Tee posting here, I was inspired to re-start my blog. And with the NBA Free Agency hoopla just starting off, I see an opportunity to do so.



So without further ado.... Here is another installment of A. Prince's Perspective:





First, NBA Free Agency. I must admit, at first I was excited. The thought of the NBA landscape changing so drastically in just a couple of weeks right after we saw two storied franchises play in the Finals had me so excited for July 1st. Then rumors upon rumors upon rumors upon rumors and none of them could be proved. That turned me off. Here's why. Its July 2nd, and nothing has happened. Sure, we've had some meetings between players and teams, but no new contracts signed. And from the looks of it, some people (J. Johnson) will be earning fat checks and staying right at home with their current teams. If this trend holds, we'll have the most hoopla for nothing that I can remember.



But I don't think that'll happen. LeBron is leaving Cleveland. Yup, he's gone. I could go into all the reasons why I think so, but if he wanted to stay in Cleveland, why hasn't he signed the contract already? He could've signed it, and then gone on to really recruiting other players to come play with him.

Also, with the Lakers looking like they're about to reload for a 3-peat (and 4th straight Finals appearance) I don't think Cleveland has a real shot to beat them. Realistically, I don't see any Eastern Conference teams beating the Lakers except for Boston, and thats only if Ray Allen comes back or they find a suitable replacement.



So I look for Bron to end up in Chicago, bringing Bosh along with him. Yes he will be in MJ's Shadow but here's the thing about that; if you're in the NBA, you'll always be in MJ's shadow. Kobe has played in LA his whole career and he's compared to MJ. It won't escape LeBron. Only way he can combat it is to win championships. That's what should drive his decision. And that's why I think he'll end up in Chicago.


But I won't be checking everyday for his decision. I can wait 'til it breaks, then I'll get excited again.

One Week Away.....

So this weekend brought the end of the regular season to the 2010 college basketball season. This season has been wildly entertaining for me. There were buzzer-beaters, extreme wins (and losses), and the fall of North Carolina. All of these have me very excited about conference tournaments and the upcoming NCAA tournament.

With the regular season over, I'm going to try and predict who I think the #1 seeds will be. Of course next Sunday, I'll be able to see how correct I was, and then I'll make my March Madness selections.

In other sports news, the NFL heated up over the weekend. Free agents made moves and although we were told that the uncapped 2010 season would slow spending, that certainly wasn't the case. The Chicago Bears made the biggest moves, signing Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor, while the New York Jets bolstered their secondary with the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie. This all just makes me wish the season was right around the corner. :-/

March Madness on the way....

Well, March is here. Important month (sports-wise) for a couple of reasons. First, March Madness takes place. This season looks like one of those seasons where there are tons of upsets in the tourney, because there is no dominant team. This past weekend, teams ranked #1,2 and 3 all lost. This isn't like last season when North Carolina was the consensus favorite to win the title.

Going into the final week of the regular season, teams are making their final push for tournament bids. If you're a team on the bubble, you want to get a couple wins so that you aren't forced into winning your conference tournament to get your entry into the Big Dance.

The latest version of ESPN's Bracketology has the following breakdown of teams by conference: Big East- 8 teams; Big 12 and ACC- 7 teams; while the Big Ten and SEC have 5 teams. They also list these teams as the last four teams included in the tournament: Virginia Tech, St. Mary's, Mississippi State, and San Diego State. So pay attention to these teams this week to see the wins they can accumulate.

Big games tonight for both bubble teams and teams looking to improve their tournament seeding. UConn vs. Notre Dame is a HUGE game for both teams. UConn seemed to play themselves off the bubble after winning three straight games. However they lost their last game to Louisville, so another loss would put them right back on the bubble. Notre Dame is barely in the conversation but they are there after defeating Pittsburgh and Georgetown in their last two games. They desperately need to continue winning to even stay on the bubble.

UMd-Duke is a battle for seeding, both in the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament. Duke is battling for a #1 seed and a seventh straight defeat of the Terps would help that cause. Maryland would like to show that the ACC is more than a one team conference.

As you watch games this week, here is a video to get you ready for the Madness.......

December 13, 2009

Well, here we are. Entering the final month of 2009, and so many sports stories to take us to the end of the year. Here are my take on just a few of these hot-button topics....

1) Alabama's Mark Ingram won his school's first Heisman ever on Saturday. The sophmore running back won the closest Heisman race ever, edging Stanford running back Toby Gerhart. Gerhart received a lot of buzz for a couple of reasons. First, his play. The senior had 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns. His running style was punishing yet Gerhart didn't break down and led Standford to a 8-4 record. The secord reason was the color of his skin. You see, Gerhart is a white running back. Granted, there aren't a lot of white running backs carrying the ball for their teams these days, but shouldn't we be judging all of these athletes by their merits on the field. I just think that Gerhart's play merited his spot in New York City, and not because he was a white athlete doing it.

2) Tiger Woods. Man, why oh why is he leaving golf? That is not the best course of action. The golf course is going to be his place of relief. Remember how Kobe scored 30+ points every game after a court appearance. Imagine Tiger at the Masters, releasing all the frustration for the past two weeks. Now that I would like to see. I definitely don't condone his actions, and I want to see his family remain in tact, but I would also like to see him back in action, as soon as possible.

3) Lastly, the last quarter of the NFL season is upon us. I'm currently watching the games now, so I'll have some thoughts after some of the games are finished.

Sept. 27, 2009 Weekend Wrap-Up (Part 1)

This weekend was a dandy for sports fans. There was another set of upsets in college football, upsets in NFL football, and a golf tourney worth $10 million.

First, the upsets in college football. In every week thus far, a Top 5 team has lost. That trend continued this week. On Thursday, #4 Ole Miss lost to South Carolina 16-10. The score was closer than the game itself. Ole Miss looked tentative on offense while confused on defense. The team never got the stop it needed, and never had any continuity on offense. And because of that South Carolina defeated Ole Miss for the second straight year.

That game was only the first of many upsets. The #5 team in the nation, Penn State, played Iowa, and again lost. Quarterback Daryl Clark had another dismal game against Iowa, throwing three interceptions, after starting the game 5 for 5. The #6 team, Cal, got caught looking ahead to its showdown with USC, and was dismantled by the University of Oregon, 42-3. Javid Best saw his Heisman candidacy come to a screeching halt. After averaging 137.3 rushing yards per game, Best only had 55 yards, while his team could only muster 206 total yards as a team.

The final Top 10 team to lose, the Miami Hurricanes, was making its first appearance in the Top 10 since 2005. In a steady rain in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech, the Hurricanes played sloppy and lost 31-7 for the team's first loss of the season. Jacory Harris was another player who saw his early Heisman hopes end. His early turnovers led to a deficit that his team couldn't recover from.

These upsets have the new Top 25 looking very unusual. Boise State makes its first Top 5 appearance while one loss teams USC and Ohio State make a return appearance to the Top 10. ....... To be continued.....

Week 3 Picks

NFL Week 3 is here!!

Before I get into my week 3 picks, lets recap how I'm doing so far...

Week 1 I went 11-5, and I was sitting high. Week 2 I came back down to Earth a bit, going 9-7 while missing on picks, such as Browns over the Broncos, and the Bucs over the Bills. I did pick the 49ers to get to 2-0, and also got the Raiders pick correctly. Of course I thought the Jets would lose, and that the Steelers would win. Both of those picks were wrong, but I am not deterred.

This week I'm going with the following picks:

Ravens over Browns

Titans over Jets

Giants over Bucs

Packers over Rams

Eagles over Chiefs

Patriots over Falcons

Vikings over 49ers

Texans over Jaguars

Redskins over Lions

Saints over Bills

Bears over Seahawks

Steelers over Bengals

Raiders over Broncos

Chargers over Dolphins

Colts over Cardinals

Cowboys over Panthers

Now after Week 4, I'll do a quarterly report of the NFL season, in which will check in on my playoff picks, give thoughts on the early MVP race, and the surprises of the league.

This week is buzzing about the return of Michael Vick to meaningful football action. Vick prolly isnt ready to play quarterback full-time, but the excitement level when he enters the Wildcat (or Wild Eagle) formation wil go through the roof. I will be tuned, and blogging my thoughts on it.

Until then, peace!

Week 2 Picks

So... I went 11-5 in my Week 1 picks....

and here are my week 2 picks.......

Redskins over Rams
Ravens over Chargers
Patriots over Jets
Cowboys over Giants
Falcons over Panthers
Vikings over Lions
Packers over Bengals
Cardinals over Jaguars
Raiders over Chiefs
Saints over Eagles
Titans over Texans
Bucs over Bills
49ers over Seahawks
Steelers over Bears
Browns over Broncos
Colts over Dolphins

Lets see I have better luck this week.

Week 1 NFL Picks

My week 1 NFL picks are as follows:

Giants over Redskins
Ravens over Chiefs
Falcons over Dolphins
Texans over Jets
Saints over Lions
Bengals over Broncos
Cowboys over Bucs
Vikings over Browns
Eagels over Panthers
Colts over Jags
Seahawks over Rams
Cardinals over 49ers
Bears over Packers
Patriots over Bills
Chargers over Raiders

PS: I would have chosen the Titans to beat the Steelers, so my week 1 record stands at 0-1, so far. Check back Tuesday, to see how I do.

Saturday Sports (Sept. 12, 2009)

Wow... one day before the NFL season gets underway an action packed Saturday of sports took place. Mainly the stories resulted from college football games, but one major story came from the US Open.

Defending champion Serena Williams played her semifinal match against Kim Clijsters. Both former champions, the match was widely regarded as the unofficial championship match. The match itself didn't disappoint, as Clijsters really pushed Serena to her limit. She won the first set 6-4, and was leading the second set 6-5, 30-15 with Serena serving.

Here is where the match takes a crazy, crazy, crazy turn. Serena was called for a foot fault, on her second serve, which resulted in a double fault. (The call appeared to be the wrong) Serena is not pleased and gives the line judge a piece of her mind. Serena gets ready to serve and then decides to continue her rant. At this point, the chair judge calls the line judge over and asks her what was said to her. We still don't know the specifics of what was said, (I watched it live, and still couldn't tell) but at the end of it, Serena was penalized, on match point nevertheless, and lost the match.

I am not condoning what Serena did, but come on? To lose a match, any match, but the semifinals of the US Open in this way is ridiculous!!! Especially when there are several far worse offenders of smashing rackets, and some of these are celebrated.

Just earlier this week, Novak Djokovic performed imitations of various tennis players. One of the imitations he performed was of John McEnroe, and it included a rant imitation. Or if you wanted a current high strung player, then look no further than Marat Safin, who is notorious for throwing and breaking rackets.

My point is that Serena had an outburst, but this should not be viewed at some large event. I hear some saying that this taints her image. I ask how? She showed emotion that she wanted to win. The whole situation has me irritated.

Onto college football. USC-Ohio State delivered a classic game. OSU was leading 15-10 with just about 6 minutes left. USC was struggling to move the ball, either by air or on the ground. However, one 21-yard pass to Joe McKnight and USC was back in business, moving the ball downfield to score. Super sophomore T. Pryor had one last chance to score, but he was unable to run the 2-min drill efficiently.

Oklahoma State showed that they aren't fully ready for the upper echleon of college football, losing to unranked Houston the week after rising to #5 in the polls.

ND-Michigan also played a great game. Notre Dame came in felling good about themselves, as their offense looked really good against Nevada. Michigan felt good after scoring close to 30 points. J. Clausen looked good against Michigan's secondary, but in the end it was Michigan's freshman quarterback Tate Forcier who made all the plays. Forcier led the Wolverines down the field and despite having one of his receivers drop a touchdown pass, he kept his compsure and found Greg Mathews for the game-winner with 11 seconds left. Charlie Weis took some heat for not running the ball on tehir finall possession, allowing Michigan to keep two timeouts which came in handy for Michigan.

Weis' seat will now get a little bit hotter as this was a game that Notre Dame should have won. Entering his fifth season, Weis now has no reason for the Irish to be in a BCS bowl. Will it happen? We shall see, but watching this and all of the other college football stories will provide lots of Saturday excitement.

Sept. 10, 2009 (Part 3)

Check back later for my playoff picks... As well as my Week 1 game picks... Football is back!!! Let's welcome it with open arms!

Sept. 10, 2009 (AFC Picks)

AFC: New England, Indy, Pitt, San Diego w/Baltimore and Tennessee as the wild cards.