The day starts early with one student taking at test at 7:45 a.m. Yup in bed after 1:30 a.m. and up bright and early the next day. I sure hope I get to sleep when I get home, cause during this conference I run short on bed rest.
Then the day is planned around final presentation for E-Business. Not much to change for presentation but just confidence and poise. I go and watch other final presentations for this event and it is good because it cause me to think differently for next year's students. My student does let me watch her presentation and I am glad because I like to see the effort student put in. Following her presentation I go and watch other finals to get ideas to bring back to Seymour and students for next year's Nationals.
The afternoon today is reserved for some down time and then a Chapter dinner. I picked out Joe's Crab Shack as a location and following that it is some Mini-golf. We take a taxi instead of he i-trolley that is available based on other adviser's statements about wait time and other struggles. It is so good to have other advisers that are so willing to help on these trips!
Following our activity kids to go the pool for the bonfire and then it is curfew at midnight. Thankfully I get to go to bed right around that same time to. I need the sleep. So day 5 of conference 16 hour day.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
NLC - Day 4
Ok, today is a day of juggling schedules. Upon arriving at the conference I texted students that were giving presentations the times and locations of their presentations. Today all three are presenting. I did not talk about this in my previous post (well it was getting long), but I also sit down with each group/person presenting and go over what to do. This is also a chance for me to give them really hard questions that judges might give them. I like to do this so they feel very prepared to knock the socks of the judges. So on Day 2 of the conference I watched/listened to two of my three presentation for Nationals. Boy have they been working hard on their presentations. I don't ask them to change any content but vocals, pausing and confidence is the only thing to work on now.
On top of getting students ready I am also helping to administer a presentation. I was helping to facilitate the event Business Financial Plan. I enjoy doing this task because it gets me more aware of different events I have not had student participate in. The only down side is that I am stuck in one location and my students do not get my undivided attention prior to their presentations.
So up and out of the room by 8 a.m. at the convention and working right away. I am working the event until noon and then a quick lunch and then a walk around the exhibit hall where the campaign booths are located. Upon completion of that, I coordinate with presenting students to go over any last minute questions and then it is wait until it is over. I had two presentations that felt very confident and one group struggled with a technology issue and felt that knocked them out of the running. We will keep our fingers crossed.
In the afternoon we have the NorthCentral meeting. Which is a region of FBLA states that compete in some chapter/state events and network based on location. There is also some campaign speeches given here for vice president. Over all the meeting last about an hour, but Seymour does get recognized for being a Gold Seal Chapter! Way to Go!
After this meeting is it wait until final are posted. So we went to an Arabian Nights Dinner Theater show. It was a nice show and a good opportunity for the entire group to be together in a fun atmosphere. Then we get back to the hotel and wait, wait, wait. They get back to their hotel rooms prior to the midnight curfew and thanks to the addition of social networking we can just hit refresh and wait for the posts.
Midnight passes and we are still waiting for one presentation to post the final round. So far E-business is the only presentation to make it to finals. We were up until 1:30 waiting for posts and so it was, Seymour has one presentation going on Thursday. The other students who didn't make finals now plan and strategize to watch other event finals to get ready for NEXT year (I love planning ahead!)
So up at at the conference by 8 a.m. and done working with students at 1:30 a.m. 17.5 hour day.
Wheww! I am getting tired
On top of getting students ready I am also helping to administer a presentation. I was helping to facilitate the event Business Financial Plan. I enjoy doing this task because it gets me more aware of different events I have not had student participate in. The only down side is that I am stuck in one location and my students do not get my undivided attention prior to their presentations.
So up and out of the room by 8 a.m. at the convention and working right away. I am working the event until noon and then a quick lunch and then a walk around the exhibit hall where the campaign booths are located. Upon completion of that, I coordinate with presenting students to go over any last minute questions and then it is wait until it is over. I had two presentations that felt very confident and one group struggled with a technology issue and felt that knocked them out of the running. We will keep our fingers crossed.
In the afternoon we have the NorthCentral meeting. Which is a region of FBLA states that compete in some chapter/state events and network based on location. There is also some campaign speeches given here for vice president. Over all the meeting last about an hour, but Seymour does get recognized for being a Gold Seal Chapter! Way to Go!
After this meeting is it wait until final are posted. So we went to an Arabian Nights Dinner Theater show. It was a nice show and a good opportunity for the entire group to be together in a fun atmosphere. Then we get back to the hotel and wait, wait, wait. They get back to their hotel rooms prior to the midnight curfew and thanks to the addition of social networking we can just hit refresh and wait for the posts.
Midnight passes and we are still waiting for one presentation to post the final round. So far E-business is the only presentation to make it to finals. We were up until 1:30 waiting for posts and so it was, Seymour has one presentation going on Thursday. The other students who didn't make finals now plan and strategize to watch other event finals to get ready for NEXT year (I love planning ahead!)
So up at at the conference by 8 a.m. and done working with students at 1:30 a.m. 17.5 hour day.
Wheww! I am getting tired
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
NLC - Day 3
This morning starts of just as the same as Monday (Day 2 of trip). One student in Leadership Training, two others going with parents for a morning trip, and I am off to DisneyWorld (Animal Kingdom) with the rest.
Meet in the lobby by 8:20 a.m. and we have eaten breakfast already. Hop in a taxi and drive to the park. Much easier to do this on day two, already knowing something of what to expect. We have less time in the park today as we have two meetings to attend to start the official conference. We arrive and met with our other student and Mom at the park and off we went on our Safari ride. What great advice the Mom gave us on doing that ride first, as the animals are out more in the earlier part of day before the heat gets to much. The rest of day at the park we went to shows and rides. I will say be sure to schedule in your day there the Lion King show. The performers do an excellent job and it was amazing.
The return from Animal kingdom was different as my two students went with the other student who was staying on Disney property to help them navigate back to our hotel for the conference. So only three back on the taxi (increases the cost per person slightly).
Back at the hotel I am finally able to get to conference registration and pick up all required materials and then I can go to the mandatory adviser meeting. This hour long meeting they discuss procedures and changes that have been made to the convention program as well as safety tips and reminders about the facilities. This is also a good time to network with other advisers from across the country.
I am constantly coordinating with my state officer via text on times/locations to meet to be sure she is fully prepared for her responsibilities at the conference. It is so wonderful to work with students who take on the role of officer, they are so responsible and it makes me proud to be a teacher!
Then I coordinate the rest of my students to get them in their business attire and then it is off to the state meeting. I arrive early to help facilitate any part of the meeting, but our state adviser and state officers really did a great job of running the show. This meeting gets all participants from Wisconsin coordinated on what to expect and what to do for Wisconsin. Cheers are reviewed, upcoming training's are discussed and students get excited for the upcoming events. Seymour's state officer had to give a couple of speeches that we had worked on and brought with prior to flying out for Florida and she did a great job!
After the state meeting some down time and then it is off to the opening session. The opening session at this conference is what really gets students pumped up. There is music, pictures and of course the trading of the pins. Students purchase for $1 a Wisconsin pin and then go and trade with other states. This encourages meeting new people and networking. There is a keynote speaker as well as campaign speeches given for National Officers. This year Wisconsin was lucky enough to have a candidate running for National office, so the entire state was yelling and supporting our candidate.
This opening session meeting lasts just over 2 hours and students are done sitting still by that time. It is difficult to keep them (ok, even myself, off the electronic devices during the session).
Students then had time to hangout and meet people until curfew. I have at several time state to students the expectations of being in the room before midnight for curfew. Many students went down to the pool for the bonfire and enjoyed meeting new people.
So this day is from 8:20 to Midnight. Yup 16 hours again.
Meet in the lobby by 8:20 a.m. and we have eaten breakfast already. Hop in a taxi and drive to the park. Much easier to do this on day two, already knowing something of what to expect. We have less time in the park today as we have two meetings to attend to start the official conference. We arrive and met with our other student and Mom at the park and off we went on our Safari ride. What great advice the Mom gave us on doing that ride first, as the animals are out more in the earlier part of day before the heat gets to much. The rest of day at the park we went to shows and rides. I will say be sure to schedule in your day there the Lion King show. The performers do an excellent job and it was amazing.
The return from Animal kingdom was different as my two students went with the other student who was staying on Disney property to help them navigate back to our hotel for the conference. So only three back on the taxi (increases the cost per person slightly).
Back at the hotel I am finally able to get to conference registration and pick up all required materials and then I can go to the mandatory adviser meeting. This hour long meeting they discuss procedures and changes that have been made to the convention program as well as safety tips and reminders about the facilities. This is also a good time to network with other advisers from across the country.
I am constantly coordinating with my state officer via text on times/locations to meet to be sure she is fully prepared for her responsibilities at the conference. It is so wonderful to work with students who take on the role of officer, they are so responsible and it makes me proud to be a teacher!
Then I coordinate the rest of my students to get them in their business attire and then it is off to the state meeting. I arrive early to help facilitate any part of the meeting, but our state adviser and state officers really did a great job of running the show. This meeting gets all participants from Wisconsin coordinated on what to expect and what to do for Wisconsin. Cheers are reviewed, upcoming training's are discussed and students get excited for the upcoming events. Seymour's state officer had to give a couple of speeches that we had worked on and brought with prior to flying out for Florida and she did a great job!
 |
| Opening session with trading pins on name badge. |
This opening session meeting lasts just over 2 hours and students are done sitting still by that time. It is difficult to keep them (ok, even myself, off the electronic devices during the session).
Students then had time to hangout and meet people until curfew. I have at several time state to students the expectations of being in the room before midnight for curfew. Many students went down to the pool for the bonfire and enjoyed meeting new people.
So this day is from 8:20 to Midnight. Yup 16 hours again.
Monday, June 27, 2011
NLC - Day 2
All went well we were in the hotel. I had one student who was spending the day in leadership training at the convention center with all the other Wisconsin State Officers, two students traveling with parents to the beach (I had arranged permission slips to make sure that I knew everyone knew it was ok for them to travel without me for the day) and that left me with three students for a day of adventure at DisneyWorld.
I know that some people may read this and say ok you are at DisneyWorld how is that work. Well because I am the adviser on the trip I am really just doing what the students want to do and I hold back my opinion on rides and locations. Students worked hard on earning their trip to Nationals, so I just make sure they are safe and following reasonable expectations.
The day starts with figuring out transportation from the hotel to Disney. I had two students with me at the hotel and I was meeting another at Disney with her Mom. I also had my six year old and my mother. So a taxi for five was the most economical. First taxi ride for the students and they were excited to go. A delay on getting into Magic Kingdom due to a Tram shut down, but 30 minutes later we were in and looking for our meeting spot with my other student.
It was a great day. We went on rides and my students Mom was really a Disney expert. She knew how to use the Disney fastpass feature to make the most of our time there. We walked a ton. We left the park after 11 p.m. So up at 7 a.m. in the taxi by 8:30 a.m. and return by midnight. The other students and I communicated during the day on where they were and who they were with. A curfew check at midnight and the day is through. A wonderful day of advising students for 16 straight hours.
I know that some people may read this and say ok you are at DisneyWorld how is that work. Well because I am the adviser on the trip I am really just doing what the students want to do and I hold back my opinion on rides and locations. Students worked hard on earning their trip to Nationals, so I just make sure they are safe and following reasonable expectations.
The day starts with figuring out transportation from the hotel to Disney. I had two students with me at the hotel and I was meeting another at Disney with her Mom. I also had my six year old and my mother. So a taxi for five was the most economical. First taxi ride for the students and they were excited to go. A delay on getting into Magic Kingdom due to a Tram shut down, but 30 minutes later we were in and looking for our meeting spot with my other student.It was a great day. We went on rides and my students Mom was really a Disney expert. She knew how to use the Disney fastpass feature to make the most of our time there. We walked a ton. We left the park after 11 p.m. So up at 7 a.m. in the taxi by 8:30 a.m. and return by midnight. The other students and I communicated during the day on where they were and who they were with. A curfew check at midnight and the day is through. A wonderful day of advising students for 16 straight hours.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
NLC -Day 1
So we are flying out today for Nationals. I am taking 6 students to Orlando so they can compete against the rest of the Nation. They are ready to show off their business talents. I have been arranging transportation, equipment, housing, registration since April, and now we are meeting and traveling.
The work day is starting by meeting at the Appleton airport at 3 p.m. Since the airport is close all students had to arrange their own transportation to and from the airport. We all made it on time. Prior to the trip I sent the students a text with their flight confirmation number and asked them to register online and pay for check luggage (if they were taking some). They all were able to take care of that prior to meeting at the airport. This made check-in much easier.
Our flight left Appleton around 4:30, we had a connecting flight in Detroit. Thank goodness no problems with the connection and we arrived in Orlando at 10:15 p.m. (eastern time). Once we got our luggage (again no problems there either :) ) we arrange for round trip transportation to/from the hotel. I held onto the receipts so when we travel back I don't have to worry about someone losing it and having to purchase another ticket.
We arrived at our Hotel around 11:45 p.m. and got checked into our hotel room. Let me tell you that when you travel with students and have to check into a hotel, there are always problems with one person being responsible for 4 rooms. So far the Hilton has been doing a great job. I did make sure that I brought along another copy of our state tax exempt status, try to save our students some money.
Once checked in finally got to bed around 1 a.m. because we had not eaten any dinner because of timing of flights. So ordered a pizza and shared with the students and then rest time.
Day 1 worked 9 hours (not counting the packing prior to the trip).
The work day is starting by meeting at the Appleton airport at 3 p.m. Since the airport is close all students had to arrange their own transportation to and from the airport. We all made it on time. Prior to the trip I sent the students a text with their flight confirmation number and asked them to register online and pay for check luggage (if they were taking some). They all were able to take care of that prior to meeting at the airport. This made check-in much easier.
Our flight left Appleton around 4:30, we had a connecting flight in Detroit. Thank goodness no problems with the connection and we arrived in Orlando at 10:15 p.m. (eastern time). Once we got our luggage (again no problems there either :) ) we arrange for round trip transportation to/from the hotel. I held onto the receipts so when we travel back I don't have to worry about someone losing it and having to purchase another ticket.
We arrived at our Hotel around 11:45 p.m. and got checked into our hotel room. Let me tell you that when you travel with students and have to check into a hotel, there are always problems with one person being responsible for 4 rooms. So far the Hilton has been doing a great job. I did make sure that I brought along another copy of our state tax exempt status, try to save our students some money.
Once checked in finally got to bed around 1 a.m. because we had not eaten any dinner because of timing of flights. So ordered a pizza and shared with the students and then rest time.
Day 1 worked 9 hours (not counting the packing prior to the trip).
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Gearing Up for Trip
On Sunday I leave with some wondeful students to attend the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando. Traveling with students is such an eye opening experience. Students often times have not traveled without their parents or even out of the state before. Trying to please a group of individuals who have different tastes in food and entertainment can be trying on anyone nerves, but the rewards and memories students have is what makes it worth while.
As an overview of my upcoming trip I arranged airline and hotel reservations for my 6 students, as well as making arrangements to share a hotel room with students to defray costs. All of this work was done months ago, but the arrangements for entertainment are always in flux. This year due to the size of my group (this is the largest group I have taken - I am no Portage FBLA Chapter) I wanted to arrange all of it ahead time so everyone was sure of the agenda and admissions were paid for prior to leaving (so no unexpected costs).
I have been worried about transportation costs to and from the airport. We are not renting a car so working with a shuttle service or taxi. The taxi is one flat fee no matter how many individuals are traveling, but then students have to figure out the shared cost of travel and plus I can't have students in a taxi without me. These are all arrangements and thoughts I go through prior to leaving.
I have also already confirmed that students don't need any medications, but I also want to be sure I have extra's of stuff they may need since we are in Orlando 6 nights.
The past couple of days I was traveling with my family to celebrate our Tenth Anniversary, but still on vacation I answered several text messages about the upcoming trip and several emails about school work. I would estimate over that last 3 days I have spend at least 1.5 hours with emails/texts confirming data for the trip.
I also started packing today so does that count for work? I am going to guess not, but still it is me prepping for taking students on the trip.
Here is my trip information:
Fly out Sunday, meeting at airport at 3 p.m. (I will count that as the start of work time)
Fly back on Saturday arriving at home airport at 4 p.m.(I will count that as the end of the trip).
I will try to do some updates during the trip, but I know it will be super busy crazy, but still fun
As an overview of my upcoming trip I arranged airline and hotel reservations for my 6 students, as well as making arrangements to share a hotel room with students to defray costs. All of this work was done months ago, but the arrangements for entertainment are always in flux. This year due to the size of my group (this is the largest group I have taken - I am no Portage FBLA Chapter) I wanted to arrange all of it ahead time so everyone was sure of the agenda and admissions were paid for prior to leaving (so no unexpected costs).
I have been worried about transportation costs to and from the airport. We are not renting a car so working with a shuttle service or taxi. The taxi is one flat fee no matter how many individuals are traveling, but then students have to figure out the shared cost of travel and plus I can't have students in a taxi without me. These are all arrangements and thoughts I go through prior to leaving.
I have also already confirmed that students don't need any medications, but I also want to be sure I have extra's of stuff they may need since we are in Orlando 6 nights.
The past couple of days I was traveling with my family to celebrate our Tenth Anniversary, but still on vacation I answered several text messages about the upcoming trip and several emails about school work. I would estimate over that last 3 days I have spend at least 1.5 hours with emails/texts confirming data for the trip.I also started packing today so does that count for work? I am going to guess not, but still it is me prepping for taking students on the trip.
Here is my trip information:
Fly out Sunday, meeting at airport at 3 p.m. (I will count that as the start of work time)
Fly back on Saturday arriving at home airport at 4 p.m.(I will count that as the end of the trip).
I will try to do some updates during the trip, but I know it will be super busy crazy, but still fun
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Nationals Trip - Orlando
I have written about having a state officer for Wisconsin FBLA for this upcoming school year, but I also have five other students who have qualified for the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL on June 28-July 1.
So I have been arranging transportation, housing, entertainment, and competitive event schedules since the state leadership conference in the middle of April. Several meetings were held before school got out, so I will not count those hours but since school has been out. I have help do fundraising (see older posts) as well as coordinate equipment pick-up for events as well as confirm travel arrangements. So since school has been out for over a week there has been 2 hours of work put into this upcoming trip.
A trip to Orlando, FL sounds like a wonderful vacation! I would agree and I will be doing some fun activities while I am there but I will still be working the entire time and will need to supervise the students on an out-of-state field trip. I will do some separate blog posts about this trip.
So today 2 hours of planning to get ready to go on the trip. Flying out on June 26!
So I have been arranging transportation, housing, entertainment, and competitive event schedules since the state leadership conference in the middle of April. Several meetings were held before school got out, so I will not count those hours but since school has been out. I have help do fundraising (see older posts) as well as coordinate equipment pick-up for events as well as confirm travel arrangements. So since school has been out for over a week there has been 2 hours of work put into this upcoming trip.
A trip to Orlando, FL sounds like a wonderful vacation! I would agree and I will be doing some fun activities while I am there but I will still be working the entire time and will need to supervise the students on an out-of-state field trip. I will do some separate blog posts about this trip.
So today 2 hours of planning to get ready to go on the trip. Flying out on June 26!
Post Brat Fry Wrap Up - Clean up
I wrote before that I had to leave the brat fry early on Saturday because of family commitment, but I also had to leave my vehicle for it to be loaded with all the items borrowed. So now all of this needs to be returned.
The FFA let us borrow their tent. Which was so helpful. Thank you, FFA! I love working with Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO's). Also nesco's, napkins, and carts etc now needs to be unloaded. Because my husband is really busy too, I got a babysitter to watch my youngest son while I got a haircut and unloaded the van. I know you are saying why get a babysitter, well all the items were in my mother-in-law's handicap accessible van, which does not have any spots for children's car seats, so I could not bring my boys with to help me.
This unloading took 1 hour of time. But all I really did was just dump it into my classroom to be organized later.
I still need to put items back into the concession stand and fill the propane tanks from the grill. I need to take care of that prior to my wedding anniversary and the National Leadership Conference for FBLA.
The FFA let us borrow their tent. Which was so helpful. Thank you, FFA! I love working with Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO's). Also nesco's, napkins, and carts etc now needs to be unloaded. Because my husband is really busy too, I got a babysitter to watch my youngest son while I got a haircut and unloaded the van. I know you are saying why get a babysitter, well all the items were in my mother-in-law's handicap accessible van, which does not have any spots for children's car seats, so I could not bring my boys with to help me.
This unloading took 1 hour of time. But all I really did was just dump it into my classroom to be organized later.
I still need to put items back into the concession stand and fill the propane tanks from the grill. I need to take care of that prior to my wedding anniversary and the National Leadership Conference for FBLA.
School Board Presenation
The school board has to approve all out of state field trips and my upcoming trip to Orlando is on the agenda. So I have arranged for all students going to Orlando with me to attend the school board as well as the three presentations to be given at the meeting. This helps to support my department because the board sees a tie between what is being done in the classroom to what students can use in real life.
The meeting that we attend only takes about an hour. We don't stay for the entire portion but the board knows what they are supporting and gets to see students excel in their area.
1 hour
The meeting that we attend only takes about an hour. We don't stay for the entire portion but the board knows what they are supporting and gets to see students excel in their area.
1 hour
Monday, June 20, 2011
Post Brat Fry Wrap Up - Financials
Yeah the Brat Fry is done!
Now the financial of did we make money! I sure hope so. I had to contact Sal's to find out the amount of charges from the sale (did I say before that they were wonderful to work with? They are!). A phone conversation and then a drive to Black Creek to get a copy of bill (so to follow proper accounting procedures for the school) and then back to school.
At school I count the money in the cash box and record a deposit slip! It looks like we made money! Still some unknown bills, but that will be taken care of soon (I hope if I have time). I also filled out all the paperwork to have Sal's paid for their product. So all of this work took me 1 hour.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Brat Fry Day 2
So this day I did not have to get up quite so early! But I was still out of the door by 7:45 a.m. and at Sal's by 8 a.m. A lot less stressed today, because I had already done it one day and had an idea of what was going to happen. But I do have different workers today, so I made sure to take the time to train them on what needed to happen for the day.
this is also the day of my niece's bridal shower, so I have to leave the brat fry early to do a family function. Again I have a great co-worker who came out at 11 a.m. and served at the adult responsible for the afternoon.
So because of family I only worked 4 hours.
this is also the day of my niece's bridal shower, so I have to leave the brat fry early to do a family function. Again I have a great co-worker who came out at 11 a.m. and served at the adult responsible for the afternoon.
So because of family I only worked 4 hours.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Brat Fry Day 1
It is offically Brat Fry day. I will say working with the grocery store made it much easier because I did not have coordinate and store all the food that was being cooked and served! Thank you Sal's.
I was up at 5:30 a.m. took a shower to be out the door by 7 a.m. I still had to stop at school and get the cash box and the condiments that were in the refrigerator. I rolled into the grocery store by 7:50 a.m. and started setting up for the day. All the students were there with their assigned items for the event! Thank You, I was worried we would not have all the items we needed.
The weather was great and sales were going good after 11 a.m. Several people asked who was doing the fundraising and what it was going for. So this was a perfect time to share the information about what FBLA is and how it is helping students! :)
We packed up the tent and organized our items and I was home by 4 p.m.
Day 1 of Brat Fry 9 hours
I was up at 5:30 a.m. took a shower to be out the door by 7 a.m. I still had to stop at school and get the cash box and the condiments that were in the refrigerator. I rolled into the grocery store by 7:50 a.m. and started setting up for the day. All the students were there with their assigned items for the event! Thank You, I was worried we would not have all the items we needed.
The weather was great and sales were going good after 11 a.m. Several people asked who was doing the fundraising and what it was going for. So this was a perfect time to share the information about what FBLA is and how it is helping students! :)
We packed up the tent and organized our items and I was home by 4 p.m.
Day 1 of Brat Fry 9 hours
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Fundraising Planning Brat Fry
So I have talked about FBLA, we now I am going to talk about fundraising to help students get to the co-curricular activities we plan. Hosting a brat fry at a local grocery store was one way to help offset costs for our upcoming trip to Orlando for the National Leadership Conference.
So to get ready for the brat fry everything needed to be organized. The temporary food license needed to be completed (which was done by a student), but it needed to have a check from FBLA funds to accompany it as well as coordinating all the supplies.
We had some meetings prior to school letting out making a list of who can bring items such as:
So to get ready for the brat fry everything needed to be organized. The temporary food license needed to be completed (which was done by a student), but it needed to have a check from FBLA funds to accompany it as well as coordinating all the supplies.
We had some meetings prior to school letting out making a list of who can bring items such as:
- tables
- coolers
- chairs
- grills
- extension cords
A student then typed the list we created and I updated it with items I knew we could borrow from individuals. This list was then sent out to all student going on the trip and helping out with the brat fry to assure everything would be needed.
This took approximately 1 hour to complete, but then I had to get all the items from school into my vehicle ready for the day. This took an additional hour of time with my husband and two children helping me out.
So since school was out for the summer I have put 2 hours into planning the brat fry.
Professional Organizations
Beyond my work for FBLA I am also the secretary for Wisconsin Business Education Association (WBEA). This organization has at least three executive board meetings a year, as well as conference calls and email conversations throughout the year.
Today is one of the executive board meetings. My co-worker was nice enough to drive (she knew I would be tired from the previous four days at FBLA officer training), she picked me up at 7:30. Should I include the drive time? I don't if I drive to school, so because I am not with a student I will not count it. But I am still up and doing items for my profession.
We arrive at the meeting at 9 a.m. Through out the meeting we discuss:
Ok, so for the day I worked from 9 a.m. to 3:30. Hours worked 6.5 (yes we worked through lunch)
Today is one of the executive board meetings. My co-worker was nice enough to drive (she knew I would be tired from the previous four days at FBLA officer training), she picked me up at 7:30. Should I include the drive time? I don't if I drive to school, so because I am not with a student I will not count it. But I am still up and doing items for my profession.
We arrive at the meeting at 9 a.m. Through out the meeting we discuss:
- budget
- website
- journal
- scholarships
- awards
- state convention
- DPI updates
- membership awareness
Ok, so for the day I worked from 9 a.m. to 3:30. Hours worked 6.5 (yes we worked through lunch)
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Officer Training Day 4
This day as you would guess started the same as the previous. Up and eating by 8:30 a.m. but today we do get a reprieve from morning meetings. I don't have to be in meetings till 11:45 a.m. So I will say my work day didn't start till then.
This day we accomplished planning the agenda for the Wisconsin State meeting in Orlando on June 28. Duties divided up and to do lists are now longer. The POW (program of work) is now completed and I helped my officer out by typing up a VERY large list of duties and responsiblities for the year. Which means these are all items that I am now responsible to make sure get accomplished for the year. I will not be doing the tasks but instead making sure they are done. Big difference, but still a task that is added to my plate
We were given the green light to travel back to our home town around 4:30 p.m. The van packed we are on the road for the 2.5 hour trip back. Converstation centered on what needs to be done for homework to be completed by Friday and being sure that communication is maintained and emails checked regularly. I drop my student off at 7 p.m. and then I need to return the school vechile and I am home by 7:30 p.m.
So total time away from my family 78 hours. Total hours worked ?? too tired to do the math.
This day we accomplished planning the agenda for the Wisconsin State meeting in Orlando on June 28. Duties divided up and to do lists are now longer. The POW (program of work) is now completed and I helped my officer out by typing up a VERY large list of duties and responsiblities for the year. Which means these are all items that I am now responsible to make sure get accomplished for the year. I will not be doing the tasks but instead making sure they are done. Big difference, but still a task that is added to my plate
We were given the green light to travel back to our home town around 4:30 p.m. The van packed we are on the road for the 2.5 hour trip back. Converstation centered on what needs to be done for homework to be completed by Friday and being sure that communication is maintained and emails checked regularly. I drop my student off at 7 p.m. and then I need to return the school vechile and I am home by 7:30 p.m.
So total time away from my family 78 hours. Total hours worked ?? too tired to do the math.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Officer Training Day 3
The day began similar to day two, up around 7 and eating by 8 a.m. in the cafeteria. Meeting starting by 8:30 a.m. Today a lot of work is being done with the students. The previous day was a lot of advisor planning. This is where we start planning our Program of Work (POW). This is where officer decide what goals to accomplish for the year and who and how if will be accomplished.
this is an important step for the officer team, because it helps them to realize the commitment they have given to this organization as well as formulating what they will need to accomplish is the upcoming year.
Now for the day is it is similar to Monday but we are not having an etiquette dinner but instead a fun activity of mini-golf. Now this sounds like fun, but last year I had a student get injured. I know how does someone injure themselves mini-golfing. Well it happened and I had to take her to ER and make that call to a parent saying "I am sorry to say that your child just got injured and we are in the hospital" It all worked out ok, just a few stitches, but still STRESSFULL.
This year I asked my student to please don't fall down, instead have fun. So mini-golfing is that working? Well, if I was not at officer training I would not be doing it so I am counting it. We got back from the activity at 11 p.m. and in bed by midnight. So I will say I worked till 11 p.m. That is a 14.5 hour work day during my so-called summer vacation.
Again I am not complaining. I love working with students, but this is just my documentation of the hours I put into my profession.
this is an important step for the officer team, because it helps them to realize the commitment they have given to this organization as well as formulating what they will need to accomplish is the upcoming year.
Now for the day is it is similar to Monday but we are not having an etiquette dinner but instead a fun activity of mini-golf. Now this sounds like fun, but last year I had a student get injured. I know how does someone injure themselves mini-golfing. Well it happened and I had to take her to ER and make that call to a parent saying "I am sorry to say that your child just got injured and we are in the hospital" It all worked out ok, just a few stitches, but still STRESSFULL.
This year I asked my student to please don't fall down, instead have fun. So mini-golfing is that working? Well, if I was not at officer training I would not be doing it so I am counting it. We got back from the activity at 11 p.m. and in bed by midnight. So I will say I worked till 11 p.m. That is a 14.5 hour work day during my so-called summer vacation.
Again I am not complaining. I love working with students, but this is just my documentation of the hours I put into my profession.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Officer Training Day 2
Here we go more training. I am wondering if I should count the hours that I sleep in the dorms, but I will not count it because I feel some people will say you are not working if you are sleeping. I would say to that I would not choose to sleep in a twin dorm bed away from my family.
I awoke by 7 a.m. and showered (so when I awoke is that when I started working?). I was down eating breakfast in the cafeteria by 8 a.m and in a meeting by 8:30 a.m. So how about this I say I started working at 8:30 a.m.
Meeting to help plan the upcoming year for Wisconsin FBLA. Going over the competitive event guide handbook and looking at the rating charts to be sure that the entire state understands the requirements for the events. Decisions made and clarifications done.
We worked throughout the day, some meetings with students and other just advisors, depending on what needed to be done. We did break for lunch/dinner, but again eating with students.
The dinner was a great opportunities for student to learn some eating etiquette that will come in handy for the rest of their life. Learning manners and rules for all the different utensils that can be used with a multi-course meal. Did you know that during a dinner meeting that you should not cut all of your food up right away. The main focus of the meal is the conversation not the food, so therefore you should focus on the conversation. Only cute the next bite you are going to take. INTERESTING!
After the dinner it was official picture time. The entire FBLA officer team posed and smiled (even some where chased by a bird - funny story). All of this was done to have official pictures to help promote the organization and build the students career portfolio.
So the meetings continued throughout the evening and we were able to go back to the dorm at 10:30 p.m. I was excited because I was tired. So for day two, started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 10:30 p.m. That would be a 14 hour day.
I awoke by 7 a.m. and showered (so when I awoke is that when I started working?). I was down eating breakfast in the cafeteria by 8 a.m and in a meeting by 8:30 a.m. So how about this I say I started working at 8:30 a.m.
Meeting to help plan the upcoming year for Wisconsin FBLA. Going over the competitive event guide handbook and looking at the rating charts to be sure that the entire state understands the requirements for the events. Decisions made and clarifications done.
We worked throughout the day, some meetings with students and other just advisors, depending on what needed to be done. We did break for lunch/dinner, but again eating with students.
The dinner was a great opportunities for student to learn some eating etiquette that will come in handy for the rest of their life. Learning manners and rules for all the different utensils that can be used with a multi-course meal. Did you know that during a dinner meeting that you should not cut all of your food up right away. The main focus of the meal is the conversation not the food, so therefore you should focus on the conversation. Only cute the next bite you are going to take. INTERESTING!
After the dinner it was official picture time. The entire FBLA officer team posed and smiled (even some where chased by a bird - funny story). All of this was done to have official pictures to help promote the organization and build the students career portfolio.
So the meetings continued throughout the evening and we were able to go back to the dorm at 10:30 p.m. I was excited because I was tired. So for day two, started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 10:30 p.m. That would be a 14 hour day.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 1 Officer Training
The big day!
The day started by attending a graduation party of a previous State Officer that I was so proud of her accomplishments. I know people would argue that attending a party is not work, but would I have been invited if I was not her teacher? So I was at the party for around 45 minutes. Before arriving at the party I had packed the school van with my required materials/luaggage, this took around 15 minutes.
At 1 p.m. I picked up my new state officer and off we drove to Madison. It is a 2.5 hour drive to Edgewood college where training is being held. Through out the trip we discussed our upcoming trip to Orlando, FL for the National Leadership Conference as well what we can to for our local chapter. It was a great drive and discussion.
Upon arriving on campus the work began. The first meeting was to get everyone comfortable with each other and having a better understanding of what is going to happen over the next three days. Meeting starting at 5 p.m. and the meetings continued until 11 p.m. Yes you did read that right, 11 p.m. it was good information and team building. So picking up my student at 1 p.m. and at 11:10 we were back in the dorms. Now we have high school students away from home do you think they went to bed right away? Nope, so at midnight we made sure that they went to their room and now I can finally go to bed.
So for my 1st day of officer training I worked 11 hours (yes I am including drive time and eating because I was doing it all because of my job).
The day started by attending a graduation party of a previous State Officer that I was so proud of her accomplishments. I know people would argue that attending a party is not work, but would I have been invited if I was not her teacher? So I was at the party for around 45 minutes. Before arriving at the party I had packed the school van with my required materials/luaggage, this took around 15 minutes.
At 1 p.m. I picked up my new state officer and off we drove to Madison. It is a 2.5 hour drive to Edgewood college where training is being held. Through out the trip we discussed our upcoming trip to Orlando, FL for the National Leadership Conference as well what we can to for our local chapter. It was a great drive and discussion.
Upon arriving on campus the work began. The first meeting was to get everyone comfortable with each other and having a better understanding of what is going to happen over the next three days. Meeting starting at 5 p.m. and the meetings continued until 11 p.m. Yes you did read that right, 11 p.m. it was good information and team building. So picking up my student at 1 p.m. and at 11:10 we were back in the dorms. Now we have high school students away from home do you think they went to bed right away? Nope, so at midnight we made sure that they went to their room and now I can finally go to bed.
So for my 1st day of officer training I worked 11 hours (yes I am including drive time and eating because I was doing it all because of my job).
Saturday, June 11, 2011
State Officer Training
It is such a pleasure that I am working with student that has been elected as the 2011-2010 Wisconsin Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Office.
Having a student in this role helps all students/members in the building learn and connect more with today's business world. It is also away to expose the school to more leadership opportunities.
With this great opportunity also comes a time commitment. I will be discussing this through various posts in this blog. To start I had to communicate and organize the trip to state officer training in Madision, Wisconsin, June 12-15.
Coordinating with my student via email/phone the required materials and clothing, as well as pick up/return time. Also at school needing to make sure that the school van was reserved to take us to Madison. Prior to the end of the year I needed to make sure that I had my school driving certificate updated (which is a meeting with our school nurse-who is a wonderful person that I love to talk with).
Again I am not trying to rant about my time spent planning, but with the current attack on teachers in my state it is hard to be proud to be a teacher because so many individuals are attacking the profession
Having a student in this role helps all students/members in the building learn and connect more with today's business world. It is also away to expose the school to more leadership opportunities.
With this great opportunity also comes a time commitment. I will be discussing this through various posts in this blog. To start I had to communicate and organize the trip to state officer training in Madision, Wisconsin, June 12-15.
Coordinating with my student via email/phone the required materials and clothing, as well as pick up/return time. Also at school needing to make sure that the school van was reserved to take us to Madison. Prior to the end of the year I needed to make sure that I had my school driving certificate updated (which is a meeting with our school nurse-who is a wonderful person that I love to talk with).
Again I am not trying to rant about my time spent planning, but with the current attack on teachers in my state it is hard to be proud to be a teacher because so many individuals are attacking the profession
Thursday, June 9, 2011
End of School Year
The school year has come to an end, and now is the time to relect on what was a success and what needs to be tweaked to help students acheive more in the classroom. In the works for this summer is to determine which Office 2010 class to do transcripted credit with Fox Valley Technical College. My colleugue Cindy has been doing phone conversations with book represenatatives, and technical college teachers and coordinators to figure out what would be best for all students.
Once this decision has been made then the hours of work of uploading data files for students to use and writing syllubus and course pacing guides to fit the Seymour schedule of classes. But that will be a post for another time.
On the horizon is the the FBLA state officer training as well as our local brat fry to raise money for an upcoming trip.
Once this decision has been made then the hours of work of uploading data files for students to use and writing syllubus and course pacing guides to fit the Seymour schedule of classes. But that will be a post for another time.
On the horizon is the the FBLA state officer training as well as our local brat fry to raise money for an upcoming trip.
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