I was only in the schools for half days, but still got the chance to work with some great students. I had a block class 1/2 period that covered math science. I have to admit, I've missed science classes a bit! I did a lot of small-group pullout with these kids, and worked with a few specific students often. There are so many faces, personalities, and unique situations in this class... bright kids who lack the confidence and/or work ethic to find the success they are capable of, a student who has a mind for math who does long division quickly in his head, a student who is homeless, a girl who was present maybe 5 times during the whole time I was here, a student with impulse issues who is very smart but on the edge of expulsion, and a girl who wants nothing more than to move back to Guatemala and therefore won't speak English in class. With all of this, they all have good hearts and good intentions (for the most part).
I also got the chance to work in an 8th grade Algebra class, which was fun because I taught Algebra in my Student Teaching placement this fall. California has adopted an "Algebra for All" standpoint, having all 8th grade students take Algebra in an effort to get them on track to take AP Calculus their Senior year of High School. I have mixed feelings about Algebra for All, but it was interesting to see it in action. I got a bit more attitude from these students, but also more intrigue and effort. One of these kids would greet me every morning with a high-five and an "I love you Ms. Lieseke! I'm so glad you're here today!" Which always made me smile. 4th period, I would turn around and have a lot of these kids in AVID, where I helped with tutorials and watched a lot of really good collaboration between students.
As I sat on the bus today, holding armfuls of stuff (thank you card from my kids and thank you loaves of bread from the San Francisco Education Fund), I took time to reflect back on the time we have spent here. We have had the chance to see a lot of diversity here in this city. From Grace Cathedral Church, a very rich church in one of the more affluent neighborhoods in the city, to Glide Memorial, a community focused church right in the middle of the Tenderloin, we have had the opportunity to see a very wide spectrum of culture. I have to think about how this wide span of different people and places and faces I've seen is the norm and so accessible for most of my students. They live in a town that is rich with culture and don't even realize it. I only hope they grow to appreciate the city they live in, and learn from it all they can.
Outside of school, I could write about so many things we were able to do here! If I were to make a list, it would include biking the Golden Gate Bridge, a weekend in Napa, sunsets at the beach, and accidentally not getting off the bus when Margo did and watching her frantically wave and yell at us as the bus pulled away from the stop. Time has been short, and I'm so happy to have spent this month in San Franscisco. I've loved this quick view into city life, and have really grown to appreciate things like effective public transportation. Also, Middle School isn't that bad! Our group has had a great time, and I'm so glad we were all able to spend so much time exploring and learning and adventuring together.
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