Mid-December

After the New York trip, it was time to get my students through the last part of A Tale of Two Cities.  I feel as though more of them at least appreciated the book - they certainly enjoyed it more than they had enjoyed reading Great Expectations.  I also proctored the newest permutation in standardized tests: the Keystone Exams.  Passing these tests will be REQUIRED for graduation by the year 2017, I think.  Another teacher and I proctored our two "homeroom-ninth period" classes -- don't ask!!

As the month slipped by, it was time to get ready for the English Department holiday party at my house.  It was totally casual; I just had to get minimal food and drink because everyone was bringing something.  I also facilitated a number of GIEP meetings, all of which were successful in bringing the parents into the high school loop - always a good thing.

Annual SGA tradition of individual Christmas light bulb for each student and staff member -- kinda cool.

The party, held at the end of the last day of school before the break, consisted of a small group - I think the date I picked was just too late, but I didn't want a conflict with another party given by a classmate of Sam's and fellow English teacher.  Also, December 7 was out because of the trip to New York.  Oh well, it was okay.

The next night was Frank's concert with the Mendelssohn Club -- and this concert was with the Philadelphia Orchestra! Before the event, I met my niece Nicole and her boyfriend Charlie at the Dandelion Pub -- a Stephen Starr restaurant billed as an English pub.  Great food and selection of beers!  And then it was on to the concert -- it was the BEST holiday concert I have ever seen.  The conductor was British/Canadian and hilarious.  The choice of pieces was excellent: many variations on the typical Christmas songs.  My niece and her boyfriend along with Frank's partner Chris all agreed that this concert totally rocked.  Afterwards we walked to The Farmer's Cabinet, another place with an excellent beer list - and good food, too.  Can we sense a theme here in December???  I got home around midnight - what a lovely evening.