I know as a teacher, I'm not supposed to play favorites... but I have an ABSOLUTE favorite student. Ismael is a student that I've struggled with from the very beginning. He's definitely a leader in every aspect, yet chooses to act like a clown in class. But after a serious talk with him last week and being sent to the Counselor's office, he's finally shaping up. Lately, I catch him taking notes in my class and paying close attention to every single thing I say.

Ismael is the most adorable boy you'll ever meet. He's got a smile to die for. Last Thursday, when I took him home after school, I remember looking over at him sitting in my passenger seat and he just gave me the biggest smile in the entire world. With his feet dangling off the seat, I couldn't help but flash him a big smile in return.

Ismael's been staying after school with me to be tutored. All the tutoring seems to be paying off. I am SOOO proud of him. Considering that this is a student that once scored a 14% on his test with the previous teacher, I'm thrilled to say that he's now a B average student and jumped 28 points from the last test he took.

My goodness, I have SMART kids!

P.S. My class average is a 79%!

That was supposed to be MY dream. When's it going to be my turn?

Hahaha, I have turned my students into AVID Laker fans!!!! They watch the games because they know if the Lakers win, I will be in a good mood the next day. However, if the Lakers lose, they must be on their best behavior. Kind of harsh to have everything lie on the skills (or rather, lack thereof) of the Lakers, I know... but my students do everything possible to see me smile. One little girl even brought me a rose because she knew I would be "sad". THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!

Sometimes they drive me nuts, but I think it's because I expect so much from them. They are, after all, only 12 years old...

It's strange. Yesterday, I remember I couldn't wait for the weekend to begin. But this morning, I woke up at 8am and felt really lonely. There is no school and I miss my kids! :( Man, what a nerd.