Discovery Spring 2010

With the end of the semester approaching, I can't help but think about all the new experiences I will have in the Spring. I am most looking forward to the Discovery trip required by all First Year Teaching Fellows. During the trip, all 500 TFs will travel across the state visiting the different school systems. This opportunity will help us see how each school system varies in funding, etc. and also help us better determine which school system we would like to teach in after graduation. After talking to some of the older members of the UNC Teaching Fellows, I am excited to participate in the so called "epic" bus battle and to reunite with my classmates from high school who took the scholarship to different schools. It's hard to believe that my first semester of college is almost behind me, and I can't wait for the adventures that lie ahead of me. I hope the next few years will be the time of your lives. Enjoy them, and I'll see you around!

Amanda Stapleton

Stressed?

Assuming that all of you are just as stressed out as I am preparing for your lovely exams, here are the top ten ways to relieve stress:

1. Take a hot shower (Don't forget to wear your shower shoes).

2. Get a massage (They're giving them out for free in the Great Hall).

3. Practice yoga or stretching (Don't let your roommate awkwardly walk in on you though).

4. Listen to music (Sorry Miley, it's not a Party in the USA when this song plays).

5. Exercise (SRC anyone?)

6. Drink tea (In moderation people!)

7. SLEEP! (Graham Memorial has comfy couches).

8. Talk to a friend (Hey roomie).

9. Make a to-do list (Update Facebook status? Check).

10. Read a book (Besides The Republic).

Finals, Schminals

As I sit in Davis Library cramming, I mean continue y diligent studying, for my upcoming History of Western Civilizations final, I remember a discussion we had in my EDUC 121 class this semester. In any public schools across the country, you can hear both the students and teachers expressing their grievances toward the No Child Left Behind Act. The legislation, which was passed by former president George W. Bush in 2008, is designed to set high standards and goals so that schools may have more of an intiative to provide the best education to our nation's children. Unfortunately, the act puts added amounts of unnecessary pressure on today's youth and teachers. Teachers must provide assessments to their students to determine the child's educational growth or recession. Those schools that meet the nation's set standards will receive federal funding, while those missing the mark are in fact "left behind." Personally, I was required to complete both six and twelve week assessments, a midterm evaluation, final exam, and an Advanced Placement exam in just one high school course. While the act has been proving effective thus far, it critics have argued its unequal bias against both low and high performing students as well as those who are not natural English speakers. Many commissions have stated their proposals for reform, and for the sake of our future generations, I sure hope one is accepted soon.

So Long, EDUC 121

So today was my last EDUC 121 class. Along with the usual course evaluations and last words by the teachers, my fellow TF's and I decided to take over class! Unknowingly to our professor, we brought in food and drinks to celebrate the end of the semester and relieve some of the stress caused by upcoming finals. And what kind of party would it be with out a little Harry Potter watching? College tuition well spent? I think so.

Hugs, not Drugs

Today was definitely bittersweet. As it was my last day of tutoring at Carrboro High School for the semester, I was a little sad that I would not be seeing the students again fro a while. However, knowing that the semester is winding down and finals are just around the corner reminds me that a much needed Christmas break is in my near future! During tutoring, I was asked to take three students to a separate, quieter room to help them work on a project. Upon hearing this, I was very excited because I am normally stuck in the corner helping students with the same worksheets every week. The project was for an AP human Geography class, or AP HUG. This class was never offered at my high school, and I have never heard of it until today so I was a little apprehensive about being able to help the students out. Luckily, the subject of the project was malaria, and I was there to just keep the students focused as they worked. It may be a little too late, but I had a great time tutoring today as I helped the students research and got to know more about who they are. Hopefully, I will be a little quicker in getting to know students next semester!

No Boundaries

In our second to last class until the end of the semester (woot, woot!), my EDUC 121 class discussed the varying abilities and disabilities of students in today's classrooms. In our discussion, we also commented on students with special needs. It was surprising to me that both students with disabilities as well as "gifted" students were considered to have special needs or to be exceptional learners.

When I was younger, my mother worked as an assistant in a classroom for students with mental and physical handicaps. I loved going into her classroom and playing with her students. They were just so content to be given positive attention. Because I was made aware of these people differing from me at such a young age, it bothers me so much to see others criticize and antagonize people just because they do not look or act the same way as they do. To me, it is so cowardly to attack someone who has no way of defending themselves.

Unfortunately, my mother had to give up working in these classrooms when my family moved to High Point from Florida. There were no schools in the area with a decent special needs program, and my mother did not want to work in an inefficient classroom. I have gone back and forth many times on whether or not I would like to work in a classroom for students with disabilities. My decision is still not completely set, but hopefully I will have the opportunity to work with such students in a tutoring placement and then determine if that is the road I want to take.

I'm a Barbie Girl, In a Barbie World

I feel that every post about my EDUC 121 class relates, in some way, to race and diversity. Well here is another one! Last Monday, I met with a couple other girls from my class to have a small race discussion group. I was not particularly looking forward to discussing the subject AGAIN, but as usual, I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was much more relaxed, and I felt that I could express my opinions better than in a class full of 50 students. During our time, we talked about our own views on how to teach in a diverse classroom and also about our own experiences with race in education. We even added our two cents to the current "racist Barbie" debate.

I have observed that the AVID class in which I tutor is composed of all minority students, and this really upsets me. As I have stated previously, AVID is not necessarily for students who are doing poorly in school, but for any student who would like additional help with their schoolwork. However, based on my time during tutoring, I have noticed that the majority of the students are struggling. So why is it that a classroom of struggling students happen to all be of a minority race? Is it a coincidence, or what I believe, a discrimination against these particular students by their teachers that have caused such poor results?

Recently, I also witnessed a situation in which one of the students in class made a wrong assumption based on race. While another student was delivering her birthday invitations to her friends in class, one of the AVID students asked her why she was having her party at an apartment complex. The student, who happened to be Caucasian, seemed really confused when she answered him that that's where she lived. Because the student was Caucasian, he assumed that she was "rich," and therefore, would not live in an apartment. Call me naive or ignorant even, but I was so surprised that a student of that age could honestly make such an assumption.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Enjoy the break!!!

So Disgusting...

As I was waiting for the J Bus to take to tutoring, the most disgusting thing ever happened to me. Right out of a scene from a movie, a truck flew through a puddle of dirty rain water, drenching my required dress clothes, my backpack, and my face. Thankfully, throughout my years of terrible luck, I have learned to just laugh things off and be done with it.

Still wet from my bus stop extravaganza, I walked into the classroom expecting the loud, over-excited group of teenagers that I normally spend my Thursday afternoons with. However, something was very different about this particular day. Everyone was busy with individual work or talking with a tutor; not a single person was out of their seats or distracting the other students. I do not know what prompted such a drastic change, but I am grateful to whoever or whatever did. It is so much easier to work with my tutee when I do not have to worry about him watching another student "Jerkin" or listening to their iPod.

I have also began to consistently work with the same student during my time tutoring. I really enjoy helping the same student because I can get to know his academic strengths and weaknesses as well as who he is outside of school. My tutee is so easy to work with and very open to advice. Luckily, he does not even mind when I joke with him a little. You have to do something to help break up the monotony of homework, right?

Show Me the Money

As I have stated before, the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program provides 500 college students with a scholarship of $6,500 per year in school. To "repay" the scholarship, a fellow is given 7 years to teach at least 4 years in a public North Carolina school upon graduation. Sound like a great deal, right?

Because neither of my parents attended college and do not make large amounts of money every year, I am paying my own way through college. Getting the scholarship was a huge blessing and I am so lucky to have been chosen; however, I still have to take out loans to pay for things like meal plans and books.

UNC does not offer Secondary Education as an Undergraduate degree so I am required to complete an MAT (Masters in the Art of Teaching) to be able to teach high school; this would add another year to my studies. Because the scholarship only provides 4 years worth of funding, I would have to earn more scholarships or loans to cover my 5th year. I decided to take summer classes so that i will be able to finish my Undergrad in 3 years and use my 4th year of funding for my MAT. Unfortunately, I was not aware that the Teaching Fellows Program will not pay for a Grad degree no matter how quickly I complete it, and I will not be given my remaining scholarship money.

Even though it will not be covered by the state, I still want to graduate early. I love the Teaching Fellows Program and am so thankful for all they have given me; I just wish that I had known this sooner. Despite my set back, I recommend the program to any student wishing to become a teacher...just read the fine print!

Rain, Rain Go Away

First off, walking to class soaking wet is getting old really fast. Normally, I love the rain. However, trekking thirty minutes to a political science class with freezing water pelting your face is not my idea of a good time.
By the time I made it to tutoring today I was not in the best of moods. I was definitely not looking forward to babysitting 17 year olds today either, but sometimes your assumptions can be way wrong.

Without fail, the same student consistently disrupts the class and wastes time. However, with a stern warning from his teacher, he actually sat down today and went to work. There were moments when his attention would waver, but overall, he stayed on task.

I was really impressed with his work ethic today and his reaction to authority. Instead of arguing he just sucked up his pride and did what was asked of him. Towards the end of class, I sat with him for a while and talked to him about college. The experience made up the best part of my cold, wet day!

"Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary"

Today in EDUC 121, we watched a documentary entitled "Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary." The film chronicles the effects of California's Proposition 187. The legislation declined education and health care to the children of undocumented immigrants.

Hoover Elementary, the largest elementary school in Los Angeles at the time, was greatly affected by Prop 187 because the vast majority (possibly all the students) are Latino.

Throughout the video, many of the teachers were interviewed and I was surprised by many of their responses. Many of the teachers were either unaware of the situation caused by the new legislation or just too stuck in their ways to care about making a difference. Many of the staff thought that the Latino students should just assimilate into American society and drift away from their own culture.

Luckily, California's Proposition 187 has since been overturned by the courts. Hopefully the overturning of this legislation will be the stepping stone for acquired equality in our nation's schools. As a future teacher, I am certainly hoping that by the time I have my own classroom race and ethnicity in schools will not be as huge of an issue as it currently is today.

Well that was productive?

It is Thursday and that means tutoring!!! Unfortunately, today really was not that productive. I had registration today (and didn't get my classes!) so I was late getting to Carrboro. But when I did get there, there wasn't much I could do.

I tried to help some students study for a United States History test, but as we went over questions, they seemed to know the material quite well. I pretty much just gave them the same study tips that we have all heard: cross out the answers you know are not correct, yada yada yada.

One thing that does surprise me about the school, however, is the fact that the students have open access to technology. The school provides mobile labs complete with laptops for the students to use at their leisure, or the students may bring laptops from home to use. I also see the occasional student bounce to the beat of the music pounding from their ear phones as they walk the halls. The school seems much more supportive of student-used technology compared to others that I have seen. It's nice to observe how some school's are embracing the new age.

"Being Reasonable"

Instead of having the basic, run-of-the-mill class today, we were able to attend a production by the Carolina Interactive Theater. The show, entitled "Being Reasonable," brought light upon the issue of social economic statuses.

For those who are not familiar with the group, the Carolina Interactive Theater consists of 20 UNC student actors. During these productions, a scene is acted out, and afterwards, the audience is able to voice their input and opinions by asking the characters questions relevant to the scene.

The show was very entertaining and informing as well. The issue discussed was current and definitely relates to the education system. As a teacher, it is important to understand the social and economic differences of children and how to handle such differences.

I encourage anyone and everyone to attend a Carolina Interactive Theater performance whenever you get a chance. It's a production that you can actually participate in.

We're Going on a Whale Watch

Here is a funny video that we watched in class last week about government spending on education. Enjoy!

The Grades Are In!

Today the students received their first nine weeks report card. Since I have been in college, I forgot all about getting report cards and the anxiety that they bring. Oh, the memories...

Per usual, the students came into class playing music, dancing, and just goofing off any way they could. Unfortunately, once those report cards were handed out, the mood instantly soured.

Out of the twenty and something students, only one received a completely A/B report card. What was even more surprising was that many of the students were caught off guard by their grades. They were not expecting them to be so low, and of course, they abruptly started to blame their teachers or the grading system. The poor grades could not possible be the result of low work ethic.

Although most were upset about the letters on their report cards, a few of the students were actually proud of the work. Even though a majority of the student's received at least one C, it was always an improvement from a D or an F. However, I do disagree with one student who was parading around about his D. It may be a step up from his previous F, but really?

One student was visibly upset about her grades, and I was so moved when one of her classmates came to her said to relieve her stress. Luckily for the students, it is only the first report card of the year; there is plenty of time to make up for bad grades. Hopefully they will all stay on top of their work. For many of them, college is just around the corner!

We the People

In my education class today, we had a discussion on the government's role in our nation's education. We particularly focused on the finances, or lack there of, that both the federal and state government's give to school systems.

Coming from a poorly financed school, I understand how frustrating it can be when there are not enough textbooks to go around. Just last year, my school ran out of paper. Yes you heard me right...PAPER. Unfortunately, the school did not have enough money in its budget to factor in the cost of extra paper so we were forced to make due. One consequence was that instead of the teachers printing out the notes, the students were required to copy all notes by hand. Big deal so we had write a little more, right? I'm not complaining that I had to use the precious energy to put pen to paper. Because the teacher had to wait for the students to finish copying down the notes, there was less class time to actually teach the lesson. Topics were barely explained or completely omitted. The little instruction left the students to fend for themselves.

During the lecture, one of my fellow classmates gave a presentation on how the government of North Carolina finances education. About 57% of the total amount of expenditures the state government gives out is used specific for education. This total dropped one percent last year, resulting in the mass layoffs of teachers and huge school budgets cuts. Only one percent caused all that chaos! This just shows that the government and school systems need to work better in spending the financing they receive wisely.

Happy Fall!

Sorry there has not been much spinning through the Teaching Fellow universe this week. Just another consequence of Fall Break I presume. I will be sure to update you soon with the hard-hitting news that I know you look forward to in these posts!

I hope everyone is enjoying the changing of the leaves...they are so beautiful this time of year! Screw studying. Go take a walk and enjoy it while it lasts. Pretty soon we will all be freezing on our way to class...

Happy Halloween...Almost!

This past Saturday I, along with many of my other fellow TFs, took a trip down to Scarowinds in Charlotte. In case you've never heard of it, Scarowinds is the halloween themed version of the amusement park Paramount's Carowinds.

I had lots of fun listening to music and meeting new people on the 3 hour bus ride. We were all so excited when we finally got there! Unfortunately, I did not realize that the creepy actors would follow you throughout the park...or that they would always decide to come after me. Did I have a target on my back or something? Maybe they were just Duke fans.

Despite the freezing cold, rain, and long lines, it was an amazing night. I was dissapointed that I did not get to ride Top Gun...oh sorry "Afterburner," but it was all worth it. I do not know about you, but funnel cakes and great people can fix all of my problems!

Quick piece of advice for all of my fellow asthmatics out there: there will be artificial fog machines there...and lots of them! Next time, I will remember to bring my inhaler...I am sure everything is a lot funner when you are not holding your breath the whole time.

HAPPY FALL BREAK TO ALL OF MY TAR HEELS!!!

"Remember the Ladies..."

Unfortunately today, I felt pretty unproductive at my tutoring session...

The high school had a delayed opening today, and I was a little thrown off because of it. Normally, I tutor in the seventh period AVID class. However, because of the schedule changes made to compensate for the delayed opening, classes only lasted for six periods.

To make matters worse, my host teacher was not in her classroom when she got there. Thankfully, the nice ladies in the office suggested that I look in the Media Center...and voila!

Once I found the class, the teacher told me that during sixth period she teaches an AP United States History class and asked if I could help a student with her project. Her project was on Abigail Adams, and sadly all I know about Mrs. Adams is that her husband's name was John and that she liked to write him A LOT of letters. Unfortunately, that was pretty much all my tutee knew about her as well.

So with a team effort and some help from my little friend called the Internet, we at least looked like we were getting something done. Here's to better luck next time...I hope!

Taste the Rainbow

In today's EDUC 121 class, we had a discussion about one of the most sensitive issues in education...race. As we all know, racism is still prominent in our nation's society, and our school's are certainly not void of it. A key point that we discussed was the misconception that minority students are not capable of learning to the same degree that their white counterparts are. Even though it has been biologically proven that this is completely fabricated and false, it blows my mind that people can still fall victim to this charade.

Being from a small, rural community, the vast majority of students in my school were white. In the four years I was a student there, however, I noticed an influx of minority students into the school. I welcomed the change. I was tired of seeing the same kinds of people walking down the halls, and I thought most people were on borad with me. Personally, I never witnessed any kind of racial discrimination in my time at the school. I chose to surround myself around the people who shared the same outlook as me. However, I'm not ignorant, and I know the racial slurs were out there.

I'm hoping that by the time I become a teacher, the issue will not be as huge a focus in school's as it is today. I know that it is going to take A LOT of time for people to learn and to WANT to accept those that are different than they are, but I have faith that our society will truly see all as equals. Discrimination will always be a battle, but I hope to see the day that it is won.

And Success!

This afternoon was my second time working with the AVID program, and I had an amazing time! I knew things were going to go good when I got on the right bus at the right time (thank you, thank you).

To start things off, I was able to help a student with his United States History homework. That was my absolute favorite class in high school, and I'm sure that it's safe to say I told him more than he cared to hear. "Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!"

During class, my host teacher told the students about the importance of applying for scholarships. They weren't too happy to hear that she would be requiring them to apply for ones in class, however. I can tell them first hand just how much it pays off to work hard on those applications!

Because my host speaker doesn't speak the language, I offered to help another student with his Spanish homework. In all honesty, he didn't really need my help. I soon realized that he just needs to be reassured that his answers are right. Hopefully, he will soon gain confidence in his performance as a student.

I was also excited that I had the opportunity to help the same student that I did last week with another essay. This time it was for an application for admittance to the National Honors Society. The idea of applying for NHS was, in itself, news to me. At my high school, admittance was solely based on GPA. Now that I think of it applications might have been nice...some of my fellow classmates certainly didn't do the work I did to get in!

All in all, I had such a fun day...and I cant' wait to do it again next week! I think I might have scared some of the students off from UNC, though. 300 kids in a morning Government lecture wouldn't sound appealing to too many people, would it? Oops...

Come and Get Your BBQ

NO EDUC 121 CLASS TODAY!!! Is it sad that I'm so happy? Don't worry, it's only because I had an extra 2 hours of free time...I swear!

Today, the First-Year UNC Teaching Fellows had their second cohort meeting of the year. The cohort just consists of every TF in your year, and our cohort has a meeting the first Tuesday of every month. During these meetings, we mostly just talk about important and upcoming dates.

However, today a junior TF visited our meeting to talk about a program he started that helps the children of Native American communities in the area. Through the program, TFs work to host workshops in which Native American students can come for tutoring or additional information in different subjects. Because I have a Native American heritage, I am really excited to help out such a great cause.

Another important issue on hand at the meeting was the annual Parents BBQ. Every year, the first-years host a BBQ for their parents to see what all we've been up to in Teaching Fellows so far. We all signed up for duties at the event, such as preparing and acting in a skit about our experiences thus far. I hope we get organized soon...the BBQ's only a month away! Better clean up for the 'rents!

Deja Vu

After waiting over an hour for the bus, I successfully made it to tutoring at Carrboro High today (I'll never understand the bus system)! I started the AVID program, and I have to say that I really love it. It was nice to have one on one time with another student, and the atmosphere was really laid back.

While at the school, I helped out a senior who was working on her college applications. I can remember being in that same position not even a year ago! So stressful! I enjoyed talking to her about her college goals and giving out some helpful advice while we worked on some of her essays together. Being the same age as her seemed to be to my advantage thankfully.

It was an amazing experience, and I am definitely looking forward to working with other students throughout the semester. Plus my host teacher is awesome! She offered to drive me to the grocery store if I needed it...who does that?

Oh, Socrates

Yesterday in my education class we learned about the different philosophies of education. Overall, not very interesting but good to know. We also had an older Teaching Fellow come in class to discuss a program he started that helps support nearby Native American communities. Got to represent my people!

I also start AVID tomorrow. The program allows one on one tutoring for students who are not necessarily doing bad in school but could use some extra help. Wish me luck!

"I'm Lovin' It"

As a Teching Fellow, you are required to perform at least 5 hours of community service a semester. Compared to my high school requirements (30+ hours!) this is a breeze. So today I got a head start on my volunteer work by helping out at the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House is an organization that provides the family of patients in hospitals with a place to stay for a very low cost( about $10 a night). The Chapel Hill house is very nice, and it sits back off the main road surrounded by trees...but the Ronald McDonald statues do knod of freak me out a little bit.

At the house, the other Teaching Fellow volunteers and I were asked to move the items from two of the sheds out back into the designated rooms inside the house. The work wasn't that hard and didn't take too long as we had carts (using the old "bucket passing" system worked really well too).

It was a great experience to donate my time to such a good cause, and I reccommend everyone to do it...you may even get free drinks and a T shirt like I did! Just make sure to say hi to Mable the dog on your way in!

And I Thought I was Done with High School

This morning, I embarked on my great tutoring adventure. I should have known it was going to be a rough day when I didn't even know which school I was going to until 9 o'clock last night, but I was determined to make it work. I walked out of my dorm to find the bus stop where I would pick up the U...to take me to another bus stop where I would pick up the J which would take me to the high school I would be tutoring at (hopefully). It was only after I walked halfway down the street that I realized online bus schedules cannot and should not be trusted...there was no bus stop. Already bitter, I decided to walk to the second bus stop to pick up the J. Along the way, I ran into some other TFs ( thank goodness!) who were also trying to find a bus. They were going to a different school but taking the same route so I decided to tag along. Bad idea. After waiting for said bus to come, the driver told me that he wouldn't be able to take me to my destination. Thankfully, he kindly dropped me off at a third bus stop where I would definitely be able to pick up the J route. I was so relieved to finally be on the right track...until it started raining...while I was in my dress clothes. Way to make a first impression, Amanda! Luckily the bus came before things got really bad, and I finally arrived at the school where my first day jitters really took over.

After the sweet ladies in the office told me the correct room number, I set off around the school hoping to find it. Luckily, I only had to walk around in a circle twice. When I got to the classroom, I noticed that there was another TF observing...we were placed in the same class! Confusing as it might of been, having her in there with me really calmed my nerves. After the teacher got the class going on a British political party project (the class was AP Comparative Government...I've never even heard of that!), she came over to discuss what we'd be doing. Unfortunately, she had no idea why we were really there...it was so organized. After talking, she referred my fellow TF to another teacher, and since I have Thursday afternoons off, she recommended that I take part in her AVID class. Didn't sign up for that, but at least I've got a plan! Overall, she was nice and seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the subject. I just wish she would have introduced me to the class somewhat. It's really awkward to have 30 kids staring at you out of the corner of their eyes while you sit in the back of the room taking notes about them. It's even worse when you're the same age...

Waiting, waiting, waiting...

During my Education 121 class on Tuesday, two representatives from the Carborro School System visited to discuss what to expect during our upcoming tutoring sessions. While they were there, the ladies gave each of the Teaching Fellows a volunteer packet (survival guide if you wish). Each of these packets included an introduction to the volunteer program, a map with the location of each of the 16 schools in relation to UNC (thank goodness), a personal information sheet (background check anyone?), and a name tag to wear to each tutoring session. To be honest, I am a little apprehensive about wearing the name tag. I will no longer be referred to as Amanda, but I was told by my professor that I must introduce myself as Miss Stapleton to ensure a level of respect. I can already predict that I will forget to answer to that name for the first couple of weeks. "Is my mom here?" is more likely to be my initial response. Albeit, I really am looking forward to my first day of the program. Hopefully my stage fright won't be too unbearable!

I might be excited to get started, but I still haven't gotten my tutoring placement yet! My first day is Tuesday, and I don't even know where I'm going! So much for testing the bus route before the big day...looks like I'll just be jumping in blindly. My director did sent me an email last night of a list with five possible social studies teachers to get in touch with. Looks like I'll be begging for my first position. All I hope is that someone responds in time. If not, it looks like I'll be taking a nice little bus ride to no where.

Teaching Fellows "Bonding" Camp

So this past Saturday all freshman Carolina teaching fellows were required to participate in a ropes course sponsored by the campus rec. I was super excited and really looking forward to riding zip lines, climbing trees, and what not...until we started. Evidently ropes courses don't always involve ropes (people really should clarify that). So my Saturday morning consisted of waking up earlier than I do to go to class to play some playground games. Don't get me wrong, I love dodge ball. Just not at 8 o'clock in the morning. All in all, I ended up having a great time getting to know the people who will be going through the same stresses that teaching brings with me! Elves, wizards, and giants is definitely the new rock, paper, scissors! I love my new teaching fellows family, but I can't wait until tutoring starts next week...that is if I can get there (these bus systems are killer)!