Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Pass the Aspirin Day 2

My students were to spend the next 7 class periods researching and writing a paper.  I had reserved the computer lab and was ready to go.  Yesterday was the students' first day on computer.  At the end of the day, a science teacher came by to get the lab and said that they would be using the computers for the next two days of Science Testing. 

No, they hadn't signed up for it. 

No, I didn't know that my students wouldn't have access to the computers for the next two days. 

No, there is no other way to do the research. The printed materials that had been previously used were destroyed by the tornado. 

No, I have no idea what I am going to do now.

No, I can't add additional days to the end of the project as someone else has reserved the lab.

No, my students won't be able to do the research paper in only 5 class days.

No, I haven't decided whether to do a modified (majorly!) unit or scrap the whole thing and start the next unit.

Yes, I have spent two class days on this assignment already, so essentially it has been a colossal waste of time.

Yes, I am frustrated, irritated, and more than a tad angry.

And yes, I have a headache.

10 comments:

Mary said...

Aw, the joys of teaching! Hang in there...

Lisa said...

I feel your pain!

Hays Family 5 said...

Hang in there! Technology is supposed to make things easier but I am finding more and more that it's complicated everything!

I am so sorry...

Debbie said...

Uhmmm....maybe I'm missing the point....but wouldn't your reservation trump the Science teacher? Well, hang in there! Maybe something creative and inspirational will hit you. Sometimes spontaneous events turn out better than well-planned events.

Cousin A said...

Something similar (but less devastating) happened to me this week: I had reserved a projector for a meeting on Thursday morning (a month ahead of time), but Monday, manager told me the elected officials are having a finance/budget session the same day and they will be using the projector (and thus, are more important than my meeting, so I got bumped). So I had to scramble and find another one in town or I might just have to revise my agenda. GRRRR.

joyce said...

As Scar said to little Simba in the Lion King...."life's not fair"

Gayle said...

I'm sorry you're having a "Calgon, take me away" day! Things will get better.

Heidi said...

Hmm. The students might agree to scrap the research paper :) and I wrote a research paper in less than one day one time w/o much research :)

Sorry to be jokey. I know this is serious and I feel bad for you about the headache. (I thought you were on spring break)

Katie (Can't Get There) said...

I'm sorry! I don't have any easy answers, but I do have a bottle of wine here that I would happily share with you.

Puna said...

I think you should modify the assignment, your kids would love that and it would much easier on you. Then...drink a glass of wine.