Friday, October 17, 2008

Dad

What a week! My dad found out last week that he had a tumor on his right kidney. Today he had surgery! As I sat in the O.R. waiting room this morning I had a lot of time to think. What if things didn't go the way that they were suppose to? What was taking so long!?! After about 4 hours the surgeon came out. He explained that the tumor was much larger than he had originally thought and he that he took out a mass about the size of a football. Also, there was much more bleeding than anticipated and so dad lost about 6.5 units of blood. This meant that he would be recovering in the Intensive Care Unit; not the usual procedure. Other than on T.V., I have never seen anybody on ventilator before and there was dad having a machine breath for him. What a long afternoon. Finally, this evening dad was breathing well enough on his own so the vent came out. At about 8 this evening I finally got to talk to my dad and he was his same old self, making joke and just being dad. I love my dad. I know he is going to be ok. I can't wait until I can go back in tomorrow morning and just sit by him again. Hopefully, he will be out of ICU and they can get all the tubes and lines out so he's more comfortable. Well, I think I'm going to try to get some sleep! I love you dad. Bill

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Thougths on the 1st month...

Wow...can you believe that it is October already! That 1st month of school flew by. Here is what I have seen so far...let me know what you think!

8th graders - To me it seems like you guys are ready to learn. It is great teaching you guys & girls; you know how to have fun and learn at the same time. You also tolerate your crazy teacher; which is nice of all of you:) I have a blast teaching American History and I hope that you are having fun in class and are learning something! We have so much more to cover and hopefully you will gain greater insight into the formation of our country.

11th graders - I must admit I was nervous with you guys coming into the year...I don't know why, I just was. Boy was I off! I absolutely love this Junior Class! It is great to see that you guys actually think! I mean, you guys & girls are more than just pukers... you don't just want to get facts and puke them out on a test. I feel that you guys actually want to think about the information that you are given and form opinions and ideas from that info. That is so rewarding for me as your teacher. The other thing that I love about you guys is that any out of class drama stays out of class! Thank you for respecting me enough to drop your garbage at the door and coming in ready to learn. I appreciate that.

Okay, so that is what I see from the front of the class...what do you see from your seat???

Let me know.

Mr. Valima

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Day 1

WOW...here we are, the 1st day of school. Are you nervous? You should be! I am! Here we go...


Mr. V

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Mid Summer Thoughts...

So here I sit thinking...

I'm excited that as it stands right now I will have all 3 classes of 8th grade history and all 3 classes of 11th grade history!

I'm excited that I get to teach this years 8th grade, those of you that I had as 7th graders last year were a blast and I can't wait to work with you guys again this year! So much energy and intelligence - I can't wait!

This years 11th grade - we have some new state mandates for this year so it should be interesting; in a good way :)

Man, I can't believe it is almost the end of July - only a 5 weeks left!!!

Peace,
Mr. V

Friday, June 13, 2008

Summer

I'm not sure if anybody is even checking this out over the summer; but if you are I hope you are enjoying your vacation.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Time flies...

Wow, I can't even believe that the end of the 3rd marking period is here already! It's been a wonderful year.

7th graders - You guys are awesome! Keep up the great work...I have never seen so much improvement over the course of 1 school year! You guys rock!

8th graders - The time is now! Next year is high school and way to many of you are slacking right now. I am disappointed in some of you and your lack of commitment to your homework right now. Buckle down, it's not going to get any easier!

11th graders - I love this groups hard work and dedication! You guys never cease to amaze me with your questions and your humor. It will be hard to see you guys go. I'm excited about the 4th quarter. We finally have all of our state testing out of the way and can now have some:)

Well that's all for now.

Mr. V

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Second Semester

Wow...did the first half of the year ever go by fast! Well, here we are; second semester! Hold on tight, it's going to go by fast.

7th grade Eastern Hemisphere World Studies - We are just about done with Europe, I know, it's taking a long time. Next up is Africa. Can't wait! There is so much to investigate there. I was just reading in National Geographic about the Western Gorilla's, very interesting! Also, I am excited to discuss the Human Geography of the Continent. So many tribes and groups. We will also take a look at some the unfortunate events that have happened and continue to happen in Darfur region of the Sudan. Hopefully, we will come out understanding exactly what it means to me human! I think this will make us feel very thankful for all of the blessings that we have in our country. So, that's what is coming up in the near future.

8th grade American History - We are at a crucial time period for the American Nation! Now that we have gotten rid of those "dirty lobsterbacks" how are we going to run this new country? We will take a look at some ideas...Articles of Confederation - U.S. Constitution and some of the new leaders of the country. This can be very interesting if you are willing to let it be!

11th grade World History - Out with the old... in with the new! We are kind of at the turning point in our class. The early ages are over. Now on to the exciting time period of the Middle Ages. I really enjoy this period of history. Kings, Queens, Nobles, Knights, & Peasants and of course the BLACK DEATH! Seriously, what a crazy time period to live in! I'm excited!

8th grade Careers - We are going to start getting ready for high school. Educational Development Plans! Also, how in the world are you going to get a job if you have no idea what you enjoy?! ? More career exploration coming your way!

So - hang on tight! It's going to go by fast. The snow will be melting before we know it!

Mr. V