Mr. Valima's Blog

Box

2009-01-03T13:35:00.002-05:00

So it is true...you can get your kids all the stuff in the world but what they like the best is a big cardboard box. My wife bought a new chair yesterday at Target and it came in a big cardboard box. I took it out of the box this morning at about 10:00, it is now 1:36 and my girls are still in the box. They had me cut 2 windows in it and make a door with a doorknob. They have decorated the inside and out. Oh yeah...the dinosaur that walks and roars and is remote control; it's somewhere in the playroom. The scooter and other stuff...all in the playroom. Just can't beat a good ole' box for Christmas!

Reflections of a year gone by...

2009-01-02T09:22:00.003-05:00

Hmmm....2009! I'll miss you 2008, you were an exciting and challenging year. As you came into existence so did the news that we were going to have another baby...you were an exciting new year. Your winter seemed long and cold and wintry. If memory serves me correct your spring was quick and then you were summer. You were a nice summer, 2008, we had a lot of fun. Time at camp, time at the beach, time just in the yard...thanks summer of 2008, you let me relax for the first summer in a long time. Then came fall, what an interesting fall. First came our first experience with a child in school. Kindergarten wasn't all that Josie had hoped for...it's long! It's not like being home! But now it is GREAT!!! After the first week of school we were introduced to our wonderful new baby. Thank you for Eli, 2008. He is awesome. Happy. Beautiful. Next up was Sophie's first year of pre-school...what an amazing time for Soph! Then came the end of fall and the end of your fun! 2008, you came in so nice...what happened? You introduced a new concept for me, a family member with cancer. Why my dad? Why now? Fortunately it was caught early and taken out! What a scare you brought 2008! Then came the death of our family friend Lucy...boy our girls miss there poodle! Then you brought winter! Thank you for winter. Christmas...Joy...Happiness... A new poodle for the girls. Smiles...Family...Love

So here you are 2009! You've got some pretty big shoes to fill! Good Luck!

Dad

2008-10-17T23:10:00.002-04:00

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

Thougths on the 1st month...

2008-09-30T23:09:00.004-04:00

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

Day 1

2008-09-02T09:32:00.002-04:00

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

Mr. V

Mid Summer Thoughts...

2008-07-22T23:31:00.002-04:00

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

Summer

2008-06-13T09:21:00.002-04:00

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.

Time flies...

2008-03-13T09:47:00.003-04:00

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

Second Semester

2008-01-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

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

Christmas Break

2007-12-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!

I hope that Santa was good to everybody. Our house was anxiously waiting Santa's arrival! Josie is already planning on what to ask Santa for next year:) I've been reflecting on the 2007 a little bit...overall it was a pretty good year. This school year has been an interesting one! It seems like we just started and it's already half way over...CRAZY!

Well, I hope everybody has a safe and Happy New Year.

Mr. V

Happy Thanksgiving...

2007-11-20T08:27:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I changed the title of the blog from World History to...well just Mr. Valima's blog.

I figure why just have a World History blog. Basically I did this because I obviously need more ways to communicate with people, especially with YIG Members. We have had meetings, we've given out calendars with dates, put things in the school announcements and still not everybody showed up to make wreaths on Saturday. Then on Monday we had bill writing after school and 2 people showed up (maybe more are coming today). Perhaps you are new and still unsure of YIG...this is a huge commitment!!! So, that's that...

On another note. I hope that everybody has a wonderful Thanksgiving. At some point during the days off of school, take a few minutes and reflect on what you are thankful for - remember all of the little things that you take for granted on a daily basis. Also, think of things that you can do for others. Whether it is volunteering somewhere or just a simple smile; you can make a difference!

Remember the only thing that you have complete control over is your ATTITUDE!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Mr. Valima

End of 1st Quarter

2007-11-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

Wow...I can't even believe that the 1st quarter is already over! That went quick. I really am enjoying World History this year and I can't wait for the next 3 quarters. We are getting into some of what I think is the more fun stuff in History. I love looking at the Romans. Man, these guys were ahead of their time. I mean, think about it. Over 50,000 miles of roads that connected the empire. Aqueducts to bring in water. They seemed to understand how to run an efficient government. Yet, somehow they managed to screw it all up and the empire crumbled. Well I guess we will see what happens. See you in class.

Mr. V

News

2007-11-04T20:37:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Dennis!!! It's a boy - Brady Daniel Dennis.

What a crazy couple of weeks...Out 2 days last week to do Social Studies Mapping & then 2 half days this week! Seems like I am never in school :( Hopefully we will get back on track and rock the Romans. Well, that's all. Mr. V

Sick...

2007-10-26T10:50:00.000-04:00

I hate being sick...First of all I hate not being in school; yes believe it or not your teachers love being in the classroom with our students. I also hate the feeling of just being blahhhhhh. So, that's that...Enjoy your weekend - See you Monday!

Mr. V

Weekend...

2007-10-19T21:40:00.000-04:00

Hello,

Enjoy your weekend...

We have a busy week next week! Sparta vs. Athens! Also, we will be comparing Athenian Democracy to American Democracy. Well, that's all from here.

Mr. V

The Greeks...

2007-10-18T21:11:00.000-04:00

We are here...one of my favorite units of our World History Class.

GREECE.

When I was in high school I didn't care one bit about the Greeks. I hope that isn't the case for you. And, if it is, I hope I can change that. The Greeks did some pretty amazing stuff that people may not realize. Democracy...hello... I love how the Athenians felt that everybody had a civic duty to participate in government, where has that gone? What about Sparta? Now I've seen some shirts around school that say Straight Nasty; these guys define that.

So, pay attention this unit...I guarantee you will learn something! Hey, school can be fun and interesting. Especially in World History Class!

Mr. Valima

New to me...

2007-10-17T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hey guys,
I've decided to give this blogging stuff a try. Just thought it might be another good way to communicate thoughts and ideas to you. All I ask is that if you use this for any comments that you keep them clean and that you don't rip on anybody.

So far this year I have been very impressed with my World History Classes. I appreciate how most everybody is actively participating in the class.

Keep up the good work!

See you in class.

Mr. Valima