Teaching in NJ vs. Teaching in CO & a Help Request

Hello Readers and Friends. I have been working as a teacher in Colorado teaching 4th grade for 3 and 1/2 years. I have a lot of frustrations about the poor education system out here and have been doing a lot of journaling about it. I know that Julie Bateman feels it too as this is her 2nd year teaching in Colorado. Since we both came from the Edison, NJ experience, we can tell you Jersey folk that YOU HAVE IT GOOD. In the famous words of Nicole Cirillo, "Kelly, you don't know how good you have it." That phrase dances in my head constantly because she was right. I truly didn't know.

I plan to write a book about all of the things that upset me so much about the education system in general, but more specifically, in Colorado.

Here is a somewhat brief rundown...

• This is my 14th year teaching and I am making $47,800. Keep in mind that I started at Edison at $41,900. Colorado is 48th in state funding for education. I have made huge financial adjustments. The cost of living is quite similar to NJ minus the mountains.
• I used to complain and even dread the weekly Tuesday faculty meeting from 4-5, but now I would take it back in a heartbeat. Here in Colorado, we still have faculty meetings, but they happen every other week from 3:05-4. While students attended specials (art, music, gym, language) I used to have a "prep period" (according to Edison lingo). If we missed our prep because of a meeting, we would get paid for it. Now, my "prep" has become a "plan period." Out of the 5 days per week that this happens, TWO are taken up by planning meetings. Colorado LOVES to have teachers plan to plan but never actually have time to PREP anything. They don't even create or prepare anything during these meetings, they just sit and talk about all the things they are going to do. I am sure you can imagine how my head wants to explode as I SIT chatting about plans without making any steps toward execution.
• It is not uncommon for teachers to come to work on the weekends and DURING THEIR BREAKS. What the?! This proves my point that teachers are so overwhelmed, they have let their demanding job invade the boundaries of their personal lives. Where is the balance? We all need a balance.
• Since I started teaching in Colorado, I have never had a class size less than 30. THIRTY! Edison teachers, this one is for you---last year, I had 8 students on IEPs and one on a 504. NO co-teacher. The Learning Support Specialist popped in to accommodate the minutes 2-3 days per week and only during 1 or 2 subjects. Each day, as the only teacher on the grade level that had students with IEPs, I had the fun job of tracking their accommodations for EACH subject for EACH day of the week. I counted and that was 72 boxes I had to check DAILY. Also, I had 19 boys in my class. NINETEEN.
• Coaches...Did Edison Public Schools get on the Every Teacher Needs a Coach Bandwagon? I remember CRTs and thought it was a great position, but coaches require weekly meetings. For what? You guessed it, more planning.
• Overnight 5th-grade trip = 4 days...3 nights...NO compensation for teachers. I miss you, Camp Bernie.
• The CO teaching license expires every 5 years. By next Feb. I need to gain a certain amount of hours in specific classes (ELL) to renew it. And pay a fee of course. $$$$
• 4 Days of parent-teacher conferences 3 of them after teaching a FULL DAY of school. My current school just went down from 30-minute conferences to 20.
• Major budget cuts which will no doubt lead to cutting paraprofessional support and decreasing the hours for some full-time teachers.
• School day- Teachers: 7:40-3:30 Students: 7:55-2:43

Yes, there is positive too, but it is basically that I haven't written a lesson plan since I started teaching here. I fill in lesson titles or unit numbers or names of projects, in a plan book, WITH A PENCIL. Also, there is no testing pressure nor test prep. After you Edison employees pick your jaw up off the floor, please read on.

My intention for writing this post is because I have a student in my class whose family is going through a financial struggle. His mom was just diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She is scheduled to receive 12 chemotherapy treatments while working 2 jobs. Dad isn't in the picture and Mom's boyfriend is helping out.

Now that I have explained my financial woes, you see why I am not in the position to help this family on my own. When I first read the information in the e-mail below, I wanted to help cover a bill or two. Then I realized that I have my own bills that are piled up. I am still paying off Puggle's vet charges and my own medical bills. (I miss Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield SO MUCH. I can't believe I used to complain about $10 copays! That was a dream.) However, I plan to donate $20 and my time and words of persuasion.

So, if you have a spare dollar to send via Venmo (@kelly-miragliotta-1 label it for the "Lopez family"), I will collect money until March 15th, 2020. Then, anything I get, I will turn over to the family or pay their bills via invoices. I would ask the school to do a fundraiser, St. Baldrick's style, but it is a title I school and many of the families are already struggling. Anything you could send would be greatly appreciated. Apparently, I have 523 Facebook friends, so if everyone sent a $1, that total would definitely help them.

Here is what the family could use help with (I copied and pasted from my work e-mail).  

"Mom has given me her monthly costs to see if we can find a donor or person who might want to help with some of them. These are: Energy ($75 a month), Car insurance ($45 a/m), telephone ($100 a/m), rent ($1400 a/m). She can provide invoices if somebody would like to pay them directly online."

Thank you for reading this post. And Edison teachers, take a moment to appreciate how good you have it. Nicole was right. ;o)

Peace and Love,

Kelly

My Puggle

Love, at first sight, is real. I felt it in December of 2005. I looked into the eyes of a 4-month-old Puggle puppy who was chewing on the tag of a purple t-shirt in a cage at the Puppy Shoppe in Edison, NJ. I had to have her. She made me feel something when we locked eyes. 

To my surprise, she was waiting for me a few days later in the kitchen as a graduation gift. She was the cutest puppy I had ever laid eyes on and we were best buds immediately (thank you, Carolyn, for the best gift). 

One thing was clear right away, this puppy loved food. Although she didn’t have a name for at least two weeks, I finally settled on Puggle. It was the perfect name and always gave people a chuckle when they learned it.  I easily house trained her with Cheerios in the snowy winter of 2005-2006. 

Puggle loved everyone and everyone loved her (except Maya the German Shepard). She wore a thermal maroon hoodie (thank you Mary) and a cute red, white, yellow, and blue striped t-shirt in those beginning days. Yes, I was that mom. 

She slept on my neck like a scarf at night and wrestled with her older roommate, Puppy, Cece’s Pomeranian during the day. We went for runs together and the word run came in handy when many dogs, male or female, would try and mount her at the dog park. I’d yell, “Run Puggle!” And she would take off, putting distance between her and the randy dog. She was good looking, so I get it. The hot piece at the dog park. I remember not being able to say the words “dog park” because when she would hear it, she would instantly spin in circles, tail wagging and wide-eyed wondering When? Now? Let’s go! We started to abbreviate using “D.P.” until we were actually ready to leave. “Cookie” was another word we learned to spell around the Puggle. 

Puggle was a bit of a snob at the dog park, preferring to play with other Puggles and Pugs almost exclusively. They would all run full speed in circles chasing each other, their curled tails oddly straightened. It was the cutest. 

Puggle traveled with me almost everywhere I went (even though she despised the car) and even had her own purple blanket waiting for her at Jorj’s house. Puggle loved blankets just as much as her Aunt Jackie. 

Carolyn and I shared custody for a short time and Bobby Brower became her first male parent. I know you loved her Bob, even though she was very needy and I am pretty sure she pooped in your suitcase or something like that. 

When her Aunt Lindsey was diagnosed with Leukemia and had long stays at the children’s hospital, Puggle came with me to visit her. Lindsey would love it when Puggle came to visit and would take a nap on her bed. Aunt Lindsey taught her the ballerina trick and showed it off to her nurses. Puggle learned other tricks too like sit, lay down, speak, and rollover (we called it the retarded rollover because she was so round it was hilarious how unsmooth her roll was). 

In addition to being a snob at the dog park, I am proud to say Puggle was a beer snob too. She preferred pumpkin ale just like her mom and wouldn’t even lick a drop of Miller Light. Champagne, Puggle? Always. She was loved by Fia, Adam, and Nick in my first house. Thank you for always helping me with her and giving Puggle so much love. 

She had a few lovers in her life. Three were stuffed dogs (see the video Two Dogs Fall in Love to meet one of them), but another happened to be my Aunt Rosemarie. One sniff and Puggle immediately started humping her leg.  Maybe it is because she is always baking or cooking and smelled like food. Or maybe it was something else entirely. All I know is that was one funny Halloween.

Evelyn and Buck became her roommates and Buck fell in love just like I did. Evelyn would sing a “perpetual hope” song to Puggle as she tap danced (begged for food) in the kitchen. Evelyn and Buck were Puggle's family too. 

Grandma Josephine was Puggle’s next roommate. They shared apples and sunbathed together on the back porch of 28 Seymour Ave. Grandma broke the rule all of my roommates did- "Please don’t give Puggle any human food. She is a vegetarian," I would say. It was an easy rule to break as Puggle had a Master's in persuasion tactics. Her face is just too cute. 

When I took a trip to Thailand and my sister Jackie was Puggle sitting. We always wondered how much food Puggle would eat if nobody limited her. Jackie found out. Puggle sneakily broke into the duffle bag where a brand new box of salmon treats was tucked inside. She ate the entire box of salmon treats except for ONE. We had our answer. 

Puggle was great with kids and brought so much joy to my niece Brooklyn as she was kicked in the head and given sooooo many animal crackers. Puggle learned quickly that kids = food. Puggle would kindly vacuum the carpet every time I would bring her over to see Jackie and her family. When the twins were in high chairs, Puggle was scoring big time. 

Puggle was certified as an emotional support animal after my accident in 2016. This was so that she could travel to Colorado with me in the cabin of the airplane. Little did I know, she would provide emotional support throughout my huge transition from NJ life to CO life. After the accident, I was pretty messed up injury-wise and Puggle was the only reason I HAD to get out of bed. 

Puggle was my support through almost all of my breakups. She was happy to lick my tears away, she provided companionship, and gave me purpose. She taught me about responsibility and what it means when her butt smells like fish—-time to get those anal glands expressed. Gross. 

She accidentally consumed edibles on more than one occasion...passing out by the fire in a deep sleep for 3 hours and the other time, she started walking into walls. She is a trooper because she recovered quickly and was begging for food soon after (probably because she had the munchies-ha). Thank you to Dr. Julie Jones for always giving great advice and for coining the statement, “Lesbians are the best pet owners.” 

Puggle was also a resilient dog. She traveled all over with me. She hiked in NJ, ransacked coolers on the dog beach of the Jersey Shore, played in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and camped there too. In 2017, we both had surgery. Mine, hip, and her 2 ACLs each 4 months apart. Thank you to Carolyn, Fia, and Nikki for flying out to Colorado to take care of both of us. 

After the short time Puggle and I spent moving around Colorado we lived with chickens, a crazy lady and her 2 dogs, a pimp, and finally we rented an apartment in downtown Denver with Joe Foster, her final daddy. Joe loved my Puggle even though she was a whiny old lady by then and started showing signs of dementia. Thank you for all of your help, humor, and love, Joe. 

Love, at first sight, happened to me again when I met Katie on October 26th of 2018. I think Puggle knew this as she saw me the happiest I have ever been. Katie, Ruca, and Bodhi (Puggle’s first feline roommate) welcomed us into their home. Bodhi would playfully attack the unsuspecting Puggle and by the time Puggle reacted, he vanished. I learned that cats are amusing. The 3 animals, Katie, and I made the ultimate cuddle puddle on the couch. Katie loved Puggle as if she were her own and really got to know her. The 4 of us camped together a few times. Puggle's whining got out of control and Katie always had a peaceful way to try and calm her. 

Over winter break, Puggle and I took one last adventure together. We drove to Crestone, Colorado where we rented a studio and I spent time writing the book I keep talking about writing. We cuddled and watched movies. This is when the vomiting began. I thought it was because she eats the same treats and food every day, but I let her consume the Christmas gifts from Grandma & Grandpa. I was wrong.

She vomited again this past Thursday night, but this time it was just her food. She NEVER has done that before. My heart was pounding and I had a terrible feeling as I cleaned it up. Friday morning, I cooked her rice and planned to go to work. She ate the rice and 10 minutes later threw it all up on the bathroom floor. In tears, I called out of work (Thank you, Jenn) and made an appointment at the vet. 

Dr. Dan had given Puggle a root canal about a month ago and everyone at Columbine Animal Hospital was familiar with Puggle. She received warm greetings and we were placed in a room. I explained the situation, he felt her belly, she yelped with pain, and he feared pancreatitis. He suggested an X-ray and blood test. I went for a 30 min drive until they were finished. 

The look on the tech's face as she placed me in a room told me this was not going to be good. Dr. Dan wore the same expression as he told me that he does not have good news. He showed me the results of the X-ray and revealed the massive inoperable tumor in her abdomen. I teared up as he explained my options. I asked what he would do if Puggle was his dog and he recommended euthanasia. I needed tissues at this point. He told me what could happen if the tumor ruptured and how uncomfortable she is now and will remain without meds. He sent me home with pain meds and anti-nausea medication for 4 days. Nikki, a tech that has worked with Puggle a lot came in to say goodbye with tears in her eyes. They assured me that I have given her a good life and that she looks wonderful for being 14 years old. 

I drove home (ugly crying) and told Katie the sad news. We thought through all of the options and after a full day of watching how uncomfortable Puggle was and how she just paced around the house, I decided euthanasia would be best for her. Thank you to my family, Evelyn, and Katie for helping me think through this difficult and crushing decision. 

Puggle was a dog who always was down to go for a walk with me, despised wet grass, refused to eat lettuce, let her ears flap in the wind on road trips, went temporarily insane when toweled down after a bath, moved with me at least 10 times, snorted like a pig, slept under the blankets, loved peanut butter best, attempted to swallow the triangle of a quesadilla whole, followed me around the house, always got along with other doggies, was a go with the flow type of dog (unless it was time for food) and only destroyed expensive things like reading glasses and Invisalign. 

Puggle passed away in my arms surrounded by her lover, Katie, and I. She was loved until the very end. She has touched so many hearts in her 14 years and she will be missed. 

You left me in good hands, Puggle. I love you.♥️

Thank you to everyone who helped enhance Puggle’s long life. 

I want to create a memory book, so if you have any photos or videos that you are willing to share, please e-mail them to me. Thank you. 

My Cute Little Puggle September 29, 2005 - January 12, 2020

Things I've Learned in 2019

Another year = more knowledge

Enjoy!

1. Twitterpated- Bambi (Thanks Katie)

2. Cats are fun to play with.

3. Queen bee 🐝 

4. censored

5. Starfish- censored

6. Wisconsin Lunch Box-a light beer, shot of OJ, & shot of amaretto

7. Feb-March is Coyote mating season...dawn & dusk beware

8. Siberian sport slapping is a thing took place in Russia link

9. Dos Equis Xx beer & Miller Light -RIP = GROSS

10. I SUCK at chugging beer and putting up curtains 

11. Seuss books are NOT JUST for kids. Oh, the Places You’ll Go has serious life advice.

12. censored

13. My tequila shot face can't get below a 7. Katie's however...scores a 1.5!!!! 

14. Fireworks in Idaho Springs- yes! 

15. Wilderness on Wheels is a campground near Kenosha Pass in CO that is for people in wheelchairs. 

16. Clean your bathtub with the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and wonder how you have lived your life up until this point. 

17. A Chipotle is a smoked & dried jalapeño pepper. Thank you, Julie.

18. Eight people get stuck in Denver elevators daily. This year, Puggle and I were in that situation together with our recycling. Thanks, Joe!

19. Daily Mail dot com is made up of horrible human beings, especially Andy Abrams, who publishes fake news without the permission of others. I don't know how to take them down, but if anyone else does, I would love to be pointed in the right direction. They just want a good story and don't give a s*** if my picture is forever on the internet side by side with two killers. Kayla Brantley is an even bigger piece of s*** who only cares about a story and doesn't care about how her privacy invasions have an effect on people's daily lives. 

20. Teachers in the USA get a free Headspace account. Yay! 

21 My parents are awesome in so many ways. Thank you for always loving me no matter what crazy things I get into. 

22 The Norovirus is a nasty, nasty beast. #ThanksgivingBreak2019

23 Hanky Codes are a real thing gay men use to signal others about their preferences- JF my Gayru

24 Erik was homeschooled. So many things make sense now. 

25 There is nothing more confusing than a room filled with hairspray, humans, and normal conversation. Especially when nobody is saying, "Run for your life. The air is toxic!" hmmm...

26 Sailboat races on Lake Dillon are not to be infiltrated by kayakers...but it is really funny if it happens to your mom and sister. 

27 When the town you chose to celebrate NYE has zero Uber drivers, the band will bring you home. 

28 The water on Dillon Reservoir gets pretty crazy for kayaking. It is SO much fun! 

29 During the Great American Beer Fest in Denver, local liquor stores have new stock. The brewers do drops of their beer and people like me get to go buy it without paying $80 to attend the actual GABF. Maybe when I am rich. Maybe. 

30 I finally used a composting toilet. It only took me 3 years living in Colorado and it finally happened. I was intrigued but grossed out because it was shared by strangers and was located behind a curtain in our studio cabin. Maybe if it was only used by me and Katie...Maybe. I am probably going to opt for indoor plumbing if I have the choice. It is one of the best inventions ever made. Go without one and you will forever appreciate the luxurious flushing toilet. Trust me.

31 Small pieces of wood can be perfect outdoor grill cleaners

    

32 Puggle's new favorite sleeping position is hungover. 

33 Wood burning stoves heat a room up QUICKLY.  

34 Chewy Runts are IMPOSSIBLE to find. Please help me. 

35 It is still fun to build a living room fort and watch movies from inside. 

36 Google Quick Draw and Google Feud are both fun to play

37 Solo hiking in the desert of Moab is awesome. Bring your camera and journal. 

38 VIP Kid will pay me to teach Chinese children English while I sit at home in sweatpants.

39 I can sell my salsa. Thanks, Kel!

40 Disco Fries & Taylor Ham exist in Denver. The Grateful Gnome & Rosenburg's Bagels

41 I know the best camping spot in Moab, Utah...and it's free

42 I love snowshoeing and now I OWN snowshoes! 

43 Marty O'Riley and the Old Soul Orchestra - see them live. You're welcome. 

44 Lord Huron in concert at Red Rocks...awesome. 

45 Sometimes it takes weeks for bears to fully wake up from hibernation. 

46 The wood frog- freezes and unfreezes...seriously this frog has a superpower. Google it. 

47 Orphan Peaks- outliers 

48 Isaac Bateman puts pizza in his coffee. 

49 The dollar store sells pregnancy tests!

50 The FJ Cruiser was discontinued in 2014. Sad. I will have one. 

51 Katie hoards Neosporin. 

52 A Beany in Canada is called touque. Thanks, Tyler

53 Kirkland Vodka is Tito’s & the expensive one is Grey Goose

54 Stephanie was on a jump-roping team called The Jump Masters. 

55 Topeka means “a good place to dig potatoes” according to Native Americans. Thanks, Katie

56 once I spent too long organizing my maple candy into 3 piles: zip lock, road trip, and I just acquired this stash, it can wait. I depleted 1/3 of my stash. Lesson learned: never organize your maple candy because you will eat too many, you maple candy hoarder. 

57 This is a yak! 285 drive & Crestone

58 Elevation Ketchup is my favorite. 

59 French fry soup exists- Crestone Brewery- queso & veggie green chili 

It isn’t actually advertised as french fry soup, I think the cook got aggressive with the ladling.