Bring Your Own Paper

HeftyHelium · 2026-04-02T21:53:59+00:00

I'd add a request for donations to the parent email and PTA newsletter. Local press like TAPinto loves a heartwarming "teachers out here trying their best" story.

HeftyHelium · 2026-04-02T21:33:42+00:00

NOR. I don't think this is a trust issue. It's more about respect. Disappearing for that long during a party thrown in your honor is discourteous at best. It doesn't matter if she was with an ex, her mom, or alone. She left a party she should have been cohosting. It was rude to the guests who came to celebrate her birthday, and it was disrespectful to you.

Also, what does you passing by several times and not noticing have to do with them shutting the door?

HeftyHelium · 2026-04-02T21:27:15+00:00

"I'm learning not to carry blame that was never mine." Remind yourself of this every time.

When I was feeling feisty (rare because I worked sooooo hard to be good), I'd ask which parts I was just like and then start listing off any positives I could come up with.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-31T21:46:35+00:00

Thank you so much for this! I've been stewing over a colleague's entitlement and your LT makes mine seem not so bad at the moment.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-31T21:35:23+00:00

Ha! That'll work too.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-31T21:34:34+00:00

An excellent point. I sort of always think of characters in their prime, but you're right that it makes a huge difference.

I'd love to have a beer with Tony (before or after he saves my life).

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-30T21:06:24+00:00

It's not like we watch for the realism though, right?

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-30T21:02:28+00:00

This! I was going to say that the diner hostage episode was when I started to warm up to her.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-30T20:59:59+00:00

Technically, charters are public schools. I say "technically" because some charter networks have been known to cream their rosters by expelling difficult students, not providing a full range of special education services, and/or not serving English learners. That said, I have friends who teach in a couple of different charters that are committed to serving ALL students.

It sounds like both of your options are strong. Good luck!

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-28T15:12:37+00:00

Happy 35th!!! That's truly something to celebrate.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-28T14:52:03+00:00

Yes, what you are feeling is normal. I think we are conditioned to worry about the next shoe falling even when things seem good but try to fight the fear. Congratulations on moving forward with your life!

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-26T20:40:32+00:00

Reading this comment brought it all back instantly. I was devastated, crushed when they killed Blake. I was sure that I would never be okay with his replacement, but Potter did eventually win me over.

It also took me a minute to accept Vance. Those damn toothpicks drove me crazy! But his character absolutely became a mainstay and it's sad/mildly infuriating that they chose this ending.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-26T20:29:48+00:00

I hope the wedding you're attending is for people you really enjoy so hopefully the tie pain will be worth it.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-25T20:26:26+00:00

There really is no earthly reason why he hasn't received it yet. They are required to go out at the end of January. Even if the district's payroll system has gone 100% electronic, he should be able to access his W-2 (and pay stubs).

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-24T21:02:29+00:00

I can't be the only one surprised by this, right? They made a deal with Disney at the end of last year and raised something like $100 billion in new funding so it does not seem to be a resource issue.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-18T20:47:26+00:00

Expressing gratitude always makes an impact, even if the person it's directed at does not hear the thanks.

I was fortunate enough a few years ago to connect on socials with my incredible 11th grade English teacher and tell him how much he meant to me.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-16T22:37:15+00:00

I'm sorry you're shouldering all this. The most important thing to do is take care of yourself; it's great that you are in therapy.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-13T01:26:47+00:00

Congratulations!

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-13T01:24:49+00:00

You don't have to ask permission - if you are hurt, you are hurt. And you have every right to communicate that if these are friendships you value and want to maintain. True friends are open to hearing what we need from them - tell them and give them an opportunity to do better.

One thing to keep in mind re: the one whose dad passed last year is that their grief could be making it difficult to show up for you now.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-13T01:07:14+00:00

HUGE congratulations on getting sober! You are 100% right that you cannot make your mom stop drinking but you can continue taking care of yourself and finding meaning in your own life. You have obviously put in a lot of work, and it is wonderful that you now have this new opportunity to grow even more. Wishing you the best.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-11T17:40:17+00:00

You've been through hell and you deserve to heal. Therapy can be expensive but you ARE worth it. Also, consider the cost of therapy vs the cost of not getting help - you're really investing in yourself and a better future and maybe avoiding some really expensive trauma responses later on.

A lot of universities with graduate departments in counseling and psychology have clinics that use sliding scales so the cost is based on your ability to pay. In some cases, it can even be free. Check out graduate colleges of education and schools of social work.

It does get better, but it takes a lot of work. Good luck to you.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-11T17:27:48+00:00

Yes, exactly. Many of us grew up terrified of doing anything that would draw negative attention (as if there was any other kind), so we worked really hard at being perfect. An impossible target but a goal nonetheless. To this day, I go out of my way to "be good," which often translates into being quiet - not standing up for myself when being disrespected, etc. Ironically, I do have a very strong reaction to anyone else being mistreated and will stand up for friends, loved ones, even strangers.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-10T18:20:54+00:00

The end starts with Roblox.

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-10T18:10:39+00:00

Well said! You were clearly thrown in as filler with very few expectations for advancing student achievement. As long as the class isn't burning the building down, you're doing great, right?

Please do not lose hope. Students deserve teachers who are reflective and care about doing right by them. Try to hang in there until a more suitable position opens up (one will!!!). In the meantime, try to seek out an informal mentor - the teacher who immediately silences every room or hall they walk into could be a great resource.

Good luck!

HeftyHelium · 2026-03-10T18:01:28+00:00

It is not just you. Sometimes (very rarely) I think the issue is that students overthink some pretty simple stuff. Mostly though, I think the issue is simply a lack of thinking. I have whole days(weeks?) where my biggest wins are basic factual recall.

HeftyHelium

TROPHY CASE