"Tongorgeous"

I had to post about this. We had a brainstorm in class yesterday where we looked at the assumptions made about students from different ethnic groups here at Fremont High. When we got to our Polynesian group, one of my students said, "All Tongans are gorgeous."

Hence, he ended with, "We're Tongorgeous."

Enough said.

Remembering Dennis

This weekend I received the very sad and tragic news that one of my former students and Fremont alumni Dennis Chhom, passed away. I've gone from disbelief to agony to celebration in the last 24 hours. The class of 2007 was so very special to all of us. It was such a close-knit group of kids who stayed best friends even up to now.
I can only imagine what my students from that year are feeling right now. To have lost Dennis in the way that we did, it's just not okay.
Yesterday, I ran a 10K race in Dennis' honor. I've heard of people crying during a run, usually from exhaustion or because of injury. It was early morning still when I did my run, and I cried a few times. I had only felt that kind of catharsis a few times in my life, mainly because I don't cry often.
Today though, I see my current students for the first time since hearing about Dennis. I see them in a different light now. My motivation to make sure that they feel cared for and supported is only that much stronger. My drive to ensure that they meet the high standards of the class through whatever method fits each kiddo has risen.
To Dennis, you will live on in my memories, and all those hilarious videos that you and Anthony filmed for our class. You left behind a world of people who will remember this part of you, the artist, the one who could give society the middle finger but still be so beloved by that same society simply because it was you, Dennis.
To my students, present and former, love hard because you never know when a person's last day will be.

Ms. Paraiso

Using my feminist theory lens on 3209

So, yesterday's introduction to feminist literary theory was just as exciting this year as it is every year when the debates between the genders begins. I am very proud of my students for where they are on their journeys figuring out their own gender status in society, but I also realize that there is still so much we have to unpack as a community of folks learning together.

In using my own lens, I notice more what the dynamics are of a class based on numbers of male versus female students. That's not to say I've figured out the most ideal teaching strategies to complement those dynamics, but for now, it's my starting point. I will learn to negotiate that so that everyone feels safer about articulating their own understandings about their gender status in society.

Always seeking,

Ms. Paraiso