December 18

A stack of grading. Such was life the week before Christmas, 1975-2016

1964

Just got back from sitting at the Ks - another $1.50. That vest pattern still hasn’t arrived! I’ll probably not finish it by Christmas, still, I’m mad at Barton’s. We had a conference with the other committee heads and they don’t agree with a lot I say. I don’t think the Juniors and Seniors should be allowed to help too much with the Talent Show. It is supposed to be the Sophomore Talent Show!

Comment 2022

Class warfare, high school style! Each class in my high school had its own annual fundraising event. For the sophomores, it was a talent show. While the performers could be from any class, the leadership and decision-making was generally restricted to the sponsoring class. For the life of me, I can not remember what was being proposed that offended me so deeply. But with three underlines and an exclamation point, it must have been serious.

Barton’s was that now-extinct main street staple, the local department store. I had ordered a sewing pattern from them so I could make a vest for my brother for Christmas, and a week from the big day, it still had not arrived. Would it come in time? Could I sew a vest (buttons holes and all) before Christmas? Stay tuned.

Only ONE diary entry between 1964 and 2023? It had to happen. So, a bonus.

For your reading pleasure, a collection of grading whines from my social media self.

2012

My week so far. #gradinghell

2013

This week I am thankful for Peapod.

(Waves from the grading treadmill...)

2014

Today’s great moment in #gradinghell : when the student who has not attended class since September hands in a final paper. Joy.

My comment, same thread, 2014:

Full disclosure: I got an F+ on my first exam in college. Had no idea how to study; never learned how to take notes in high school. Went to the professor and he explained an F plus meant that a freshman shouldn't taking that class. Offered to change it to a D- so I could get a "withdraw passing". 50 years later, I am still that frantic, failing freshman and that softhearted teacher.

Also 2014

Initial attempt to gameify grading. Next semester I might add a spinner.

2024