I'm now halfway through the summer session. It's incredible just how quickly things are going by. I've graded most of the second essay now; and since I last wrote, I've also had a little talk with my class about grades. I talked with Mark and emailed my teaching advisor about the issues I was having and got some good advice. The main two things were: remind the students they are there to learn, and if they are focused on grades, rather than on learning, they are in the wrong place; and, remember that I'm not responsible for their grades (or scholarships, or whatever), they are. We'll see how things go when I return essays again on Friday, but I'm feeling more ready to stand my ground this time. (And it probably won't hurt for everyone to have the weekend between getting the papers back and having our next class.)
Other than that, I wanted to mention that Mark and I have finalized our plan to head back to ABQ on Friday, July 10. That's the day after my class is over (I collect the final exam essay on Thursday, and hope to get them all graded that day so I don't have to take work with me). Katie is having a special tea to honor her for completing the next step in a church girls' program on Saturday; and Mark's niece and nephew will also be in town, so we figured it would be a good time to head back. We think we'll stay about a week, but we're going to play it by ear.
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