This week, we were at Hillsdale and Woodridge. Woodridge was originally designed as an open-concept school, 4 classes without walls in one large open space. Now walls have gone up to create individual classrooms. The library is still in the center of the large building, the school office is upstairs.Some interior doors (like the one into our workspace) had to stay locked until 20 minutes after the start of school when students were in the building. Being a teacher trying to organize our test areas and materials didn’t qualify … a chair was our solution.This is probably the worst testing area we’ve ever had to deal with (and totally out of compliance with the rules for proper testing area) – Jeannie was in a main hallway where classes went in and out to recess and kids left class to go to the bathroom; plus the busy noisy library was about 15 feet away. Jeannie persevered.

This week, we worked at Morey Avenue Elementary, Castori, and Foothill Oaks. The best part: I get to work with Adrienne every day. My favorite name of a student so far: Keeb Kwn. I had to ask about the pronunciation. “kang koo” I was told. Well, of course.

Jeanne and I worked at Morey on Monday then moved on to Regency Park – one of my favorite schools because I usually teach Project Ride Smart here in May/June. On Tuesday, we were joined by Georgene Cooper, Rich Schmidt,and Val Sills.Two of my favorite fifth grade teachers, Jim Young and Joni O’Connor (I taught Joni’s son Shawn at Westside Charter School):Yesterday I met Mr Young’s class and challenged them to remember my name until next May for Project Ride Smart. Today, every once in a while I heard someone say, “Hi Miss Arlete.” Then after recess, the whole class called out, so proud they still remembered. Smiles all around!This week I learned the Punjabi word for elbow is pronounced “COH-nee.”

This week, we were at Allison Schoolwhere I got to visit with Esther Sullivan who was the secretary at Sierra View when I taught there. She’s retired but fills in as a sub when needed. My team of testers is just me and Jeanne McClaren.

Jeanne and I were also at Morey Ave which is only preschool, Head Start, and kindergarten. My testing space was just on the other side of a half wall from the “cafeteria.” No testing during this time for sure!Quote of the week, overheard as a teacher was taking her class out for recess. “Children, remember you many not go in the bathroom stall, lock the door, and crawl underneath the door to get out.”

Retired teachers have been hired again this year to help with the hour-long one-on-one California English Language Development Test for Transitional and Kindergarten students. Schools only have 30 days to complete the initial assessment for new students. This is a great job to have: the students are delightful and the day goes by quickly. This week I was at Madison and Castori Schools.Special moments happen every day. One girl say a song about Jesus to me right in the middle of the test. When presented with this page and prompted to “Say this word,” responded with “Giraffe, lion, elephant.” Although I had to bubble in the mark for Incorrect, I told her “Good job.” All language domains are tested, reading, speaking, listening, and writing.One of the best parts of this job is running into old friends, like Ethel Smart, who was my aide at Sierra View long long ago.

Today was my last day to work for TRUSD doing CELDT testing. It’s always good when a repetitive job ends – I won’t have to read “Kenny’s Trip” for at least 10 months! I was part of a great team this year: Kathy Smith, Jeannie McClaren, and Adrienne.

One final story from Regency Park. I was testing a first grade boy. About halfway through the test I told him he really smelled good and asked if he was wearing cologne. He smiled and explained, “It’s my dad’s soap. (Patted his tummy.) I get my four-pack from doing push-ups. I get my six-pack from my dad’s soap.”

This week, my team worked at

and Regency Park. L-R: Mr Villec and Brad Meyers. Brad and I worked together teaching Project Ride Smart at Regency Park, now he’s doing his student teaching on his way to get a teaching credential.

I asked these students what they were playing. “We’re hunting for tigers and giraffes.” I wished them good luck, but they didn’t need it. “See, that’s the tiger (orange tricycle) and that’s the giraffe (red scooter).” Well, of course.

My team of 4 worked at Strauch Elementary School this week. We are giving the CELDT test to all new English Learners in TK, K, and 1st grades.

On a bulletin board in the office: