Treasures and Toothpaste

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Found Treasures

From Lupe Gallegos, a head custodian at Buena High School in Ventura, California:

"I am a head custodian at a high school and collect lots of unwanted furniture from teachers. Most of the furniture is in good shape but the teacher just doesn't have a use for it anymore. It was always difficult to find new owners for these items, and many times they would go to the dump. I decided to do something different. I bought a digital camera, took pictures of all the furniture I had and sent out a massive email to all the staff informing them of the items. I could not believe that all of the items were gone in just one day! I received emails from the staff telling me what a great idea that was! I hope that you will pass this tip on to the custodial staff at your sites."
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2. Toothpaste Whitening

From Teri Butler:

"If your white board had become smudged and dirty looking over the years, it can be cleaned with small amounts of toothpaste. Simply put a very small bit on a cloth and polish as if you were polishing silver. The stains will be buffed right off. If the finish is duller than you would like, apply liquid turtle wax. Allow a weekend to pass (after waxing) before using again."
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3. Question of the Week: Teacher Timesavers

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"As teachers, we all know that the ultimate goal is to go home at the end of the day without any take home work. What are your ideas to help new (and veteran) teachers work toward this goal? Send us your timesaving ideas."
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4. High School Behavior Adjustment Center Curriculum

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge from Amy Martin:

"When I reported for the new school year, I found out that I was reassigned. I am now working with students that have been taken out of the general education setting because of behavior and/or an ED diagnosis. I am required to provide academic classes, grade homework, and create detailed lesson plans in all subjects. I must also make a behavior improvement plan for up to 10 students. Is this reasonable? If it's possible, I would appreciate any help or suggestions to help me accomplish these jobs."
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