This is an excerpt from a new short story entitled “Adaptation” a non-linear short story told through email and text messages between Mr. Ross–a high school biology teacher in Maize, Kansas. Though Maize is a real place, the people and events depicted in this story are 100% fictional. Any resemblances to actual people or events are strictly coincidental.
You can follow the story by clicking on the “Adaptation” category in the side-bar.
To: Ross, Timothy
From Orr, Thomas
Subject: RE: AY 2003-04 Contract
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2003 4:30 PM
Tim,
You make a fine point. I’ll check to see if Jim Hyde can run this place without me for a couple of hours so that I can attend the meeting too. Have a great evening.
Talk soon.
Mr. O.
To: Orr, Thomas
From: Ross, Timothy
Subject: Re: AY 2003-04 Contract
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2003 2:22 PM
Mr. Orr,
Thank you for the clarification and for passing on the information about the curriculum meeting. Will you be attending this meeting as well? It might be a good idea to have school-level administrators there too in case questions about alignment come up. Your background in Chemistry would also make you uniquely qualified among building principals to talk about the new standards and their application at MHS.
–Tim
To: Ross, Timothy
From Orr, Thomas
Subject: RE: AY 2003-04 Contract
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2003 2:00 PM
Tim,
Thanks for your email. I just received word from Carla, the Curriculum Director at C.O. She’s calling a meeting next week for all 6-12 science teachers to discuss the new state standards. After participating in the meeting I am told the Superintendent will have your contracts.
Thanks much,
Mr. O.
To: Orr, Thomas
From: Ross, Timothy
Subject: AY 2003-04 Contract
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2003 6:45 AM
Dear Mr. Thomas.
Thank you for meeting with me last week to discuss the observations you made during a recent visit to my 9th grade biology class. Your insight on student engagement and curriculum alignment were very insightful and truly helpful.
I am writing today to see if any further information is available pertaining to my contract for the next school year. I have heard from my colleagues in the math department that they have received and signed the new negotiated agreement for the 2003-04 school year. Can I expect to review my contract soon?
Sincerely,
Tim Ross
Department of Biology
Maize High School