Tuesday March 30

Today we began reading "The Devil's Arithmetic" in Lang Arts. We discussed some background about the Holocaust as well. Students seem to be quite interested in the book so far. I hope that through reading the book and discussing the related history, students will learn why it is so important to remember the past as we work for a better future.

World War II Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Memorial

Holocaust Museum

After your journey through the Holocaust Museum are you leaving as a
changed person?

Arlington Cemetery

What an awesome experience we had observing the graves of all the soldiers who have fought to serve our country. We watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It was so powerful to see and feel the respect being paid to those who have helped make our country free. I will post some pics and a video of the changing of the guard.

DC Day 1

What a great day!  And boy am I tired!!!  I wanted to be sure to share a brief description of our day before I head to dreamland.

When we arrived in DC it was great to see how excited everyone was to see monuments in the distance.  We stopped first for a look at the white house, and took a group photo there.  We even saw guards on the roof, and spoke with a secret service agent!

Next we went to the capital building for more pictures.  The students enjoyed talking to another Secret Service Agent and asking about his job.

Our next stop was the National Catherdral, which we were able to tour the inside of.  It was amazingly beautiful!! We even heard the pipe organ play.

Our next stop was Union Station, where we ate dinner at the Thunder Road Grill.  By that point everyone was definitely hungry and tired.  After dinner, we stopped at a souvineer shop, drove through DC some, and then headed to the hotel. 

Hopefully now everyone is in bed asleep because we've got an early moring again tomorrow!  I certainlly need my beauty sleep, so nighty night.  I will post again tomorrow when I can.

Lunch

All I can say is 6th graders + McDonald's playground

We're Off to DC!!

It sure was dark out when we loaded the buses at Braxton this am.  Everyone is here and we are on our way to DC.  We have great drivers and tour guides, and a super bunch of students and parents.  I'm excitred about a great trip!!!  Check back often because I will post pictures and details as we travel.  To all the students at home: We wish you were with us. We'll bring you back losts of stories and pictures!!!

Great Advice

The best thing you can do is be the best YOU that you can be. At the end of the day, you're never gonna satisfy everyone, but if you do that you know you've gave it your all. And if nothing else, it'll make YOU happy knowing that you've tried to be the good person you truly are.

3 Great Things About Today

Today sure has been a beautiful spring day! When I get home in the afternoon, I always like to ask my daughter to tell me 3 great things about her day at school. So here are 3 great things about my day: 1-I got to write recommendations for several of our young ladies who are trying out for cheerleading next year. 2- A student in my homeroom, Josh, is such a gentleman at lunch. He and Jared and Alexander do such a great job washing tables and putting trays away. Josh even offers to clear away the teacher's trays. 3- I finished grading for the 3rd quarter and I'm almost ready to finish up for report cards.

So what are your 3 great things from today??

Spelling Success!

Last week's spelling test was a great success for some of the Fab 4 Students.  These students made a 100 on their test:  Micheyla, Samuel, Amanda, Danielle, Codie, Ally, Lauren, Jake, Dustin, McKenzie, Adryon, Savannah, Christian, and Payton!!  Abby, Shonie, Eli, and Jordan also made an A or B on the test!  Way to go!!!!

Fabulous Friday

This is going to be short and sweet. Have a wonderful weekend. This coming week: 1/2 day on Thursday and Washington, DC on Friday.

TERRIFIC THURSDAY!!!

Today we kept reading Pet Poems and everyone enjoyed a chuckle reading the poem about the invisible dog.  We are about halfway through reading the book now.  I handed out progress reports and was pleased to see that every student had keep a good average or brought their grade up at least a point or two since progress reports.  I am especially proud to say that many of the students who were missing work have gotten those things made up and handed in.  Hopefully the extra time to work on homework during PAWS time has helped.  Great job!!!

Reflections and Translations

By the time I arrived at school this morning, I felt as if I had traveled around the world and back, so needless to say I had to get my groove back and ready to start teaching the subject I love most. Afterall, that is what my students expect from me each and every day. So, what should I expect from my student each and every day? I want them to want to learn, I want them to enjoy learning, I want them to value their education, I want them to want it. With that said, we had a good day: A student (Jordan) in 1st block, earned a hug from me(I know that is what every student desires) because he was on the mark in class. In another class, 4 students earned free PE time because they followed directions "to a T". I really desire the best for my students and as I shared with them today, they must work right along with me. We are in this job together. WE are on the same TEAM!!!!!!! Please encourage your child to give their best effort each and every day. Parents, thank you for your support.

Math on Wednesday

It was so good to be back at school today teaching Math. I just love my job. Tomorrow we are going to complete our study of reflections and begin studying translations. Teaching geometry can be so much fun.
As we discussed in class today, what type of journey do you plan to have for the remaining of the school year? I too, have asked myself this same question. As you enter math class tomorrow, come prepared to learn and grow. I want only the best for each of you.

How Was Your Wednesday?

I really was glad to be back to school today. It seemed like students were interested in the idea of our class blog. I'm eager to hear about the good things our students have to share. I had a great day today. Our band students were away at competition and scored SUPERIOR!! Great job guys!!! In Lang Arts we started reading Pet Poems, and students seemed to enjoy it!!

What was great about your day?

The Teachers Are Back!!!

I'm glad to be back at school today!!!  It was great when the students came in this morning to see them smile and say "I'm so glad you are back!!"  That made me feel great.  First block has gone well so far -- I have enjoyed sharing the new things I learned.  Most of all I am so excited to SHIFT THE MONKEY!! 

Day 2: Middle School Conference

I had another great day at the conference. I attended a workshop about projects in the classroom and I found out that I am more square than rectangle. Are you a square or a rectangle? One day in math, you shall find out that answer. I feel very energized and excited about returning to the profession I truly love. The following quote was used in one of our sessions today:
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit."
Robert H. Shaffer

Teaching math is the most important thing I could do as a profession. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

NCMS Conference

Why were all the teachers out today?  We attended the NC Middle School Conference in Greensboro. Today I heard some great informtion about ways I can continue to use technology in the Language Arts classroom.  I saw new ideas for using blogs in the classroom, and within the school as a whole.  I learned about free web services that allow you to make video of class lessons, and either stream them online live, or post for viewing at a later date.  That would be cool to help absent students to catch upI I'm  very interested in trying out something called VoiceThread which allows teachers and students to make online presentations with sound and text, and images.  I heard a speaker talking about how reading and learning requires a four way stretch of the brain (facts, procedure, using imagination, and feelings). Another speaker (T Whitaker) introduced a phrase that I loved : "shift the monkey" which referred to shifting the burden of responsibility in the classroom, and I thought about even shifting our focus.  I am ready to "shift the monkey"  -- watch out for it!!  I got some great ideas that I can't wait to try out in my classroom.