Sunday, October 13, 2013
Christmas Memories
We have been going through and setting out Halloween, Easter, and Christmas decorations at Granny's for our Christmas in October sale. My mom and Great Aunt finished getting everything out on Friday. Today, I went over to go through everything and sort out/keep what I wanted. I took all the ornaments, many 60-70 years old, and divided them among the 5 grandchildren. (Guess it won't be a secret or a Christmas surprise if any of them actually read this blog. Ha ha!) I kept a few other items for myself, some for my brother and sister-in-law, and a few things for my niece and nephew. There is still tons to sell. Cousins have either already looked or will this week. I'm not sure if my cousins/brother will appreciate the items, and I don't know if they will pass them on to their children, the great-grandchildren, but I hope they do. Granny loved Christmas, and I know she would want the kids have a little part of her happiness. The great-grandkids are all pretty much old enough to carry memories of her with them, so I hope they will enjoy the ornaments when they are old enough.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Literacy Conference
My 2 BFFs and I submitted a proposal to a state literacy conference. (Actually, they did all the work, and I got to be included.) One friend had to back out due to a work commitment that came up, but my other friend and I headed to the host city on Friday night to attend and present at the conference on Saturday.
We presented my friend's dissertation study has a round table discussion during the first breakout session. She did a great job, and I supported her all along the way. I enjoyed participating in the conversation that occurred.
During the rest of the conference, I attended a session on Vocabulary/assisting ELLs and a session on Voice/using & writing poetry. I learned some new ideas and will be sharing them this week at work.
I will organize my thoughts and present the information with a group of teachers this year.
We presented my friend's dissertation study has a round table discussion during the first breakout session. She did a great job, and I supported her all along the way. I enjoyed participating in the conversation that occurred.
During the rest of the conference, I attended a session on Vocabulary/assisting ELLs and a session on Voice/using & writing poetry. I learned some new ideas and will be sharing them this week at work.
I will organize my thoughts and present the information with a group of teachers this year.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Another Great Week in the Work World
This was a great, busy week at work!
Monday:
We had the day off today. Woohoo! I spent it running errands and getting things done around my house. Did you know that if you lose the key to your lawn mower that you can buy a new one at your local hardware/lawn care store? Yep! It was so easy and cheap. We thought we might need a new ignition or starter. Thank goodness we didn't!
Tuesday:
Back to work! I was supposed to have a meeting off campus, but it was rescheduled, so I worked on all kinds of things at school. I think I did at least 10 or 11 walkthroughs and put together around 40 magazine boxes to organize Science manipulatives. I covered a teacher while she was in a meeting, so I taught a Resource English class last period. I haven't done that it quite a while, but it was fun! I finished the day in a Reading Department meeting.
Wednesday:
I did all kinds of things today, including organizing more Science manipulatives and visiting more classrooms. I ended the day leading an 8th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards.
Thursday:
We had a lot of teachers out for some reason. Two were at Professional Development off campus, but I'm not sure where the others were. I spent the morning making sure the subs had everything they needed. I was supposed to cover a Science teacher while she attended a meeting, but she was out. I ended up covering the Theater Arts teacher for half of one period, all of the next period, and then a few minutes of the last period. I have no Theater Arts background, and I had no idea what they were supposed to do, so they behaved, but it wasn't quite like I would normally cover a class. I ended the day leading a 7th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, the same one from yesterday, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards. It lasted longer than they would have liked, but the discussions were great!
Friday:
There were many teachers out again. At least 5 had subs covering their classes, but 2 were not picked-up by subs. I ran around all morning making sure all the subs had what they needed, etc. Once they were all settled, I helped a Science teacher with some technology. The rest of my morning was spent helping a teacher and her students with Science Fair, checking on subs, getting some materials to Science teachers, and working on some other things for the English/Language Arts/Reading Department and Professional Development. I left midday to head out of town for a Literacy Conference.
Monday:
We had the day off today. Woohoo! I spent it running errands and getting things done around my house. Did you know that if you lose the key to your lawn mower that you can buy a new one at your local hardware/lawn care store? Yep! It was so easy and cheap. We thought we might need a new ignition or starter. Thank goodness we didn't!
Tuesday:
Back to work! I was supposed to have a meeting off campus, but it was rescheduled, so I worked on all kinds of things at school. I think I did at least 10 or 11 walkthroughs and put together around 40 magazine boxes to organize Science manipulatives. I covered a teacher while she was in a meeting, so I taught a Resource English class last period. I haven't done that it quite a while, but it was fun! I finished the day in a Reading Department meeting.
Wednesday:
I did all kinds of things today, including organizing more Science manipulatives and visiting more classrooms. I ended the day leading an 8th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards.
Thursday:
We had a lot of teachers out for some reason. Two were at Professional Development off campus, but I'm not sure where the others were. I spent the morning making sure the subs had everything they needed. I was supposed to cover a Science teacher while she attended a meeting, but she was out. I ended up covering the Theater Arts teacher for half of one period, all of the next period, and then a few minutes of the last period. I have no Theater Arts background, and I had no idea what they were supposed to do, so they behaved, but it wasn't quite like I would normally cover a class. I ended the day leading a 7th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, the same one from yesterday, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards. It lasted longer than they would have liked, but the discussions were great!
Friday:
There were many teachers out again. At least 5 had subs covering their classes, but 2 were not picked-up by subs. I ran around all morning making sure all the subs had what they needed, etc. Once they were all settled, I helped a Science teacher with some technology. The rest of my morning was spent helping a teacher and her students with Science Fair, checking on subs, getting some materials to Science teachers, and working on some other things for the English/Language Arts/Reading Department and Professional Development. I left midday to head out of town for a Literacy Conference.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
An Amazingly, Wonderful Day
Today was an amazingly, wonderful day!
My two BFFs and I did a Dirty Girl 5K to start the day. We aren't serious runners or walkers. We take our time and get out of the way of those who are trying to beat their time. We laughed and talked and laughed some more. We had a great time and got a little muddy along the way!
The three of us have all gotten our Doctorates, so our team name portrayed that, and we had many compliments about our shirts/team name. My favorite quote of the day was from my BFF when someone asked if we were really doctors. She said, "We are the doctors who make doctors possible."
After a good shower and a nap, it was time for the Girl Scout Ceremonies. Just before I left, Mom walked in with my niece and nephew. My favorite people!
After the Ceremonies, Mom and I drove my niece and nephew back. Even though I only saw them for a short time and spent most of that time in the truck, I was so glad to see them. Love those two young people!
It was a great day b/c it was filled with so many of my favorite people. Oh, what an amazingly, wonderful day!
My two BFFs and I did a Dirty Girl 5K to start the day. We aren't serious runners or walkers. We take our time and get out of the way of those who are trying to beat their time. We laughed and talked and laughed some more. We had a great time and got a little muddy along the way!
The three of us have all gotten our Doctorates, so our team name portrayed that, and we had many compliments about our shirts/team name. My favorite quote of the day was from my BFF when someone asked if we were really doctors. She said, "We are the doctors who make doctors possible."
After a good shower and a nap, it was time for the Girl Scout Ceremonies. Just before I left, Mom walked in with my niece and nephew. My favorite people!
After the Ceremonies, Mom and I drove my niece and nephew back. Even though I only saw them for a short time and spent most of that time in the truck, I was so glad to see them. Love those two young people!
It was a great day b/c it was filled with so many of my favorite people. Oh, what an amazingly, wonderful day!
Girl Scout Ceremonies
Tonight, we had our Rededication/Awards Ceremony, Bridging Ceremony, and Investiture Ceremony.
We chose to do a candlelight ceremony for the Rededication/Awards Ceremony. Each girl had a part and lit a candle. My wonderful co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
We were supposed to do a candlelight ceremony for the Bridging Ceremony, but we chose not to include the candles this time. Again, each girl had a speaking part, and my co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
Our final portion was the Investiture Ceremony. As each girl said a part, she would step forward and take the hand of the girl before her. By the end, all the girls were holding hands and welcoming the new girls.
We ended the night with a Friendship Circle, which included the parents and siblings, and then cupcakes and cookies.
We chose to do a candlelight ceremony for the Rededication/Awards Ceremony. Each girl had a part and lit a candle. My wonderful co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
We were supposed to do a candlelight ceremony for the Bridging Ceremony, but we chose not to include the candles this time. Again, each girl had a speaking part, and my co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
Our final portion was the Investiture Ceremony. As each girl said a part, she would step forward and take the hand of the girl before her. By the end, all the girls were holding hands and welcoming the new girls.
We ended the night with a Friendship Circle, which included the parents and siblings, and then cupcakes and cookies.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Another Good Week in My Work World
This week has been filled with Professional Development.
Monday:
I taught 8th grade Science all day. A teacher had a personal matter to handle that kept her from school and the sub canceled. Teaching speed = distance / time can be difficult. :-) There was no way I could leave this for teachers or aides to do throughout the day.
Tuesday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with a guru assisting us in understanding our state assessment and what it takes to understand our state standards in association with the state assessment questions. We focused on Reading today. I am so excited to be working with Reading/Language Arts again. I am having to really pull from deep in my memory and research to find answers to help my teachers.
Wednesday:
This morning, I attended a workshop (part 1 of 3) on how to lead/participate in Critical Conversations. I was with my principal, new assistant principal, and former assistant principal. I enjoyed working with them and learning the information. I reaffirmed that I am a good listener and horrible talker (with those I don't know well). I also found out that I am pretty good at coaching people on how to have critical conversations, but I don't like to lead them.
Thursday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with the same guru from Tuesday, but today, we focused on Science. The training was slightly different as the assessments are different, but the info was good. I can't wait to use what I learned next week.
Friday:
I spent the morning at our local super store purchasing supplies for Science teachers to use the next six weeks. The shopping, unloading, sorting/organizing, and delivering to classes takes hours. I was so hot and sweaty by the time I finished. I ended the day assisting an 8th grade English teacher while her SpEd Inclusion teacher was in a meeting. It was great getting back to my English roots helping the students write/edit their essays.
Monday:
I taught 8th grade Science all day. A teacher had a personal matter to handle that kept her from school and the sub canceled. Teaching speed = distance / time can be difficult. :-) There was no way I could leave this for teachers or aides to do throughout the day.
Tuesday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with a guru assisting us in understanding our state assessment and what it takes to understand our state standards in association with the state assessment questions. We focused on Reading today. I am so excited to be working with Reading/Language Arts again. I am having to really pull from deep in my memory and research to find answers to help my teachers.
Wednesday:
This morning, I attended a workshop (part 1 of 3) on how to lead/participate in Critical Conversations. I was with my principal, new assistant principal, and former assistant principal. I enjoyed working with them and learning the information. I reaffirmed that I am a good listener and horrible talker (with those I don't know well). I also found out that I am pretty good at coaching people on how to have critical conversations, but I don't like to lead them.
Thursday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with the same guru from Tuesday, but today, we focused on Science. The training was slightly different as the assessments are different, but the info was good. I can't wait to use what I learned next week.
Friday:
I spent the morning at our local super store purchasing supplies for Science teachers to use the next six weeks. The shopping, unloading, sorting/organizing, and delivering to classes takes hours. I was so hot and sweaty by the time I finished. I ended the day assisting an 8th grade English teacher while her SpEd Inclusion teacher was in a meeting. It was great getting back to my English roots helping the students write/edit their essays.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Christmas in September
Today, I spent the morning with my BFF and her kids purchasing items for our Girl Scout Awards, Bridging, and Investiture Ceremonies. We even splurged and got Sprinkles cupcakes. Yummy!
When I returned home, I met Mom at Granny's. She had begun setting out Christmas decorations that we plan to sell in our Christmas in October sale. I helped bring in heavy boxes and set things up. When we finished for the day, we had emptied around 25 tubs and boxes, emptied a portion of the shed, and emptied a hall closet. We still have at least 13 more boxes and tubs to unload.
I found pictures of my great, great grandparents and other relatives. We found the box of ornaments Granny had bought/collected for me. Each one with my name and year. I haven't taken the time to go through the box yet, but I will at some point this Fall. I found some other items I want my brother and sister-in-law to have.
We ended the evening having dinner with my great aunt, her three kids, and two of the three spouses. It was a great meal with wonderful conversation and laughter.
When I returned home, I met Mom at Granny's. She had begun setting out Christmas decorations that we plan to sell in our Christmas in October sale. I helped bring in heavy boxes and set things up. When we finished for the day, we had emptied around 25 tubs and boxes, emptied a portion of the shed, and emptied a hall closet. We still have at least 13 more boxes and tubs to unload.
I found pictures of my great, great grandparents and other relatives. We found the box of ornaments Granny had bought/collected for me. Each one with my name and year. I haven't taken the time to go through the box yet, but I will at some point this Fall. I found some other items I want my brother and sister-in-law to have.
We ended the evening having dinner with my great aunt, her three kids, and two of the three spouses. It was a great meal with wonderful conversation and laughter.
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