This past Saturday was a checkerd flag day for the White Oak Education Foundation. The members of the board went all out by hosting the National Monster Truck Rally. And with the swish of the flag an existing pasttime became a money maker for our schools. A big thanks to all the board members who were willing to step out of the box and in the winners circle. It was loud. It was rainy. And deep down you know it was really fun!
I am in Dr. Barrett’s class on e-portfolios and the mood is one of reflection for sure. Can we do it, do we do it. how do we do it, and no I won’t do it. Which penguin are you? At this time I think I am Buddy and I keep thinking what? But I know the information is a tool that will change how students learn.
Just read Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It will make a difference in how you treat people. Let me know if you have read it and what you think.
Tree trimming at my house has caused me to think about what it takes to make us stronger and keeps us growing in our quest to teach children. The noise outside is deafening and somewhat scary. Big machines and many men are cutting, pulling, and chopping away at my beautiful old oak trees. I know when their work is finished the trees will be healthier and can live longer. But it is painful while the work is in process.
How like our job. Teachers have to sometimes graph a new set of rules into a child to help that child become more self-directed. At times we cut out activities so that more time is dedicated to skills that each child will need in order to grow straight and strong. In the end the child may remember what we taught but we probably will not see the end product.
The big oak trees should still be standing even when I am gone and the end product will be enjoyed by another family in another time. How like the work of a teacher.
Summer is the time when we all look forward to rest and recreation. The first day of my summer vacation comes around the middle of June. I go to bed with the idea of sleeping late. Sleep doesn’t happen the first week and maybe not even the second week. Around the middle of July I can sleep until 7:00 and boy what a treat that is. The next week it is time to get back on a schedule so that when school starts I can get up on time. So I don’t really get to sleep late but as my husband always says, “I’ll sleep when I die”.
Get plenty of rest and I’ll be waiting for you in August and we will begin again as we do every year. Maybe this year….
I have spent an entire week without my kids and I really do miss them. This surgery has given me time to think and I look forward to stepping back into the routine of school.
The testing season has begun and the White Oak Students are right on target. Thanks to all the hard work the teachers put into their lessons and their understanding of how students learn.
One day the temperature is nearing 30 and the next is it 70. Must be springtime in East Texas. The temperature will settle down soon and with a test or two summer will be upon us.
I am anxious to find a new way to do summer school and I am hopeful that ideas will be sent my way. In the meantime keep plugging along and let’s watch spring as it comes around the corner.
The first semester at White Oak Intermediate is coming to a close and I am thrilled with the progress the students have made. Our teachers are quality educators and they take their job of educating students seriously. Here’s hoping that you have a wonderful holiday break and everyone returns safe and rested in January.
