Thanksgiving recovery

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Love this holiday celebration, it is all about just getting together and celebrating being together over a nice meal plus the added bonus is we have Friday off! We had family over but quite a few less than past years, this year we only had 14 people here with a 34 pound (home grown) turkey! BEST part of the day? A phone call from our son, Michael, who is in Iraq. He is doing okay and has just finished 2 months of his seven month deployment. Can tell the sadness in his voice when he talks about Heather (his wife) and Mackenzie & Killian (his two little ones back here in the States). We have so much to be thankful for and one of those things are the Marines and ALL of our service men & women who are willing to stand up for us. Life is good and I have plenty of projects to keep me busy. Wish all a great week and a happy upcoming holiday season!

Veteran's Day 2008

I just returned from our local Veteran's Day Parade and ceremony. This year they were honoring our World War II vets. I went after I read a piece in the local newspaper, Newburyport Daily News by a young man, Joshua Potts. Joshua served 15 months in Afghanistan.  I will write the following quote as it is written in the paper.

    "If you were to ask me one year ago if I had PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), I might have said no or maybe just a little. If you asked me if I dreamed about being in Afghanistan, I would have told you yes. If you asked me six months ago the same two questions, I would have said no because I have the love of a good woman. If you were to ask me today, I would tell you I have more traumatic stress from civilians that don't care about helping a veteran than I ever did because of fighting in a war.

I write this and tell you this because I think Veterans Day is not taken seriously by the majority of you. In your town, you have plenty of veterans to thank but you don't take the three seconds to walk over, shake their hand and say thank you. I see you in the airports walking by soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors, without a word of thanks for doing something you yourself could not do.

Why? Why not walk up and thank the man or woman? Are you scared of them? Is it not worth your time? You don't think that the American military man has done anything for you? Pick an answer please and tell me. Why do you not go out to a parade for five minutes and wave to a couple of veterans? It means a lot to them, let me tell you.

You live in a world that you take for granted. You live your lives, go to school then go home. Most of you don't think a single thought about what goes on outside your own front door.

There is one day dedicated to veterans. One day that was made for their recognition. It is your duty as an American, as a citizen, as a person in your community to recognize this day and these people, and not just because you get the day off, because they did something for you. These people have earned the respect of the nation. It is your civic duty to shake a hand, lend support, listen to a story, go to a VA and do something to give back to these the most deserving of people.

If you need help finding out when the parade in your town is, where someone to thank is, or where if you have time you can go to help some people out this Nov. 11 feel free to ask me. I might not know right away, but for you, I will find out."

As a Mom of a Marine, Sgt. Michael Hill, currently serving in Iraq (his third tour first was Afghanistan, second Iraq), while his wife, Sgt Heather Hill and their two young children wait back here in the States along with the rest of us for Mike's safe return I can only whole heartedly agree with Joshua and thank him for putting all of his thoughts into the written word and sharing it with the newspaper. Thank you to Joshua, Mike, Heather and ALL Veteran's, past and present, and their families who serve this great nation, God Bless them and God Bless the U.S.A.

Election Day

So great to see so much excitement and people involved in voting, pretty sad that all these people haven't exercised their right to vote right along but at least the numbers are coming out now. I am sad that the economy has so overshadowed the focus of our troops in Iraq as a point of interest in this election but as a homeowner I can understand why the economy is so high on everyone's priority list. Please keep our troops in your prayers and thoughts through all of this. I am excited to support whoever we as Americans choose to vote in as our new president of these United States of America. God Bless America and God bless our troops wherever they are serving.

Halloween is behind us! It is always an exciting fun filled week in elementary school. No time in my schedule this year to get into school to set up my activity centers for Halloween fun. I went through lots of guilt but had to let it go and find new ways to involve the students. We danced our little hearts out with Little Richard's Itsy Bitsy spider and Lee Campbell's Skeleton Square Dance--tied it into our literacy initiative with books to go along with our dances, worked out well even with little ones in their costumes.

Weekend in Maine

Spent time over the weekend on a hike in the mountains of western Maine with good friend Bonnie. Foliage is going by as leaves continuously fell from the trees as we walked & stacked firewood the last two days. Good chance to decompress the craziness of the beginning of another school year. We reminisced about our great trip on the Allagash this past summer. Bonnie is co-owner of Maine Explorations a wilderness canoe company that takes paddlers to the Maine wilderness for wonderful opportunities to connect with nature, it is tough not to be "in the moment" when you are surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors.

The kids are what make it all worth it

Went into school today to learn according to police reports there was a person with a handgun in the area of the school yesterday but not inside our school as had been phoned into the police. Scary but we all know this is the reality in our society today. We did have many grateful parents and wonderful notes for the compassion and comfort we provided to the many students in our care. PTO's brought coffee and muffins to school, thank you notes, emails and several verbal expressions of gratitude. Those in charge have talked about lots of things that we need to work on to make it run more smoothly next time. For this time and these families I am proud to say that my colleagues have proven that the reason why we teach is because the bottom line is that we are there for and because we care about the kids.

Secure in place

We had a Secure in Place (lock down) in school today for two hours! Twenty minutes before it was time to send the kids home today we had an emergency lock down at school. There was never any discussion of why but I am sure we will read it in the paper tomorrow. I guess we were all over the news while it was happening. Everything went pretty smoothly, luckily when all the local and state police showed up they were very professional and thorough. Classroom teachers were fantastic and kept the students calm, safe and protected through the whole ordeal.

Meeting with administrators

Had a meeting with administrators last week and we are still working on more equitable schedules among fellow P.E. teachers. Very interesting conclusion from the meeting. During the meeting it was stated that last year during budget time it was decided that I would go from .8 to full time by becoming the Adapted Physical Education teacher. Some point after that my kindergarten class load added four 45 minute and four 30 minute classes a week. When it came time to make my schedule this year I had a full case load of classes with just my kindergarten, first and second grade classes in two different schools, after classes had already started 3 Administrators got together to say I had to cover their Adapted classes and added 5 more classes to my schedule also adding a third school. I could not understand why I was being treated so unfairly until last week when I realized that there was little or NO communication between administrators! My schedule was created without anyone realizing it was 2 positions being carried by one teacher. Man, no wonder this year's beginning has been so hard and frustrating. The schedule won't change it has been 6 weeks and anyone who has ever worked in a school knows once it is in motion there is no way to make any major changes. At this point I need to make adjustments and find ways to get through it and educate administrators before next year's schedule starts being created.

great week of teaching

I had a great week of teaching and love my adapted P.E. classes the most, it is so rewarding to be working with my students and who could not enjoy a kindergarten student's enthusiasm.

Making a Change in the Climate

Dave Finnigan   came to Newburyport yesterday to present his program on Climate Change. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dave for many years as the ultimate juggling teaching professional in school program. Dave has written many books about juggling and is now incorporating the need for society to help the environment. This new in school presentation incorporates a variety of teaching styles so that students can learn this important information through different modalities. The program also has a family night component that brings families back at night so students can share what they learned and brainstorm how they can individually make a difference. Check it out.

Enough is enough

As a teacher I am sure any of you would understand the ramifications of a daily schedule that needs to be set early in the year. Well it is October and I am still having some discussions about problems with my schedule. The biggest problem is the unequal schedule among the 3 elementary P.E. teachers. I AM a team player and am always willing to do whatever I can to help out but when it comes to being taken advantage of because I have my Master's degree in Adapted PE (and the district needs to make sure the classes are covered) I feel I have not been treated fairly so ................ the saga continues .......... and discussions continue as I continue to teach more classes, (at three different schools!) than my 2 other full time colleagues. I have a hard time standing up for myself but I have had to take a stand this past month enough is enough. So far my plead for equality has fallen on administrators with deaf ears and I recently meet with our Asst. Supt. so I am hoping she has listened and something can be resolved soon!

Word from overseas

Mike has arrived safely in Iraq, now if we can just keep him that way for the next seven months or so. My thoughts and prayers go out daily to the family & loved ones of all our troops stationed anywhere and to each and every individual Marine and soldier serving us as well. God Bless each and every one of you and let's please bring you home safely as soon as possible. Mike says the accommodations are much better than they were the last time he was there and all is well.

Start of many long days ahead

Well today is THE day when our youngest son, Michael, heads over to Iraq for his third tour of duty with his fellow Marines. I spoke to Michael this noontime and he was waiting at the airfield on Miramar, the base in San Diego, CA. His first tour was in Afghanistan, then in Iraq and now back to Iraq. My thoughts and prayers are with him and ALL our troops over there. I am proud of his career and his choices but it doesn't make it any easier as a Marine Mom.

Adapted Physical Education

This year I am teaching 5 Adapted Physical Education (A.P.E.) classes for the first time since I started in Newburyport 15 years ago. I have my Master's degree in Adapted P.E. but it hasn't been acknowledged by the school system until now. I am not sure what the district's expectations are but I feel like we are not on the same page. I am thinking it is my job to go in and co-teach with the P.E. teacher in my student's regular P.E. class (I make the adaptations if necessary and work with student's to help include all) but all the classes I have been assigned are in an out of gym space with several students with a variety of special needs. I am trying to make the most of it for my students and for myself professionally but am surprised in this day and age that A.P.E. hasn't changed, at least not here in Newburyport.

Week #3

Well we have started full week #3 and schedule problems still exist, the longer they go on the harder they are to change but I have to keep reminding myself I am not the administrator so I guess it is not really my problem to solve but............... I have to try and live the schedule that was created. Keeping my chin up and hoping for the best is all I can do at this point. I have started teaching Adapted P.E. classes this year. I had just one last year at one school and am up to five at three schools this year. I love the classes and the wonderful kids I get to interact with. In addition to these classes I have 27 classes (grades K-3) at two schools. I love my kindergarten students they are so much fun to teach and are working hard at trying to control their little bodies from hitting the walls and falling down when they stop -- we'll get there-- in time.

Schedule issues

Arrived at school today for a Professional Day before the students start. After a district wide meeting with our Superintendent and Union President we went to our school building to receive information packets, including our teaching schedule, go through mandated training and meet new staff. Our schedules are always interesting but this year is exceptional. I was in awe of the places they had me and the times I was teaching over 30 classes some at the same time, some classes got over at 9:15 at one school and the next class started at another school (4 miles across town) at 9:15!! Last but not least I found out 2 of the classes were at a third school that I didn't even know was in the works...... of well I can teach whatever and wherever but I haven't figured out the same place at the same time or how to leave one class at one school and get to a different school within the same minute. I am sitting here at home tonight thinking it is not my problem that's what administrators are for right? Wait a minute those administrators made this schedule in the first place......... Here we go, the year is off and running, I'll let you know how the schedule final irons out.

16th new beginning

Well it is my 16th time of doing this, starting a new school year. I have been reviewing my copy of Harry Wong's "First Days of School" and hope I do at least some of the effective suggestions. I have my list of instant activities for a variety skills ready to go with a few new ones brought from the national convention last spring, teachers start on Tuesday and another professional day on Wed then we finally have students in front of us on Thursday. I have a great feeling that this will be one of my most enjoyable years of teaching yet!

We Are Teachers

I am now one of the moderators for the We Are Teachers (WAT) website. It is worth checking out especially if you are interested in finding ways to market your talent.
This website (www.weareteachers.com) has a profile page for you to set up your information and a marketplace for you to easily buy and sell materials you have created and used over the years while perfecting your art of teaching. Check it out or email me if you have any questions about it.

Full time

Great news I have been hired back full time at school (after 4 years of 4 days) I am excited to get started back. Lots of changes and tough times the last couple of years so going back with positive attitude and high hopes for better days ahead. We start after Labor Day so this week I see lots of others schools around us going back (in Massachusetts school districts set up individual calendars) Here's to a great year

What a summer!

I can't believe it has been almost ONE MONTH since I have had a chance to catch up on emails!!!! I have been away from my desk and computer and am now paying the price trying to catch up. YOU will not believe (or maybe you will) my summer. I went to Monterey Bay in CA. for 2 weeks to babysit our two grandchildren, Mackenzie & Killian for my son & daughter in law (the Marines)--while they went on a trip to Hawaii. Man, if you have to babysit that is one nice place to visit. I cam back from that and I went on the ALLAGASH Wilderness River!!! My friend from Bethel, Bonnie, (Maine Explorations www.maineexplorations.com) who has done the Allagash solo a coupe of times, is a Maine Registered Guide and an Outward Bound instructor asked if I'd like to go along with her. What a great experience and the water level has NEVER been so high, the rapids were awesome and SHE knew what she was doing! What an incredible trip, one I have dreamed about for years and it all came true and out of the blue. I came back from that and then went on our annual family (car) camping reunion in Bridgeton for a week, two days after I got back from that my son flew out here with Mackenzie & Killian (the ones from Monterey, CA) for a week before he returns to another tour in Iraq! We had all 6 of our grandchildren here last weekend it was lots of fun but crazy. Mike and the kids flew out last night to go back to San Diego and I am just getting around to checking emails! I am home for the next two days and on Friday we are leaving for a week at C Pond in Andover, Maine for a week, this time I am going along with my husband so it will be nice to get a chance to spend some time with him this summer as well (although I think he has enjoyed having the house to himself most of the summer!)
So that is about it then I will be back to work when school starts after Labor Day What a summer!!!

Thoughts of school

Thoughts of school are starting to come into focus as August days on the calendar slip by. I have started looking into various websites and searches to help update my curriculum ideas. This year I will again be teaching kindergarten classes at one of the two schools I will be at. I will have full day kindergarten students two 45 minute classes a week and half day kindergarten students will have one 30 minute class. I wish all kindergarten students had the same amount of P.E. time to help with their transition into first grade but as in most school districts the financial aspects far out way the educationally sound practices. I hope to have a list of the websites I use as resources soon posted here and on my profile page at We Are Teachers.

summertime reunions

Hi I am home after 2 and a half weeks on the water. I spent a week and a half family camping in Maine on Long Lake and the other week under the stars on the banks of the Allagash River. Family camping was a lot of fun as usual. It is a family reunion every year for the past 20 years or so and we have relatives from New York, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. We rent 15 or so campsites and my 89 year old Mom is the leader of the fun. Seven of her eight children, 14 of her 15 grandchildren and 7 of her 9 great grandchildren were there along with several nieces and nephews and their children. In all the total was about 62 family members! Great fun.........

Allagash memories

I have been "off the river" for a couple of days now and have some great visual memories of the northern Maine wilderness experience. The ones that come quickly to mind are the unbelievable rain storm we had "blow through", the incredible stars -layers and layers of them- at night, the silence -with only the sound from the flow of the river, the bear, the many moose- one set of small twin moose with their mom, the bald eagles and many osprey, the sun, wind, rain and rapids, the high water level, the fast moving current, the many non moving solid BIG and small rocks in our path, the bugs, the outhouses, the people and the learning experience.

Allagash trip

I have decided to name my blog "In the Moment" to help remind me that I have so much to be grateful for and remind me to stay in the now. I always move on too fast and go on to the next thing before appreciating where I am now and what I am doing or have just done. Last week I was on a wilderness canoe/camping trip on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine. It was an incredible trip and I have so many great memories to post and share. I was with a friend of mine, Bonnie Pooley, who owns a company with Mac Davis, called Maine Explorations. Bonnie has completed the Allagash trip several times including solo trips so it was a privilege and an honor that she asked me to go along with her on this trip. The two of us were know as the "two ladies" out there, whenever we met up with the mostly male groups that is what we would hear "Oh you are the two ladies out here". I had a fantastic week and learned so much from the expertise, knowledge, wisdom and experience that Bonnie brought with her and was so willing to share with me.