The Beginning of the End...

Last evening, I created on a board on Pinterest gathering my thoughts on a new decorative theme for my classroom.  Yes, that signals the end of my summer!  Usually this occurs right after July 4, but the beginning of the end came early this year!

For the past five years, I have used a Cafe theme.  This year, I want to take my color scheme of teal blue, pale yellow, and taupe and give it a nautical-vintage beach feel, using white frames for anchor charts and adding a few nautical pieces around the room.

Sounds soothing to me...might even play beach sounds in the background!

My room, loved my many, has several lamps and comfy chairs, with our seldom using the overhead lighting.  My rationale remains...if I am to be there several hours a day, then this room should be homey.

Ideas continue to bounce around in my head:  canvasses to paint, frames to build, pieces to be purchased, as I settle on the sea of Classroom 16, preparing to sail into my 25th year of teaching.

After the year that I had last year, to be this excited already is truly a blessing.  Being excited...to be redundant...is exciting!

This past week, we spent the first of three days becoming "engaged" (yes, pun intended!) in our new curriculum EngageNY.  While a 24-year-veteran, I am traveling back in time to that first year of teaching, for most of the texts are new to all of us.  While very scripted, this curriculum will either be a salvation or an anchor around our professional necks, as we have had few to any materials provided the last decade; thus, this material provides tremendous opportunities to work together, allowing us to be on the same page, meeting the same standards, while providing some teacher choice as we proceed.

How do I feel about this?

1. I really liked the units I had created over the last few years, for they were geared to 12th grade and the upcoming realities of the "real world."  
2. Change can be really good...unless we are just doing it for the sake of change.  Since our state waits in limbo on a decision about our remaining with PAARC or switching to ACT Aspire, I wonder how this might affect this decision to move us all (K-12) to this new curriculum.
3. If we are all held accountable and this actually strengthens our department, then giving it a 100% is my plan.
4. If not...I will be struggling to give at whatever percent everyone else does, for no more will I bear the weight/anchor of being the "hard" teacher.  Time for teamwork...from myself included.

Changes!  Changes!

Difference decorations, a more uniform curriculum...yes, I should have much upon which to reflect throughout this academic year.

Sooooo...do you use themes, chosen decorations within your classroom?  Ever heard of EngageNY?  Has the beginning of the end yet begun for you?

Happy summer!

They Rallied Around

Today, our town and his family paid their last respects to a hometown boy, a former student of mine, one about whom I never heard one negative comment.  Not once.

Just 19, accepting the loss of his life comes hard.  No words.  What can one really say?  They tried, though.

Today, I listened to other former students speak about this football-loving, duck/deer-hunting young man who seemed to care about everyone.  Listened, as they stood before a large crowd and overcame their loss and concern about speaking before that crowd, so they could pay that last tribute.  In that stand, they gained strength.

Earlier today, I shared this memory of Zach with friends on Facebook:  

Today, I taught class at Lyon College for UBMS...class was from 12:30-1:30...so we chatted about all the extra vehicles on campus.

Then, I said, "Let me tell you a story." As I told them, teachers aren't the only ones that leave a lasting impression...students leave lasting impressions on their teachers, as well.

Back in the fall of 2013, one morning, we somehow, in a class of three girls and 15-18 football players and Bleacher Creatures, got on the topic of football (again). I shared with them that I was still learning football...had never even been to a game until I became a Pioneer...and that, so far, clapping and booing when everyone else did had worked for me...but...I was ready to do what I always do when I need to learn about something...yes, buy a book, so I asked for title suggestions.

"Football for Dummies," came the reply.

Not sure if the title or my look was the reason for the laughter, but Zach was then quick to say, "No, really, that's what my mom bought when she wanted to learn more!"

I took his advice, purchased the book, showed it to them, and every so often someone would ask if I were reading it, and I would hold the book up...and show the class some annotations.

No, I haven't finished the book...still clapping and booing when everyone else does. I am going to, though...and I will always keep my copy of Football for Dummies.

After class, I walked to Brown Chapel...which was full...then to the Lyon Building to attend via live stream...that impression of Zach I once had and still have was only reinforced during his service.

I think I can speak for all his teachers...thank you, Lisa and Darin, for sharing Zach with us...just as he was a blessing to his family and so many friends, he blessed us.

A fellow teacher replied with this comment:

I agree with you, Tammy, I am so appreciative that parents like his share their children like Zach with us. I fear we do not tell them, parents nor students, enough how much they mean to us and how proud we are to know them.

I don't tell anyone enough that I am proud of them nor how much they mean to me.  While I would never want these words to be come empty and meaningless, nor do I want to be few of words in this area of my anymore.

Part of Zach's testimony was how positive he was, how sensitive he was, how loving, caring...he has a left a legacy, a tremendous one.