Fun with Literacy

Last Thursday was Literacy Day at LJPS (Liza Jackson Prep) and we definitely had a good time with it. The PreK - 5th graders get to dressup as their favorite book characters. Sam's class and the other PreK class all dressed as the 101 Dalmations. My 7th graders painted the dots on all 36 shirts the week before the event. I actually had clotheslines strung across all four sides of my classroom ceiling with little polka dotted shirts hanging to dry. You wouldn't think my very cool middle schoolers would be into painting shirts for 4 year olds but they were. We were in the midst of writing research papers and those who finished early got to paint so it was THE thing to do. By Thursday, all the shirts were painted and dried and delivered to the PreK teachers. My students were able to attend a workshop with a local author which was awesome. We then buddied up with the 2nd grade kiddos for a Mad Libs and story telling activity that ended up being a blast. The culminating event of the day is always the Literacy Parade. All the little ones parade through and around the school in their costumes and the big kids (6th - 8th grade) line the sidewalks and hallways to cheer them on and clap. Duane came to watch the parade and take pics. Sam and her little dalmation buddies were the first group and my super cool 7th graders were beside themselves with excitement to see their "work."

Kaitlyn dressed as Fern from Charlotte's Web which she is currently reading over the phone with my mom. The best part about the parade for the teachers watching it is seeing our "too cool for anyone" preteens out there high fiving all the little kids and cheering them on. They know my 2 girls very well so they shower them with attention which Kaiti and Sam eat right up. I am beginning to think all schools should be PreK - 8th grade - you really see a different side of your students when they are with the little ones. All in all, it was a great day with a lot of good laughs. One of those crazy, chaotic days that remind you why you decided to teach.

Are You a Patriot?

One of my favorite quotes reads:

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." (Adlai Stevenson)

I love this quote because it succinctly says so many of the things I wish I could express. Patriotism is not just decorating your front porch, the bumper of your car, or the lapel of your jacket with a flag. Patriotism is the dedication of a lifetime - the often mundane business of being a good citizen and supporting your country in the trying times as well as the triumphant. Today is Veteran's Day, one of two days in this country that we honor those who have dedicated their lives to freedom. For some, that dedication led to great honor in the form of medals or ribbons, recognition and praise. For most veterans though, it simply led to great friendships and memories and a familiarity with hard work and perseverence in times of struggle. Sometimes being a Patriot is not easy or glamorous, sometimes it is just hard work that no one else wants to do.
So today, take a moment to remember the men and women who have served and who continue to serve our great country. Take a page from their book and become a Patriot, something that every American should be. In the memory of all those who have served, stand up and be proud to be an American. Recognize that the ability of our country to survive tough times lies within each of us and the choices we make. Each of us has the choice to abandon ship and join those who are busy pointing fingers and complaining or to rededicate ourselves as Patriots and support our country during the struggles as well as the triumphs. Being a Patriot isn't always easy and it certainly isn't always glamorous - ask any soldier - but the rewards are infinite: freedom and the continuous hope that it inspires.

Thank you to all the Veterans in my family: My dad, my father in law, my mother in law, both of my grandfathers, my great uncle, my cousin, our dear friend Darrell, and of course, my husband.

Ranger Halloween

Last Weekend was our annual 6th RTB Fall Festival. The event is always hosted by the Swamp Rangers (retired Rangers organization) and the Moody's on their lovely property out in Crestview. It was a beautiful day and fun was had by all who attended. We had a bouncy castle, sack races, limbo, a costume parade, crafts, pumpkin relays, and of course hot dogs. The girls were witches with funky little hats and tights and they had a blast beign silly with all their neighborhood friends. Here are a few pictures of the action:

The day began with a costume parade....

followed by some crafts.....

and a few sack races........

whew......that was tiring!

even the Daddies raced.....even though they looked a little silly....

the neighborhood ladies: Sam, Kaiti, Jasmyn, Madison, Camden, and Lauren

Jasmyn and Sam striking their "Rock Star" poses