Sunday, March 24, 2013

It is Time for a Break


I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.
~ Diane Ackerman


Most of my blog posts have thoughts about teaching and learning; articles about engagement and lessons; videos you can use in the classroom; sample lesson ideas; pinterest classroom ideas.  This week's blog will have none of that.  We need a BREAK!  Here is what I know about the people with whom I am blessed to work with every day.  We all put our hearts and souls into our jobs.  We care so much about our school and our kids, and throughout the year, we often lose sight of taking care of ourselves.  We forget what fulfills us and what makes us happy outside of our jobs.  That is what this blog is all about.  Taking care of you.  Taking a break.  Remembering what fulfills you, what makes you happy, what makes you laugh.  This is about taking time for you and doing what you love to do most.  It is about reconnecting with those who mean the most and with whom we have not given enough time or attention over the last several months.  You need them, and they deserve you!  Reconnect!  Are we sharpening the saw, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, emotionally?  If you are like me, and I think most of you are waaayyyy too much like me, we can easily say, "I just haven't had time."  Enough of that!  Let's get back on track.

The last few weeks have proven to be like previous years and have been challenging.  No sun and cold and indoor recess takes its toll on all of us especially our kids.  Schedules have been hectic with far too much going on.  There has been much sickness.  We are all ready for a break, for some sun, for some down time, for sleep.

So, here comes spring break.  I am asking you to lock your doors Thursday afternoon, pull out of the parking lot, and go home and begin your vacation.  Read a good book, take a walk, rest, sleep, get some things done around home (if you are staying home) that have been neglected.  Take care of yourself and those you love.  Reconnect with YOU and what makes you happy!  I hope you have several moments of pure peace.  I hope you have moments of uncontrollable laughter.  I'm excited for us all.  A break is much deserved?   A break is long overdue!


Link to look at :

You Matter

A video the kids love:

I know you are going to think this is such a silly video, but I showed it at assembly, and for some reason the kids love it.  Caution....the song gets stuck in your head!


A reminder we all need:






Sunday, March 3, 2013

Our Mission: Together We Love, Learn and Lead

Our Mission:  Together We Love, Learn and Lead

The task of developing a mission statement can be daunting.  The words have to be just right.  They have to express who we are, what our purpose is.  It has to be concise enough for everyone to remember, and yet it has to express so much.  I knew I would know it when I heard it.  We knew it had to have something to do with relationships and working together.  We had discussed statements regarding leading, but we knew so much of our purpose is learning.  Then, we looked at mission statements that included leading and learning.  Something was missing.  "Together We Love, Learn and Lead".  That's it.  I don't know how we could possibly have a mission statement at Parma Elementary School that didn't include Love!

If we can help our students feel cared about and know how to care for others, and if we can inspire learning and create leaders, our mission will be accomplished.  The only way we can do this is together.  This is a mission that takes all of us.  It is a mission that deserves all of us.  Can you imagine if we are  successful with every child in this mission?

Can you guess the companies that wrote these mission statements?

Our Mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
Calendar Items Not to Miss:

Monday, March 4:  Reading Month kick off
Monday, March 4:  MacBook distribution after school
Tuesday, March 5:  6:30 PTA Meeting
Wednesday, March 6:  Grades PK - 2 Assembly
Wednesday, March 6:  2:40 - 3:30 Meeting with Paul Pitchford from Franklin Covey
Friday, March 8:  MacBook distribution after school


Links to Look at:

Students share characteristics of their favorite teacher

10 Teacher Resources for motivating students

info2

Click here to see more writing anchor charts


Videos worth watching:

Educate the Heart:
Expanded Learning Opportunities:

If you haven't seen this clip on sportsmanship, you will want to watch it!  Sweet story.  I will share with our students at assembly.





Let reading month begin: