New Year

 


New Years Resolutions....Start a Streak

The start of a new year always makes us think of new goals we have for ourselves.  There are things we want to accomplish, books we want to read, weight we want to lose, exercise we are going to do, areas in life to organize, etc.  The new year begins with such great intentions.  It is a fresh start.  An opportunity to start over, to get it right.  Whether or not you make resolutions, I hope you took some time at the end of 2012 to reflect on your life personally and professionally.

This past Wednesday, I spoke with our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders about setting goals and "sharpening the saw".  I asked them what they could do to sharpen the saw in different areas of their lives, and they had so many great comments.  One student told me she wanted to work on being more accepting of others.  Another told me that she was working on not talking in class so much.  One 3rd grade boy told me he wanted to eat healthier.  I encourage you to also have this conversation with our students. 

I have made some goals for my life in 2013.  I plan to sharpen the saw physically by drinking more water, eating better and exercising every morning.(UGH....I'm not a morning person)  I have made a commitment to mentally sharpen the saw by reading a minimum of three books each month....one fiction, one non-fiction, and one that our students are reading.  This may not sound like a lot, but I have forgotten how to read for pleasure as I tend to read mostly non-fiction books related to school.  I also have goals for sharpening the saw spiritually and financially. 

I encourage you to set yourself a lofty goal or two.  If it is physical one, all the better.  Stick with it, and I promise you it will make you a better and healthier person.  Or try a different kind of streak.  Give a hug every single day.  Call a parent of a student once a day.  Start a streak of kindness or maybe reading to your kids.  Just go for it....go streaking!!

Next Week at a Glance:

Monday, January 14:  SE Team Meeting 9:00 a.m.
Monday, January 14:  4th and 5th grade Spelling Bee at the CAC begins at 6:00
Tuesday, January 15:  6:30 p.m. PTA Meeting
Wednesday, January 16:  Grades Y5 - 2 PLC Assembly
Thursday, January 17:  School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Friday, January 18:  Staff Meeting 8:00 a.m.
Monday, January 21:  Teacher In Service Day 8:00 at HS Weller Computer Lab then Warner

Articles Worth Your Time:

Play Partners
27-ways-to-publish-student-thinking
Teaching/Classroom Ideas - This has some great apps, ideas, posters....take a look.
Prezi on Michigan - Third grade may really enjoy this, but it is also a great way to have students present on a topic.  Each student had a different part of the presentation.
The 14 Most Inspirational Kids of 2012

Video Worth Watching:

Ellen talks about resolutions:

Alton Brown Diet.....How he lost and keeps off 50 lbs.  Foods to eat and foods to avoid.