Can You Say...

This week my students will be using their map, math, and money-saving skills to plan a fictitious road trip! More updates to come!

Happy Mother's Day!

I learned from two great teachers (my parents) that you have to be willing to do just about anything to become a great teacher. My mom is a great teacher! She has been teaching for 37 years (all grades, but mostly 3rd) and reinvents herself all the time. She is creative, fun, and inspiring. I got to spend today with her, and I am hoping that your family spent some time together today. Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. Yes, times are tight right now and teachers don't get paid much. However, my mom doesn't moonlight as a banana. She donned this getup for a share night for her school at an ice cream shop.

Around the World in Just an Hour!

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, I've been a bit jet-lagged! We took a trip around the world on Monday, and I'm just getting back to normal. My students researched and presented on 20 different countries, and they did a GREAT job! What made our trip extra special is that we dined on delicacies from rain forests of Brazil to the deserts of the Sudan. Thank you parents for helping your child whip up their authentic dishes, and for joining us as travel companions!

A Robot Recycler

A couple weeks ago when my students were working diligently on their inventions, FSU student Bill Porter, came to share his own invention. Bill is an engineering student who created a robot that sorts recyclables. He and his classmates did so well on this senior project that FSU bought the prototype from them. Ask your child to tell you more details about this amazing invention!

Also shown here is the Most Likely to be Patented award winner from the Invention Convention! Way to go Mrs. Whitaker's class!

Olympic Days at Gilchrist

The Butterflies Are Coming!

30 Thank Yous!

Thank you to my students who made my birthday a blast on Tuesday. It's not easy turning 30, but I managed since I had 20 loving kids around me! Thank you all for the sweet cards (bought, homemade, and rapping ones!), the birthday wishes, and the generous gifts. I have to showcase a very clever idea for you all to steal for the future. The LaJeunesse family was quite crafty and filled this decorated vase (thanks Ellie) with 30 pens, pencils, and markers (every teacher's dream). Then they made the pens and such become stems for paper flowers! What a beautiful bouquet!

P.S. My suggestion is IF by chance you find yourself in hot water in middle school, make one of these for your teachers! The will be thrilled and will probably be a little more flexible! It never hurts to try!