Everything I Need to Know, I Learned at Gilchrist!

Today teachers headed back into their classrooms to prepare for the start of another great year. Some along the halls of Gilchrist could probably set their rooms up with their eyes closed, and some are new to this time of year. We are excited to have two new fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Iott and Mr. Kenton. But I am equally excited to be entering my seventh year of teaching with some very familiar faces. Some of which taught at Gilchrist when I was a student there.



This past weekend my dear friend Brandi and her mother, Mrs. Marsh (our former guidance counselor extraordinaire) threw a beautiful baby shower for my family and friends. Brandi and Katherine were friends of mine at Gilchrist, and have been in my life ever since. We have grown up, but still have a good time giggling together! Now they are mommies and teaching me a thing or two about being a well-balanced mom!



Mrs. Anthony (on the right) taught me in third grade at Gilchrist and helped mold me into the person I am today. Mrs. Dunn (on the left) welcomed me to Gilchrist with open arms when I first returned as a teacher and hasn't stopped offering encouragement!

A few more days until we get to meet our students at Open House! I better run and get some work done!

It's a Family Affair!

Remember the science mural that we started in late spring? Oh yes, it is still a work in progress. The end of the year got super busy, and the animals have been left without color for the summer. This was a great excuse to call on former students (those rising 6th graders) and their families to come and paint! Summer thunderstorms threatened our progress, but we couldn't be stopped! The science spot outside our classroom back door is almost done, and we are so excited to have a beautiful space to learn through inquiry and discovery.

Is summer vacation the best for our students?

This picture pretty much sums up my childhood. Grand intentions of a stress free, fun family vacation. In the end I doubt any of them were stress free for my parents. Having two parents as teachers, we were given the gift of time in the summer. Time to tour our neighborhood, Tallahassee, and far beyond. We loaded up and drove up the east coast one summer, to California and back during another. We were closer to the Griswolds that the Cleavers, but we made great memories along the way. My parents made a point to take us to museums, national parks, and historic sites (my Dad and I acted out Kennedy's assassination on the grassy knoll when I was going into 5th grade!).

However, summer vacation is proving to cause a huge gap in academic progress for millions of our nation's children. Last night while reading David Von Drehle's article in Time magazine, it is clear that summer enrichment is a must not a luxury for our kids. As a soon to be parent, this concerns me. I hope to create many educationally rich experiences for my children during the summer months. Whether it be visiting the public library, the top of the Capitol, cooking at home, cleaning up an area park, or touring some of the country's landmarks, I hope that you and your family are thinking outside of the classroom walls during these summer days. Make some memories, especially ones that are benefitting your child's academic progress. Let's not throw away the "lazy" days of summer, let's just "liven" them up a bit!

Mack Says Get Out Those Flashcards!

Mr. Whitaker told me that Mack has been talking a lot about his math skills recently. Hopefully Mack will be an excellent mathematician like his dad, but everyone could use a little refreshing over the summer months. If you have flashcards at home, pull them out and start flipping! If you don't you could always make some (remember to include all types of operations) or you could go online to sites like Fact Monster.

Afternoon thunderstorms got you stuck inside?

Summertime is a perfect opportunity to curl up with some great books! You don't have your parents or your teacher breathing down your neck, you can read at your own leisure, and truly enjoy all that fiction and non-fiction has to offer. No need to break the bank either, head to the library and see what they have. Don't be afraid to try something new while you are browsing the aisles. If you normally read novels, try a biography or a science related book. Another great idea is to swap books with friends or family around your age. No use wasting books or money! Summer thunderstorms in North Florida are about as predictable as the Gators beating the Seminoles, so next time you are hunkering down snuggle up with a good read!

Click here to see a list of recommended books for fifth graders!

Thank you my dear little Sutton for being so cute and although you can't read yet, your Aunt Amanda will make sure you fall in love with it soon enough!

Whatcha Been Up To?

I hope that my former students and maybe some rising fifth graders out there are enjoying their summer vacation! I've been under a sea (look at picture) of nursery fabric, storage bins, and of course a little bit of school work. Mr. Whitaker and I are preparing for the arrival of baby Mack in late September, but before he arrives I am getting super organized at school and home. I have great hopes that a fabulous book or two have landed in your hands, that you are swimming past your bedtime, and laughing with friends!

Pearce and I visited the quintessential Florida tourist stop, Weeki Wachee Springs to visit the mermaids.

Class of 2010!

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