Write your story!

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

How will your first chapter read?
Happy New Year to one and all! Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

Holiday Cheers!

Hey! Hope everybody is enjoying the holidays and relaxing! I've been sick with a terrible sinus infection and bronchitis. I'm taking antibiotics and they seem to be doing the trick; I am much better than I was doing a week ago.

I got my very own laptop for Christmas! I'm finally getting to use it since Abe's been working on loading programs and getting it all set up for me. It's a Toshiba--really cute and small. I am going to love this...sitting on the sofa, watching the t.v., and playing on my laptop.

Well, I just wanted to wish you all Merry Christmas, good health and loads of happiness in the New Year!!

New Little Beasley

Jeremiah and Andrea welcomed Kinsey into their lives a few days ago. All are doing well. Jeremiah is on FaceBook for those of you who would like to see the videos...she is adorable!

Hello from a good friend....

I saw Janet Walworth this evening at a meeting we were at and we talked a bit, she was wondering who I see and keep in touch with. She says hi to all, sends her best. Martin's birthday, late October, of course, was difficult. I continue to be in awe of Janet and her loving heart, strength, and her beaming smile! On my drive home tonight I found myself in deep reflective thoughts, and giving thanks for the people that God has put in my life. I have no eloquent poetry, but am indeed blessed by our Ames family.

Sound Success

Has anyone else found some success with using popular songs as a timer for "mundane" activities in the classroom?

I tried using the song "Fireflies" by Owl Moon (with lyrics, without lyrics) as an auditory timer for students who were cutting out their word sorts and it worked like a charm. There seemed to be less chatter, more quiet focus. The task was also completed faster compared to when I just put my online timer up on the screen during the previous week.

One final benefit: There is something eerily peaceful about listening to a class of fifth graders whispering along with a song like this.

I'd love your suggestions if anyone has any...

Bar Louie's

F.A.R.T.S. - What a fun evening at Bar Louie's! Once again, it was nice to catch up with everyone. It just keeps getting better and better. I missed Deb S., Jesse, and Ellen among others that didn't make it.

I wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING and can't wait to see you all again!

Ames Website

Can any of you remind me how to access the Ames website?

I think we can still access it but I could be wrong...thanks!

Intermediate Playground Duty

On the way in to work this morning, I remembered with a twinge of sadness how much fun it was to have duty on the Ames intermediate playground on mornings like this.

I always enjoyed the challenge of ensuring that the boys did not slide themselves into a broken collar bone or stitches from a fall near the drainage grate on the basketball court.

Even to this day I can vividly recall bringing in the students on the intermediate playground after personally observing a close call!

Suzanne's Baby Boy

I wanted to let you all know that Suzanne had her baby yesterday! She delivered a healthy 9 pound 2 ounce boy named John. Janae you're next... =0)

Good luck on report cards

Hi there-
I know that a lot of you will be working on report cards-good luck. It is amazing that one trimester is already in the books. Everything to me is just a whirlwind-especially with Morgan in high school... oh my goodness. I am planning on being at the November 20th gathering.
Take care,
Ellen

Arts Week

Hey there FARTS!

I wanted to let you all know that this weekend kicks off arts week in Denver. (Nov. 6-14) The best part of this week is, on Saturday, a bunch of denver museums are FREE!!!! Yes... 100% free!!! Its an amazing opportunity for not only us to take advantage of, but also our kiddos! The art museum is always free on the first Saturday of the month, but adding to the (LONG) list this Saturday are:

Black Americans West Museum
Byers-Evans House Museum
Children's Museum of Denver
Colorado History Museum
Denver Art Museum
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Forney Museum of Transportation
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Molly Brown House Museum
Museo de las Americas
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

I will be at the art museum and the contemporary art museum this Saturday. I am PUMPED! I hope all of you are doing great. I cant wait to see your smiling faces on the 20th! Much Love,

Cally

website: http://www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek/Default.aspx

Lovin' this snow day!

Isn't this great?! I soooooo needed a snow day. Hope you all are cozy and warm and with loved ones snuggled inside today. Still in my PJs. Must go as we're headed outside to play in the snow! NUTS, huh?!

Love to all,

b.

Sue

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to pass on some sad news- Sue's mom passed away this morning unexpectedly- Sue was actually in Nebraska this weekend visiting her when it happened. Services will be held on Friday at 11AM. I just wanted to let everyone know so that we can keep her family in our thoughts and prayers!

Janae

It's GREAT to be...

It's GREAT to be part of LPS again.
It's GREAT to be in the company of some FARTS.
It's GREAT to be building new relationships with passionate professionals.
It's GREAT to be in the classroom.
It's GREAT to be learning more everyday about the students through their writing.
It's GREAT to be part of something bigger than me.


THANKS!

Congrats, Jesse!

Hey Jesse,

I hear you're at Centennial. The mom of one of my students just started there, too. The principal called me and we talked for a long time. I'm glad she hired you and hope it's a step in the right path (whatever path that may be)!

Debbie

In The Words of Joni Mitchell...

In the words of the great Joni Mitchell... "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till its gone..."

I miss you all tremendously.

Lori's Bday Today!

Happy Birthday Lori!

It's a....

Hi Ames Friends,

Keith and I just got back from the doctor and we are having a....GIRL!!!
She looks good so far...2 legs, 2 arms...ect!!!!

Now the only question is...will she be an Ohio State fan or a Colorado Buffalo fan??? (Just kidding she will be a BUFF!!!)

Miss you all,

Janae

Sick Sick Sick

So, I guess we are having an epidemic here at Alice Terry... 103 kids out today sick. In my class of 18... I have only 6 kiddos here today. I started with 3 so my class has DOUBLED in the past 3 hours. DONT FORGET TO WASH YOUR HANDS! Miss all of you!

Happy Birthday

Hey Debbie,

I hope you have a great birthday!!!! Miss you!

When You Think You're Done, You've Just Begun

a year of songs: number 21

• Thursday, May 21st (from the Denver Airport): In Littleton, CO the powers that be are closing Lewis Ames Elementary School. In a time of too big to fail, we also have too small to save, I guess. So this sweet little, high performance school asked me to come and mark the final days in song. This song took shape in a meeting with teachers and staff and was recorded in a classroom. Here's number 21, "When You Think You're Done, You've Just Begun".

• I love this song and had to post the site. I hope it works...if not , here is the address to the site---http://www.reachwithme.com/52songs/number21.html

Educational Stunt Men

I watched a video online today about a gentleman that is a stunt man for his chosen profession.

He speaks at length about the rigors of his job such as rappelling down buildings, planning how to explode different types of vehicles and being lit on fire. He also talks about a couple of his risk-taking role models who worked with less safety equipment than a table chef at Gasho's. Eventually he plans on skydiving from the edge of space (after a corporation sponsors him). You can even track his progress visually here if you're interested.

While he was explaining his job and how it has changed/evolved over time, he message intertwined with what I perceive is our shared experience as former teachers at Ames.

I feel like an educational stunt man this year: The best of what I/we have created and experienced so far as a teacher is constantly tested in my new environment. What worked for me in Room 17 and was reliably effective in the intermediate hallway does not always work for me in my new space. An experience (Mr. Sprat) or positive reinforcement ("Gimme five!") that resonated with past classes has been shelved in favor of Mr. Time Efficiency (let's enter through the gym and save ten minutes) and "Pound It!" (when the knuckles of my hand impact another students' knuckles gently). More on the "fist bump" here.

These moments are great and definitely keep my differentiation/adaptability skills sharp, but they also remind me how much I still need to learn in order to provide the best instruction possible for kids.

Thankfully, just like Steve Truglia (the stunt man), I've discovered that I can lean on my new colleagues at my new institution for guidance and support (just like I did at Ames).

(insert virtual fist bump here)

By the way, click here for the stunt man video, then skip to 14:39 and watch to the end. You're the orange one on the left... :)

Just checking in...

Thought I'd check the blog to say "Hi" and let you know I'm thinking about you all. I imagine you're all busy as can be with school and families. Conferences are coming up and I feel like I don't even know my students well enough yet to say anything of value. Does anyone else feel like that?

There's been more sadness--unfortunately, a 5th grade student at Franklin became very ill from pneumonia (not H1N1) and passed away last night. It was terribly sad for the staff and students who knew her. For those of us who didn't know her, it broke our hearts to see the pain that everyone is feeling. Why is it that grief seems to be reoccurring far too often lately?

I think it's about time for another get together; maybe after conferences are over we could figure out something fun to do.

Take care of YOU!

Debbie

Bar Louies

I had a really great time at Bar Louie's on Friday! You all looked so much happier and relaxed, but I could also sense that everything has taken a toll on us. We're all working so hard to adjust to our new situations and trying our best to make it work. You are all such amazing people and I cherish our friendship!

Happy hour Friday, September 25

Hi F.A.R.T.S (I really don't like that name but I don't know what else to call of you!)

A few of us were talking and I think another Ames Happy hour is in order for Friday the 25th!

How about Bar Louie in the Streets of Southglenn around 4 pm on Friday?

Hope to see you!

16 weeks

Well, one Duclon baby delivered and 2 more to go. My sister had her baby today via C-Section and I got to be the photographer in the room to see the whole thing. (If I dont have a job next year in LPS maybe I can be the videographer for A BABY STORY) I loved seeing everything it was so interesting. My sisters husband can not see any blood so I was the first to see Baby Broden and I even got to cut the cord!
Keith and I had our 16 week appt today too and everything looks good. The heart beat is healthy and in the 150's and I am starting to feel the beginning of little kicks now and then!!!
I will keep you posted we find out the sex on the 7th of October!!!

Miss you all!!!
Janae

Playing Catch Up!

Last week was the end of my 2nd week of school (your 4th). It seems like I can't get caught up and stay on top of all the tasks I have to do; monthly newsletter, update web page, organize reading groups, plan for writing, figure out what the @#!% I'm doing with H.M. (phonics/PA), and the list goes on and on! Would you believe last Friday I unpacked another box of books and labeled quite a few book tubs? I managed to leave around 6:20. I'm happy to say that I wasn't the last one out of the building! Sound familiar, Sue and Ellen? So much for taking care of myself as in exercising. Well...I guess I needed to vent! I hope everyone is well and has a good week at school. I sure do miss seeing my friends at Ames, but know that you're in my thoughts and in my heart!

Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes....

With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of my running and all of my cunning
If I couldn't laugh I just would go insane

--Jimmy Buffet

First staff (monthly) meeting this Wednesday

Collaboration and autonomy are living terms

PLC team (6 of us) scheduled to meet and share scoring of BOY writing samples

Back to School Night one week into school, 25% parents in attendance :(

PLC meeting stopped promptly at 10AM

Valet car service not so bad, but as daily duty---argh!

My student who cannot pronounce my name and calls me "teacher" gives me spontaneous hugs which melt my heart daily

My kids let me know faithfully when I have forgotten to read aloud to them daily (another time my heart melts)

Need help? Call Ghostbusters....er I mean support staff....they are there in a flash

Still having trouble seeing how the HM Shared Reading is going to get everyone to grade level

Will have a group of 3, and one of 4, for GR--optimistic we will gain many levels!

Change is inevitable and healthy!

PS: I only "graze" truck drivers who stupidly stand in the road with my rear view mirror....Jim you are safe!

Austin's First Visit

On Tuesdays Austin has volunteered to help with my class with hands-on science and will stick around to assist in math. I will post video of his time with us on my class wikispace, but I will embed the video using my YouTube account later this week. E-mail me if you're interested and I'll add you as a friend! :)

Janet Stevens stopped by my school earlier this week: It was amazing to see how her ideas evolved as an illustrator/author. Her presentation complimented our focus on Personal Narratives wonderfully and I highly recommend her. She had three classes of fifth graders thoroughly engaged for an hour and a half...even seated on the floor!

Someone driving a green Volkswagon with a terrier sticker on the back drove right by me on the way to school last week. At first I was happy that they did not recognize me, then was thankful that the driver did not graze me with their rear-view mirror. :)

I am also still typing in my old copy number...

ME TOO!

I'm with Rhonda on this one... Except, I finally figured out how to post! I was very happy to see so many friendly and FAMILIAR faces at Champps. For those who were not there... I was the baby of the group... and cried. Hope everyone has a great long weekend! I miss you all terribly!

I've finally joined!

Hey everyone! It sure was good to see so many of my Ames friends last Friday. I was so excited all week to see you. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

It was great to see so many of you at Champs on Friday. Felt good to make contact. Best to everyone. Have a good week.
Linda

Colleague Sighting

One of our first grade teachers that I buddied-up with last year stopped by my classroom last week to visit on her way home. What a treat! Since RK was out of the building, I got to hog all of her time and all RK got was a sticky-note hello (it pays to be a classroom teacher sometimes).

Unfortunately she has no voice here (yet) because she is waiting for post approval. Hopefully that will come soon! :)

Shining Stars

I just wanted you all to know that Franklin staff recieved a letter from Mr. Murphy this week and it called Franklin Elementary a "shining star' in the district. Elaine and I warned everyone at school today that our experience of being a "shining star' put us out of a school. Somehow that phrase does not quite mean what it use to mean to us.....

good thing we know we are still shining stars, even though we are spread out a lot further than we planned!

Shake Shingles!

I'm finally feeling a little better--actually, a lot better! I went to a different doctor last Saturday and she was shocked that my PCP did not put me on an anti-viral medication. Since I started taking the medicine I have been improving daily. The blister's are still there, but diminishing somewhat; at least they haven't multiplied. The pain that settles in the nerve endings is not nearly as intense, just occasionally, I get a sharp pain. It's mostly, a constant tingling that I feel, may stay with me for quite some time. Doris--how long did you have the pain and tingling? How long ago did you have the shingles? You had them twice--double ouch!

One good thing about being sick, I've missed some meetings at school. Franklin is great, but there's so much being thrown at us; too much too soon! We need time to breath after the exhausting move and time to settle in with a new environment.

Take time to smell the coffee...

Marbled Birthday Cake

...was made for me by one of new teammates A WEEK EARLY! Can you believe it?

Here's more amazing news: I have not consumed lunch ONCE in my classroom so far this year (RK can vouch for me). My new buddies must have a chunk of working-lunch kryptonite or something!

I have also started riding my bike to school once per week. Look for me on Bowles: I'm the one in sweating through the backpack full of pre-assessments that I'm hauling.

Latest Training: Thinking Maps
Topic of first BLT Meeting: Mentor Texts/Bookroom Organization
Topic of latest Team Meeting: Organizing three ability-grouped math classes across the grade level via NWEA/CSAP scores.
Topic of most recent FARTS reflection: (During first Unit of Study) What would Sara say right now?

I think about you "guys" probably once a day still!

Shingles!

Could it get much worse? Well I'm afraid so...I came down with shingles last Saturday. I had Nancy D sub for me on Wednesday and someone else today and tomorrow. It's so hard writing plans for a sub when I have no clue what I'm doing myself. Coupled with the fact that I'm not completely set-up or organized. I'm having a huge pity party -- I hope I'm well enough to go on Monday. The shingles are on one side of my waist so wearing clothes is somewhat of a problem. I will talk to you all soon and I hope you are all fine. I sure do miss everyone from Ames!!

FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Hello Everyone!

Thought you might like this since it is the FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Have a great first day and I'm thinking of all of you...

Holy Smokes

That is all that I can say-holy smokes. It is so weird not knowing where the copy machine is and not knowing the names of all of the employees in the building. Meetings and trainings on new programs or new ways to "do" reading/social studies, etc., make me feel inadequate.
It is just strange right now, but that does not mean it is bad, just different. I am missing your familiar faces and the comforting hugs.
Wishing you great success on your first day of school, and a happy new year.
Ellen

New Beginnings

Is anyone ready for a break? Don't know where the summer went, but here we are at the start of another school year. If you're feeling anything like I am, you're probably totally exhausted from all the standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and leaping over mounds of boxes and other stuff in your classroom! Once the dust settles, literally, we need to get together for drinks and laughter. Until then, I wish you the very best in the coming school year! I miss you all and hope you are well!!

August 6, 2009 - For Sean

It is hard to imagine
How only a few months ago
We all sat wondering
Where we would be
Today
Worrying, hoping, praying
That we would have someplace to go

It is easy to imagine
How right now
You are cracking a sarcastic joke
About how YOU landed the best place of all.
Smiling over us.
Wowing the angels with your vocabulary.

I can also imagine
how you would not want us
To cry, mourn, or ruminate
But I will
Not because I don’t care
But because I do

Lunch

It was so good to see everyone today! I hope we can keep in touch and plan a get together every now and then. Blessings to you all! Debbie

Lunch on Wed.

Ok,
I decided to write a new post so everyone can see it! Lets meet at Merles in Downtown Littleton (Paige that is on Main Street off of Santa Fe and Bowles---Main is the one way going west before you get to the Melting Pot)
at 11:30 on Wed.

I hope to see everyone there!!!

Janae

Website Moved

Our official school website has been moved over to the Intranet (discovered earlier today by checking school e-mail)...

Summer Setting Update

(Posted while listening to Pandora streaming John Mayer radio station)

Top Ten Family Activities: Summer 09

-Moonight Classic Bike Tour (Rapids Player and Referee team costume contest entry)
-Pirate's Cove: 360 off low dive
-Rockies Game: Garrett Atkins mit autograph/catch of pregame warm-up ball
-Rapids Game: Rapids def. NY Red Bulls; watching fireworks from our backs on the FIELD!
-Princess Ballerina balancing on two-wheeled scooter by herself at Copper Mountain (TIE Conference)
-Racing Boondocks Go Carts
-Fishing for the first time after we camped/rode our bikes/slept under the trees and stars at Cherry Creek Reservoir
-Donning purple "milker" for free food at Chick-Fil-A
-Reading constellation stories to kids with an illuminated planetarium toy at bedtime
-Examining road kill/"stink bugs"/ants/"rolley pollies"/worms on the way to the "Dirt Hill" and the "Tunnel"

LUNCH ON FRIDAY

Okay Friends,

How is lunch this Friday? Lori and I can do it...can anyone else?

Catch a wave and I’m sitting on top of the world ♬

I am back from 10 days in Manhattan Beach, CA, vacation with my family. We stayed in my Manhattan Beach son’s girlfriend, Amber’s apartment, rooming with Dozer (Satan cat) and Camo (lovey cat) within a few steps, although very steep steps, from the sand. My Denver son, Kenny and Amber (so gracious of her!) joined the frat brothers (my beach son Walker, Matty & Alex) and Smokey (my grand-dog) at their Manhattan Beach Blvd home. Getting to the ocean, at least once per year, is a required prescription for me to be fully healthy. My happy place.

I went with a list of things I had not yet done in LA and wanted to do. I approached the beginning of the vacation eager to tackle my list in traditional Team Shiflet style, trying to take in as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Team Shiflet mode

came to a screeching halt, the second (early) evening sitting by the surf, when the five us were reminded of how beautiful life is! The waves rushed the shore spraying gentle drops on our skin, the soft breezes calmed our souls, and I think that each of us realized at that time, down time with the family is truly a precious gift.

Kenny, Bob and I did get to the LA Farmer’s Market, although on a day that hit 101 degrees inland. A divine lunch at a fabulous Greek restaurant, al fresco, was the highlight (try Ulysses Greek Voyage if you ever make it to downtown LA). We struck up a delightful conversation with the owner, Peter. He is soon going to Philadelphia to start another restaurant. Peter treated us to the freshest and best baklava at the end of our meal. The heated stroll through the market was tolerable as much of it is covered, and we each topped off the experience with a bottle of icey cold Orangina. Do we have that here? It is my new favorite soft drink.

Another warm day we spent at Redondo Beach at the pier and boardwalk. I had my hot dog on a stick and a fresh churro. I even indulged in a cold Fat Tire draft at Naja’s, where they boast over 80 beers on draft. I know, Fat Tire...the boys got more exciting drafts (I am not a big beer drinker). Probably the highlight of this adventure was talking with the three LA Breakers, 3rd Gen, as they set up for their performance.

These young men were very nice and phenomenally, athletically talented young men (not gang bangers as they humorously reminded the crowd).

We savoured lots of great food: Peruvian, Cuban, fresh King crab legs and shrimp, Father’s Office hamburgers (the best by far in the nation), awesome grilled marinated chicken, lamb kabobs and corn on the cob (thanks to Grillmaster Alex). I taught Amber how to make Sangria....she caught on quickly and has learned to make it stretch (and increase its “potentcy”).

There is a saying that “you are only as happy as your saddest child”. Both of my sons are happy right now. I am so very very happy. We were able to celebrate Kenny and Walker’s 27th birthday together at Father’s Office with some of their best friends. My boys have good friends, these friends will be friends for life. Life is so good when your children are loved and happy.

I caught my wave on vacation and I am still sitting on top of the world!
PS: By the way, Dozer is not really Satan..he is just moody...he talks (purrs) to you and wants you to love him, when you pet him you have to listen carefully....his mood can change in a split second (listen to the kitty!) and he becomes NASTY! He is still adorable, and slept by my feet. Camo is very affectionate, she is the momma cat, what else would one expect?

HI ALL

Hello Everyone,

Well, we made it back from Vegas alive!!! HaHa....It was very hot but we still managed to lay out at the pool everyday!

I just wanted to see if anyone would be up for a lunch next week? I think Lori is in too. We can do anyday next week! I would really love to get together and see one another before school starts and I know most of us will be working in our classrooms the first week of August...well...at least I will (and probably Sue too!!!)

Talk to you soon!!!

Janae

Hi everyone!

I love this blog--I think it's great we can stay in touch this way! I finally got moved in to my new apartment in Denver, and I love it. I love my new neighborhood and it's really close to all my favorite restaurants and shops...My Aikido (martial arts) class is going well, and I'm starting to get the hang of it. As for my job situation, nothing else has come up, so I will probably be subbing in Littleton this coming year when I am not teaching at Hopkins. I would really love to get together for Happy Hour with all of you, so if you do get something planned, would you email me and let me know when and where? My email is paigefr@gmail.com. As for the unpacking, I have yet to start, but at least I will have some extra days of the week to work on it. I am kind of looking forward to a new school year, but am all about enjoying the rest of summer as it goes by so quickly! I hope everyone is having a great summer and I hope to see you all soon! Paige

Back from California

Hi there-It is so fun to get caught up on the summer scoop. I was out in San Diego watching my favorite ball player for 4 days and it was so awesome to see him play for the San Diego Waves! Then Morgan and I flew up to Sacramento for a week with my parents. They belong to a great club so we worked out every morning and then spent the day at the pool....really tough and lots of fun visiting friends and spending time at home.
I have been at school a lot to unpack boxes-only a few hours at a time though. I have a few more boxes to do, and then I have to figure out what to do with my room-----but I have to check with teammates to figure out the Ralph Moody scoop!
Enjoy every sunny day-it is going by too fast-
Ellen

Hello from South Dakota!

Hi Everyone!
I am finally a "follower" of FARTS! It is great to read what everyone has been up to- I feel like Ames is still alive in spirit. I am having a great time in South Dakota- visiting friends and family, reading lots, and actually having time to relax. My mom and I went to New York City last week (I attended the Teachers College Reading Summer Institute and she went to a different conference). We had a great time playing in my new home, saw West Side Story and Wicked (amazing) on Broadway by scoring cheap tickets on the days of the shows. I am starting to pack things for NYC as I move in 2 and 1r m/2 weeks! (yes, I just finished unpacking and now it is time to repack things- the little bit that I am taking). I have also started reading for my classes this fall- they sent our booklist and it is not exactly beach reading :)

Keep enjoying the summer- it is flying right by us! And I want to know when the first FAC in NYC will be?

Sara

Also, the Reading and Writing Summer Institutes that TC puts on each summer are AMAZING! Think about attending next summer- you all would love it and fit right in! And I may be teaching at it by then :) Here is the link: http://rwproject.tc.columbia.edu/default.aspx?pageid=1171

Any word on Sean?

Hey Everybody!

Just wondering if anyone has talked to Sean or know how he's doing? Last I heard was from Deb S. that he is off Oxygen, very tired, and sleeps a lot. I think she said he's on his fourth week of Cemo Therapy.

I hope all is well in your lives and you are finding time to relax and enjoy the summer a little.

Smiles and hugs to all!

Debbie

Hey guys!

Finally had time to figure this out. Thanks, Doris for pulling this all together. It's great to read all of your posts - already missin' you guys! And the halls of Ames.

Larry's home is finally on the market - WAHOO! After working on it for a year, the sign went up in the yard on Tuesday. I I feel like I've given birth, Larry says he's pulled the trigger. Ah the differences between men and women.

Sounds like everyone is busy going to conferences and institutes. I've been doing my thing at ESY - the 16th is the end. And then we're headed to Massachusetts and Rhode Island until the end of the month. Now that will be fun!!!!

I'd love to do an FAC (not necessarily on Friday this week) if we can all pull it together. Sounded like Deb had something in the works.

One more thing, I heard a rumor that Nancy K. got a job out of state. Has anyone else heard anything? Think I will give her a call this week.

Take care everyone. Hope to see you all soon - somewhere, sometime!
b.

Former Staff Member Sightings

Our former Computer Lab Teacher Twittered that she was accepted into the Google Teacher Academy earlier today. I will keep an eye on the delicious account for anyone who'd like some Google-based ideas.

Unpacking

I wanted to let you all know that I asked Mary Haney to talk to Mike Owens about giving us additional pay for unpacking and setting up our new rooms. She talked to him and he will bring it up to the transition committee on Monday. She is going to let me know Monday afternoon. It seems only fair that the district should be paying us for some of the time we're spending this summer!

Also, for Lori---I have been over to Franklin and we are able to work in our rooms, but not today. I spent two full days this week but hardly made a dent in my room. (Lori, they're stripping and waxing the rooms and hallways today. They started at the end of the hallway and I assume they are working their way toward the main hallway. I noticed they delivered a white board skin to your room. I need to give you a call to talk about a couple things pertaining to setting up. I'll give you a call today (Friday).

Talk to you all later. We should meet up for happy hour, maybe next week sometime. We could go to a restaurant at Aspen Grove or somewhere else. Let me know and I'd be glad to email people!

Debbie

Classroom Prep Update

-Cleaning/discarding/organizing former teacher's materials: Check
-Unpack 65 boxes of Mr.-R.-In-A-Box: Check
-Shift collection of Lit. Library materials (25 boxes) to new Lit. Library location: Check
-Clean existing/new furniture: Check
-Literacy Institute: Check
-Powering Up Class: Check
-TIE Conference Session One: Check
-TIE Conference Session Two: Check
-Twitter Account (wiki focus): Check
-NECC Remote Broadcast: Check

Connecting/powering up classroom technology is next.

Deja Vu?

I think it would be fun for us to share our observations each time we return to Ames for trainings/periods of Zen/adopt additional book room materials. Post your experiences on the comments link below.

Golf

Okay ladies...We have a tee-time for this Thursday at South Sub at 9:30 a.m. for a 4-some. So far we have Doris and Janae for sure and hopefully Lori. I'll text or call all of you. If anyone else wants to go, let me know and I'll set up an additional time (before or after 9:30). Sounds fun!

Debbie

Hallway News

Not everyone, at the same time anyway, was around in our closing days at Ames to catch the latest breaking news in the hallways.  Be sure to post updates if you are going out of district, or to another building, or have been offered that coveted dream job!  I will be sure to post when I officially get my job at the Library of Congress as a reference librarian with a salary of 200K !  Hey, dreaming is healthy!

Hello everyone!

It's good to have the blog here for us to keep in touch, good idea and nice work getting that set up, Doris! My summer so far has been pretty laid back. I am moving into a new apartment next week, and I got to spend a weekend with my family in Grand Junction. Other than that, not much exciting has happened. I am, however, enjoying my first summer off as a teacher--it's absolutely amazing to have so much free time. I hardly know what to do with myself on most days...Anyways, I am taking a Martial Arts class, so that is getting me out and getting some exercise, which was one of my goals for the summer. It's really good to hear from all of you. Good luck moving into your classrooms (I haven't even started yet!) Deb--I feel for you with your sleep situation. I have gone through the same thing with not sleeping (though for different reasons). Have you tried doing some meditation or exercises to help? I know it's hard to relax, but you have to calm your mind down before you try to sleep. Focus on something else--you are going to be just fine in your classroom next year. I had the same sort of anxiety being a new teacher--you want to get everything right...well, know that it is OK to make some mistakes, you're never going to get everything right the first time. My advice is to try going for walks in the evening, get some exercise and tire yourself out. Drink some warm milk before you go to bed, or try some chamomile tea...Anyways, it's so good to hear from all of you.

In-Laws

Hi Friends ("FARTS"),

Hope you don't mind me referring to the acronym we made up -- I'm headed home from visiting my in-laws in CA. They're as sweet as can be but after staying with them for almost 2 weeks, I'm more than ready to come home!

Oh yes, Deb, I understand how your nights can be burdened with thoughts of your classroom. Give yourself a break -- you ARE going to be fine and after about 2 months or so, you'll get the hang of it. I'm sure it's got to be an uneasy feeling, not having been in the classroom for quite some time. I'd be willing to bet that you're going to like it and find that the staff and kids at East will make you feel like one of the family.

Okay, so I'm reading the 2nd book in the Twilight series. Lori, you're right--I'm hooked! Edward is intriguing!

Got to get back in the car now, ugh! only 395 miles to go!!

Debbie

Sleepless in Summer

I have had one restless night after another and literally not sleeping!  I am working in my head all night long--need to put this there, create that, organize whatever in my new classroom; I am clearly stressed over getting it all together and RIGHT.  I finally got an RX for Ambien, but read the possible side effects, and fearing interference with asthma, heart, and getting hives found myself too scared to start it!  I have transposed two appts this week and even missed one because of this.  I just left the doctor's office having made the appt. fearing I am going deaf in my left ear (bad case of wax  GROSS...a first) and will have to treat over the weekend and return for more treatment to clear it up.  TMI ?  My point is I am extremely disorganized, missing information (sleep deprivation and not being able to hear).  I thought menopause was behind me....or maybe this is post menopause syndrome?  Anyway, please be patient with me!  And any ideas for getting to sleep and staying asleep beyond meds? 

Golf Outting?

Hi All,
I am all about golfing next week with Debbie...let me know if anyone else wants too....LORI???

checking in

Doris-Thank you so much for setting up this blog! It will be fun to stay in touch this way. Janae, Ohio may be a bit toasty in July-but the fireworks will be fun! Vegas sounds fun too..one of these days I want to go and check out that city!
Doris, I hope your mom continues with the good spirits. She is very brave to go through the chemo-so glad that she isn't feeling sick.
Brian is out in San Diego playing baseball for the San Diego Waves. Finally his hand has healed and he has been playing in games since June 6th. Morgan and I can't wait to go out and visit and cheer in a few weeks. Morgan is doing speed camp and weigh training at Heritage 4 mornings a week and is enjoying that-trying to really make a difference on the soccer field. She is like a bee and flitting from one social event to another when she isn't working out!
I taught Vacation Bible School last week, and have been moving into my new room one box at a time! Talk later!
Ellen

Hi Friends

Hi Friends,

I am so glad that we can re-connect this way! I enjoyed seeing a few framiliar Ames faces at the Lit. Institute!

I have been sloowwlly moving into my new room :( What a pain in the butt!!! But I feel very lucky that I can move in all summer.

I am going to Ohio for the 4th of July! Whoo Hooo....fun summer trip!!! Then,....Vegas in July with some of my Fav....Ames Ladies!!!! Trip is still open to anyone who would like to join!!! ALL ARE WELCOME!!!! (July 13-16)

Talk to you guys later!!!!

Welcome!

Hi, everyone! So sorry it took me until now to set up our blog. Please contact me if you have any troubles getting set up as a blog author, and I'll do my best to help you out. I'll keep working on the set-up so that things look prettier. It may take me a few times to get it right. Holler if you have some suggestions.

I just got home from New England a few days ago. It was a great trip ... just what I needed. Now I'm catching up and getting back in touch.

Mom is doing well after two rounds of chemo. She's very thin and tired, but she's not feeling pukey. Thanks so much to all of you who have called and written to ask. I truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Later, gators!