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