Is Anyone Out There?

FYI--the fourth Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is now available for preorder on Amazon and other sites! It is to be released October 12.

I don't know how many people are still checking in here, especially since I haven't been very good about keeping it up. If anyone is still plugged in and is interested in keeping it up for communication purposes, I will continue to update things. Otherwise, I guess we will officially retire the good old blog.

The last two weeks have been tough ones in that I have moved completely out of Jones and into the next phase of my career (although what exactly that is seems to be changing day to day). When I turned in my keys it still didn't seem real. Just think, the next time you walk past room 108, it will probably be unlocked! Imagine that!! Up until this summer, I had worked in four different schools, but none of them except Jones really felt like home. I am a different teacher/person because of my time there. Have no doubt that there have been moments of second guessing (and third, fourth, fifth, . . .) my choice to leave, but I feel confident that things do happen for a reason. There is always a greater plan, and I know HE is the one with the playbook directing things. There are great things in store for us all, just not maybe what we were planning on or expecting.

My struggle right now is how to stay a part of this group without making things more difficult for the students and their new teacher(s). My intent is not to step on toes and be a distraction, but I can't imagine totally cutting myself out of the picture either. I am sure there is a balance somewhere in all of this. BUT, I will not be an excuse for this group to be anything less than the amazing family they have become! It does not matter what classroom they find themselves in next Friday--they know what to do and how to do it. Just because someone else is standing in front of the room doesn't mean MY expectations for them are any less! I hope that still means something.

I don't use the "L" word very often, and Mrs. Ward would give me such a hard time if she ever knew I said this, but I have truly loved working with all of you and your children. They made me a better teacher. So, if this is the last posting for the blog, I want it to be said that I am very grateful for my Looper family, and I thank you for your unwavering dedication, support, and acceptance! Please continue to take care of each other! God bless~

SeaWorld and Booster Rockets

So, I saw the launch on Wednesday as mentioned in the previous post. Friday, we spent the day at SeaWorld. My nephew, Kaleb, thinks Shamu is the coolest thing, and I have to agree with him! Check it out:

Then yesterday morning, my brother and I went out to see the booster rockets as they were brought back in from the ocean. When the shuttle goes up, the two white booster rockets fall back and get reused. The people who work for NASA and the shuttle program go out to the ocean and haul them back in. Can you see how huge they are? A man could easily stand up inside one of them!

I will be heading home later this week, but I have enjoyed my time down here in Florida. I sure do wish they lived closer, but Cocoa Beach, Florida is a nice place to visit family!

3...2...1...Liftoff!

I don't know what the status of the blog will be with everything changing. I guess that will be up to you. But until that is decided, I wanted to share with you something really exciting that I got to do today. For the third time this week, I went out to watch the space shuttle attempt to launch. The first two times I went, the launch was cancelled due to bad weather, but today it was all systems go! Here is a video of it!

Here is a picture of the smoke trail it left as it flew into space!
And here is a picture of who I was with while watching the launch!
It was pretty exciting to be there and see the launch. The shuttle was already up into the clouds before the loud roar of the engines made it to where I was watching. Very cool!

Anyhow, I hope everyone continues to have a good summer. I know not everyone can be in Florida with the cutest nephew in the world, but do your best to have a good time wherever you may be! Be good to each other, and I hope to see you for the "Bring Your Own Picnic" get-together on the 26th.

Now You Know

So, if you have checked your e-mail, you know the big news. I have been through all of the emotions you can imagine, so I won't begrudge anyone what they are feeling. Please know that you will all always have a very special place in my heart, and my poster will be the first thing anyone sees when they walk into my office!

As I was telling someone today: No one is irreplaceable. Once the shock wears off, life (and school) will go on as usual. I can only hope that you all will remember last year with as much joy and laughter as I will.

I hope to see everyone July 26. (I have some things to return/give to you!)

And the good news. . .you do not have to complete the book report for Ralph S. Mouse, and there will probably not be a timed multiplication test on the first day of school!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Summer Announcements

I know that we are all out having a great summer, but there are a few announcements that I wanted to share with you.

• Glen will be having some medical tests completed in a couple of weeks, and I know he and his family would appreciate your thoughts and prayers that everything goes okay and turns out well.
• Mr. Ward is not feeling well and is undergoing some tests. Please keep the Ward family in your prayers as well.
• Some of you may have heard already, but Ms. Greer has been moved to Shayne Elementary. Their wonderful gain is a definite loss for Jones. That being said, I have met the new principal, Ms. Smith, and she is excited to join the Jones family. I know that you will all welcome her and bring her into the fold!

As I hear more news, I will keep you updated. Just know that although next year will be very different, your children are prepared and will have a great 4th grade year--no matter what! If anyone else has an announcement, you can post here or e-mail me, and I'll post the news or updates.

Happy Summer

I wanted to check in and make sure everyone is having a wonderful summer. You may not get a full "104 days of summer vacation," but I do hope everyone enjoys what we do have. I spent some time last week in Illinois visiting Kaleb and my family. Now this week and next I am working at school helping a group of soon-to-be kindergartners get ready to come to Jones in August. Can you believe that? Me with little 4 and 5 year olds! I just hope I don't scare them too much.

Remember to keep reading all summer. If you wait until the last few weeks to try and get it all done, it won't be fun, and that is the whole point! I am not going to post any of the questions for Ralph S. Mouse until later in the summer. You can go ahead and read it, but don't forget that you need to write a one page summary of the book to turn in on the first day of school. Check back in July for the online discussion posts for the book.

If you have some pictures of your summer vacation activities you would like to share, the easiest way to get them to me is either to e-mail the photo to me or post it on our wiki page, and I can then post them here on the blog. I hope to hear from you!

Party Anyone?

Okay, folks! Last week we had a post to talk about having a party next Wednesday. "Someone" suggested a DJ and disco ball and someone else mentioned pizza. I need your help! If one or two parents would like to take on the role of event planner, I would be much obliged! It would be great if we could send home a "wish list" with students on Friday. Any ideas or volunteers? Leave your comments here or send in a note. Thanks!

PS--Can you believe our trip to Memphis is so close! Wow!

Field Day Lunch

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything. It was a fast moving April! Nevertheless, next Friday, the 15th, is our Field Day. Usually my classes have done something special for lunch that day. What are your thoughts and ideas? Please let me know as a decision will have to be made within the next few days. Thanks!

End of Year PARTY

What are your thoughts? I was thinking that we might plan on our last full day, May 20, but I am open for any and all ideas! This is the place to brainstorm and chat!

Summer Reading Lists

Although I am sure that all of my students plan on participating in the school sponsored summer reading program, I didn't know if anyone would be interested in a specific list of books. I can provide this if there is interest. Let me know what you think.