Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend!

We made it through another week! Wahoo! We are in the middle of our first nine weeks grading period. Yes, for those of you who did not know, there will only be four report cards this year. I wish I could say that everything had been settled and that we were smoothly into our groove, but, alas, it's always something! We are potentially facing yet another schedule change within the next few weeks. Look for information regarding this sometime soon. I will do my best to keep you up-to-date!

On the last post, I was asked a question about how you can motivate your child in order to be successful for and in middle school. I took a long and winding road to explain one of my soap-box issues--self reliance (which is different from self esteem). If that interests you, take a look back at the comments from the previous post. Today I am going to give you my second favorite "lecture" about preparing students for future successes.

I feel that a key to any student's academic success is their ability to read for fun. This does not necessarily mean reading 100 levels above grade level, but the ability to sit down and get lost in a good book. If students enjoy reading, they will be able to make it through those required books in middle and high school. Remember those? I despised some of the books I had to read when I was in school, but because I love reading, I knew I could get through it and then find something I did like.

So what can you do? I guess the easy answer is let your child read. Find an author or a series that interests him/her and go through them together. You may have never enjoyed reading very much, but think about the discussions you could have with your child if you read their favorite book together! If you are interested, I could make some book and author suggestions for you, but better yet, go to the library and let your child pick out a book that interests him/her. If it isn't any good, there are millions more where that came from! Try, try again!

Okay, that is enough for a Friday afternoon. Please have a great Labor Day weekend. Drive carefully wherever you are headed, and get back home safely, too! Don't forget to send me any shapshots of your summer fun if you want it posted here on our blog! Til next time. . . .

Heat, Half-Days, and High Hopes!

Thank you all for bearing with us this week. Not only do the half days cause you transportation and child care headaches, but dismissal is still horribly long. But, in both cases, we are trying to do what is in the best interest and safety of the students. By November, some of you will look back longingly at these warm days. I, for one, will be very glad when Fall gets here; I am a cool weather person. (Please keep all "Northerner" comments to yourself!)


So, what exactly did you do this summer? We've shared a few things in class, but I would love to post them here. E-mail me a picture if you have one! We'll start out with "Half Pint." She opened a lemonade stand and made some money! I bet she would make quite a profit this week--although most people are hiding out indoors where it is cooler! Thanks so much for sharing your summer job with us!

Who will be the next to share their summer vacation with us? I can't wait.

OH, I almost forgot the GOOD NEWS! Remember last year, when I told you we were supposed to be getting computers? Well, WE HAVE THEM! Okay, so they aren't hooked up yet, and we technically don't have monitors, but it is progress! Keep your fingers crossed, and within a few weeks the students will be able to be online and participate in assignments on the blog from our classroom! Until next time. . .be good to each other!

We're Back!

What a great day! Okay, to tell you the truth it really was great, but I am extremely tired. I can't believe that was only a half day! I will really be dragging this time tomorrow! But that is enough about me. Have I told you recently that we have the best group of students in Metro right here in room 108 of Jones? That's right! No matter how many students we fit into our room, every last one of them helps to make the whole group one great family. I am very proud of our class! I can see things only getting bigger and brighter from here! (But hopefully not too much bigger as far as class size!)

A large envelope came home with your child today. Please do your best to return all of the paperwork that applies to your family and child. Also, consider joining our PTO if you get a chance. For your $10 membership you get a Pizza Hut card; for a $12 membership you will receive a SmartCard for the county of your choice. That will be my selection. There are so many businesses on the card, I easily and quickly save the money it costs to join up!

Well, I am going to go and get ready for tomorrow--our first full day. Next week I will send home our schedule in the newsletter. Keep an eye out for it! Have a good week, and thanks again for allowing Jones (and me!) to serve your family and help your children reach their potential!

P.S. Be sure to ask Mrs. Ward why her blog is still blank. I'm sure there is a good story;-)

Free Days are Numbered

I made it back into town this week. I had a very nice time down in Florida, although I did not get to see a launch. That will happen next Tuesday. Oh well. Here is a picture of me joining the astronaut corp!

We have hit that stretch where school is just around the corner. Feel free to come by Thursday and say hi--check your mail for a letter from Ms. Greer with that information. Do you realize that within the next few days you will start your last year at Jones? Let's work together to make sure it is a great one! Don't forget that this weekend is Tennessee's tax-free shopping holiday. Take advantage! Also remember that students will be expected to wear SSA starting on the first day. Pants, shorts, skirts, and capris can be khaki, black, or navy (no cargo pants); collared shirts can be white, navy, red, pink, yellow, and other shades of blue. Happy shopping, and I'll see you soon!