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.

The Results are IN!!

It was tense as we awaited the first ever Looper Bus Lottery, and finally, here are the results!

1st grade parents who won seats are: 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12(BP)!!

3rd grade parents are:

• Pooh
• JR
• NoNo
• Survivor Man
• Scooter
• Big Trouble
• Fripplehoot

Congratulations--you just won a 3+ hour trip on a bus full of children!!! For everyone who was not selected, carpool information will be sent home on Monday. Thanks. Have a happy Easter and remember TCAP is only one week away!

Times Line 4

The newest TIMES LINE standings:

• S.Y.
• Jurl
• Nikky
• Fripplehoot
• Lil Bean
• Big Trouble
• Mini Mike
• Beeman
• Scooter
• NoNo
• NickelPickle
• Big Red
• JoJo
• Cass-A
• Durl

Stay tuned tomorrow for a BIG announcement regarding our trip to Memphis!

By Request

I have made a concerted effort not to bother you with stories or pictures of my adorable nephew anymore, because I realize that not every thinks he is as great as I do (although you would if you knew him!) But then today, I was asked about him and was told that some would like to see updates. So, I promise not to inundate the blog with photos of Kaleb, but here is my latest favorite photo! As a proud Auntie I have to point out that he is apparently having a lot of fun riding a toy I gave him hugging a doll from me.
Other than the double chin, do you see any resemblance? Me neither! But he is sure one cute kid!!

Happy Spring Break

Now that you have had a weekend to get used to not having school, I am going to give you the opportunity to practice your TCAP test taking skills. If you follow THIS LINK to our class wiki page, you will find a TCAP practice test. I was going to send it home with everyone on Thursday, but did not have the chance to get it copied. So, for those of you who want the extra practice, here you go. For those of you who don't, please at the very least be sure you are reading!

See you in a week!

Our Class' Theme Song

I think this speaks for itself!! Enjoy. . .

Our Newest Moves

Today was an exciting day for many in our class! The Paideia philosophy believes in teaching the whole child, and today we did just that. Not only did we study grammar, reading, area, and perimeter. Today, the class was introduced to a new dance! A BIG thanks to Ms. E. for coming in to teach our group some new moves! I hope you enjoy these clips. . .

In Like a Lion

The snow was beautiful this morning even if it came a day early! Oh well. This week is a big one for us. Please take note of the events of the week:

1. Monday is Read Me Day--Dr. Seuss' birthday At 8:20 we will listen to Green Eggs and Ham as part of the world's largest classroom.
2. Monday--A note will be coming home regarding a possible upcoming Looper event. I need your input about whether or not you are interested in having your child participate. Possibly you can help us make a needed connection regarding this activity, so please read through that note and send it back in ASAP.
3. Tuesday--Students will take the third and final ThinkLink test of the year. Have a good breakfast and come ready to do your best!
4. Tuesday--Permission slips and money are due for the Spanish field trip.
5. Tuesday--Class photographs are taken. Parents and students decided that we will all wear red for the picture.

As things come up, I'll be sure to add them here, so check back later in the week!

TIMES Line -- part 3

Here are the latest TIMES Line standings:

• S.Y.
• Nikky
• Lil Bean
• Big Trouble
• Mini Mike
• Jurl
• Beeman
• Scooter
• NoNo
• Big Red
• Fripplehoot
• NickelPickle
• JoJo
• Durl

New members to the 100s Club are:

• Big Red
• Cass-A
• NickelPickle
• Scooter

Our MIMers this time are:

• Pooh
• Bee
• JoJo
• Cherry
• Cass-A
• NickelPickle
• A-man
• Tink
• Fripplehoot
• Jurl

TIMES LINE part 2

As you tune in tonight for the first American Idol elimination show, here is the updated TIMES LINE:

• S.Y.
• Big Trouble
• Lil Bean
• Nikky
• Mini Mike
• Beeman
• Scooter
• Jurl
• NoNo
• Big Red
• Fripplehoot
• NickelPickle
• JoJo

A new group I will list is the 100s Club. These folks have scored a perfect 100 on at least one of our timed tests! Well done ladies and gents!!

• Mini Mike
• Big Trouble
• Lil Bean
• Nikky
• S.Y.
• Beeman
• Jurl
• NoNo
• Fripplehoot

And our MIMers:

• NickelPickle
• Cass- A?
• JoJo
• Fripplehoot
• Aman
• Tink
• Little Bit
• NoNo

GREAT WORK! Keep it up! We have two more student just about to make the TIMES LINE! Look back next week to see who has made great progress.

One of Your Friends

As you know, one of our third graders at Jones was diagnosed with Leukemia in the fall. He has been getting treatment this year, but really misses his friends and interactions from school. You can click on this link to check up on him and leave him a message from time to time. I know he would appreciate hearing from you! Drop by his web page and send him your best wishes!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jjgallon

Thanks!

Non Party

Next Friday will be our Valentine's Day Non Party. If you are planning on sending in an item for our Non Party, this would be a great place to let everyone know what we have coming and what might still be needed. Thanks!

(I'll send home a list of all students' names on the newsletter Monday in case you are preparing Valentines!)

TIMES LINE pt 1

Sorry this took so long. I have had some homeowner issues over the past couple of weeks. Nevertheless, here is the current TIMES LINE accomplishments. Students making the TIMES LINE have maintained an average of 85% or higher on the weekly times tests! They are:

• Lil Bean
• Big Red (aka: Glennykinns)
• S.Y.
• NoNo (aka: Barney)
• Nikky
• NickelPickle
• Scooter
• Big Trouble
• Beeman
• Fripplehoot
• Mini Mike
• Jurl

Also making the list are our MIMers. These are the students who have shown a growth of at least 15% on the tests! They are:

• Pooh
• JoJo
• Aman (aka: Boston)
• NickelPickle
• Tink
• Fripplehoot

Great work everyone. For the record, we have about 3-4 more students hovering just beneath the TIMES LINE. In another week or so, I have no doubt they will make our list! Keep practicing those facts!

Happy New Year! (a little late!)

Well, I just received news that school has been cancelled tomorrow, January 16, due to the extreme cold temperatures in our area! Wow--a four day weekend! We may get spoiled! Those heading off to Washington DC can get a head start on their trips to the inauguration! I want to wish them all a safe and fun trip. Not every day can we witness history in the making! See everything you can and come back and share it all with us!

For those not lucky enough to be able to attend the inauguration and activities, I plan on showing them to the students via television. Tuesday will be dedicated to both Martin Luther King Jr's birthday and the swearing in of our new President!

Since we will not be here tomorrow, the daily math assignments will be due Tuesday morning. I am sending home the January book order with students today. As always, you can click HERE to access the online ordering. (karraker / bookorder)