"Man... I LOVE this school..."

Well, the start of school was a definite success at Moore.  Amid caution tape, heavy machinery, mud puddles, rocky gravel, and orange cones - We made it through the first three days of school.  How do I know it was a definite success?  On Friday afternoon, while on bus duty, I overheard a new student telling his friend, "Man... I love this school.  Everyone is always smilin'!"  And if we positively affect the life of a student, I consider us successful.

A busy week lies ahead as teachers continue to teach routines and expectations while diving headfirst into curriculum and pacing guides.  For me personally, I will be out of the building most of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at trainings.  While all of my trainings are necessary and informative, I HATE being away from Moore.  You see, there's an energy at Moore that you can feel the minute you walk in the entrance.  And while the new building is incredible, this energy has nothing to do with the luster of all of our "new" stuff.  Over five years ago I interviewed at Moore, in the OLD building, and knew the minute I walked out of my interview that I wanted to - I HAD to get that job.  I truly think we are unique in all we have to offer as well as our buzzing energy.  So when I am away... I MISS the energy.  I MISS the teachers, the students, and the organized, excited chaos.

As the dust settles, I am truly looking forward to embracing my new position and finding out how to make it work best for me, the teachers, and the students.  While I will always have a never-ending "To-Do" list, I never want to be too far removed from my favorite group of people -- the kids.  I am so thankful to work with a staff who has welcomed me with open arms and who is supporting me as I discover the ins and outs of this new job.  I cannot wait to be more present in the hallways and in classrooms, soaking up the Moore energy as much as humanly possible. :)

Upcoming Dates to Remember:
-W-APT Testing Window for Kindergarten:  August 31-September 28
-September 2:  PLCs begin!
-September 7:  DIBELS Training for NEW Teachers 3:45pm
-September 9:  DIBELS Refresher Training 7:30am

-September 21:  4th Grade On-Demand Writing Task
-September 13-24:  DIBELS BOY Benchmark Window

Happy First Day of School EVE!!

I've been in education for over five years, and I still cannot sleep the night before the first day of school.  It's like Christmas Eve to me!!  I toss and turn and anticipate all of the excited, sleepy, nervous students who will cross the school's threshold in the morning.  I LOVE the first day of school.  I loved it when I was a kid, and I still love it as an educator.  The buzz in the air throughout the hallways is energizing.  There is just something not right about an empty school - Schools are made to be full of children.  So, to me, things just aren't quite right around here until there are 600+ pairs of feet walking through the hallways.

Tomorrow is Day 1 of 180.  How will you approach it?  Will you strive to make someone's day?  Will you greet everyone around you?  As educators, we are given the rare opportunity to make a difference in lives each and everyday.  And it all begins tomorrow.

Good luck getting some sleep tonight!  If you find yourself counting sheep, you won't be alone!

Upcoming Dates to Remember:
-W-APT Testing Window for Kindergarten:  August 31-September 28
-September 2:  PLCs begin!
-September 7:  DIBELS Training for NEW Teachers 3:45pm
-September 9:  DIBELS Refresher Training 7:30am
-September 13-24:  DIBELS BOY Benchmark Window

Back-to-School, Bagels, and Beach Balls

Well, we hit the ground running (and eating!) on Monday morning with our school year kick-off meeting in the library.  I was a little nervous to stand in front of the staff in my new role, but felt very supported and welcomed!  I truly feel honored to work with the best school staff!!

It was strange after the staff meeting to watch everyone filter back up to their classrooms.  I almost walked right back up to room 208 out of habit!  (Don't worry Ms. Warden, I won't come haunt you!)  This was when it really hit me that I have completely changed roles... And spending time in the library cleaning up goldfish bowls and candy wrappers gave me time to reflect.  I know how overwhelming this time of year is for teachers.  There is SO much to do and simply not enough time to do it.  While I definitely have a full plate right now as Curriculum Coordinator, my "stressful" time of year comes later, so it's easy for me to maintain a positive, cheerful attitude right now.

I hope everyone can hang in there - enjoy each other's company - share summer stories - collaborate on fresh, new ideas for the year - and keep complaints to a minimum and compliments to a maximum.  While you struggle to arrange desks, hang bulletin boards, go through cums, write your new kiddos' names on everything, figure out schedules and IE periods, sign up for committees... PLEASE try to (1) PLAY; (2) CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE; (3) MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY; and (4) BE PRESENT.

And please never forget I'm here for anything and everything.  This is going to be the best year yet!!

Let the Fun Begin!

Well, here it goes!  My first blog post... EVER.  If you're reading this, THANK YOU for visiting and I hope you'll come back!  I hit the ground running through the world of curriculum this past Monday when I came back to work.  Though I was a little sad summer was over (mainly because I had to reinstate my alarm clock), I was PUMPED to start my new job.  Also, it will be exciting to start the school year in our new building.  Though we moved in last December, this will be our first time opening a school year here!

The teachers come back on Monday, August 16th.  Next week will be busy, busy, busy -- a Title I Conference, working in classrooms, workshops galore, working in classrooms, meetings, working in classrooms...  All leading up to Open House on Monday, August 23rd.  Then our school year will officially begin when the doors open to the pitter-patter of little feet (on freshly-waxed floors, I might add) on August 25th!

I'm hoping to use this blog to document our year, communicate with teachers/parents/students, share resources, give reminders, etc.  If you ever have any input or suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!

Soon we will all dive back into DIBELS, K-2 Assessments, PLCs, Quarter Testing, an online gradebook, and a brand new K-2 reading series called Imagine It!  The staff at Moore is incredible and conquers every task thrown in their direction.  This year I know we will all work together, stay positive, and have fun while reaching every pair of feet that pitter-patter through our doors. :)