Hey guys,
So, yesterday I was interviewed by Mr. Simma for Monday's P-T Prime time to introduce me to the students as the new Elementary Principal for the Fall. I don't particularly like being on camera, I'm kind of awkward... you guys know that, but after the interview I was kind of emotional and I couldn't figure out why. I thought maybe it was just because I didn't interview well or felt like a dork doing it. I tossed and turned all night until it dawned on me around 3:30 this morning what was bothering me. I miss you guys. I miss school. I miss teaching. In the interview I said 6th Graders are just really big Kindergartners, LOL. You know its true, don't roll your eyes. But you're giant Kindergartners in wonderful ways. Like you still see the magic and fun in everything. You are pushing boundaries because you are growing into who you need to become. You are taking another step away from dependence on parents and teachers toward personal responsibility and autonomy just like you did in Kindergarten. I miss being around you weirdos everyday. I miss seeing you in the hallway. I miss kids asking me what book to read. I miss talking about stories we've read. I miss seeing you compete in Quizlet Live. I miss being there to watch you learn and grow. :) We didn't get closure... school just abruptly stopped so we didn't get to high-five, hall dance, hug, or just head nod good bye. I know you guys are struggling a little as well. We've talked about it in zoom meetings and I've seen it in some of your Tuesday responses... this being cooped up and away form each other is hard. I guess I just wanted you to know that it is hard for me too. So, hang in there. We are in this together. With 2 weeks left, let me go ahead and thank you for a great year. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the Sleepy Hollow play (I laugh every time I think of it! What fun!). I enjoyed discussing stories about the Gold Rush and Baseball.. but really talking about perspective and prejudice and what we can learn from these stories to make us better humans. I enjoyed reading "The Gift of the Magi" and "Lob's Girl" both have great endings... and I enjoyed watching as the emotion of those endings play across your face. I mean... was it Lob's spirit? A zombie dog? What even happened? LOL. Every year I have a hard time saying goodbye to my group... but this year I'm saying goodbye to the classroom as well. So, thanks for being the "last class" I teach. You are wonderful. You will do great things because you have greatness inside of you. I believe in you. And, I'll be across town next year if you need me. Until then, let's finish strong with two more weeks of putting in the work... not to be successful at 6th Grade... but to develop the self-discipline, grit, and initiative it takes to choose school work over fun at home. These traits will make you successful in life. It was never about the grade for me in class anyway
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Okay, here goes! First let me say... I am available via remind text at any point that you need me regardless of the subject area you have questions about... even if it isn't school. I want to help any way that I can. Do your best stick to a schedule, but allow for mental health breaks. There is absolutely going to be days that need to spent doing other things and we understand that. This is not something we can predict the effects of nor can we predict the end. Middle Schoolers are NOT the best at talking about their feelings... and they have big ones. So, give them grace and ask for grace in return when you need it... we are all unsure about how to manage right now. These things are more important than academics. Facts:
The Plan for Reading:During this time I want you to do 3 things... continue learning vocabulary words, keep reading, and be an informed and discerning listener. The vocabulary will be the same as we've done so keep up the good work there. The reading is self-explanatory, reading makes you smarter and happier... and I've heard more good looking, so test that theory. ;) Lastly, "Tuesday Newsday"... I want you to pay attention to what is happening around you. There are such great things to learn from this. We are seeing medical research groups in critical mode finding a cure. We see governments reacting and working together. We see companies being inventive and helpful. We see individuals being creative and innovative. PAY ATTENTION. Learn from it. Write it down. Think about what we've learned about biased facts and how easily word choice can sway what we think. Form opinions about what's going on. You have a historic even unfolding around you... don't miss it while you are TicToc-ing and Fortnighting! Lastly...Let me know if you have any questions or concerns anytime. My official office hours are Monday-Friday from 10-12.... but as stated before I'm available anytime and will be glad to help. I will also be posting a link to a zoom meeting every Monday at 10:00 just so we can see each other and check in. It is not required, but I thought it might be nice. I'm missing you guys. Hang in there!
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AuthorI have been teaching now for 18 years. After being in Kinder, Pre-K, First, and Third Grades, this will be my 6th year in 6th Grade Reading. My husband, Bruce, teaches high school Algebra and is the head football coach here at Perkins-Tryon. Go Demons! We have three really great boys, Caden (19), Conner (17), and Callen (8), a chocolate lab named Zuzu, and a cat named Wally. Archives
April 2020
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