Here We Go!

Back in action after taking a year off from blogging! Why? I thought you’d never ask! Full disclosure…last year was rough. As always, I started the year excited and quite optimistic that it would be my best year yet! The first full week of school started with one of my precious babies as the first student in ISS. I should have known…

My Room Set Up for 2015-2016

  
It seemed as if everything that could go wrong did. Don't get me wrong, I loved my kids, but there were a few apples in the bunch that were making things far too sour for my taste. Luckily, my teammates were amazing! Seriously, the BEST in the business! It took a while for my kids to learn “how to school,” but we all made it through. Alive. I believe that is what most people would call a success!

Welcoming My New Scholars!

I’m proud of my former kiddos! They adapted well during the marathon known as standardized testing. My test was one of the last the students took after testing for 3 months. Not only did ALL of my students take the test for the first time…it was all computerized! Talk about giving a girl a nervous breakdown! All is well. To my amazement, over 80% of my students were at or above grade level! <insert happy dance>

The summer flew by…kinda. I was absorbed in learning. I am proud to say that I’m officially Gifted and Talented certified. I didn’t enjoy going through the process…the summer is NO time for classes…however, I’m happy I finished! I also attended a few PD sessions provided through my district and….drum roll, please…had my first salsa performance with my team, Con Sabor! I was ubber nervous, but didn’t fall OR pass out! Again…winning!

My Favorite Display!

Just finished day two with my new kiddos and I’m excited exhausted! My new bunch seems like they know what’s up! I’m super excited to see how the year unfolds! I think we've managed to convince the kids that middle school isn't a scary place! Let the learning begin! 

Is it too soon to say that Year 10 will be the BEST yet??? Go Bobcats!

Currently September

Coming to the end of week three! I cannot believe how fast time is flying by already!
I'm adjusting to my new kiddos and getting into the groove of things. A dead camera battery equals postponing some pics of my room later, so here is where things stand...

LISTENING: I love Throwing Shade! It's a amazing podcast my friend got me hooked on about a year ago. Bryan & Erin constantly crack me up! Great background nose while I'm working at home or when I need a quick laugh. Last week, my tweet was "favorited" by Erin! This is only epic because I tweet once every five months! Obviously, being from the south, we're not BFF! :)

LOVING: This is year nine and I'm constantly amazed at how often I'm inspired by my students and colleagues. I've feeling pretty lucky. This upcoming week, we're starting W.O.W. (Words of the Week). Hoping to increase student understanding of academic vocabulary for our World History class. In a nutshell...Students will be given 4 vocabulary words to focus on for the week. They'll be encouraged to use those words in their responses and speech to each other. We'll see how it goes....

THINKING: I'm starving. I wish someone was here to cook for me, but unfortunately, that's not my life. Not sure what's for dinner tonight, but I do need to start meal planning as temps start to fall. Yay football season! :)

WANTING: Along with a cook, I need a maid. I decided to reduce the clutter in my house and rearrange the furniture upstairs. Not sure what possessed me to make these changes at the beginning of the school year, but whatever. I'm gonna be super happy with my house feels like home again!

NEEDING: I had an amazing workout schedule over the summer. I miss it so! Can't wait to get back on schedule starting tomorrow. It'll be great to get moving again & to see my workout buddies!

3 TRIPS: My three trips are all upcoming (hopefully). In three weeks, I'll be in DC spending time with my bestie! YAY wedding week! She's marrying a great guy & I'm super thrilled and honored to be her MOH. I'm looking forward to see everything come together and to spend a few days away. Hoping to visit Austin, TX in October to see another friend get married and to visit an old college friend. Love the city & enjoy spending time with people that constantly make me laugh. Lastly, I'm hoping to visit the Carolina coast. More friends, my lil' sister, and delicious seafood makes it a perfect location to relax. Crab legs, anyone?!?! *Dream trips: Return to Spain & Brazil...*New Places: Finland & Lebanon

Checking out to grade papers! A teacher's work is never done,
BUT tomorrow is Friday!
Happy day! :)