BACK to 1st grade...

After 10 wonderful years of teaching STEM, I am moving on to my next adventure—back to first grade!

When STEM was removed from our special-area rotation, I was asked what else I would like to teach. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to teach first grade. The incredible amount of learning and growth that happens during this year is something I have always held near and dear to my heart. I am excited to return to the classroom and begin this new chapter with my firsties!

Before I could welcome my students, however, I had to figure out where to begin with the classroom.

The room was a completely blank slate. After spending 10 years in STEM, it was tough to remember exactly what a first-grade classroom needed—or even what my classroom looked like all those years ago!

I knew I wanted a U-shaped arrangement for the student desks, a comfortable carpet area, a teacher workspace, and a dedicated table for small-group reading and math instruction. I also wanted to bring in my tall table and, if space allowed, add a round table.

The Samsung interactive panel would need to be a main focus of the room, with the carpet positioned so every student could see and participate. Then there were the bulletin boards! I had not planned or decorated traditional classroom bulletin boards in 10 years, so that was another adventure waiting for me.

Making this move came with an extra challenge because I had a total knee replacement in June. Thankfully, my principal gave me plenty of time to move everything from one building to another across campus and begin putting the room together at a manageable pace.

My STEM classroom had been a large, bright space filled with student projects, supplies, LEGO bricks, and technology designed to engage learners from three years old through fifth grade. Moving into a first-grade classroom meant rethinking the space while still keeping the creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning that I love.

It was definitely going to be a work in progress, but I could already picture the possibilities. There was a lot to plan, organize, move, and create—but I knew the reward would be worth every bit of it.

A blank classroom was about to become the home of Wright’s Rippers!

Reflections on the last day of 2015...

The last day of 2015... there was so much to be #thankful for this past year.  I have a Top 10 list:

10.  #miamidevice was amazing and this time I had 7 other friends learning right along side me.  I can't wait for all of us to share and take 2016 to new levels remember #youmatter and our very own #ottersmatter My BFF at school was a part of this group and we are working along with our team to share and collaborate, even more to come in 2016...

9.  Finally made the trip to Georgia to see Aunt Alice and Uncle Gene.  They were our neighbors when I was a baby in Taiwan and helped my parents with everything and anything for a young couple.  They were there when I took my 1st steps and took me to the deep end of the pool.  They are my family.  Uncle Gene broke his leg last year so I didn't get to visit.  Aunt Alice needed back surgery so we didn't visit this summer.  It was almost 3 years since our last visit so with our Christmas break we took a few days to make the trip to Georgia.  I am so thankful I got to see them, hug them, and listen to stories about my life.  They are 83 and I don't know hoe many more years I will get to see them but I made sure to tell them how much I love them!  

8.  Twitter yes Twitter.  Anyone that knows me knows I work-A LOT and on Twitter I have found my people!  I read the best blog posts, gather the best ideas to use in my classroom, and have the best PLN to grow as a global teacher.  I am connected to teachers all over the world and share the message-use Twitter.  Still working on furthering that message. 

7.  Volusia County Schools where my daughter started Spruce Creek High School and our son is enrolled in 7th grade at Creekside Middle.  Kaile ran Cross Country and I cheered as she practiced day after day to see that mile time come down and her 1 mile PR is lower than mine.  Guess I will be working on that time in 2016.  Carson played the saxophone and right before Christmas took on the bassoon.  I am thankful for a school system that offers extra curricular activities to enhance education.

6.  Apple yes, tech Apple because I use it daily in so many ways.  YIPPEE I got an Apple watch and it is a game changer people, trust me ask and I will let you know why-I am sold!  Apple also offers schools a discount when you buy in packs of 10 and thankfully we have had grants and Parents Night Out to grow our iPad program at school.  We are changing education for students throughout Cypress Creek Elementary.

5.  Disney World-what?!? We bought annual passes last Christmas to share with our kids.  See Kaile is 14 and pretty soon she will be driving and not hanging out with us:( We went to all the Disney parks and made a total of 25 trips.  25 times I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, hug my kids a little tighter and see pure enjoyment on some faces during our trips.  We rented a camper for Spring Break and even stayed at the Boardwalk-thanks Uncle Randy.  It truly was a gift to our family that kept on giving all year long. I took more pictures than you could imagine and I will have them forever. :)

4.  Crossfit Diehard where I push myself everyday to be better than the day before.  I finally learned to do rope climbs with confidence and overcome my fear.  I can record my progress and see the results.  I choose to eat healthier, get to workout with Tim at least 3 times a week, and together talk to our kids about a healthier lifestyle.

3.  My firstie class because they keep me on my toes.  I celebrated my 23 years on December 17 and I can honestly say I enjoy going to work every day to interact with the future.  I have a class of 18 amazing kids that make me smile, challenge me to create interactive lessons, and show that I make a difference in their thinking, reading, writing and ways to see math in the real world. I just love them!

2.  My parents and Sunday night dinner.  My dad and I try to outdo one another each Sunday with a dessert war comparable to Top Chef.  It fills my heart with joy to have our children laughing and talking with the whole family over dinner.  Sunday might be the best day of the week.

1. My family because without Tim, Kaile, and Carson where would I be? Truly I am blessed beyond words to share this life with this crew. Love them more than I could ever tell them. We are thankful God has blessed us with one another.

Well that is really just the tip of the iceberg and I could go on an on but I am hoping you get a sampling of the things I find making me a better person and I can't wait for 2016 and what is in store for me.

Are you ready for 1st grade?

Meet Your Teacher Day is just about the best day ever! I got to meet 17 of the 18 new Wright's Rippers and boy, oh boy is it going to be a year! Just look at these smiles when I ask them to pose with mom and even grandma.  

 I also got to see families and firsties all grown up.  It makes my heart so happy to steal a hug and a quick "Wow, you sure have grown!" or "Man I feel old."  The hour and a half seems to breeze right by and before you know it it is lunchtime and everyone has to say good-bye until Monday.  I thought I would share a few quick photos to spread the excitement. 

 I can't wait to fill this room with learning and the pure joy of reading! oh and MATH I love math! oh and Science too!

Did you know Ron Clark is my #edhero and so is Hope King!  I can't wait to put these lifeskills into action.

This board is still under construction but if you look closely you will see my #1 my hubby Tim! My #2 & #3 Kaile and Carson the loves of my life, FSU-of course Go NOLES! Even a photo with Bobby Bowden, Phi Mu-love, honor, & truth, and my #edheros Ron Clark, Kim Bearden, Junior from RCA and yes Coach Carter. Love some inspiration right there when I look up from my laptop.

 My brand spankin new SitSpots are ready for where the magic happens.  I can't wait to try these out!

Oh there are going to be some favorites made here...the Pigeon, Pete the Cat, Junie B. Jones, Skippyjon Jones, Dr. Seuss, oh the list goes on and on...

 After spending 8 years in my last room I didn't think I would get it all out and set up by now but low and behold I did and it might still be a work in progress...You will have to check back often to see the amazing adventures of Wright's Rippers and all that they have to show the world.  I hope I can sleep tomorrow night just waiting for Monday morning.

GO Otters 2015

My promise this year is to blog more and work on those oh so important relationships.  I try to inform my parents and let them be a part of our class and the firsties love seeing all their efforts on the internet.  What about the teachers out there? How can I connect and collaborate the amazing things happening at CCE? My mission will keep me busy so check back often and please share, subscribe, and tweet away...

I was blessed to spend time with my family and really relax this summer.  Am I ready to go back? OF COURSE I am! I love the schedule of it all and a new beginning with a fresh group of firstie friends is an added bonus.  This year our daughter starts high school as a freshman and our son will enter the 7th grade.  Where did the time go? More on that throughout the year.

Today was our 1st day back as teachers and Dr. L and Mrs. Pitchford threw the bash of all bashes! We enjoyed breakfast at a local country club and wait let me let you check out this short promo video and you count the smiles.


Wasn't that awesome Go Otters 2015! I will have to share my favorite photo that didn't make the video-it ran so fast and this photo needs a stand alone...

You should have seen the line of teachers and staff waiting to join the PTA. Our President Renee is in the middle taking papers & money and handing out raffle tickets.  Our mission is to have 100% teacher & staff membership and I will have to say we are off to the best start in years.  Way to go PTA! Oh and wait did I forget to mention they put $40 in each teacher's account to help with class needs. Well worth my PTA membership and I can't wait for the 1st Spirit Night.

This year is going to be amazing. I am going to run all year and make it the best one yet. I have BIG plans with technology, inspiring them to be the best people they can be, and share our world through Twitter & Instagram and Periscope...stay tuned...#grateful

New Year-2014!

2014!?! Of course we had to celebrate the new year in style.  We sipped on Welch's Sparkling grape juice and watched the ball drop.  The countdown was a highlight and I think they rushed it a bit at the end because they were so excited!  I can't wait to see the gains these firsties make this upcoming year.  We are going to enjoy every minute of it.

2013- Last post for the year…heading into 2014…can't wait!

It is hard to believe that 2013 has come to an end and tomorrow will be 2014. Our school opened 6 years ago and it has been a tradition since then to have a school wide PJ day the last day before our winter vacation.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE pj day! Yes I do shower and then do my hair and makeup before going to school. Here are my firsties for a serious picture, OK not sure what Shaner is doing but the rest of us are serious right?!?

Then of course, we have to have a goofy face picture.  LOVE Emily and Reese, Rick & Shaner crossing those eyes!

 Speaking of Reese…Reese's family decides to order these cute snowballs and then gift  them to all the boys and girls.  She tells her mom it would be so much fun to have a snowball fight.  Reese's mom (a former teacher herself) tells her I am not sure Mrs. Wright would be ok with that.  Reese immediately informs her, "Don't worry mom.  Mrs. Wright is so fun and she won't mind."

 How can I disappoint?!? A SNOWBALL FIGHT…OF COURSE!!

 Their smiles and laughter sum up my year! I am so blessed to be surrounded by these firstie friends and I can't wait for 2014 and all that we will learn and share.  Thank you to all the families for being extra special people and sharing your most prized possession with me.  I promise to take the very BEST care of them!  I hope you are reading a book and playing outside a bunch.  Happy New Year Wright's Rippers!  See you in 2014!

Oh my goodness school starts tomorrow...

I cannot believe another summer has passed by. My daughter Kaile will be a 7th grader and Carson will be a 5th grader. Where has the time gone? Thursday was such an exciting day I got to meet a new batch of firsties! I have 18 on the roll and 17 showed up to take a look around, munch on doughnuts, and get ready for first grade! I am so excited for these kids and the adventures we will take this year. I cannot wait to chronicle it here on the blog so the world can see them in action. I gave them some Night Before School confetti to sprinkle on their nightstand and here is a sneak peek into the room they will walk into tomorrow morning. YIPPEE for my I just love first grade! I am emailing this to all my families right after I post and if 5 children tell me "First grade is the best!" there will be a super surprise at 8 am. Wonder how many will say it? Let's see if I can get the 5 first right?

Happy 2013!

Happy 2013!  I have so many posts to make from the last week before Christmas break but I am away for an amazing family vacation.  The only downfall-the Internet connection is not the best up on the mountain. This is the first family vacation and I hope not the last.  We are having the best time ever!  Check out family before tubing.  My mom had the best time ever!

I want to say Happy New Year to my firsties and their families.  I love you all and can't wait for Monday.  If you thought 2012 was amazing you haven't seen anything yet.  Aren't they the cutest in their jammies.  Happy 2013 my little chickens!

1st week done already?

WOW 1st week of the 2012-21013 year is done.  Can you believe how fast the 1st week went?  I LOVED every minute of it.  19 new friends and memories to create... We practiced station expectations, worked with the story of 4 and 5, talked about the Pledge of Allegiance, what a scientist looks like, and wrote in our journals everyday.  I have even more planned next week.  Take a look at my new chickens...

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Beacon of Excellence 2012-2013

Today was Meet the Teacher and I had the pleasure of meeting 18 of the 19 firsties I will get to spend the next school year with and it was FABULOUS!  Thank you to all the families that turned out to get a quick peek into where all the magic happens.  I just love teaching and 1st graders are the BESTEST ever!  Some of my new friends were a little cautious and I can understand that but it won't take long for them to see all that we have to offer at Cypress Creek.  Volusia County's theme for the school year is Beacon of Excellence.  Check out the cool logo.

So I looked up beacon and wikipedia says, "device designed to attract attention to a specific location".  I want others to see our classroom to attract attention to the bigger picture, I mean place, Cypress Creek  Elementary.  We have so much to offer.  I hope the children will showcase their thinking and inspire others to learn along with them.  I hope the parents will share our learning with family members because after all you heard "it takes a village."  I hope my teacher friends that read our blog will be inspired to design an environment that will attract attention to what we can all do to be better teachers for our young people.     I do so love going to work each morning, reading with my friends, learning about math, performing experiments, and just listening to their stories.  So thank you for trusting me with your little people and I hope you see our light shine throughout the upcoming school year.

Happy New Year 2011!

Each year I talk to the kids about goals for the new year.  It is always so exciting to have something to look forward to throughout the year.  Recently I attended a few Zumba classes and so my new year goal was to learn how to Zumba better.  I am still working at it and will keep you posted.  Make sure to check out my 1st grade friends and the things they want to accomplish in the year 2011.  Reading Counts was quite popular so I better get my favorite books out and start spreading the word.

Another free greeting by Smilebox

School Year 2010-2011

Let me begin by saying-I am so excited for a FABULOUS year! This week has been so busy I didn't really find time to sit much less post on the blog! My new batch of friends are the cutest ever. We enjoyed learning about one and other and we chased Chester the raccoon from the Kissing Hand all over the school. Along the way we did get to meet a very special person, Dr. Holli Newnam, our new assistant principal. We just love meeting new friends and better yet she LOVES the FSU Seminoles! Chester did leave us a treat and it sure was yummy. We talked about scientists, science equipment, families, played war with cards to practice our numbers to 10, and read stories. We learned about expectations during literacy stations and practiced those stations. I think the class enjoyed the great word race and computers the best but stamping was pretty close.

Our daily journal is our morning starter and we decorated the covers this week. I want to thank Ms. Cindi and Mr. & Mrs. Creech for coming in to help the children cut, glue, and apply contact paper to seal it all up. They are BEAUTIFUL. At the end of the year it is priceless to see the progress each child has made as well as favorite memories from 1st grade. I have so much more in store for this class so I hope you visit and comment often.