Apple Day & birthday singing

Apple Day is a favorite not just because I am a 1^st grade teacher learning about Johnny Appleseed, yes 1^st grade teachers love to celebrate everything, but Ms. Clutter and I share that same birthday with Appleseed!  The morning started off with a shower of cards and you know hand made ones and drawings are the best!  We had some Apple Jacks fun because of course math is more fun with something to eat.  This year was even more fun because Jude’s mom made both classes cupcakes.  We had a group singing and it was fabulous!  

We just love our classes and truly appreciate all the love. How cute are they with all the apple pots on their heads.

#youmatter

You are important, loved, respected, you are a contributing part of our team, you are valuable, listened to, successful and that is our is our mantra for the month and we have talked at length about the importance of liking yourself, sticking up for friends, and doing good in the world.  In a nutshell #youmatter  There just isn’t anything like a group of firsties to put it all into perspective for you.  They are so loving and genuinely care for one another.  I tell them there might be ugliness out there but we can change that with even the smallest of gestures. 

This week we had the pleasure of a very special visitor Victor Ezier, owner of Bully Me Now MMA.  He told his story and how it led him to his present day adventure at Bully Me Now where he hopes to empower children to find confidence within themselves.  He read a picture book about a different kind of dog and the kids were interested because of course it was about a dog.  It was a great message about how we are all different but that is what makes up our world~ different types.  Thank you Victor for sharing your story and we hope you come back to help us build our confidence throughout the year.

Grandparent's Day 2015

I can remember my grandparents.  My Ahma lived in Taiwan and we were blessed to get to visit when I was about 11 years old.  I remember what a hard worker she was, what a great cook, and how tiny she was.  I also remember there was respect even though we spoke few words in the same language.  My other grandparents lived in Nebraska and we got to see them more often.  I remember my grandma being the best cook.  She made this one cake, Cold Water Chocolate Cake and oh the tuna casserole was my brother Marcus' favorite.  My great grandma made the best fudge and I would give anything to spend just another day with each of these women so please treasure the grandparents! #youmatter My parents are grandparents to 3 amazing grandchildren and we are very blessed to have family dinner night every Sunday alternating between our house and theirs. #grateful We laugh, talk, and enjoy the days go by building these memories.  When I tuck Carson in at night and ask him the favorite part of his day...it always has something to do with food or family.  We truly are blessed!  

I had the pleasure of asking my firsties about their grandparents and we made these cute pictures to hang on the refrigerator as a daily reminder of how important grandparents are!  Hope you enjoyed them.  I sure did and I know my grandparents are smiling down at me as I remember Grandparent's Day 2015.

Friday September 4 marked the 10th day of school and a very important package was delivered!

 Look at all those 0s!!!!! We were very surprised when Dr. L came walking in with the box and we were curious.

 Inside we found a note explaining its appearance, some balloons, a cape, and a Zero the Hero flat doll.  AND guess what donuts!!! shaped like a 0!!

Thanks Dr. L. and we are looking forward to the next visit from Zero the Hero on the what day?!?

1st week already done?

Our 1st official class picture and what a straight line it is!  We started our 1st day with our new clothes and the brightest smiles and before you know it we were off around the school looking for Chester from The Kissing Hand.  We looked everywhere and met some important people.

All the while we decided to show our love with a heart rather than scream out there he is!

I know too cute right?!?  We made some new friends and learned the classroom routines.  It was a busy week.  Make sure to check out the class Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and photos.

I leave you with this...the biggest excitement? getting to play on the big kid playground.  You know it is the simple things in life right? Have a great week and go out and be awesome!

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

#infopics what are they?

Of course @tonyvincent is an #edhero for me!  I was so lucky to attend Miami Device in Coconut Grove, FL and got to meet him, of course a selfie...

After listening to his podcast on iTunes I thought sure why not teach my friends to pull out nonfiction information and make an #infopic in Pic Collage.  We were reading about penguins and kids chose apps to showcase information. 

Here is a video of student work.  Not bad for 1st timers.