thoughts from Breella

I have to say I love going to work. Each day is a new adventure and I am surrounded by my favorite little friends, what more could a person ask for? Breella is a new friend this year and she is creative, fun loving, and reminds me of Ramona Quimby! She took it upon herself to write something for the class and wanted to share. I couldn't get my phone out fast enough when she started reading. This is why I love coming to work...

Thank you Breella for making my day.

Guess Who Came to Visit?

So we got a package Friday morning...
I ask the class what do you think it could be? OK the BEST was "Oh, there's nothing in there. It has a bunch of zeros on it!" Made me laugh out loud. Can you see why I love my job? Out of the mouth of babes... Another one piped up with "Cupcakes!" and then I dropped the box by accident. Great... We were going to have our August birthday party at the end of the day so that was a pretty good guess. I decided enough was enough and opened it up. Make sure to watch below. It was great fun! Thank you to Meredith and Kim and most importantly Ms. Suzan, our seamstress-we had a ball and can't wait until we see our Zero the Hero again...how many days?




HAPPY BIRTHDAY August kids!  We had a great lunch in the classroom and then a party at the end of the day! Thanks to all the families that helped make it so yummy!

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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WOW! We missed Chester again!

Well the 1st day was fabulous! All 18 of my cutie firsties were there bright and early.  We read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Wood and went all around campus looking for Chester the raccoon.  We didn't find him but he did leave a lovely cookie snack. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings...

I'm ready!

So tomorrow is the BIG day! I am ready for all my new firsties to take a look at their new home away from home. Here is your sneak peak. I just love 1st grade!  I will let you know how the 1st day goes so I will see you back here tomorrow.  I sure hope I can sleep. 

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.

Common Core is here!

Common Core?  What is that?  46 of the 50 states have adopted a set of standards to prepare our children for career and college readiness.  For so long we have taught a "mile wide and inch deep."  Meaning we taught so many things but skimmed the concept.  Common Core is teaching to depth and understanding.  WOW a shift I know. Fortunately the K-2 teachers at Cypress Creek piloted Thinking Math Common Core Edition training this past school year.  We read the standards, collaborated with one another about what it would look like, and even visited a school to see it in action.  Since we were the pilot we were offered an opportunity to attend the AFT National Stakeholder's Conference in Baltimore.  Cypress Creek Elementary was highlighted and given time to speak to a room with over 200 educational leaders from across the United States, with only 30 minutes to share our success, funding, and next steps.  We wanted to showcase teachers, parents, and most important, our children and share their excitement.  Thank you to Mrs. Williams, Mr. Wheatley, Devyn, Andrew, Brady, and Cate for letting us share you with the world.  The message was well received and here is the video we shared.