Ancient Building Blocks

I brought 30 year old Legos to school for the kids to play with.  They are white and yellow, not the vibrant colors of most Lego sets. I can learn a lot about a student by listening and watching them play. Plus, its just fun.

Good Work

Today is one of those days that I feel good about the work I did, and I feel like celebrating. As I drove out of the parking lot I thought... Dairy Queen! A good old favorite reward for just about anything. Then I remembered my commitment to just say no to sugar for awhile and I thought... Alley Connection! Our family's favorite place to celebrate the big stuff. Then I got home and decided a nap would do. So here's what I'm celebrating with a nap:

Achievement: submitted a nutrition and physical activity grant.
Respect: received a heartfelt thank you letter from an 8th grade student/friend.
Fun: watched my students cook and clean. They are so well-trained I didn't have to do/say a thing.
Freedom: turned over Friday's 3rd grade girls group to my 7th grade co-facilitator.

I Love My 8th Graders

I wasn't there today, but according to Mrs. Sullivan, the class waited patiently for the sub to arrive, and Grace brought healthy home made blueberry muffins to share. I have worked with these kids since 5th grade and it will be so fun to hear of their accomplishments in high school and beyond.

Sick in bed

I am thankful for:

Zoe and Brenda and Jill and Jill covering for me today.
Tea with honey and lemon.
Steve running to the store for chicken soup.
My iPad keeping me connected from bed.
Sleep.
The drip drip drip sounds of spring outside my window.
Prayers.

Everyone should be this well- cared for when they are sick.

Weekend ARFF

Achievement- Lived "Alaskan Style" for two days with no running water, electricity, or bathroom.
Respect- Got really silly with friends.
Fun- X-country skiing in Glacier Park.
Freedom- Phone and Internet free.

Birthday Inspired ARFF

Today's ARFF is inspired by activities that remind me of a certain birthday girl.

Achievement - Hand washing all the dishes in the house
Respect - At home yoga session
Fun - Knitting for over an hour
Freedom - Sitting with students during snack and chatting about everything they could thing of

Happy Birthday, Mary!

-Jess

I found a letter

I am a hoarder. I have a difficult time getting rid of anything that has sentimental value, and almost everything I own has sentimental value. Either someone I love made it for me or gave it to me.

My parents were hoarders too so I still have the congratulatory cards my parents received when I was BORN! I have boxes of stuff I am trying to weed through, because who will ever want two generation old birthday cards?

One of the items I found while I was trying to purge, was a letter written in 1978 while I was student teaching. I asked my fifth grade students to write letters of recommendation I could add to my resume. Mary Seim wrote this:

Dear Sir:
I say that Mary McDonald would be a good teacher because she understands the kids whene they have problems. She encourages them to work more but she is gentle whene she is doing it. And thats why I think she would be a good teacher.
Sincerely,
Mary Seim

And then she drew my picture.
Thank you Mary Seim. You, and hundreds of other kids have helped me learn how to be a good teacher.