Halloween Week!

We began Halloween week with trunk or treat at our church. Colby was so excited to have his friend Jaden come over. She borrowed his shirt, hat, and boots from 3 years ago! They had blast playing before Awana began.
Emma invited her friend MaKinley. She has tumbling on Wednesdays so MaKinley just me us there. Our theme was Hoe Down and we served 102 children I believe. I had 23 cubbies (3/4 year olds)! We trunk or treated the cars, decorated pumpkins, had dirt cups with worms, and a lesson. What fun!
Thursday night Colby got his medal for playing soccer. His dad was his coach.
One last huddle!

Friday ended with class parties. As always bonus Grandma Penny came. Colby dressed as Darth Vader for school, but will be a scarecrow for Halloween.

Here is his friend Jaden again. Her mother will be so proud:)
Grandma Cindy was there too. Emma is a tiger/cat this year. She changes her mind daily and is quite in love with her mask and tail, so I'm happy to let her be.
Mandie and I always do Bat Centers during this week. With the help of Mrs. Garrett, we have 3 different centers. Mine is the bat cave. It's a ton of garbage bags all taped together to make a huge cave. There is a tube with a fan to blow it up.
The kids love it! I read nonfiction bat stories and one fantasy story just for fun. Then we go on a "spooky" bear hunt.

Fall Fun

We had a blustery blast on our fall field trip this year. It was very windy and slightly chilly but we were reluctant to postpone. Have you ever sat at school all day with 20 6 year olds that were expecting a field trip? Me either, but it's not on my list of things to try. My mom came with to be Emma's right hand man. It was mom's birthday and she was so great to go with and freeze for her granddaughter. Thanks Mom!
We had a great time jumping in the straw pile. This is one of my favorite field trips because of the good old fashion fun that takes place!
Apple bobbing.

Playing telephone....
Carving a pumpkin.

We also went through a corn maze, played a corn game, made a scarecrow, and played pin the tail on the donkey.

I am extremely appreciative to all the room parents who jumped in to help and donated supplies.

Thanks everyone!

Awkward

Let me set the scene.
Long day of 7 year olds.
Finally got them on the bus.
Waiting in line for the bathroom.
Making idle chit chat.
Really gotta pee.
The bathroom frees up and you start to head that direction.
The person you was talking with continues to talk...kind of following you.
You are stuck...to finish the conversation (which is pointless anyway) or go to the bathroom.
So you finally step into the restroom and shut the door in the other person's face.
Hit the lock.
They continue to talk.
So now you are talking and taking care of business...through a door.
Awkward?
Yes.
Have we all been there?
Anyone who teaches at Schuyler has!
Can you tell I've been at Kindergarten screening all night...fought with the computer all night...and I'm ready for bed?
Yep, me too!

More information

O.K. back to our new technology! This is a LCD projector. It hooks to our computer and projects my monitor screen onto the big whiteboard. I've had this projector for a few years and use it a lot. Anything from a United streaming clip, pictures, or typing something on word.

Now we have a CPS Chalkboard. It is about the size of an etch-a-sketch and I can control my computer from anywhere in the room. It also has software that allows me to write, draw, erase, etc. It is a lot like kid pix. There are also lots of teaching tools like a blank clock face, 100 chart, etc. Also, there are protractors, rulers, compasses, etc. I love this thing and have used it everyday since we got them!

One more step in the technology are "clickers." I don't have them, but it is very neat. Every student has one and if you put up a problem, they can enter their answer and you automatically know who was right and who was wrong. Also, the software will create graphs and reports to show possible growth or patterns in mistakes. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity!
We also got the Common Sense Math DVD's and access to the website. Go check out the demo and see for yourself. It is a fun way to do fact practice everyday! Every classroom will also have a password so that parents can practice the workouts at home and also see how things are being taught at school. We as the teachers also have a place to update what our classrooms are doing each day/week.

This was probably boring for some, but I thought it would be nice to let you know something positive happening at Schuyler R-1 Schools!

Gotta Tell Ya

I had a very eventful day! I taught this morning, got a much needed break, and then had a 5 hour training. I'm very excited about the new technology our school is getting and will have to give you more information when I can remember the name of it! Thanks to Cindy and Mom for taking my children!
After that, I went to Sonlight. The first one back after Christmas. We had a record 19 Lollipops and that is with two full timers gone! It was awesome. We ate Jonah and the Whale!!
I am really sick of looking at a computer, so I'm not commenting on any blogs and I'm getting off right now.
Have a great night!

Another one gone

I've lost another student.
No warning.
No Kiss Goodbye Book.
No kiss goodbye.
No desk cleaning.
Here last Tuesday....Gone this Tuesday!
Grrrrrrrr

What a mess!

So, this is how it goes....
We're playing Bunco last night and a couple of girls get the call that Scotland has canceled school. Us Schuyler girls wait for our call that never comes. I go home, after a very fun time I might add...and there it is scrolling across the screen...Schuyler R-1 canceled! I talk to many people, and decide to be the information seeker and call our principal. Needless to say, he's confused...he has just come from the board meeting and we ARE having school. I inform him that KTVO says different. He then calls our superintendent and KTVO changes their message.
Fast forward to this morning:
6:17 both cell phones start ringing. A message from the super...there IS school today 1/16.
O.K. I was prepared for that.
6:45 cell phone rings again. Another message, there IS school today, 1/16.
O.K. I got it.
I get to school, I guess KTVO had it going across the screen again this morning that Schuyler was canceled.
I was also told last night that our make up day would be Monday...grrrrr! That stinks when you're banking on a day off.
Get a call at 9:15...it was our principal....there is NO school on Monday 1/19.
Get another call at 10:00...there is still an early out today, dismissing at 1:00....
All I can say is it's a good thing we got this automated system or we would all be a mess. I have 7 kids gone today! Some sick, some thought we were not having school. It's hard to teach when you're going to have to redo it again next week. Right now we are painting snowy pictures...a little down time.
So, here's to a messed up Friday, a three day weekend, and above 0 temps.!

Record

I don't remember this ever happening! EVER....we use to get out for heat in the fall at the High School b/c we did not have air. But no for cold temps. Just thought it would be neat to record for years down the road!
From KTVO:
School Notices
updated on 1/14/09 at 9:31pm
Oskaloosa Community Schools will have a 2 hour delay on 1-15.
Also, a.m. preschool is canceled for 1-15.
Van Buren Community Schools 2 hour delay on 1-15.
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont schools 2 hour delay on 1-15.
Moravia Community Schools - 2 Hour Delay on 1-15
Pekin Community Schools - 2 Hour Delay
Putnam Co. R-1 - Canceled
Scotland Co R-1 - Canceled
Clark C0 R-1 - Canceled
Seymour Community Schools - 2 hour delay
Luray Head Start - Canceled
Luray Schools - Canceled
Memphis Head Start - Canceled
Lewis Co. R-1 - Canceled
Gorin R-3 - Canceled
Canton R-5 - Canceled
Schuyler Co R-1 - Canceled
Sigourney - Keota Schools - Canceled
Ft. Madison Public Schools - Canceled
Edina Head Start - Canceled
P.S. I always spell cancelled with two l's. Who knew? Not me! Spell check says we're both right.

Hmmmmm.....

woFirst, I STILL have no Internet. It is ticking me off! I get home Monday afternoon, check, nope...call Mark Twain.
"Ma'am, the tech is still in the area...hopefully, he can fix it tonight. If not, it will be tomorrow. What time will you be home?"
I tell her that I am usually home around 3:30 and then call my mom and tell her to call as soon as she gets home too, so they can get theirs fixed.
No tech shows up, so Tues. afternoon...I rush home after an impromptu staff mtg. It's 3:45. No Internet, No tech. I call...this time I'm not as nice.
"Ma'am, it looks like the tech has already left the area. It says he could stop by your house at 3:30. Were you there?"
I tell her that I was there at 3:45. Could she check and see if he stopped by? Nope, he didn't. He left the area without fixing my Internet. Then I find out he fixed my parents the night before at 5:30 when I called first! I was hot to trot.
Needless to say, the tech has my number and Bree's. If he is in the "area" during the day he's suppose to call Bree to get into my house (she's adding that to her friend job description:). If he comes after 4:30, we will be there....he better hope he calls before I get home. I'm not feeling so kind! Oh, and Vance's phone call got us a credit on our bill for 5 days without service!
Then today starts. 4 sick kids! That leaves me with a class size of 13, but the 4 gone...are my neediest and need to be here EVERYDAY...although that makes today really easy! One little girl has a tummy ache. Send her to the nurse, no temp., she comes back. I sit and hold her for 45 mins., while helping kids with phonics. I put her on my chair, go to teach, she pukes....ALL OVER! 1. I'm glad I'm not holding her anymore. 2. I'm sorry I ate school breakfast as did she. 3. I will start taking tummy aches more seriously!
Now, I'm enduring another day of indoor recess. Bleck!
The bright side? Sonlight tonight, Bunco tomorrow, nothing FRIDAY!
YAY!
Happy Hump Day!

Food for thought!

Tonight, we had a guy come by to "talk shop." He just finished linemen school and is anxious to GET OUT THERE! He's making plans, dreaming dreams and it's so fun to watch. After he left...I asked Vance if he reminded him of anybody? No, Vance said. I told him he reminded me of him(Vance). Vance was all ready to get out there, work hard, enjoy himself...just like this "kid." He had big plans of owning land, horses, a new house, etc. and has accomplished alot of those goals in 10 short years. So, as I scurried about cleaning up a sugar cookie making explosion, made supper, daily house maintenance, listened to reading for homework, washed a little girl's hair...I just smiled. I was that person. The dreamer...and my dreams are now reality. I refuse to be the person that says..."Oh, no you don't want to build a house, it's a lot of work." or "Wait to have kids, enjoy yourself." and Vance didn't poop on his parade either. He patiently listened to him recount his sparse experience with electricity. Never making him feel inexperienced, unknowledgeable, etc. The poor guy is excited and rearing to go...who are we to stop him or much less...rain on his parade! I always hated it when people said that to me. Like when we were getting married and they would say... *insert cranky, old lady voice* "Just wait honey, after you've been married for 20 years it's not so much fun anymore." or when I was anxiously overdue to deliver..."Keep them inside for as long as possible, they're much easier to take care of!" Well, they may be right...but I want to figure that out for myself!

So, thank you God for that reality check. I am proud of what Vance and I have together accomplished and it's refreshing to see someone so like us. Young, in love, monstrous goals, outlandish dreams, and a GREAT, BIG SMILE and I'm glad we can be the support he needs instead of the nagging, unhappy wet hen!

All Aboard!

The 1st grade boarded the Polar Express this morning and road it to the North Pole! They were all picked up in the p.j.s, robes, and slippers. Some even remembered to bring along their stuffed animals.

All 60 kids....we set the chairs up like a train with aisles. Hot chocolate and popcorn was served. It was pretty fun!

I love my job!

I love my job, really I do. I know it's crazy...who LOVES going to work? I do. I HATE getting up for work, but usually once I'm here, it's lots of fun.
We are doing a weekly reader this morning. On the back is a word bank of 8 words and we are supposed to pick out 6 that are about Christmas. The words are:
foods
baby
cards
trees
lights
treats
gifts
chair
So, I think the two that are not about Christmas are baby and chair. Not in my class. My kiddos wrote baby down. I asked them why. They all told me b/c Jesus was a baby...stupid! No, they didn't use stupid, but their tone of voice referred to it! I am so glad that even in a "public" school setting, we still have discussion about religious views. No, I don't "push" my views, but I don't dismiss the views of my children. They create conversations all on their own and most of them know that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
I can't wait to see what they have to say about Easter!

p.s Natalee update: she's doing well. She got to be all dressed up in her first dress to take her picture for the Ottumwa hospital website. Don't know when she'll be on there. It sounds like she was up a lot last night, so mom and dad are working on keeping her awake more today. I hope she doesn't get her days and nights mixed up. I can't wait to see her tonight and introduce Colby and Emma to her. They both toted pictures to school today, to show off their new cousin. Colby told me that he's glad she is a girl, so his "bestest boy" status remains untouched. I told him Grandma can have to "bestest boys" and he said, yeah, but she's better off with two "bestest girls!"
More pictures this evening!

Thankful...

If I don't have anything to be thankful for this year...boy do I need to reexamine my life!
I am thankful for....
Great Family and Friends
Sweet and Spicy Children!
Vancey poo
Having a job I love...most days!
A new house, designed my husband and I.
Beautiful weather on November 26th!
Parents that have been married for 30 YEARS!
A sweet co-worker that watched my class so I could go watch my son be a pilgrim!
And so much more....
What are you thankful for?

Nate of American

My class is doing a Thanksgiving play. They keep saying Nate-of-Americans...instead of native American. it's pretty cute!

Lighthearted

A little more lighthearted now....sorry for all the tears, it was something I want to remember down the road.
Today, in groups, we were righting words with s clusters. slip, snot, scat, etc. I told the group to write spit. This little girl goes, "GROSS, have you ever had spit in your mouth?" We all kind of gave her a dumb look, like yeah, all the time. She said, "My sister spit in my mouth and it tasted like LEFTOVERS!" Yum....hope you enjoy lunch!

Tears....

I am a positive person. I know if you just read my last post, you might not believe that, but really I AM! Therefore, I am not going to dwell on the fact that Obama is now our next president. I am going to embrace it, pray, and hope....
I wanted to type this long and inspirational post about how God is in control, but then I read that exact post and thought....why hurt my brain? Someone much more eloquent than me has it covered. Sooo...go to Mud and Coffee...and enjoy. (o.k. I can't get it to link, but she is in my blog roll). It brought tears to my eyes.
Maybe I'm just emotional?
Who knows, but it's worth reading.
P.S. Be careful what you tell or let your children overhear. We have some very nervous 1st graders and many other age groups at school. They are worried about their guns at hunting season, dead babies, and boys kissing....obviously their parents are against Obama, and that is their right. Just censor your conversations, so your children don't worry about things much bigger than them. Also, some parents don't share this with their children, and then then our children are hearing it second hand. That is frustrating. Off to varnish....

False Alarm

My little student is not moving until Christmas break. Apparently, his father thought that a new house and new school would be too much of a change and so they are going to do it in steps. So, I get another two months with him.
Strangely, my order for the book got cancelled b/c it was out of stock. So, I did not have to pay overnight charges and I'll have time to find it at a store.
Thanks for thinking about me last night!

How Do You Know....

I don't agree with all of these, but a few of them ring true and a lot of them are funny!
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TEACHER?
by Jeff Foxworthy
1. You can hear 25 voices behind you and know exactly which one belongs to the child out of line.
2. You get a secret thrill out of laminating something.
3. You walk into a store and hear the words "It's Ms/Mr. _________" and know you have been spotted.
4. You can eat a multi-course meal in under twenty-five minutes.
5. You've trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times of the day: lunch and prep period.
6. You start saving other people's trash, because mos t likely, you can use that toilet paper tube or plastic butter tub for something in the classroom.
7. You believe the teachers' lounge should be equipped with a margarita machine.
8. You want to slap the next person who says "Must be nice to work 7 to 3 and have summers off."
9. You believe choco late is a food group.
10. You can tell if it's a full moon without ever looking outside.
11. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says "Boy, the kids sure are mellow today."
12. You believe in aerial spraying of Ritalin.
13. You think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.
14. You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer and finally,
15. You understand instantaneously why a child behaves a certain way after meeting his or her parents.
Amen to the last one!!
How do you know you are a dedicated teacher?
You go on a mad ordering frenzy to get a loved student THAT one book they must have before they move....
What has a teacher done for you?

Crazy

I ordered the book off of Amazon and paid overnight shipping fees. Crazy? That's for me to decide. I like to call it....DEDICATED!

Emotional Wreck

O.K. Guys...another one of my students are leaving. He is my loud little firecracker. You all know who I am talking about. He talkes all the time and about when you are ready to strangle him, he gives you a grin, smile, or laugh that just melts your heart. I am heartbroken. Why do I let myself get so attached? I've taught him for two years and love him like my own. His mom lost custody of him and he's going to live with his dad. His dad is a really nice guy, it's just not his mom. If anyone is at Hastings or wouldn't mind stopping I would be eternally grateful. There is a book called A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn. I always give it to a student that is moving away, but used up my last copy this week. I don't think I can order it b/c his last day is Friday. I NEED that book to give to my little munchkin. Please let me know and I will give you money, mileage, etc.
I'm sorry if this post doesn't make any sense...
I think I need prayers more than him:)

UPDATE: Hastings does not have that book...not sure what my plan is now.