Creating A Network of Support: Have You Heard About Ben Franklin Circles?

What good can I do today?  That is the question Ben Franklin asked himself daily.  Franklin gathered a group of likeminded people committed to mutual improvement.  The group met weekly to discuss ways in which they could support one another by answering guiding questions and discussing thirteen virtues Franklin believed were important.  Many civic innovation projects began as a result of the Ben Franklin Circle including the lending library, the volunteer fire department and the post office.  This video explains the concept of building capacity within a peer group to encourage and empower.  As educators, we organically develop support systems.  Participating in Ben Franklin Circles will help educators focus in on initiatives that will impact more students, teachers and the community.

 

Enjoy!



So what? Now what?

Linda Cliatt-Wayman's speech is both passionate and inspirational.  Her "So what? Now what?" slogan is going to me my mantra for the 2015/2016 school year.  No excuses!

Our Work Lives On

We must choose our words and deeds carefully because what we do has a lasting impact. 

Happy Friday!

Light It Up Blue

April is National Autism Awareness Month.  Light it up Blue is Autism Speaks annual World Autism Awareness Day Campaign. Every April, thousands of landmarks, businesses, communities, schools, and homes unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families across the globe that are affected by autism.  Let's bring awareness to the cause by spreading the word.

Breathe in the Ocean

 "We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise we harden."

  --Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

  



  

Spring break is off to a wonderful start.  I spent the morning at the beach relaxing. 

Food for Thought

Sir Ken Robinson's Changing Education Paradigms is a thought provoking piece that should be seen by educators and parents.   The map of prescriptions for ADHD is particularly fascinating. 



Enjoy!



Inspiring Words

I'm in the mood for a little inspiration.  I enjoy "collecting" quotes, proverbs, idioms and humorous sayings.  What is your favorite quote?

Healthy Heart Fundraiser

Friday, February 6th was National Wear Red Day.  We had a fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association.  Staff and students donated to the cause and we had a raffle and a staff breakfast to thank the volunteers.  Our Healthy Heart Wall just kept growing and growing. This was a very successful event and I'm looking forward to an even greater success next year. 

Happiness Jar Anyone?

What a great idea!  In this video Oprah and Elizabeth Gilbert discuss keeping a thirty day happiness journal.  I'm going to create a  happiness jar.  Let's practice a little gratitude - it can't hurt.

January Currently

Super excited to hook up with Farley over at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the first CURRENTLY of 2015.  Here goes...

LISTENING:  I absolutely LOVE this song.  It's perfect if you're reflecting on the past and thinking about the future. 
I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

LOVING:  I'm trying these 48 hour experiments from E-Squared by Pam Grout.  They really do work.  It's about positive thinking.  So many wonderful things have been happening since I started about a year ago.

 

THINKING:  I will definitely take down the Christmas tree today. Had the kids and husband bring all the storage containers upstairs. Can't turn back now - UGH!

 

WANTING:  I've been trolling furniture sites looking for a desk for weeks.  I think this one might look great in my bedroom. What do you think?





 

NEEDING:  I looked for my cell phone off and on for a few hours yesterday.  I finally FOUND IT in the middle of the night under a black scarf.  Sneaky little thing...

 

YES:  I haven't been this excited about a NEW YEAR in a long time.  Saying YES to endless possibilities.

 

MAYBE:  I am going to start meditating.  It's time to tune out some of the technology because it can become an addiction.  I'm doing my research now, gathering my resources, and planning out my space.

 

I WISH:  I plan the staff parties at school and I'm constantly told I should open a business.  I think I might actually like to do this.  I'm planning for a hot chocolate bar this coming Tuesday.  Pictures will follow.

 

HAPPY 2015!!!

Hello 2015!

May All Your Dreams Come True

The Generosity of Others

It's EXCITING to see so many families get involved with our annual Glove and Mitten Drive.  Many of our families face financial challenges. That's why I just couldn't wait for the drive to end to post the pictures.  The tree is filling up quickly and we still have seven more school days to collect.

This is the notice that was sent home.



Something to Think About

Beautiful Sentiment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

On Friday we had our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast for staff members.  All proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.  Students made $1.00 donations and their names were added to our Tree of Hope.  A huge THANK YOU goes out to all who helped to plan the event.

 

 

 

Think pink!

Food for Thought

 

Getting Mentally Prepared

I've been gathering and pinning quotes and sayings that keep me motivated.  Check out my Quotes board on Pinterest for a little inspiration.

 



So true...

Be Yourself

I little inspiration from Dr. Seuss...