You know you make an impact when...

one of your former students from your first year of teaching (4 years ago) - who changed schools three years ago, runs across the basketball court to come give you a hug. Especially when the basketball court you're on is NOT at the same school. Awwwwww. He melted my heart and gave me an instant reminder of exactly why I teach.

I coach the girls jr. high basketball team and we had an "away" game at another school last night. My former student saw me and ran across the court to give me a hug. I love this little guy so much and have missed him since he moved after first grade. It's wonderful to know that he still thinks of me and misses me too. For those of you who know this story, he is the little guy whose father was injured, left behind by his group, then eaten by coyotes while crossing the border into the US two years ago. He is amazingly resilient, sweet, loving and kind. He is the kind of kid that makes me feel "lucky" to be a teacher.

The Impact of Involved Parents...A or F, you decide...

I recently saw this article online and posted it to FB - I would like to have an honest and real discussion about parental involvement. Take a look and let me know what you think. Be honest and ready to have a good discussion.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/01/26/florida.grading.parents/index.html

Facebook and blogging...

So - with Facebook suddenly being the rage now, I've found myself not blogging at all, rather using FB as a blog. That needs to stop - people that are my friends on Facebook are now going to have to come HERE to find the cute and interesting stories about my firsties. :) Additionally, this gives me more freedom and space to write what I'm really thinking about and not be held back by length limits. As with this new post, you'll also see a new design and layout. I like this layout better, because it fits with my "window on the world" philosophy.

I want to use this blog as a discussion board of sorts - soliciting and gaining feedback from you, my intelligent friends, on educational and school issues that may or may not effect you personally. I hope to spur thoughtful and interesting discussions AND share with you the funny or serious stories of my class. I am inspired not only by their grace and humility, but by the insights of others.

I hope you come back to read my blog often and comment on things that inspire you.