April 2016 Currently

Oh dear...it has been a while since I've been on here...Thank goodness I got an e-mail reminding me about Farley's Currently this month at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

 

I am sure that everyone is feeling the same way...wanting some extra time for themselves, but needing as many days as possible in your classroom to get everything done!

 

Oh well...enjoy the next part of your school year! I'm sure it will go by just as fast as the past seven months...

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

A New Year...and January Currently!

Happy New Year, everyone! 2015 has been interesting, but I am definitely looking forward to 2016! Who doesn't love a fresh start, a new beginning, more work, no breaks for awhile, kids that haven't been in a routine for two weeks...well, you get the idea...

Anyway, it's that time again...to join up with Farley's Currently at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 



I don't think that I need to explain much of this...but that one little word, HOPE, has been my word for a long time...for surviving the things that we have gone through, and the hope of better things to come...for the loss of people missing from our lives, and the hope that they will find their way home...for the desire to spend as much time as possible with our wonderful family, and the hope that they continue to be healthy and happy as the new year begins!

I HOPE that 2016 brings you peace and joy, and a great second half of your school year!

Take care,

Tammy

December 2015 Currently

Yikes! Sorry that I am so slow this month...I forgot all about it being a new month, and that it would be time to do a new Currently...what was I thinking? I know...report card marks and comments had to be in by November 26th...then we spent the past week waiting to fix all the typos/spelling mistakes/etc. Plus, it is busy with Christmas concert practices and such. Being the music teacher (as well as being the classroom teacher), somehow this all comes onto me now, even though the music part is only a teeny, tiny part of my job.

So, finally, today, I am joining up with Farley's Currently at  Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

Anyway, it is time for me to go get some "Christmasy" kind of work done around home...life has kind of revolved around school lately, so I'd better think about some home stuff this weekend!

 

Take care!,

 

Tammy

November Currently - Where is the Time Going?

I can't believe that it is already November 1st! The first two months of school have flown by...with all of the fun, back-to-school activities, weeks of initial assessments, restitution training, Thanksgiving, Progress Conversations, Halloween activities...throw in a bit of teaching, some staff meetings...it's been crazy!

Today, I am once again joining up with Farley's Currently at  Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

Not much to explain here...

 

I hope that your school year has had a great start! Appreciate the little things, deal with the tough stuff, and love those around you! That's the joy of our job...every day is an adventure!

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

September Currently...and Ready to Go to Work!

Yes, it's that time of year...and as I said with my last Currently, I never really did get out of school mode. I was either at school...or sitting in the family room with piles of school papers surrounding me. But that's okay...I am feeling very positive about walking into my classroom for next week, ready to take on a new class!

So here I am, linking up to Farley's Currently over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

I think that most of these are pretty self-explanatory...

 



I am a reality show junkie...lol...but not everything...these were usually the shows I watched with my son (Big Brother, American Ninja Warrior, America's Got Talent...). He moved out this summer, into his own house that he has been building over the past two years (can you tell that I'm a proud mom for my 27 year old "kid"? ), so it's a little harder to watch them all on my own, but they are good for when I'm working on those piles of school papers...lol

Although I have been working hard, and am pretty much ready for the beginning of a school year, it is still nice knowing that I have some time yet.

Haircut is booked! My hairdresser sounded just as excited to hear from me when I called...lol

Who doesn't want baby time? My granddaughter is 17 months, and is just the sweetest, most adorable thing in my life! I love every moment I can get with her. And my nephew is an absolute cutie! He is 5 months old (although he arrived 3 months early, and gave us a few worries at first) and I adore him!

I know, I know...all the sleep studies tell me how important sleep is...but my brain has a really hard time shutting off when I lay down at night...I don't know if I just worry too much about forgetting something, or if I just have too many things on the go...but sometimes I have to get up and add to that huge "To Do List" before I try to go back and sleep.

I think my goals speak for themselves...and I'm sure I could easily add way more...lol...but that's okay...at least they give me a start for the new school year!

Well, that's it for me tonight. Hopefully I will be back here soon, to share some pictures of my classroom. Good luck to everyone as you start the new year as well!

Take care,

Tammy

August Currently...and Time to Think About Back to School!

Sorry...I'm laughing at this post's title...as hubby often says, it probably takes me until mid August to get out of school mode...just in time to get back into it and ready for September!

For anyone who read my July Currently and post, the end result is that I was not successful in getting the new principal position at my school. I didn't realize how much I wanted it until I didn't get it...but, after a good cry, a few days of feeling sorry for myself, and some time spent with my 16-month old granddaughter, I turned my head around and started looking at what I will be doing for the fall. I have spent the past month working on new curriculums (to me), getting lots of "Back to School" things made and organized, like new labels, schedules, etc., and just trying to figure out what the new school year is going to look like...

Anyway, once again I am linking up to Farley's Currently over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

 

Well, I don't think that there is much to explain here...the best part of my summer so far is any time I get to spend with my family...hubby, our son, our daughter and her family...so, hopefully I will get to do lots more of that before it is time to get back to work formally!

 

I hope that those of you still on summer break get the chance to enjoy your time to rejuvenate before the new school year begins...and for those of you already back to work, I hope that it has gone as smoothly as it can, and that you are enjoying a new year with your new class!

 

I look forward to sharing some pictures and thoughts for Back to School over the next month!

 

Take care,

Tammy

July Currently...and Happy Summer Break!

Wow! It's July 1st...already...where did the time go? I'm sure it was only a few days ago that I was doing the June Currently!

The last few weeks of school are usually pretty busy, chaotic, fun...and this year was no exception. However, throw in the retirement of our amazing Kindergarten teacher who had been teaching at our school for over 30 years (with a community bbq, our annual final day Celebration of Excellence, and our local teacher's union get-together), along with our guidance counsellor moving to a new school for next year, two EA's being laid off, and somehow, things were just that much more crazy! (Did I mention that I'm social fund person, so in charge of getting all gifts, etc.? lol)

The sad part is that, on my first day of summer break, I am feeling a little lost...not knowing what I should do to start planning for the new school year...oh well, give me a few days and maybe I will get into the summer groove!

Today I am linking up with Farley's Currently, over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

Well, I think that most of these are pretty self-explanatory. The only thing that I would have to clarify would be the "Needing" section. If you include all the things that I talked about at the beginning of this blog, as well as report cards, a field trip the second last day with kids, and our staff wind-up, it went way beyond busy. You would think that would be enough...but no...we also just got the word yesterday morning (our last day) that our principal has accepted a new position in our division for September. She has only been at our school for two years, and at the time, I had also applied for the position (I was just finishing the Administrative Internship in our division)...so I have mixed feelings over this. I then received an e-mail from our Superintendent, along with several other candidates to see if there was interest in taking on the position in September. Because it is so late in the year now, they are looking at it being an interim position (until the end of December) so that they can advertise it in the fall. I could still apply for the permanent position as well...it was just a lot to think about...In the end, and after about 10 seconds of pondering, I immediately said yes, I was interested...lol...I didn't even discuss it with hubby! Now I just have to wait for another week or two to see who else responded and what the next step will be.

 



The other issue was what should I do in my classroom then? As I was trying to clean up, I just couldn't focus...was I cleaning up so that I was ready to teach there in September, or was I organizing so that someone else could come into the space and teach for a term? Should I be taking things out and storing them at home? Or do I just leave it as is?

So...how do I shut off my brain for the next while until this is all finalized? Hubby always says I need a 12 step program to get out of "school-mode" in the summer anyway...I suppose this forces me to sit back and do nothing...although I was getting a little antsy last night, thinking about typing up my finalized (possible) timetable...and class lists...and...oh my!

Well, I hope that your summer break is off to a better start than mine...Take some time for yourself! Relax, read a book (not a school one...but something that interests you, is fun, makes you smile, etc.), go see a movie on a weeknight, sleep in, visit with friends...whatever it takes to let yourself be that person you are when you aren't a teacher!

Take care,
Tammy

June Currently...is it That Time Already?

It's June, and no...I'm not stressing out at all...just because there is just over three weeks of school left, with reports cards to write, one field trip to take, Tabloid Day to organize, the retirement/moving on of a few staff members, and two fun T.U.S.C. meetings to enjoy.

T.U.S.C. is one of my favourite parts of our school day...it stands for Totally Unbelievable Speaker's Club. Once a cycle, our class holds a formal meeting, where every student has a specific role during the meeting. These include a Chairperson, Secretary, World News, School News, Jokes and Riddles, and much more! The focus is not so much on the content of their presentations, although I love hearing about all the things that they want to share, but on the speaking, presenting and listening skills that I get to observe. I also love the fact that I get to sit back, take notes and enjoy, while the students run the meeting. I learn so much about my students during this time, as well as the many parents, grandparents, friends, etc. that come in as Invited Guests. We've even had a baby elk come for a visit!

Feel free to check out our class weebly to see our TUSC Handbook, to learn more about the many roles that the students complete. Click on the caption below the picture:

TUSC Program

 

By this time of the year, everyone has had the chance to try each role once. For the last two meetings, I give the students the opportunity to choose which jobs they would like to do...some jobs, like the Chairperson, can only be done by one person, but yes, other jobs might have several people, such as Demonstration.

 

Well, with the beginning of a new month, I also enjoy linking up with Farley's Currently, over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

Here we go!

 

I don't think there is much to explain here...

 

That's it for me...if you are like me, and down to the last few weeks of teaching, good luck and enjoy! If you are fortunate enough to already be finished your school year, it's ok...I'm not bitter...lol

 

Happy June!

 

Hugs,

Tammy



May Currently and Portfolio Night

Well, as most of you can probably relate...this school year is flying by way too fast! can't believe that it is already May, with only weeks to go before the school year is over. Although I have enjoyed this year, it has definitely had it's ups and downs. And of course, as we stress out over everything that still needs to be done, there is also the stress of all the planning that has already begun for next year...we've already had meetings over school plans (for next year, and possibly up to the next four years...)...and then there is the panic over what the timetabling will look like for next year (just wondering what I will be teaching - grades, subjects, etc.). That is the joy of teaching in a small school!

Portfolio Night!
One of my favourite days at school was this week...it was our Portfolio Night! I love it! Our entire school participates, Kindergarten to Grade 8. Every classroom/teacher has its own interpretation of what this looks like, but it is amazing to see all of the families that come in to share the day (in my room, some students brought in Mom, Dad, or both, siblings and even some grandparents...even with some families that are divorced, both parents came together to share).

My students had a "program" that they could follow to share with their families:
*First, they used the SmartBoard to "check in".
*Then, they could share our portfolios. They aren't anything fancy, but based on the 4 Pillars that we base our classroom on (Respect, Academic, Teamwork, Leadership). They have lots of pictures and write-ups from activities throughout the year, samples of school work, and reflections of what we have done.
*Students could teach a new Math game out of our Math With Someone binders.
*We had a few Science activities to demonstrate some of the concepts we have been working on in our Light unit (the bending pencil and the changing directions arrow).
*The French teacher had the students share their French work folder and their reflections sheet from this year.
*Computers had our classroom weebly up so that parents could see what we have been doing, if they haven't been able to check it out at home.
*Students shared our QR Code Book Reports that were on display in the hallway. We used our school iPads so that everyone could read the reports. They were very simple to do, but the kids were excited to share them!

A sample of what our QR Code Book Reports looked like

There was also a Scholastic Book Fair set up in the gym, a free yoga class in the Music room, and many displays set up all around the school.

The best part of the day was that the students were the ones running the show...I was just there to answer the odd question, make sure that the technology was working and take pictures of each group. But...I am glad it is done...lol...it is a lot of work to prepare for the evening, even though I was good and had been updating the portfolios all year long.

And Now...May Currently!

Once again, it is time to join up with Farley's Currently at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

Here is mine!

I don't think that I have to explain any of these, other than the last one...lol...our daughter lives about an hour away. She and her husband are having a house built on their existing acreage, so they can move their family (1 baby, 2 dogs and 2 cats) out of their mobile home. Our son is also building his own house across town from us (at least he will still be close by...lol). However, he and his dad (hubby) are building it themselves, so it has been a slower project, and takes much of our spare time.

Well, that's it for me! Have a great weekend and a wonderful May!

Take care,

Tammy

Happy New Year! and January 2015 Currently

Wow! It's a new year...and I'm not sure if I'm ready to say goodbye to the old one...

2014 was pretty special for our family...I'm not sure how 2015 will top it!

In March, we welcomed the arrival of our first grandchild, the most beautiful little girl, Zoe Elizabeth!

In July, our daughter got married to a wonderful guy. The wedding was so much fun, with family and friends, lots of love and laughter, and so much happiness! The pictures from that day, of my daughter, her new hubby and baby Zoe, just melt my heart!

In November, I finally had surgery to have my chemo port removed! After two years of surgeries and treatments, I am taking this to mean that this journey has ended, and it's time to begin a different one! Although it is not something that I would want for anyone else, I certainly have apreciated what it has brought to my life...the people that I have met (both fellow patients and medical staff), the knowledge I have gained, and the support and encouragement I have felt through all of this...it has definitely shown me how blessed I have been!

So...there really isn't more I could want in life!

Although it's a day late, I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

I don't think any of this needs to be explained...well,maybe except for my wish...my little brother (he was always pretty special to me...my mom and I were actually pregnant at the same time, so my brother is the same age as my daughter! The two of them grew up together...) went missing 5 ½ years ago. It has been hard on our family, especially at the holidays. However, it also makes us extremely grateful for all that we do have. We appreciate those that are around us, tell them that we love them a lot more, and treasure each smile, tear and hug. So...I keep on wishing...

Well, I hope that your 2014 was also amazing, and that 2015 will simply bring more "amazing-ness" for you and yours! Enjoy the next stretch of your school year!

Happy New Year!

Take care,
Tammy

June Currently

Hi, everyone. I can't believe that June is already here! So much has happened since I have last posted...and there is so much more on the go right now...not to mention that I have so much to do before the end of the month...YIKES!

I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade. I love reading about everyone else's experiences, especially this time of year...so here goes...

 

I am sure that most of these things are pretty self-explanatory...but...

 



One of the most amazing things that has happened these past few months was the arrival of our granddaughter at the end of March. Of course, she is the prettiest, smartest little girl ever (just like her mommy!). I was worried that we wouldn't get to see her much, as she lives 60 miles away from us...but I have been lucky to see her at least once a week since she was born. My secretary at school has been giving me a hard time about not using my personal days (I have only had time for my own medical appointments the past year and a half)...so, I decided to take tomorrow off and spend it with my daughter and granddaughter...Yay!!!

Somehow, it seems like we went from the winter that would never end...right to summer! It is warm and sunny now, perfect for getting my other "baby" out on the road! Last summer, I was in the middle of Chemo treatments, and spent most of my time recovering on the couch. I felt so guilty that I didn't have the strength to take her out, so I will definitely make it up to her this year! I still have treatments until August, but these aren't nearly as hard on me as last year's chemo, or the radiation in the fall. I'm not sure if they tire me out at this time, or if it is working full-time through it all that is doing it. Either way, life is good right now!

Here is my other "baby"!

 



I am looking forward to a busy, and joyful summer...but first, I need to get through June (report cards, field trips and Tabloid Day, oh my!). I hope that all of you already on holidays are able to rest and rejuvenate...As for those of you still working for a little while longer, like me, good luck and have fun!

Take care,

Tammy

February Currently

Happy February, everyone! Well, I survived January, but am hoping that February will be warmer (I`m sure many of you can relate to way too many days of indoor recesses).

I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 

 

I think everything is pretty self-explanatory..so I`ll move right on to my 2 truths and a fib...I DO love Winnie the Pooh, and all of the characters from the One Hundred Acre Woods. It's strange, as this wasn't a childhood crush...lol...it didn't even happen until long after my kids came along...there's just something about those cuddly creatures! I am definitely a book addict...one of my colleagues and myself apparently have a bet going on that whoever dies with the most books will win (and get the box that will be arriving in the mail right afterwards from Chapters or Amazon...lol). So...yep, you guessed it...I am definitely not a skier...I like watching it, but I would prefer to do so from inside the ski chalet while sipping hot chocolate! Did I mention that I don't like cold? lol

Happy New Year! (and January Currently)

Why is it that the older we get, the faster time flies? Not only have we sped through the holiday season, but a new year has begun! And don't forget, it's also a new month, so once again, I am joining up with Farley's Currently linky at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

I think that most of these things are pretty self-explanatory...but I do have to tell about my special memory this year! Two weeks before Christmas, hubby offered to take me into the city to do some of my running around (this should have been Clue #1, as hubby hates Christmas time running around with too many people everywhere...lol), and maybe dinner and a movie. As we were driving around, he casually said that maybe we wouldn't have enough time for a movie, so we could just do some shopping (Clue #2, hubby does not like to shop). He then proceeded to take me to a nearby shopping mall, directing me to a jewelry store to buy me a new wedding band! I should explain that my original wedding/engagement rings had to be cut off before I had my lumpectomy surgery in February...I had only been given 8 days notice of this surgery...not nearly enough time to lose 20 pounds and be able to get the rings off by myself...lol...Anyway, hubby took me to the same store he bought my original rings from almost 30 years ago (I didn't know this, as I wasn't there for the first purchase). He actually picked out what he thought I might like, and other than me choosing the white gold instead of gold, it was a shared decision! This was a pretty amazing, and touching way to end a long and difficult 2013! I'm a lucky girl!

I hope that your 2014 is off to a great start! I know that I will honour the challenges I have faced in 2013 by appreciating the adventures that this new year will bring! Hugs!

Take care,

Tammy

December Currently!

Wow...I can't believe that I let October and November fly by without doing at least my minimum Currently link!

Well, let's see...what is new? I finished my radiation treatments in October. I had 20 treatments, every weekday. I was lucky...the radiation department worked late, so I was able to do most of them after school. I would teach for the day, then leave just at home time (my wonderful co-teacher would dismiss the kids) and drive into the city for my treatment. Things went pretty smoothly, all things considered!

I also survived report card and Parent-Teacher time! This was our first time using the new provincial report card, so it was a learning experience, but I think that it went fine. Probably the most difficult thing was the amount of comment writing there was, especially for EVERY subject. I'm sure that it will get easier each time.

And now, it is Christmas Concert time...Did I mention that I work in a small school? And besides teaching Grade 3/4, I am also the Music teacher? And I'm slightly crazy? lol...Oh well, everyone helps out, and it is so much fun when it all starts to fit together. Our school does a concert that includes everyone, from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The Kindergartens do a really cute welcome, the Grades 5 to 8 Band will perform a few songs, and then K to Grade 8 perform a Christmas musical. This year we are doing a cute production called "Surfin' Santa"! The Grade 7 and 8 students are the actors, and the rest of the kids are the chorus, with each class having their own moment up on stage, with some choreography for one of the songs. The art teacher does a great job with his students designing the backdrop, and decorating the gym as well. So...I`m sure that things will be fine.

Anyway, once again I am linking up with Farley`s Currently linky at Oh`Boy 4th Grade:

 



I think most of these are pretty easy to follow...I am definitely looking forward to the Christmas break, to just relax and spend some time with my super, wonderful hubby (did I forget to mention that he has been busy drilling holes in 24 glass blocks for me so that my kiddies can paint some cool presents for their parents?) and the rest of my family!

Well, I will leave you with one quick activity that I have been working on to use with one of my Math classes in the next few weeks. I experimented with making up some QR codes, each one linking up with a simple Math problem. The kiddies are going to be in partners, and use one of the iPads to scan the pictures of the codes that I have printed out. They can then solve the problem, then go onto the next code. I have never tried this before, so hopefully it goes well.

(this is the QR code on the front page of their booklet)

 

Anyway, if I don't "see" you before the holidays begin, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate!

 

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

August Currently! Oh My Goodness...

Last month, I was trying to figure out where the school year went...Now I'm trying to figure out where the summer went. Am I the only one who is getting confused this summer? If not, I will just blame it on my chemo brain...so there!  lol

Once again I am joining Farley through her Currently linky over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 





Listening - Even though we have completely renovated our own home, we still spend a lot of time watching all the handyman shows...both of our kids are at that stage in their life where they are building/fixing up houses.

Loving - It seems like it has been a long road...although it really has only been 7 months so far...thankfully I have only have one more chemo treatment left! Of course, I still have radiation to start in the fall, as well as another drug treatment to do over the next year (still through my chemo port, ever 3 weeks)...and they say not as many side effects as the chemo. My big hope is that I will be able to continue to work throughout the next year.

Thinking - Well, despite spending most of July resting on the couch, it still flew by! The fun part was taking my '71 Beetle convertible down to Fargo, North Dakota for an awesome car show (and a bit of shopping...I had to make sure I picked up my 97 cent markers for my classroom...lol). It was our first, longer trip in the bug...so a great experience!

Wanting - Well, I think most teachers know this one...I just want more time to get into my classroom and get it looking "purdy" for the next year! Every year, hubby always says that I need a 12-step program to get out of school mode!

Needing - I think this is self-explanatory!  ;P

B2s - I'm sure that there are many more things that I could add to this list...but after spending some time in my classroom last month, I know that I am supposed to be downsizing, rather than adding more to the mess...lol

I hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer ( what little or lots you still have)...and have the time to rejuvenate yourself, so that you have the energy for a new school year!

Take care,

Tammy

July Currently! (Thank goodness for summer!)

I know that I am not the only one wondering where this past school year went...although I have to admit that after the year I had, I am not that upset that it is done. Don't get me wrong - I loved my class, and the colleagues I worked with. However, between my cancer diagnosis and the beginning of my treatment, the passing of my dad this spring, and the loss of several people at school (through retirements, transfers and cutbacks), it has been one of the most emotional years I have gone through in a long time!

It's a good thing that Farley gives me that push to at least blog once a month, through her Currently linky over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade.

 



I think most of these are pretty self-explanatory...but just in case you wanted to know about the car girl part of me, here's a picture of my "baby"!

 

Isn't she pretty?  :)  Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much time I will get to drive her around this summer with the top down...With my treatments, I am more susceptible to the sun. Oh well, maybe I will pull her out on cloudy days, and let the wind blow through my hair scarf  past my bald head...lol



As far as the rest of this summer is concerned, I still need to do some clean up in my classroom to find some space for another teacher to be able to co-teach in my room. I also have to figure out exactly what this co-teaching thing is going to look like. I will also be spending the next week at a conference, which will allow me to finish much of my Level 1: School Administrator's Certificate. Hopefully I can get most of these things done in the next 10 days or so, before the next chemo treatment (this will be a new chemo drug I'll be starting so I am hoping that I will make it through these final three treatments over the summer...). My goal will also include a huge stack of books to read through!

Anyway, I hope that your summer break is off to a great start, and that you are able to enjoy many of the things that there just doesn't seem to be time for during the rest of the school year!

Take care,

Tammy

June Currently...Wow!

Well, I'm not sure where May went...I guess that is a result of all of the health things I have been dealing with this year. As I mentioned in my April Currently, I was going to meet the oncologist to set up my radiation treatments, etc. I was partly right...I did meet her...lol...however, we didn't discus radiation (that will be later). Instead, she had a plan for me for another surgery, to implant a port in my chest so that I could begin chemo after that. Things seem to move very quickly in the cancer world, as I have since had the surgery, and already completed two rounds of chemo! I am happy to say that things haven't been too bad yet - I have been able to continue working so far...but I will be ready for the summer break to complete the treatments, and hopefully have some time to recuperate before the next school year begins!

Anyway, here is my June Currently...Thanks as always to Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade, for this great linky!

 

I am hoping that June will involve sun and blue sky, compared to May ending with clouds and rain. It is amazing how much that little yellow ball in the sky can change your mood so easily! I hope that your June is off to a great start, and if you are already on vacation, have a wonderful summer! For those of you like me, that still have a month of work to get through, I hope your June goes by smoothly, and your vacation is here before you know it!

 

 

Take care,



Tammy

April Currently...and life updates!

It's April...did anyone else notice that the year is flying by and I can barely keep up?  lol  All I know is that my kiddies just arrived in my classroom a few days ago, and then I turned around and there are only 59 days left of classes...Oh my! I enjoyed my Spring Break last week, but it went by way too fast as well!

 

 

Thank goodness for Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade, or I swear that I would never get my blog updated this year...here is my April Currently...

 

 



 



I think all of these are pretty self-explanatory...although maybe my advice doesn't really fit the category...However, this seems to be my mantra right now. Since my diagnosis of breast cancer on January 31st, I have undergone a lumpectomy, as well as a sentinel node biopsy (to remove some of the lymph nodes). This week I will be meeting my oncologist to figure out when my radiation treatments will begin, to see about some further tests to make sure my heart is healthy, and to see if I will need to add chemo to the plan. I have been fortunate that I have only had to miss seven days of work so far, between the two surgeries...but I'm not sure how the treatment will affect my work situation. Who knows? Maybe it will make me stay home and rest (or give me some extra time to actually work on my blog...lol).

 

Anyway, April is going to be a busy month at school.  We have so many activities planned throughout the month...Portfolio Night, Earth Day, "Wear Pink" Day, Neon/60's Day, "We Are Silent" Day...just to name a few...and somehow, I still need to teach Math, ELA, Art, Music, etc.

 

Well, I hope your April is off to a great start!

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

March Curently..."I Love to Read" Month...and updates

Wow! It just seems a few days ago and I was doing the February Currently...and now it is March! So, once again I am linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

 

 

The house is definitely quiet and peaceful tonight...hubby had a busy week, between work, looking after me, and running school things around for me. My son just returned from a work trip, and I forgot how much I mis the little things like the sound of him working on his computer in the family room!

 

I am so glad that it is Friday! It was my first full week back since my lumpectomy three weeks ago (last week was only 3 days, with a holiday and a storm day thrown in), so I was definitely tired by the time I got home today. Throw in a quick birthday party for Dr. Seuss (he was the theme of our "I Love to Read" month, so why wouldn't I decide to bake cupcakes for the whole school?), our last skating day for this year, spelling tests...well,  you get the idea...TGIF!

 

The next few all fit together...I know I have to get my report cards done before Tuesday, but I would much prefer spending this weekend curled up on the couch with some hot chocolate, my cat cuddled beside me, and a good book to fill my time. Unfortunately, the reality will be many hours curled up with my laptop, typing out reports. However, I know that I need some serious rest...I am not feeling too bad since the surgery...but (shh...don't telly hubby...), I have definitely been overdoing things, trying to get everything done at work, and my body is telling me that I need to slow down. Maybe, when report cards are done...

 

Like? Technology is certainly an important part of my job, with working with my students, mentoring my fellow teachers, and just playing around with it at home. Love? I love traveling, especially now that the kids are grown up, and we can afford to do a little more of this...I'm just not sure when or where we will head to next. I'm not sure when my radiation treatments will begin, so Spring Break will probably be out for this year. Oh well, that just gives us more time to plan the next trip! Hate? Well, I can't seem to avoid trouble...whether it is with a student, a parent, or even the occasional colleague...but I try. I am learning to let go of the little things, and not worry about the things that I can't control...

 

As I mentioned above, our "I Love to Read" month was based on Dr. Seuss. Who doesn't love a good Seuss book? We ran a different activity each week, based on one of the books:

Week 1 - "The Cat in the Hat" - We dressed in stripes (or red and white).

Week 2 - "I Am Not Going to Get Up Today!" - Pajama Day (My kiddies were concerned for me that I was not going to get pajama day at school seeing as I was going to be off work, but I promised that I would be wearing my pajamas at home that day!)

Week 3 - "Wacky Wednesday" - Wacky Hair Day

Week 4 - "If I Ran the Circus" - We dressed up as someone or something from the circus.

"Happy Birthday to You" - To end our theme off, we had a Dr. Seuss birthday party, complete with cupcakes set up to resemble that famous red and white hat! Our kids are so easy to please...we sang 'Happy Birthday' and got cake..."It's the best day ever" a few had to say!  lol

 

Well, those report cards aren't going to get done by themselves...so off I go. Happy March, everyone! Good luck to all those who are getting ready to work on your reports as well!

 

Take care,

 

Tammy

January Currently...and So Long to 2012!

Well, it's a new year, a new month, and time to link up once again with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for the January Currently. It is hard to believe that the new year has already arrived! This school year has been flying by so quickly that I just hope that I can cover everything that I need to get done...lol



 

I don't know if it's just because I live in constant noise and chaos at school...lol...but the T.V. or radio always seems to be on, just to have the noise in the house.

I love when the Christmas break starts with Christmas right at the beginning, so that we have a week after New Year's before it's time to head back to work.

I have been spending lots of time over the holidays reading blogs, checking out Pinterest, and re-reading some of my own files to plan what I want to do with my kiddies for January.

My goal every year is to get the Christmas decorations down and packed away before I head back to school. I have a few days yet...but it would be awesome if the housecleaning fairy came along and decided to treat me and do it for me...sigh

The last day of school in December is always crazy. Our Christmas concert was the night before, so we had all the clean up to do with all the concert stuff. Plus, we always do a school assembly in the morning to end the year with a Christmas carol sing along, and our principal's reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Then, we have one of the most amazing traditions ever! Our PAC (Parent Advisory Council) organizes a complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings for our entire school (all the teachers, students, support staff, bus drivers, volunteers and upper admin.) at the hall down the road! It is such a wonderful way to end the year - and our parents have been doing this for the entire 14 years I have worked at this school (and many more before that). Then, it's time to head back to the school to relax with a movie and activities. We also end the day with our staff Christmas party, once the school day is finished.
*Now, this is a great day...lol...but by the time it ends, I can't even remember what my desk looks like, did I take down the Christmas bulletin boards, and how much junk is hanging out of my staff mailbox. So, I need to get my butt in gear, get to school for a day (or two), and put 2012 away so that I can start 2013 with a clean slate!

My one little word this year is family...I thought this was important because I want to make more time with my own family (even though my own kids are all grown up and doing their own things). Then, I want to remember my other "family" - the people I work with, and the kiddies I have in my classroom. Also, this year, we have created multi-age "families" with all of our students, Kindergarten to Grade 8, and have been planning activities that these groups can do together to build the sense of family within our school.  So far, we have built scarecrows, designed posters to 'Stomp Out Bullying' (with feet painting to walk across our creations), and led the singing of our favourite Christmas songs.

 





Before I sign off of here, I thought I would share a few of our Christmas art projects that we ended December with. These are my samples...the kiddies' versions were even cuter! I'm not sure where the ideas all came from...although, most likely, I saw them on a Pinterest post ages ago.

Thumbprint Reindeer              Fancy Paperclip Angel

 

Anyway, I hope that the new year is off to a great start for you! I wish you all the best for 2013!

 

Take care!

 

Tammy