November 7, 2019 Dear Families, I received permission from both my son and my daughter to share these life events with you. Before you read further, please be advised, this Wire contains hard information. I shared previously that I will not shy away from hard topics. I remain firm in that commitment. I do not … Continue reading Devastating Disappointment and Unthinkable Grief

October 3, 2019 Dear Families, As an English teacher, I find words fascinating. They paint landscapes. Open doors. Close minds. Speak truth. Spread kindness and break hearts. Sometimes words speak volumes. Other times, words clutter the air like Charlie Brown's teacher. Words possess unspeakable power. All words. Growing up, I looked forward to Saturday morning … Continue reading Power Words

October 3, 2019 Education is a difficult path. So many times the challenges out number the wins. And wins often take years to see. Last night was a HUGE win! I had the honor of catching up with a student from my first class 27 years ago. He survived my first year learning curve. The … Continue reading The Blinking Red Light

September 19, 2019 Dear Families, As I contemplated this weeks message, my mind jumped from topic to topic with no real focus. I contemplated numerous topics of importance. I created a list of potential ideas. The ideas ranged from restorative practice in discipline, to the challenges of change, from the importance embracing growth to the … Continue reading 10 Lessons I’ve Learned in Education

September 5, 2019 Dear Families, My reflections of late led to a place that suggests I need to reshare my daughter's academic journey with you. I, of course, obtained her permission. I share it not for sympathy. I share it not for any kind of recognition. It is, for me, a journey of heartache and tears and … Continue reading Thornbushes, Thistles, and Weeds

August 22, 2019 Dear Families, Those of you that attended Elementary Back to School Night heard me introduce the Great Toothpaste Debacle. Truth be told, I learned of this experiment 6 years ago at a professional development conference. I posted it on Facebook after the conference and shared with my teacher friends in California. We … Continue reading The Great Toothpaste Debacle

August 15, 2019 Dear Families, Once an English teacher, always an English teacher. I determined early on in my education that I loved English. More accurately, I love literature. Imagery within literary works such as Les Miserables serve to teach lessons of truth and beauty. F. Scott Fitzgerald challenges his reader to to consider the … Continue reading Growth of the Lobster

August 8, 2019 The building bustles with excitement at the prospect of a new year. Classrooms contain shiny new supplies ready to support the learning of students. Students enthusiastically embrace the adventure of a new grade level. Teachers invite eager learners to engage in activities that build community. In middle school, lockers open with ease. … Continue reading And So the Year Begins…

This is a repost from last year. As I read it, I realized that it still applies today. If you have already read it, I apologize. If you missed it last year, perhaps you will find it inspiring this year. May 16,2019 Dear Families, This morning, I departed DIA at 8:55 AM. My destination-Arizona. My … Continue reading The View from 32,000 Feet

May 9, 2019 💙💛♥️My blog post tonight remains unwritten. I spent the last hour sitting in silence. Amidst the heartache and grief, I have much to say. But I can’t find words that will be seasoned with salt. I can’t find words that will bring grace to those who hear them. So I remain silent … Continue reading Silence