February 6, 2020 Life creates thousands of opportunities to pause and say, "Huh. Really?" In the flickering moments after the "Huh, Really", we find an opportunity to respond or react. Sunday marked the year anniversary of my sweet sister's passing. 02/02/2020. A Palindrome. The same backward and forward. Super Bowl Sunday. The 49ers faced the … Continue reading Palindrome

January 29, 2020 Dear Families, I intend to start a series of posts addressing grades. The good. The bad. The ugly. I hope to challenge thinking, address fears, and persuade our community to consider a new way of approaching grades. I acknowledge immediately that the title of my post creates angst for many in our … Continue reading A Few B's

January 9, 2020 Dear Families, “Do I have to keep these?” “I’m sorry, Hunter, these is an indefinite pronoun. To what are you referring?” “Can you please not give me a grammar lesson every five minutes? These, the trophies I got when I was little? They don’t mean anything.” Five years ago, I redid Hunter’s … Continue reading How Often Do You Praise Your Students?

December 12, 2019 Dear Families, As I write my blog today, I reflect on the events of the first half of the year. This week, 7th grade leadership coordinated the 2nd annual P.O.P Week, the focus positivity. I embrace the growth our middle school students demonstrate through their hands on experiences. I look forward to … Continue reading The Polar Express

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