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

May 2, 2019 Dear Families, A few weekends ago, I found myself alone in the house for the first time in years, literally. Saturday morning, I decided that I would rewatch Collateral Beauty starring Will Smith. I don't know about you, but I have a few movies that I rewatch every so often because they … Continue reading Collateral Beauty

April 17, 2019 Dear Families, On December 31, 2018, I boldly and confidently claimed unshakable as my word for 2019. As an English major and teacher, I could have and should have seen the foreshadowing. Last night, as I communicated via text with a treasured friend, I responded in part of the exchange with, "I … Continue reading Unshakable Hope

April 11, 2019 Dear Families, This week, I struggled to find my my voice. Motivation to do much of anything evaded me. April presents personal challenges for me. Saturday marks 46 years since my father died. Tomorrow, Hunter and his buddies remember the birthday of their precious friend. They should be graduating together. Instead they … Continue reading Ashes, Beauty, and the In-between

April 6, 2019 Dear Families, Given that today, thousands of optimistic fans will flood the gates at Coors Field to cheer on the Colorado Rockies, I thought a baseball post would hit a home run. I, however, cannot take credit for its wisdom and insight. This week's wire comes from another voice. It is one … Continue reading Stop Lowering the Bar to Reach It

March 7, 2019 Dear Families, Given the increased media coverage of the Momo Challenge, I decided to stray from my series this week. Unfortunately, the Momo Challenge is not new to scene in the disturbing trend of self-harm games. It has been of concern for mental health professionals and educators for some time. For awhile, … Continue reading Too Big for Your Suitcase

February 21, 2019 Dear Families, I write from a cruising altitude of over 30,000 feet. If you read an earlier post about my passion for flying, you likely find yourself saying, “Oh dear.” Yeah, me too.  Statistics suggest that flying remains the safest mode of transportation.  I find statistics challenging. I find them challenging not … Continue reading The Standard Deviation

February 7, 2019 Dear Families, I mentioned last week in my blog post that I would begin a 5 part series. I shared that this week my entry would be titled "Charlie Brown's Teacher." While I continue to share my 5 part series, my approach changes drastically. Miraculously, I find strength despite my heartache, or … Continue reading Sunshine and Sunflowers