On Your Mark...Get Set......

GO!!!!!!!!!!!!Time to BRAG! Three cheers for Joan Moore & Mitch Wilburn for running in the district's first annual 5K this past Sunday! They did GREAT and had impressive times.....yes, they crossed the finish line WAY before me. Some would say they "beat me," but I don't race to win....I am more of a "slow-and-steady" kind of gal. Actually, the course was pretty difficult. There were lots of hills and inclines; part of the race was even on the grass. Both of these things were obstacles for me, but they didn't seem to phase Mitch or Joan. They even won medals! WAHOO! I want to know when they are going to help me improve my running! It was very cool seeing their parents there, too. Way to show your support! Anyone know how much money was raised?

Well, short and sweet tonight - time to turn in!

Miss D'Amore : )

The Biggest Loser - Give it a Chance!

Now that fall is officially here, so is the new TV season. Now, do not misunderstand me. I am not encouraging an increase of television viewing, But I am asking you to consider following the journeys of the men and women this season on The Biggest Loser. (Tuesdays on NBC at 8:00 PM) Not only is a show about being healthy/getting healthy, the life lessons delivered each week are very powerful. I often use the show as teaching tool, particularly in reading and finding themes. The show is very effective in modeling that hard work does pay off. Setting goals, not giving up, motivation, inspiration, being dedicated, decisions, choices, managing stress and disappointment, and yes, rewards, are among the lessons we can learn from this show. Every year I have a handful of students that begin watching. Other students hear our conversations in the morning and sense our excitement as we discuss the events that aired that week. As the season progresses, more and more students are watching. The season finale never disappoints, either, as monumental transformations are revealed. It's truly amazing watching and seeing what even the most lost souls can accomplish when they put their minds to it! Not only do they undergo physical transformations, but emotional ones as well. In truly touching witnessing these men and women gain confidence in themselves - something they didn't have before. Yes, it is a two hour show and ends at 10:00 PM. This is late for a school night, but it can be taped/recorded, or caught on cable. I'm not sure what channel carries the second showing, but i know it does air later in the week. The show was very inspiring for me, too. Weight was never an issue for me, but as I found myself getting older, it became an issue, and a sensitive one at that! Sitting and watching the show (probably while eating ice cream or something) was not working for me! My own journey is not over; maintaining my weight loss is difficult and sometimes a real pain in the neck! But I try to keep in mind the alternative. It's this type of lesson and inspiration that our kids would benefit from. School is not always easy; projects and homework can sometimes be a nuisance, but by discovering that school and learning is a life-long process that requires hard work and dedication, well, success is just around the corner!

Happy Viewing!

Miss D'Amore : )

Falls Almost Here.....

That's hard to believe, isn't it? The leaves are starting to change, the air is crisp, and it's getting darker outside entirely too early! It's a great time of the year, though!

Thank you, parents, for attending Open House last week. I enjoyed meeting so many of you! And a big thank you to my students for their hard work getting ready for their parents' visit! I think the evening was a big success! Parents ~ thank you in advance for signing up to help with class parties and chaperon on class field trips. We couldn't do it without you!

So I asked this question already, and NO ONE has answered me: WHO IS PLANNING ON RUNNING (OR WALKING) IN THE ORANGE 5K ON OCTOBER 26? C'MON PEOPLE, GET ON BOARD AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! If I can do it, YOU can do it, too! So who's with me? Anyone????????


Have a great week!

Miss D'Amore : )

I hope everyone enjoyed the day off. Happy Rosh Hashanah to the Jewish members of our family! And Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother!

UPDATE: Open House will now start in homeroom classrooms. Originally we planned on having the entire fifth-grade team meet parents as a group in the gym, then proceed to the classrooms. And since we LOVE to change our minds frequently, we are no longer meeting in the gym. Parents should go directly to their child's homeroom for an informal get together. You will get to meet with Mr. Kenney, too. I'm excited for our parents to see some of the work students have been busy with the past two weeks. It's been great getting to know the kids, too. We have a great team and I know it's going to be a successful year!

Who's going to run in the upcoming Orange Lions 5K with me? I've already signed up and would truly love some company! I don't run fast, but I give it all I have. So come on parents, students, fellow teachers, administrators, and friends, let's show our support and RUN TOGETHER! If running is not your thing, walk.....just be there!

That's about it for now. Until next time.........Have a great weekend!

Miss D'Amore : )