One Week Down.....

.....And only 35 more to go! So how was everyone's first week back? For me, it's a flurry of mixed feelings. I'm always excited to start a new school year, set up the room, meet my new students, and so on, but at the same time, it's hard to say goodbye to summer. Believe me, I understand that. It was rather easy to get up a few hours later and do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. It was also very easy to stay up late, hang out by the pool, go to baseball games, and so on..... But like I mentioned in another post, I started having "school dreams" probably around the middle to end of July. But I digress, I don't care how old I am or how many years I will teach, getting up so early (around 5:00 AM) will NEVER be easy for me or something I "get used to." But once I'm at school, something just kind of takes over....I'm in "go mode." Anything's possible. I changed the room several times before I was satisfied with how it looked. The changes are good and makes the room look more open and accessible. The old desktop computers are gone and have been replaced by five new Mac laptops. I think it looks great!

I had a few visitors at the ice cream social. I looked up and there was MEGAN DICKINSON! She also brought me a cool new space book - what a nice surprise that was! Thank you, Megan. And Megan, I found your class's Important Book, complete with the cover you made. All I have to do is put that spiral binding thing on it and it will be ready to join the other Important books. NICK BEGAN and PABLO GARCIA also stopped by. Nick searched for his former desk. He was able to identify it because of the "big scratch" he left on it! JOCELYN TROSTLER also made an appearance, looking cute as always! This past Friday, some students from a couple of years ago stopped by - so thank you to Taryn, Stella, Leah S., and Samantha for visiting me - that means a lot. I think I remembered everyone, but if I didn't, please let me know.

The Second Annual Orange 5K will be Sunday, September 18. I'm really on the fence about running this race. Last year at this time, I knew I would run it because I ran a lot over the summer. This summer, I cut way back on the running because my both shins and my right hamstring were always hurting. If memory serves, this is a very challenging course; it's hilly, partially on the grass, and oh yeah, did I mention hilly? So I have about 3 weeks to get ready for it. Wonder if MITCH or JOAN will run it again this year???? How about any new students? Any of you runners?

Well, speaking of running, I'm going to go do just that. Have a great first full week of school! Stay out of trouble, too!

Miss D'Amore : )

WELCOME BACK!

If you're like me, you're probably wondering where summer went and how it rolled by so quickly. Happens every year, doesn't it? Yet winter seems to go on forever! But even though summer is drawing to an end, we are so lucky to have the time off to rest, go places, hang out with friends and family, and have fun! It is time, however, to gear up for a new school year.

I'm sure that my fifth-graders marching into sixth are a little nervous.....that's totally understandable, and pretty much how it should be. It's a nervous excitement, right? I know you will miss Moreland, but once you settle into life at middle school, you will love it! Somehow when you get there, everything will fall into place.....things click. So face this new part of your life with confidence because you're ready to be there. And when you see me outside on my recess duty days, please come over and say hello, or at least wave to me, okay???

I'm very excited to meet my new class. Right now I have 20 kids on my roster, but that number could always change, and usually does! The room is pretty much set up with a few things left for me to still do. The "Advice Poster" is hanging up and ready for viewing. I didn't change too much in the room, but I think it looks pretty good. Rumor is we're getting new computers in each classroom. Hopefully this is more than a rumor! Like I've told you many times, please remember to pop over every once in awhile and visit.

Well, that's about it for now. I hope each of you has a wonderful and productive year. Remember, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, so study hard, learn a lot, make new friends, and have fun! See you soon!

Miss D'Amore : )

Hey Astronomy Fans.....

Copy and paste this link into your browser. This is some interesting stuff and helps explain why I'm ALWAYS hot! I think we should have an emergency science class to discuss this article!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/scientists-trace-heat-wave-to-massive-star-at-cent,21088/#enlarge

Let me know if you're able to do this.

On another astronomy note, here's another link about what's happening this weekend...the Perseid Meteor Showers! Check out this link:

http://www.space.com/12593-perseid-meteor-shower-full-moon-observing-tips.html

Well, me and the man (Bill Nye) have the telescope all set up and ready to go. Happy Viewing! Longer post next time!

Miss D. : )