Welcome Aboard

Hello and WELCOME to my BLOG! My goal of blogging is to share classroom and team information, student success stories, comical moments, important school news, classroom and team announcements, helpful hints, useful links, and so much more. Join me as we continue our ongoing journey into the world of 21st Century Technology while we enhance communication between students, parents, and myself. Please check the blog regularly and leave me a comment or two. (Remember, this is a school blog, so please use correct grammar and mechanics.) It should be a fun, valuable, and rewarding experience. So, without further hesitation.....let the journey continue!!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Spring is Just Around the Corner......

Okay, I will admit that I haven't been the best about updating the blog....in fact, I didn't think too many people were reading it. Well, I was wrong. Many of my devoted students/followers have been politely "nagging" me to update. With that said, this post is dedicated to JACKIE RUSSELL and MEGHAN SIMON. Thanks ladies for the encouragement!

Last time I posted I wished everyone a Happy New Year. Now, here we are two months later, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring. Is it just me, or is time FLYING by? It seems like this winter is never going to end! But, with all those terrible cold, snowy, and icy days, we've been lucky in the "snow day" department this year! Four snow days? WOW! That last one on the Friday of President's Day week was quite the nice surprise! Now we just need to hope that the "powers that be" in Columbus will pass the legislation giving us back the two days they took away from us. Since I'm more than annoyed at the moment with the "powers that be" in Columbus, that's all I'll say about that!

I'm home right now doing some things around the house - laundry, cleaning, helping install the hood above my stove, ya know, fun stuff! I know there are SO many funny things I've jotted down during several of my classes for the Comedy Corner, but all those notes are at school. I do recall there were a bunch of funny things compliments of Luke Farchione. I think Shannon Bruce has also had his share of "moments" too. Really, haven't we all? This week, let's make a master list of all of the truly outrageous things that have happened over the past couple of months. Maybe if it's really good, Mr. Ealy will treat all of us to Popsicles, instead of just eating them in front of everyone!

In science we wrapped up anything and everything having to do with ecosystems and resources. All three chapters brought many new exciting topics to share and new information to learn. Also, you're among the first students to participate in the "Independent Projects" for science. It's kind of cool being the Guinea pig group, isn't it? Mr. Rashidi made a return appearance and presented even more interesting information. We've also taken advantage of presenting selected topics in reading and science in a cross-curricular manner. Whether it's cause and effect, main idea and details, or reading about the influences of Rachel Carson, integrating these subjects is teaching you life long skills.....were you even aware of this???? I'm sneaky, aren't I?

Time to brag.....most students in my homeroom have completed another personal narrative. I have to say, these stories are EXCELLENT! The difference between the writing at the beginning of the year to now is amazing...truly! I'm SO proud of you and the growth you've shown not only in writing, but across the board.

We have our field trip to the Natural History Museum next week. This is one of my favorites because we will be at the planetarium. It's no secret that Astronomy is by far my favorite topic/subject in science. Once we complete our current Sound and Light Unit, get ready for some serious star gazing and mind-blowing realities! But don't wait until then. Start reading about the moon and its phases, the seasons and why we have them, our solar system, and stars. There's SO much to learn that I could seriously teach this the whole year!

So Jackie and Meghan, maybe you should consider being scouts for the blog. As you notice things in class, both serious and funny, or have ideas for the blog, let me know. I want to thank you, and everyone else, that "reminded me" to update ASAP! You guys rock!

Oh, one more thing...since I didn't post anything in February, I missed saying Happy Birthday to Shannon Bruce on the 14th, Ethan Hsi on the 22nd, and Max Rekhson on the 25th, which was one of those snow days! Hope all your days were HAPPY!

More updates to come......let the spring break countdown begin!!!

Miss D'Amore ; )