And just like that we are back at school! I've been teaching since 1999 on and off and the first day of school is by far my favorite. It is so exciting to see all the kids again and the kindergarten parents cry! It happens every fall and it is amazing and beautiful. I often cry too, by the way, because for every family the first day of kindergarten is a huge milestone.
Welcome back! I'm glad you are here.
I want to first thank you for the emails and comments about my last post! I appreciate your creativity and thoughtfulness. I'm compiling all these ideas and working with the amazing Amy Janas and the PTSA to make it all a reality. It may not look beautiful yet but my corner is always open for you to stop by.
What's more important is the beauty that is on the inside of the Learning Lab. I'm so pleased to be working with our wonderful tier 2 support teachers again (stay tuned for the blog post regarding tier 2). These two ladies are amazing with kids! They are a wealth of knowledge on so many levels and make me smile daily. If you haven't yet made their acquaintance allow me to virtually introduce you. Lara Francisco is our math specialist. She has a background in intervention and is the master of teaching quick techniques in math- seriously! Laura Cooper, is our reading specialist and may be the most passionate advocate for student with dyslexia that I have ever met. Plus, I can refer to both of them as "La(u)ra squared".Bonus!
We are so fortunate to have our beloved Ms. Lorentz back this year. As the year got on to such a crazy start Ms. Lorentz was my stability. I knew that I could send her into a classroom to support our kids and she would know them all by name (she will have the kinders memorized by next Tuesday, I bet) and be there for anything they needed.
Speaking of fortunate... We have a new instructional assistant this year. Please make the acquaintance of Ms. Tobi (Nussbaum). Tobi comes to us with enthusiasm and experience with all ages of kiddos. She is familiar with different learning styles and instructional strategies. I know she has already connected with some of our kids even after two days! Please say hi if you see her. She is the teacher with the longest hair!
Alas, I had to say goodbye to my amazing co-teacher Kari Minas last year. I cannot tell you how much I miss her as we kick off the 2014-2015 school year. It was hard to say goodbye as we worked so well with each other. I had hoped to have her replacement by the start of school but forces went in other directions and we continue to look for that perfect teacher. I'm confident that we will find someone and if you are interested in helping in this search please let me know.
Amazingly though, when life gives you lemons the universe gives you Kristin Teske! Until we find my perfect counterpart I have Ms. Teske! Kristin has graciously stepped in to work with me. I cannot thank her enough or possibly convey to you how fantastically wonderful she is with kids and staff. QAE is a better place with Kristin! Watch out, we may never let Sam Teske graduate from 5th grade!
Welcome back! I'm glad you are here.
I want to first thank you for the emails and comments about my last post! I appreciate your creativity and thoughtfulness. I'm compiling all these ideas and working with the amazing Amy Janas and the PTSA to make it all a reality. It may not look beautiful yet but my corner is always open for you to stop by.
What's more important is the beauty that is on the inside of the Learning Lab. I'm so pleased to be working with our wonderful tier 2 support teachers again (stay tuned for the blog post regarding tier 2). These two ladies are amazing with kids! They are a wealth of knowledge on so many levels and make me smile daily. If you haven't yet made their acquaintance allow me to virtually introduce you. Lara Francisco is our math specialist. She has a background in intervention and is the master of teaching quick techniques in math- seriously! Laura Cooper, is our reading specialist and may be the most passionate advocate for student with dyslexia that I have ever met. Plus, I can refer to both of them as "La(u)ra squared".Bonus!
We are so fortunate to have our beloved Ms. Lorentz back this year. As the year got on to such a crazy start Ms. Lorentz was my stability. I knew that I could send her into a classroom to support our kids and she would know them all by name (she will have the kinders memorized by next Tuesday, I bet) and be there for anything they needed.
Speaking of fortunate... We have a new instructional assistant this year. Please make the acquaintance of Ms. Tobi (Nussbaum). Tobi comes to us with enthusiasm and experience with all ages of kiddos. She is familiar with different learning styles and instructional strategies. I know she has already connected with some of our kids even after two days! Please say hi if you see her. She is the teacher with the longest hair!
Alas, I had to say goodbye to my amazing co-teacher Kari Minas last year. I cannot tell you how much I miss her as we kick off the 2014-2015 school year. It was hard to say goodbye as we worked so well with each other. I had hoped to have her replacement by the start of school but forces went in other directions and we continue to look for that perfect teacher. I'm confident that we will find someone and if you are interested in helping in this search please let me know.
Amazingly though, when life gives you lemons the universe gives you Kristin Teske! Until we find my perfect counterpart I have Ms. Teske! Kristin has graciously stepped in to work with me. I cannot thank her enough or possibly convey to you how fantastically wonderful she is with kids and staff. QAE is a better place with Kristin! Watch out, we may never let Sam Teske graduate from 5th grade!