sutton007

We all know the first day of school is special no matter what! But this first day was extra special - for the teacher! Each year before our students return to school, the teachers and staff from our district gather one morning for a "Welcome Back" meeting .  Here, we learn about new initiatives, professional development opportunities as well as what transpired during the summer in the area of research & development. Besides catching up with fellow educators we haven't seen for a while, my favorite parts of the meeting include recognizing the New staff (who are asked to stand and be welcomed) and celebrating those educators who have been servicing students for 25 years. This year was a little more exciting than others as this year is MY twenty-fifth year of teaching (as well as about 6 other colleagues!) During the summer I received a letter from the Superintendent of Schools asking if I preferred to be recognized privately or at the meeting.  Anyone who knows me, ...

Last year around this time I was nominated in one of the Edublog Award categories. Although I was a bit disappointed that I was not nominated this year, I was surprised and honored to find that two separate educators selected my blog for the Liebster Award!  The Liebster Award is given by other bloggers to a blogger who has less than 200 followers.   In this way, their blogs will be shared.  Thank you to Stacy at What's New in Room 202 and to Dana at Live Learn Teach for Life ! The rules for the Liebster are as follows: 1. You must post 11 random things about yourself. 2. You must answer the questions that the nominator set for you.  3. You must create 11 new questions for the people you nominate. 4. You must choose 11 other blogs with fewer than 200 followers to nominate and link them in your post.  5. No tag backs to the blog that nominated you, but do leave a comment on their post with the URL of your Liebster post. Random Things About Me: Have ...

The other day I received a surprise Blog Award from Michelle White of Mrs. White's 5th Grade Class. While I'm not sure I'm deserving of any awards, it was sure nice to receive some positive feedback. So, many thanks Michelle! It came at a most appreciated time! The awards comes with some rules and responsibilities which includes the following: Follow the person who gave you the award. Link back to the person who gave you the award. Pass the award on to 15 bloggers. The Versatile Blogger Award Rules: Thank the blogger who nominated you. Include a link to their site. Include the award image in your post. Give 7 random facts about yourself. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award. When nominating, include a link to their site. First, I did follow Michelle's blog as she shares all kinds of wonderful lessons and ideas. If you haven't already, please stop by and leave her a comment. Click on the Lady Bugs below. It's tim...

The 2011 Edublog Awards are now in progress!   What a surprise to find out I had been nominated for "Best Ed Tech/Resource Sharing Blog" by Denise Krebs.  Please read her nomination blog HERE!   While I have no expectations of winning, I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be nominated alongside so many wonderful educators.   To be listed among the ranks of educators like Richard Byrne ( Free Technology for Teachers ), Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano ( Langwitches) , Lisa Nielsen ( The Innovative Educator ), and so many others whose blogs and resources I often use in my own posts takes my breath away. Why it was only just one year ago that I really began my blogging journey.  The post at that time was reflecting upon an experience my students had in the classroom.  In that post I shared one or two links for my readers.  From that time forward I have tried to include a host of resources that enhance the topic of my posts.  Should you feel compelled to V...