Autism Walk

We were very fortunate to have a rain-free Autsim Walk on Sunday. What a crowd, too! The McLean County Autsim Society was able to raise almost $30,000, which surpassed their goal by almost $10K.

I owe a great deal to my friends who came out and walked with Max and me. Jessie and her family, Karen (the amazing photog) and Maddie... all there in support of the cause. Michelle... there for her child in union with those of us dealing with the special needs of children with communication disorders. Good times.

A big thanks also to those who sponsored team Rent A Tech. You added to that amazing total and helped to make some lives around here a bit easier.

Stranger than fiction

OK, those who know me well know that I am not an avid reader of fiction. I am a non-fiction-aholic. In an effort to expand my horizons, and make sure I regularly see my buds, I have decided to join a book club. Our choices involve books that seem fun, lighthearted... I guess we have made a few weird choices so far, but I have liked them.

We are now reading Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes. I absolutely love her writing. Lots of sarcasm. You can "hear" the characters (several of whom are Irish) and you can "see" the plot. Alas, as funny as it is, there is a VERY serious part to the plot. One that makes one cry... a lot. That's all I am going to say.

So... I am reading fiction. I hope my non-fiction books don't get jealous.

We Remember

We remember...
...the firefighters
...the police officers
...the veterans
...the civilians
...the innocent victims
...the sadness
...the horror
...the strength
...the American spirit to overcome
...September 11, 2001

Time flies

My students and I were looking at the September calendar and writing down important events for September. There was a red, white, and blue ribbon on September 11, and they were asking me why. It hit me like a brick wall. They were two and three years old when 9/11 occurred. What a responsibility I have!

I had one book on my shelves. Unfortunately, it was a Life magazine book. The pictures were incredible and horrifying. Way too much for fourth grade digestion. So, I am on a quest to find or create a way to commemorate 9/11 at this grade level. I truly think, like the attack on Pearl Harbor, it should never be forgotten. However, they do not need to see pictures of people jumping out of the Twin Towers. I know when I looked at those photos, it brought a lot of the emotion of that day back. Each year on or around 9/11, I take time to speak with my classes. I share what I was doing the day it occurred and how scared everyone was. They need to know. They need to remember. They need not be frightened, just vigilant.

But that's an interesting shift in our society as well. When I was 9, I knew what had happened at Pearl Harbor and why December 7 was significant. I did not know all the details, but I was not completely ignorant of it. I see our generation as one that is neglecting oral tradition, letting the mass media "create" history, and raising large amounts of children who are destined to "repeat history." So, off I go to Google!

Sixth Grade Begins... for another Plato

I have been taking "first day of school" pics of Ignatius since Kindergarten. This year... I actually forgot! So these are his second day of school pics. He said it's OK, as he is in "junior high" now, so we can just take them on the second day of school. Such an easy-going lad at times, isn't he?

So, here he is, my growing-like-a-weed eleven year old, on his second day of sixth grade (technically, August 22, 2008).

No, JoLynn, they are NOT sixth graders!

What a great morning! Teaching fourth graders is definitely a different experience. I have 28 students in my class. I got a glimpse of all their little personalities today.

I planned way too much, so tomorrow we are SLOWING down. The multiple steps that sixth graders tried to accomplish takes twice as long with fourth graders. A lesson well-learned.

We started the day with an optional faculty prayer time, which was a terrific way to start. Then, we went outside to the children. My partner, Randy, and I definitely win the prize for the longest lines on the playground. We are hoping that they won't accept any more 4th graders, but we shall see.

Ignatius had his first full day of sixth grade. I neglected to get my traditional first day of school photo, so we will have to snap one tomorrow. He loves sixth grade. He is in a class with lots of great, affirming kids. Can't ask for anything more.

Keeping us on our toes

More change. I think God is afraid I will get bored.

I was informed yesterday that I will be moving to a fourth grade position, as enrollment has shifted in the district. I am very happy to be staying at the elementary where I was going to be a Title 1 interventionist. I wasn't really aware that shifts like that happened and there could be upheaval so close to the beginning of the school year.

I feel bad for the person who is leaving the school. He will be teaching first grade elsewhere. I know he is probably feeling unsettled right now, too.

I really am quite calm amidst the chaos. I am grateful for a chance to spread my wings in a lower grade. Fourth grade is absolutely a perfect age of child. My departed friend, Marita, was a fourth grade teacher for a long time, so I have someone to watch over me in my transition.

So... onward to fourth grade! A fun year it shall be. I think I will learn as much as the kids!