A Teacher's Trek - A Mother's Meandering: Jodi's 365 Day Journey

Project 365: Day #2.95 - Thursday, December 1st, 2011

2011-12-01T18:14:00.002-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.94 - Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

2011-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.93 - Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

2011-12-01T18:13:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.92 - Monday, November 28th, 2011

2011-12-01T18:12:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.91 - Sunday, November 27th, 2011

2011-11-27T20:07:00.001-08:00

A Sunday Stroll Down Memory Lane

I sat at my kitchen table for a total of 10 hours today finding artifacts to add to my Admin and Supervision Internship portfolio. I not only found artifacts, I found this relic! Check it out ...

That stroll down memory lane took me back 2 years when Cody had to do a 2nd grade project on trees for Ms. Davis. Is it just me or has it been a HOT minute since Cody and I got to do something fun and exciting with technology and learning? Why does test prep have to suck the life out of learning? The MSA's hit in third grade and well, we didn't do ANYTHING fun in third grade!! So far in fourth we've done 2 artistic book projects. Fun, but not as exciting as this ... hope you got as big a kick out of it as I did ... God I love my kid.

Project 365: Day #2.90 - Saturday, November 26th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:57:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.89 - Friday, November 25th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:56:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.88 - Thursday, November 24th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:55:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.87 - Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

2011-11-26T22:55:00.001-08:00

AVID 11 and AVID 12 - Food RAG 2011

Project 365: Day #2.86 - Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

2011-11-26T22:54:00.002-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.85 - Monday, November 21st, 2011

2011-11-26T22:54:00.000-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.84 - Sunday, November 20th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:53:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.83 - Saturday, November 19th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:53:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.82 - Friday, November 18th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:52:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.81 - Thursday, November 17th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:52:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.80 - Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:51:00.002-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.79 - Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

AVID House Meetings - Prometheus and Hyperion

Project 365: Day #2.78 - Monday, November 14th, 2011

2011-11-26T22:50:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.77 - Sunday, November 13th, 2011

2011-11-13T10:26:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Denise (and Maddie)!

I don't feel old enough to have an older sister that is 48. I mean if she is close to 50 then I am right behind her. Ugh. She has always lead me in the right direction but this time I wish she was leading me somewhere other than Oldsville. ... It seems like yesterday that we were all together waiting impatiently for a baby to be born. We didn't know if it was going to be a boy or a girl but Denise knew she didn't want that child born on her birthday ... and she got her wish with a daughter born the day before she was. Happy Birthday to the Grosser Girls from the other Grosser Girl.

Project 365: Day #2.76 - Saturday, November 12th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

‎15 AVID Scholars at the Black College Expo = 30 college acceptances,

48 application fees waived, $5,000 in on the spot scholarships and 3 full-rides!!!

"You can do a lot in a day" ...

Prosper anxiously awaits to get in to find out where he will "get in".

Caleb, Yemi, Kalyn and Jamilla - at the Black College Expo 2011

Prosper waiting as the Admission's officer reads over his application.

Saria, AVID Scholar Graduate 2011 and new U of M College Park student, ran across campus to say hello to us!

Me and Mr. Carney - awaiting the good news ...

Mr. Carney doesn't "Fear the Turtle" - he thinks he just might have chosen College Park had he visited the campus.

Kurt and Noah were simultaneously at the historic Penn State game....

Project 365: Day #2.75 - Friday, November 11th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:44:00.003-08:00

Baltimore County Public Schools & AVID on Prezi

This is how I spent my Friday (and much of my Sunday, truth be told). I'm proud of myself that I was able to do this 100% solo. I didn't even have to ask my tech savior Carney for any assistance. I want to thank Katie Dauka for inspiring me. She made a prezi for her grad class and my thought was, "if Katie can do it alone - so can I". So I took the soporific power point early 90's style and transformed it into a 21st century presentation. This is the presentation that will engage our audience as Dr. Douglas, Al Holley and I try to share what we do here in Baltimore County to increase student achievement for minority students. Whatcha think? :)

Project 365: Day #2.74 - Thursday, November 10th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:44:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.73 - Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:43:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.72 - Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:43:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.71 - Monday, November 7th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:42:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.70 - Sunday, November 6th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:41:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.69 - Saturday, November 5th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:41:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.68 - Friday, November 4th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:40:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.67 - Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

2011-11-12T12:40:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.66 - Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

2011-11-12T12:39:00.002-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.65 - Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

2011-11-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.64 - Monday, October 31st, 2011

2011-11-12T12:38:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.63 - Sunday, October 30th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:38:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.62 - Saturday, October 29th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:37:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.61 - Friday, October 28th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:37:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.60 - Thursday, October 27th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.59 - Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:35:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.58 - Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:34:00.003-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.57 - Monday, October 24th, 2011

2011-11-12T12:34:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.56 - Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

2011-11-12T12:33:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.55 - Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

2011-11-10T19:10:00.001-08:00

Project 365: Day #2.54 - Friday, October 21st, 2011

2011-11-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.53 - Thursday, October 20th, 2011

2011-11-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.52 - Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

2011-10-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.51 - Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

2011-10-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

TGIT - Thank God it's Tuesday...

When you mess up you need to make up ...

You can have anything you are willing to struggle for ...

Project 365: Day #2.50 - Monday, October 17th, 2011

2011-10-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Avid representing

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.49 - Sunday, October 16th, 2011

2011-10-16T20:13:00.002-07:00

Project 365: Day #2.48 - Saturday, October 15th, 2011

2011-10-16T20:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Sweetest Day to my Sweetheart

Project 365: Day #2.47 - Friday, October 14th, 2011

2011-10-14T20:58:00.002-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.46 - Thursday, October 13th, 2011

2011-10-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.45 - Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

2011-10-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.44 - Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

2011-10-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mr. O'Connor!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Today I celebrate the lives of two of my favorite libras! Hannah is 13 today and well Mr. O'Connor is way older than that. Both of these special people bring simple joy to my life. I always love Mr. O'Connor's drive-by's and I consider Hannah family.

Project 365: Day #2.43 - Monday, October 10th, 2011

2011-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.42 - Sunday, October 9th, 2011

2011-10-09T20:53:00.001-07:00

Sunflower Fields forever ...

Project 365: Day #2.41 - Saturday, October 8th, 2011

2011-10-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Reptile Show at the Timonium Fairgrounds. Can we talk about the chimerical subgroup of humans that think reptiles are cool? It was a strange afternoon...

But I was reminded first hand of a powerful SAT word today: PHOBIA. And if you are in the know a phobia just isn't a fear - it is an irrational fear. And that is exactly what I felt when I saw the display of live spiders ... or should I say TARANTULAS. I couldn't get close. My heart started racing. I got goosebumps up my arms. All because I was looking at the hairy spider in the enclosed container. I had no problem touching a snake. No problem with the freezer full of dead rats and mice. But the spiders? Wow. That was an innate and irrational reaction that I don't know how to explain. What makes one fearful of something? My sister has a phobia of heights. She didn't know it until she was at the top of a building on a field trip with my nephew. Her body just simply reacted without warning. Have you ever had a physiological reaction to a phobia? Comment with a story about your phobia :)

Project 365: Day #2.49 - Friday, October 7th, 2011

2011-10-07T12:25:00.001-07:00

The PSAT's are coming!

Time for our school and our students to at least look ready! :)

Project 365: Day #2.39 - Thursday, October 6th, 2011

2011-10-07T07:44:00.001-07:00

Mr. Jeff O'Connor:

House of Prometheus.

Gotta love a man who wears a purple Prometheus shirt! He has set the bar high my other Heads of Houses ... wear is your House gear????

Project 365: Day #2.38 - Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

2011-10-05T18:32:00.001-07:00

Meet the Churchills.

First, we have Jacquynn. Second, we have Caleb. And they are living examples of how very different siblings can be. They are also examples of why diversity makes life more interesting. Today my morning was so much fun because of this Churchill combo. They didn't plan it - it was simply a morning that I felt compelled to celebrate these amazing scholars who touched my heart at different times and in different ways. First I just love Jacquynn's energy. I was so proud to see her flaunt her college dreams. Her shirt reads: Howard: This is where I belong. She has a dream and she isn't going to let anything get in her way. She told me that she shadowed students at Howard on Thursday while we were out of school for Rosh Hashanah. Now that is what I call "acting now!" She is a woman on a mission and I can't wait to see what she claims for her future. It's hard not to smile when Jacquynn is around.

Then we have Caleb. My lovable, benevolent Caleb. He stuck a poem under my door so that the first thing I encountered this morning was a random act of kindness. This is what I love about this kid - his heart. It is fragile yet fiercely strong. Here is what this leader of Hyperion wrote for me:

Happy Birthday, Dona

Dear Dona, Your birhtday I forgot

But I still love, love you a lot.

So I'm writing you a poem to express my Hyperion spirit

I'm not nervous, I know you'll love it.

I can't believe it's been 4 years since I've met you

I used to hate you, yes it's true.

I thought having you as a teacher would be to my bane

whenever you got mad, you looked insane.

My hatred ended in a class after your brief hiatus

You proved that day that day that day that you could never hate us.

You made us write if we were AVID scholars

And upon those words, no hoots nor hollers.

The note I wrote was one of discouragement

But your response to me was one of encouragement

You gave me a video about the secret of life

Your love cut through me like butter and a hot knife.

You made me cry once during junior year

I emailed that I qui AVID, only out of fear.

"You make my heart hurt" was your reply

Into my sleep, I began to cry

You made my best friend cry, which made me mad

Seeing her cry was depressing and sad

She hugged me later, so warm and snug

That I had to come back and give you a hug.

I think my deepest fear isn't drugs like meth

But that you might cause my death

I dreamed once I was shot by a Silhouette figure

And when I looked, you were behind the trigger

You were always quick to forgive, no matter what the mess

And always made me feel better, I must confess

I remember crashing you computer right before a big test

You held me in your arms, I felt blessed.

I surprised you one time with a maze of riddles

I didn't let out a peep, not even a little

I helped you find the clues as if confused

But all the while, I was amused.

I remember one time, outside of class

When I wrote you were a pain in the ***

You read it and smiled, as if unoffended

Which is good, and not what I intended.

So here you are today, 4* years old

And I hope the "*" won't make you callous or cold

I hope it was a good one through out the days

Te amo, Dona! Y buenas noches.

Well Caleb, if you read my birthday blog you will learn that my 44th was not one of my best. But your kind gesture made up for all the pain I felt yesterday. Thanks for helping me see the sun after a storm. You are truly a blessing in my life. I claim October 5th as an official "I love the Churchills" holiday.

Project 365: Day #2.37 - Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

2011-10-04T19:59:00.001-07:00

"Happy birthday to me!"

Today I turned 44 on the 4th. That won't happen again until let's see ... ever! The number 4 has always been lucky for me. When I was 34 I got pregnant. When I was 24 I moved to Maryland and got a job with Baltimore County. On my 40th b-day I bought myself a timeshare in Florida. This was the first time since that birthday that I treated myself to a weekend away. Florida was simply awesome. The weather was perfect - I got to spend quality time with dear old friends and their new babies. I played games, rocked babies to sleep, got some sun, had a close encounter with a Florida alligator, drank adult beverages and ate yummy food for 5 days. Then Monday came and reality hit like the bowl of cold water you saw Cody dunking his face in on Saturday's post.

I want to be able to say that this was the best birthday ever but it really won't hit even the top 40. Do birthdays that fall in the middle of the week ever hit the top anything? I mean really ... I wasn't expecting much but the fact that the two most important men in my life didn't do anything to make today feel special kind of hurt. Scratch that - it really hurt. Cody didn't learn his mistake from last year's birthday ... I picked him up from White Tiger and he started to give me a hand-made card and my heart filled with joy ... just in time for it to break when he said someone else made it and he didn't even sign it.

I got a Happy Birthday! text message from Kurt at six something this morning but that had as much emotion in it as the facebook messages I got from high school acquaintances. Lj was the first call I got and his country rendition of Happy Birthday frightened me awake with waves of laughter - then Franny was right behind him with her birthday serenade. All of this made Kurt's text seem even more trite. I didn't respond. Let me see what the day holds, I thought. Surely he will send an email, some flowers, something personal. I knew I wouldn't see him today - we just spent 5 days together. He was a trooper with his back pain and I knew he needed time to recover. But I really expected more than a 2 word text message....nothing all day...minutes after I asked Katie if I should be hurt about the two word birthday communication, he started texting. I found out he had dinner with his kids. I felt bad again. I had to buy myself a birthday pizza at 9:45 at night. And what really started to bug me is when I had to explain to my sister that the trip to Florida was mostly on my dime. Kurt didn't plan it - it wasn't a "let me whisk you away" kind of gig. It was a present to myself that I wanted Kurt to be a part of. I paid for the tickets down - he paid for the tickets back. I paid for the condo - he paid for the rental car. I paid for the groceries for the 5 days - he paid for dinner one night. I'm not a tit for tat kind of person but the scale is feeling really out of whack right about now. Especially when I think back to what I planned for his birthday.

Then when I saw the clock strike 11:20 and I realized he never even picked up the phone to call me on my birthday - that's when the anger hit and tears fell. I heard from Cristina and Louie and Lili. I heard from Denise, Maddie and Zach. I heard from Dad. I heard from Mom and Grams. Not a word from the man who says he loves me. At 11:57 I called him. He was oblivious to any of it, but quite apologetic when he started putting the pieces together. I've learned that explaining why I am hurt is much more productive than hoping he will guess why I'm upset. At 11:58 he told me to hang up so he could hurry up and call me on my birthday. It was cute. And took the edge off a bit. But the damage is sort of done and I'm not sure this will just go away. I worked really hard at making his birthday feel like a celebration - he worked hard at making the trip to Florida and didn't have it in him to make today feel like anything other than a regular Tuesday. I wanted the trip to be enough. But I have to be honest and say that it wasn't. Maybe this is my issue - maybe I just always expect too much from people.

But enough about that - let's end on a good birthday note. My dear friends at school showered me with treats as you can see from the picture....Gabrielle McGuire, one of my brand new AVID 9 students brought me a beautiful card and this amazing journal, my facebook wall has pages of birthday wishes and one of them made me laugh out-loud really hard - right through my hurt feelings. James Ashby wins the best birthday wish prize. He was in my Spanish class about 17 years ago. I called him "Jaime" and he will always be one of my favorites. Well today his message said: Happy Birthday! In your honor I'm gonna throw a PINATA PARTY at work ... NOW THAT IS FUNNY TO ME! I used to throw the best pinata parties EVER and it just cracked me up that after 17 some years that is what I am remembered for! Makes me want to bust open a pinata tomorrow in Jaime's honor. Let's see ... just how can I connect a pinata to AVID curriculum????

My post on facebook says what I want to fall asleep thinking: I've decided that birthdays are way more fun with Facebook! Thanks to all my family and friends from near and far, from high school and college, from RHS and NTHS. Reading all your b-day messages was a stroll down memory lane - I feel blessed beyond measure. ♥

Project 365: Day #2.36 - Monday, October 3rd, 2011

2011-10-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

Not a good day in AVID 9

Do you see anything wrong with this picture? Is there a question forming in your head? Here's one for you ... where are all the students? Well my dear Watson, (that's for you Darryl) I unfortunately had to eat all of them for coming to class without their homework.

Project 365: Day #2.35 - Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

2011-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.35 - Saturday, October 1st, 2011

2011-10-01T15:38:00.001-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.34 - Friday, September 30th, 2011

2011-09-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.32 - Thursday, September 29th, 2011

2011-09-29T10:09:00.003-07:00

Day #1 - Florida Getaway ...

Project 365: Day #2.30 - Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

2011-09-29T10:09:00.001-07:00

The whirlwind begins ...

Today we leave for Florida and from the minute I woke up I have felt like I need to be in five different places at the same time with 500 things to do ... tomorrow's day off can't come soon enough.

Project 365: Day #2.29 - Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

2011-09-29T10:08:00.001-07:00

Annual AVID Fundraiser @ Noodles & Co.

Project 365: Day #2.28 - Monday, September 26th, 2011

2011-09-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Project 365: Day #2.27 - Sunday, September 25th, 2011

2011-09-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

Look what we found in our front yard today ...

Her name is DIVA (do you know what DIVA is spelled backwards?) and she is probably about 5 to 7 days old. Her eyes haven't opened yet ... she was screaming and crying for her mama when we found her.

Project 365: Day #2.26 - Saturday, September 24th, 2011

2011-09-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Love and Other Drugs

Project 365: Day #2.25 - Friday, September 23rd, 2011

2011-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre on Verizon Wireless

Project 365: Day #2.24 - Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

2011-09-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

The 6th Annual AVID Induction Ceremony ...

Project 365: Day #2.23 - Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

2011-09-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

The countdown began and the ticking has been ringing in my ears all day. So much to do and now only hours in which to get it done............

Aside from the disaster those seniors leave my room in each day, they are truly shaping up to be one of the best senior classes yet. I love what the competitive spirit brings out in them ... top quality work! Today Kimberly did not want her House of Hyperion outdone by the House of Atlas so she stopped by after school to add some finishing touches to their tri-fold. Caleb of course jumped right in to help her. I am so proud of all the Houses and the work they have done for this Induction. I can't wait to feel the energy tomorrow night at the Induction.

Project 365: Day #2.22 - Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

2011-09-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Why did I take a picture of my empty chair? Because today I felt a huge void without my two AVID tutors. Ms. Shay and Ms. Lori were both out today and I realized how much I rely on them every day, every period. I am so blessed to work with such conscientious, caring women. They are incredible assets to our program and I am convinced our students achieve at higher levels because of their support. Today just didn't feel right without their aura in the room. There was a void - the whole family wasn't together and I missed our vibe.

Project 365: Day #2.21 - Monday, September 19th, 2011

2011-09-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

What would I do without my Ms. Lori? She is so creative and simply gets the job done. She reminds me of the movie Robots where the message is: "See a need - fill a need". If every employee followed this simple mantra, the world would be a much more productive place. If each of us "acted now" by filling a need when we saw a need instead of waiting for someone else to get it done, I think many of our world problems would be fixed. This woman reads my mind on a daily basis. When she thinks of something that would make our AVID scholars be more successful, she simply jumps in and makes it happen. Take these displays for example, she has been grading agendas and SMART goals and instead of belaboring the point verbally she decided it was time to take action visually. She is the most dependable and creative tutor I have ever encountered.

Project 365: Day #2.21 - Sunday, September 18th, 2011

2011-09-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today I went through my closets and pulled out any clothes I know don't fit or that I haven't worn in a year. I felt good to purge but the pile is so big I'm not sure how to get rid of it. I could stuff it all in plastic bags and drop them off at those church bins but I really think that I could actually make some good money from a consignment shop if I took the time to take it all in ...

I have been meaning to do this for months. And today instead of working on school I decided it was time to put some time into my house.

Project 365: Day #2.19 - Friday, September 16th, 2011

2011-09-16T21:14:00.001-07:00

Tonight I met my dear friend Franny out for dinner. She was her usual high style self and I was in jeans and my "gang colors". We went to a fancy schmancy place called Tarks in Towson. I was noticeably underdressed but in the end I was thankful for my sweatshirt. We sat outside and I let Franny sit by the fire.

Project 365: Day #2.18 - Thursday, September 15th, 2011

2011-09-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Project 365: Day #2.17 - Wednesday, September 14, 2011

2011-09-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Project 365: Day #2.16 - Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

2011-09-13T18:34:00.001-07:00

Today was library day for Cody. Most kids bring home fiction or manga books. Not my kid. Today he brought home: So You Want to be President? and a book about the state of Virginia.

The funny thing is we have the book So You Want to be President? at home and we took turns reading it out loud just the other night. He has favorite pages and turns back to them often. His number #1 page explains the link between being president and being a soldier. He likes knowing that soldiers usually make good Presidenst. :) ... The book on Virginia is what cracks me up. It is like reading a text book but he LOVES it. Tonight I learned that General Robert E. Lee and his wife are buried in a crypt under the chapel at the Washington and Lee University. I also learned that his horse Traveler is also buried on the grounds of the campus. The page about Booker T. Washington was interesting ... especially his connections with HBCU's. He was one of the first to attend Hampton and he was an instructor at Tuskegee University. It makes me want to make some of these universities a part of our next Spring Break College Tour.

Project 365: Day #2.15 - Monday, September 12th, 2011

2011-09-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

"Saint Anthony Saint Anthony please come around. Cody has lost his red duffel bag, it can not be found."

Well after about a week of praying and waiting - Saint Anthony once again came through. I thought the bag was either at Cody's dad's house, at White Tiger or at school. Come to find out it was in his closet the entire time. Guess Saint Anthony didn't have to work too hard to find this item ... this is why Cody looks so annoyed in the photo - he was elated when I showed him the bag but not so amused when I told him where it was ...

You see, I was convinced he had left it at White Tiger. For days he had forgotten to check so today I made a special after hours visit to check for the bag. I told Cody he was going to have major issues if he came back to my car empty handed. Upon investigation he came back to the car with his head hung low. He slumped into the back seat and said, "I'm ready for my issues." All I could give him were giggles.

Project 365: Day #2.14 - Sunday, September 11th, 2011

2011-09-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Project 365: Day #2.13 - Saturday, September 10th, 2011

2011-09-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

I love it when I see SAT words in action. Too bad this headline was also blaming four deaths on Pennsylvania's 100 year flood. The article shared the story of a woman who couldn't believe what she came home to find. An hour earlier she had spoken to her husband on the phone and he was heading down to the basement to try and control the flood. When she came home and opened the door to the basement she found water greeting her. A wall had collapsed under the pressure of the flash flood and her husband had drowned. The bison at Zoo America also met with a watery death. Thousands of people were living in shelters after having to evacuate.

Today the sun may be shining but the remnants of a week of rain have left many destitute.

Project 365: Day 2.12 - Friday, September 9th, 2011

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Can you see it?!? Look closely ... out there in the distance ... like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel ... BLUE SKY! It has been a week since we have seen anything but gray. Thank you Jesus for lifting the clouds and reminding us that after each storm the sun will shine again. When was the last time you felt like it wasn't going to get any better? Let the blue sky remind you that storms are always fleeting.

Project 365: Day #2.11 - Thursday, September 8th, 2011

2011-09-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Charlotte is an assiduous spider. I could hardly get a still shot photo of her she was so busy weaving her web! I wonder how many days (who am I kidding - I mean evenings) will she be there to greet me? I am proud of myself for snapping these photos. I was inches away from a spider and my phobia can sometimes make me a histrionic hysterical mess.

It's raining it's pouring, the old man is snoring. He went to bed, bumped his head, and couldn't get up in the morning! This is the third time I will be emptying the flower pot in 24 hours. I am certain that my back porch would be under water right now if I hadn't thought to do this.

Today I heard a song that stopped my brain, touched my heart and made me miss my exit. It is on my Sugarland CD and is the last track on the disc. I can't believe I haven't really "heard" it until now. Divine timing I'm sure.

And when the skies up above you fill
With gray and stormy clouds
And there's not a single face you know
In the maddening crowd

When you know that you don't make your way
But you just can't see how, I will shine the light

I told Cody to listen to the lyrics on our way home tonight. "Cody, my love, I dedicate this song to you". He didn't say much after that but about an hour later he came into the kitchen hugged me from behind and said, "Thank you Mama, for the song - I almost cried." Well I did cry - hard - in the parking lot of the ESS building. And not only for Cody but for all my AVID babies who have lost their way and needed me to shine the light. I love Cody for sharing me so easily. I pray God will continue to use me as a source of light for Cody and my AVID family.

Project 365: Day #2.10 - Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

2011-09-07T13:47:00.001-07:00

A Teacher's Plea for Patience ...

Ever wonder what teachers do after the kids leave? They vent. And this is what a teacher on the edge looks like. Thankfully I was there to talk Mr. Carney down before he hurt himself!

What was the theme of his venting session today? Adults and students who can't follow directions. AMEN my brotha! We came to the conclusion that we have to start doing follow direction type activities with the AVID 12 scholars. They cause themselves and us so much grief because they don't do what they are told or what is in black and white in front of them. Direction following is a life-long skill. Failure to follow directions on an application could keep our students from getting into a college of their choice or from receiving a scholarship. It's time to give our students more opportunity to practice the skill of listening and following directions. Wait till you see what we have planned for you!!! .............

Oh - and hang in there Mr. Carney ... Friday's coming!

Oh - and say hello to Charlotte. Every fall she comes out of her hiding place in my shed to weave an intricate web. Looks like this year she is going to use the nail as her anchor. I wonder what power word she will use this time ... perhaps inundate ... or maybe deluge?

Project 365: Day #2.9 - Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

2011-09-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

Happy 65th Birthday Freddie!

"Don't stop me now" ... some of the lines resonate to the spirit of being a senior with a future to claim:

... I'm gonna have myself a real good time

I feel alive and the world it's turning inside out Yeah!

I'm floating around in ecstasy

So don't stop me now don't stop me

'Cause I'm having a good time having a good time

I'm a shooting star leaping through the skies

Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity

I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva

I'm gonna go go go

There's no stopping me

My hope is the AVID 12 scholars can find the joy in the journey and not let the stress of college deadlines and AP courses keep them from savoring this special time in their lives ... "my future is what I see, drama free, all eyes on me, college is where I'll be ... there's no stopping me!"

Here's a testimony to the spirit of "Don't stop me now!" ... Gabby Buck sent me this photo today with the following message ... My first day pray for me as I start my new journey. Godspeed Gabby - sing it with me ... "I'm a shooting star ... there's no stopping me!"

Gabby Buck - AVID Scholar 2010

Project 365: Day #2.8 - Monday, September 5th, 2011

2011-09-05T08:24:00.001-07:00

Today was a day of errands ... first to Walmart to get my new glasses and of course some odds and ends. Kurt and Cody always find a way to amuse themselves while I shop ....

Then it was off to the movies to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes ... intense! I grew up with the Planet of the Apes movies - I never really understood how the transition from the human race to the ape race happened. Well the bridge has been gapped. Every time we try to change the course of nature, there is a penalty to pay. This one was steep. In an effort to help save his father from alzheimer's, the entire human population is placed at risk. Ethical questions run deep throughout the film. Looking forward to the sequel!

Project 365: Day #2.7 - Sunday, September 4th, 2011

2011-09-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

A day at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore ...

May God break my heart so completely that the whole world falls in - Mother Teresa

After the museum we all walked to the harbor and had dinner at

Project 365: Day #2.6 - Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

2011-09-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS?!?

Cody - the walking oxymoron

Today I didn't get out of bed until 1:30 pm. when I had to go pick up Cody. I spent the morning in bed blogging, commenting on my students' blogs, sending emails, working on the AVID wiki and reading. The house was quiet and my mind was clear. I did a little research and found some really valuable links that I uploaded to all the edline pages - go check them out! One of the most interesting I think was: http://www.collegeprep101.com/. Here's another cool one: http://www.collegenet.com/elect/app/app. I'm thinking about making one of our future blogs a mandated website quest.

Once I got back from picking Cody up from his dad, we spent the day at home. I talked with my friend Lj on the phone busting my usual gut from his antics and Cody watched a marathon of Star Wars and Pirate of the Caribbean movies. I made dinner as we waited for Kurt to come over. It makes my heart smile to see Cody get so excited to see him. Kurt arrived with his Plays Well With Others t-shirt on but Cody confiscated it when Kurt changed later on. I cracked up as Cody picked up his Civil War gun and started shooting at rebels. That's my kid - a walking oxymoron.

Project 365: Day #2.5 - Friday, September 2nd, 2011

2011-09-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

This is the House of Hyperion in AVID 12. Hyperion was the Titan who created the sun therefore the trait for this house is creativity and inspiration. They are the creative scholars who inspire others with their words, art, music, or personality. Ms. Dauka, the Head of Hyperion House, would be proud watching these "Hyperionites" create their group project. In an effort to get the scholars to practice the act of being the class scribe, Carney and I split the class into their groups to share where each scholar is in the college application process .... Are you still trying to take the SAT in October or November? Do you know the 5 schools to which you are going to apply? Have you done scholarship searches and found at least 5 that fit you? Have you started the Common Application? Have you started an application essay? While sharing all of this information, one student was to scribe the conversation. From there the group's task was to create a visual representation of the group's current college status. The other groups started complaining that all the artists where in Hyperion. And while there is some truth to that I smiled because there is so much talent in that room that some students who are artistic and creative didn't necessarily end up in that House. But the sorting does make one think about the similarities of the scholars within each House. The House of Atlas, for example, seems to have more athletes which makes sense since endurance is the Atlas trait. The House of Themis is full of communicators and negotiators - fitting the House trait of justice and order. The House of Prometheus was on the other side of the room so I didn't get to observe and listen - they will be the group I focus on next. Wednesdays group presentations should prove to be entertaining :)

The dynamics of this House divide is creating enthusiasm, competition, and pride in our classroom. I am certain this will be the best year AVID has seen yet.

Project 365: Day #2.4 - Thursday, September 1st, 2011

2011-09-01T18:29:00.001-07:00

What's wrong with this picture?!? Let me tell you ... the time on the clock! Can you believe that there are two teachers in this building who feel the need to stay at NTHS until 9:30 at night keeping their children imprisoned in school? Ms. Banister has an excuse - she is still without power thanks to Hurricane Irene. I, on the otherhand, should simply be handcuffed and reported to the Department of Social Services. Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday and we have a long weekend ... the gargantuan ball of stress has started rolling and I am trying hard to keep up...God give me strength.

Project 365: Day #2.3 - Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

2011-08-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome back New Town AVID Scholars!

Well today marked my 19th first day of school. It is still exciting but not as nerve racking because I know almost all of my students - another perk to teaching AVID. Today I met maybe 10 new students which makes it so much easier to jump right into the job of learning and teaching when 95% of my students know me, know our routine, and are ready to act now! :) It felt great to see my AVID babies.

Today also marked Cody's first day of 4th grade. He wouldn't pose for my usual first day shot so I discreetly took a couple shots while he was getting on the bus. We had a great morning and my warrior note made him stand tall, smile and hug me tight.

Project 365: Day #2.2 - Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

2011-08-30T12:08:00.001-07:00

I spent the second hurricane no-school day alone in my classroom - no mice - no people (except for my trusty sidekick Cody) and finished the last two bulletin boards for our AVID Quest - among a million other things. Can't wait to take pictures tomorrow and start putting the senior faces in the houses. I think I will keep it a secret until Day #2. Speaking of Day #2 ... I want to explain the number system I am using with my blogs. I did this blogging project with the AVID Class of 2010. I am back again for a second try, so this time the 2.2 stands for Year 2 - Day 2 (2.2) ... I pray that this year's AVID scholars embrace this journey and give it nothing but their best. I plan to prove that I can beat my first attempt and actually do this daily. It feels great to be back!! The new features of emailing and texting both photos and text to the blog make it inexcusable to miss a beat. Say CHEESE! ...... Let the clicking begin!

Project 365: Day #2.1 - Monday, August 29th, 2011

2011-08-30T12:01:00.001-07:00

It looks like Ms. Keith is studying a box ... but in reality she is trying to figure out what to do with the mouse she helped me catch. This "sweet" little creature was making a nest inside the laptop desk on top of my desk. I had already had close encounters with the furry kind every night I stayed late at school. I watch them come in and out of the door across from the foods and nutrition room. They scurry in like they are invited or something. Freaks me out! Don't let their cute little appearance fool you - these mice are brash and brazen and must be stopped!

The entry below was sent from a text message - now let's see how easy it is to post to my blog from my email?!?

I see now that what I type as the subject becomes the blog's title. This could make it much easier to stay up to date. Now I need to figure out how to add the pictures I took yesterday.

2011-08-30T11:53:00.001-07:00

Day #1 has been very productive - very different than I what expected, but VERY productive ... Thank you again Irene!

August 6th, 2011 - Happy 100th Birthday Lucy

2010-07-27T19:31:00.002-07:00

Project 365: Day 82 - Mon. July 26th, 2010

2010-07-27T19:31:00.001-07:00

Project 365: Day 81 - Sun. July 25th, 2010

2010-07-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

Project 365: Day 80 - Sat, July 24th, 2010

2010-07-24T07:08:00.001-07:00

Project 365: Day 79 - Fri, July 23rd, 2010

2010-07-23T05:40:00.000-07:00