Quotes

I'm currently swamped in grad school papers and working on completing my portfolio (so close to the end, but yet so far!) and I have to do several book reports (flashback to 4th grade). One of the books that I have to read is a book that my professor required us to purchase and read, nevermind the fact that it's a book that he is featured in...geez! However, despite all of that, I found a few quotes that really spoke to me today that I thought I'd share. The book is called "Leading the Way to Success" and while it is not written for the education field, there are several ideas that carry over well. Both of these quotes are from James Kouzes.

"The secret to succes is: Stay in love. Staying in love gives you the fire to really ignite other people, to see inside other people, to get more things done than other people. A person who is not in love doesn't really feel the kind of excitement that helps him to get ahead and to lead others to achieve. I don't know any other fire or anything in life that is more exhilarating and powerful a feeling than love is."

It's no secret that I want to be in an administrative role in the future in the schools whether that be a principal or curriculum coordinator or something else. All of my classes have dealt with leadership and I think staying passionate about teaching is a must in whatever position one is in.

"You find your great call where your great joy meets the world's great need. I think that comes as close to a formula for success as I can find. Watch your great joy. Watch the great need in the world that enables you to use your great joy and therein lies your calling."

I think of my brother when I read this, but I also think about how blessed I am to know my calling and am able to do something that I love. Regardless of what position I hold in the future, I have found success because I found a way to use my joy to meet the world's needs. Cheesy, I know. Just bare with me. I've had to do a lot of reading lately!

Mimio

I recently received a Mimio for my classroom and I gotta say that I absolutely LOVE it! It makes teaching so much fun! As you can see in the picture above (which is NOT me!), the kids get really involved and really enjoy using it as well. A Mimio is similar in concept to the SmartBoard, but it takes up a lot less space (It's also MUCH more affordable)! In the top left of the picture you can see a grey bar. This bar is the interactive tool that reads everything you do with your mouse pen and feeds it back to your computer. I have been trying to use more technology in the classroom (my goal is once a day), and not to use it solely to use technology for technology's sake, but to enhance learning.

We've already done quite a bit with our Mimio and I plan on doing many more lessons with it. It has great templates and even has great starter lessons on the website. I am absolutely amazed at the cool things they continue to create. If you're a teacher, I would definitely recommend learning how to use this and making efforts on getting one in your own classroom.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I am constantly hearing hilarious things from my students, and yesterday was no exception. Just thought I'd share.

Student: Mrs. Bennett! That girl tripped over that black thing and
she's crying to death!!!

Me: Crying to DEATH???

Student: Well, she's crying. I added in the drama.

I literally started laughing out loud. Then I naturally went to check on the student (who was fine). Just a great way to end the week.

Another School Year

Ok, I know this video's a little long, but if you are a teacher or want to understand why I chose this career, you need to watch this video. The kid is hilarious, but he says some stuff that truly explains why I do what I do every day. We watched it at our Scott Co. Opening Day Program and it was a great reminder that the things I do can make a difference. I know I've complained about 30 kids (and I truly am not sure if I'll leave this year a sane women), but I have to look at it as being given the opportunity to make a difference in 30 lives this year!

My principal made us all give our personal motto for this year with the reasons we teach. She asked us to frame it and make it available to see everyday while we are teaching. I'm going to share mine.

"In order to meet students on their individual level and make a difference in each life that walks into my classroom, I will provide a SAFE environment that PROMOTES and STIMULATES learning."

Grammar PostSecret

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I COMPLETELY understand this. Mark calls me a grammar nazi. I believe that I am.

World Autism Awareness Day

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Today is also World Autism Awareness Day.

As a teacher, students with autism are near and dear to my heart. Over the last 6 years, I've worked with a few different children with autism and my heart definitely goes out to the families that struggle on a day to day basis.

If you work with kids or have kids or plan on having kids, you should make yourself aware of autism, its signs, and how it affects both the child and family.

I've included some sites below.

Learn the Signs. Act Early.

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services site on Autism

World Autism Awareness Day Official Website

DonorsChoose.org

I think this is really fabulous!

If you are in the education field at all or have heard me talk about (big issue for me), you know that the education system in our country has some major issues, one of which is the education budget. I have serious grievances with the education cuts right now. I understand that we're going through an economical hardship, but I think that by cutting funds for our schools we are doing our students a huge disservice now and in the future.

If you are unaware, Kentucky cut the education funding 7% right before this year. Around Christmas time, we learned our budget had to cut another 4%. Now we have learned there will be an even greater cut after this year. We're talking 12% now. To see the numbers, click here. The county I teach in alone will have a shortfall of millions of dollars. This all results in loss of teachers, loss of extra services for students (extra math and reading instruction as well as summer school), fewer opportunities for Professional Development (now we only get one day), a mass conservation of energy (this is a good thing, but it's caused us to have to eat in the cafeteria with no lights on), and a $0 budget for new computers (I'm on the technology committee and we have the lovely task of purchasing new computers schoolwide with absolutely no money to do it with). These is not just projected results, these are things I have seen in the last year in my own school and county.

The schools are hurting. I think this DonorsChoose.org is a wonderful idea! You should definitely check it out. Every little bit helps.

Tacky Christmas Sweater Competition 2008

Some of you have already seen these, but for those who haven't I thought I would share my pictures from the Tacky Christmas Sweater Competition between myself and one of my dear co-workers, Jacob Brown. Last year Jacob wore some absolutely horrible sweaters for an entire week and I told him that I would join him this year in a friendly competition.

Now, since we work at a school where some teachers could unknowingly beat us, we had to refer to our competition as the "Spirited Holiday Outfits" competition. Jacob and I were both featured on the morning newscasts and each class voted. The students and teachers really got into it!

Day One

This one came with a little help from my mom. While I didn't win, the results were much closer than you might think.

Day Two

I channeled my inner 80s on this one with the help on one of my co-workers' old applique sweaters. Jacob won on this day after a late costume change when he saw how I came to play. All of the co-workers said I should have won on this day. You can't see in the picture very well that I have light up Santa earrings AND giant Christmas tree earrings. My ears still hurt!

Day Three

I won this day hands down!!! I had the jumper with the giant vest, the velvet purse and shoes, the elf hat, a light up necklace, and Christmas light earrings. This day helped my clinch the popular vote for the week while Jacob clinched the electoral vote.

I still considered the week successful and I honestly had about 10-15 sweaters that I didn't even wear (I have some generous co-workers!), but unfortunately we had 2 snow days that week so it cut our competition shorter by 2 days.

Hope you enjoy these priceless photos!!!

10 Things You Love to Talk About

I'm feeling kinda uninspired, so I thought I'd steal from Ten On Tuesday and list...

10 Things I Love To Talk About:

(these are in no particular order)

1. My students and all things education
2. "One Tree Hill"
3. Food/Favorite recipes
4. Twilight series
5. My family
6. "LOST"
7. Cincinnati
8. Funny memories
9. God
10. Bengals football

Update On My Life

This is totally how I've felt lately.

I realize that I've been horrible about blogging. I have had so much going on lately and have had every intention of updating my blog, but just haven't been able to find the time or energy. Here's a few quick updates on what's going on in my world:

• I have a WONDERFUL group of students this year! I only have 20 in my room on a regular basis and they are all awesome!
• I started graduate school at EKU for my Masters in Educational Leadership as well as my Principalship. Very excited, but it's taking a lot out of me. I'm in school mode from 4:45-10:00 (when I leave for and get back from class) and every Friday night (my homework night).
• Mark started school at EKU for his EMT certification on Mondays and Wednesday nights.
• I joined BLC (Bluegrass Ladies Club) with some of the coolest ladies and we are developing some wonderful frienships.
• Mark and I have been getting involved in the Crossroads: Georgetown Campus. We absolutely LOVE it!
• My weekends are what get me through. My last two weekends have been spent at the UK game and in Cincy at IKEA for the day with the BLC.
• My football team stinks! Bengals are having a rough start. I will stay loyal!
• My fantasy football stinks as much as my real football team! 0-2
• I just finished reading Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist and I'm getting ready to start Twilight because I've heard so many good things from Cameron, Sarah, and Brooke.
• I've been staying focused solely to One Tree Hill, ANTM, and Project Runway. I do not have time to watch any other shows than that (at least until The Office and LOST come back on)
• Guinness is keeping me on my toes everyday!
• We finally finished renovating Mark's room. I'll have to try to remember to post some pictures.
• Mark started a new blog which just gives you a small glimpse into what I live with day in and day out!
• I am currently updating a blog for my 3rd grade team at school (It's also doubling as credit for my Technology for Leaders course)

I think that's all the highlights!

School's Out For the Summer!!!!

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Ok, I know. I haven't updated my blog in quite some time. Over the last few weeks I've been without a computer, finishing the school year, Guinness has been at the vet, and our air conditioning has gone out (in quite possibly the hottest week in a LONG time). We've been staying at my parents' house for the better part of the week while we wait for the air conditioning company to make time to come visit us.

I thought I'd get right back into blogging by using the Ten on Tuesday list for the week of "Ten Things that Annoy You about Work". As you know, I LOVE my job! So, I decided to list the 10 things that annoy me about teaching in general:

1. Ungrateful students
2. Low pay and long hours
3. Irresponsible students
4. Working in a building full of estrogen
5. Short recess (15 min. is not enough for kids)
6. Parents who expect you to raise their kids
7. Parents who critique every thing you do
8. Insufficient funds to provide my kids the things they need
9. Losing contact with students who need you the most
10. Behavior problems in kids

Like I said, I absolutely LOVE my job and LOVE the profession that I chose, so I think it's only fair to add the top 10 reasons I love teaching as well:

1. Seeing that "ah-ha" moment when a child finally "gets it"
2. Working with others who are as equally motivated to help kids as you are (teaching because they love it, not just because it's another job)
3. I get to do what I love every day
4. Get to love on those students who need you most
5. You feel like a celebrity when you are out in public and a kid sees you
6. Teacher Appreciation Week (everyone loves to be appreciated)
7. Seeing your students succeed and grow up
8. Opening up a child's eyes and their world
9. All the hugs!
10. Finally, 14 weeks of vacation (you had to know I'd say that)

There you have it. I love my job and look forward to it each day. That's not to say I'm not LOVING the start to my summer off! But you can be sure that I'll miss my kids while I lay by the pool. And I'm already planning my next year (hard to believe I'm starting my 3rd year!)

KTIP OVER!!!!!!!!!!

As of 3:45 yesterday, I finished my teaching internship. I am now, officially, one of KY's finest!

I can't even tell you the excitement I have!

This has just been a great week thus far
(if only I could get rid of my little head cold)

SCHOOL CANCELLED

Scott County Schools were cancelled today and tomorrow due to illness.

Never have I worked out or gone to a school where they had to cancel due to sickness. It's awesome as a teacher. I somehow avoided the flu that spread so rampantly through our school so I am enjoying two sick-free, snow-free days of school!

I got to eat lunch at Mi Casita (my favorite restaurant) with Mark today between his 2 jobs and loved it!

And let me tell you...I was the coolest teacher yesterday when I told my kids not to come to school until Monday.

(Sorry to all of my Fayette Co. teachers.)

KTIP = HADES

I hate KTIP...

I'm ready to get back to just teaching.

Much Needed Break

As of yesterday at 3:30 (it would have been 3:00 if one of my students had gotten on the bus), I am officially off work for 2 weeks!

This is a GREAT perk to being a teacher!

Em is finishing up today (she's done by now) and will be joining me in pure bliss until January 2nd!

Imagine. 14 full days free of this...

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my kids. But if you had 25 kids needing your undivided attention for 7 hours a day, you'd like a break too!

Things You Must Know

I've seen these done on others' pages so I thought this would be fun. Since I'm new to blogging, I think there's just a few things you must know about me. Here are the basics that can sum me up:

1. Three years ago, I married Mark Andrew Bennett, my best friend. We met in high school (although he was a Commodore and I was an Eagle) and started dating at the end of our senior year. We've been together since we were 17. He's the kindest, funniest, and most gifted person I know. I can not sing his praises enough. While marriage has proved to be testing at times, he gave me the happiest day of my life on November 20, 2004. He's my world!

2. I am a 3rd grade teacher at Anne Mason Elementary in Georgetown, KY. This room is where I spend more time than any sane person should. This is my second year teaching (last year I taught Kindergarten at a small private Christian school) and this year, I got my dream job. I live and breathe teaching and it is my true passion. There are days that I question my calling, especially with all the school politics, grading hundreds of papers, and parent-teacher conferences. But when it's simply me and my kids, I come alive!

3. I LOVE my family! I come from a wonderful family. Before I donned the Bennett name, I was a Durick and I'm very proud of that (although I wasn't too torn up to give up that name). My parents are two of my favorite people and I have a wonderful little brother, Daniel. I have some of the best times with my family (my brother's beautiful girlfriend Jen included). We get together every Sunday for lunch with football and our vacations are enviable. After Sunday lunch, we eat dinner with my other family. I married into the best family and my in-laws are amazing! This includes two other sets of Bennetts (Bruce and Darla; Ticean and Amy), the Rices (Michael and Carmen), and the Hamiltons (Chris and Kimberly). They have truly welcomed me into their lives and we have so many laughs together!

4. I have the two best friends a girl could ask for. These girls are my heart and soul. I would be lost without them (or at least going crazy). They are my shoulders to cry on, my comic relief, and my release. Em and Jen have known me since middle school and we have seen the best and very worst of each other. We've had our ups and downs through the years, but regardless, they have been constant. They have been through and seen everything with me. On any given day you may find us together and if that is the case, fun times will surely ensue. We are so different on so many realms and I think that's what makes us click.

5. I am obsessed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Enough said. Seriously, I get giddy when football season is upon us. The sky is bluer, the grass is greener, the world is just better. I love football, especially the Bengals, no matter how good or bad they are. I am a loyal fan who spends my Sundays in front of the TV cheering and yelling at Palmer, Housh, Chad, Rudi, and Marvi. If I miss a game, you can be sure it would have to be for something REALLY important! Therefore, without needing to really be said, let me state that I absolutely LOATHE the Pittsburgh Steelers. There are not a lot of things that I would verbally battle someone on, but that team just gets my blood going. At this point, I can't even talk about them anymore....

You could probably say my love for the Bengals stems from my love of Cincinnati (or vice versa). There aren't many months that go by where I don't make at least one trip up to Cincy. This could be for many reasons, any of which could be for shopping, concerts, shows, visiting churches, visiting friends or my brother, watching fireworks, eating Skyline or Graeters, site seeing, frequenting the museums or the aquarium, participating in the Channel 9 11 o'clock news, attending a Bengals or Reds Game, or my favorite...just because I've got nothing better to do. I've even gone up to 3 times in 4 days before. In fact, both last year's and this year's wedding anniversary was spent as a weekend in Cincy. Although this year, per my request, we will also be attending the Bengals/Cardinals game (I warned you I was obsessed). I love Cincy and I love everything about it. Good news, Mark and Em are obsessed as I am so I don't feel so silly.