Would you want to live forever?

Throughout history many individuals have searched the world for the "fountain of youth" in hope to live forever. If provided the opportunity, several people would jump at the chance to be on earth for eternity. When I asked this question to my class, the students quickly responded with eager "yes" answers. However, after reading Natalie Bobbit's novel, Tuck Everlasting, opinions began to change about the value of life. We consider each day a gift because life is so precious, so what would we do if we stood still with time? The Tuck family made us challenge ourselves to remember that life is a wheel that is constantly changing as we live each day as it was our last.

After several in-depth discussions, we talked about the perfect age if we were "everlasting." Why would choose this age and what would be the problems regarding this age? Think about Jesse who was 17 years old in the book and how he would always be considered child-like and young. Would we want to be young forever?

Can't forget about Winnie's toad who does live forever...

Proper Etiquette

"Keep your elbows off the table"..."Always say thank you"..."Take your hat off in the building"...We have heard specific rules throughout our entire lives to ensure we demonstrate proper etiquette. I remain extremely conscientious in maintaining what my dad would just consider good manners. I have tried my best to instill some of these values within my own students to encourage them to exhibit acceptable etiquette behavior. For example, the most important is saying please or thank you. My kids have heard me on my soap box with this because so many people, both children and adults, have forgotten the meaning of please and thank you. I even made efforts to learn these words in other languages because the meanings are universal. When standing in line at the cafeteria, always say please to the workers if asking for something. If asking for permission to do anything, it sounds better to say please before your request. Expression of gratitude was continuously emphasized in my household as a child. If someone holds the door for you at Walmart, say thank you (it bothers me when people just walk by and never acknowledge you took the time to let them go first). If your friend's mother fixes you dinner, say thank you. We do not only need to say thank you for things that are given to us, but also with acts of kindness and consideration.


My dad's biggest pet peeve became my own regarding hats. This actually became a true indicator of my dad's approval after introducing my new boyfriends. If he came into the house with a baseball cap and never took it off, that was a major deduction of brownie points. More importantly, if the boyfriend never took his hat off at the table, that was even worst! My dad suggested that wearing caps inside the house or building was a sign of disrespect. I guess that is why I agree with the school rule of not wearing caps in the school building. Since my father always stressed this rule, I started using it myself.

Last Friday during our formal dining experience, we specifically discussed dinner and table etiquette. We all learned our bread plate was the left (you use your left hand to form the letter b) and the drink glass was to the right (use your right hand to form the letter d). This was always confusing at a multiple dining experience, because everyone would get confused which plate belonged to each person. Mr. Harris, our kind presenter, reminded gentleman to pull the chair out for the ladies at the table before sitting down. We were asked to place our napkins gently in our lap and reminded to never place our elbows on the table. It was great to finally learn which fork and spoon to use at a formal setting. You work from the outside to the inside with each food course. That evening, our main course was chicken with spaghetti so it became interesting having to use our pasta spoon to twirl the noodles neatly before eating it. We had many picky eaters, so Mr. Harris told us the polite way to not eat a specific food was to gently push it away to one side and place your silverware across the bowl/plate. This will show the host or server that you will be eating that certain dish. From a waiter's perspective, it was important to not lean in or to talk with other guests at the table while the server was trying to pour drinks. Another bit of information was the waiter serves from the left and picks up the food from the right.


I was amazed at how well all of us responded to these rules, and I jokingly asked the students to demonstrate this behavior the following Monday in the school cafeteria. The following Saturday, I had a meeting regarding my upcoming Denmark trip. The presenters introduced basic cultural expectations when traveling to this foreign country. It was ironic to hear the etiquette for the Danish because it was completely opposite of America's expectations. First, you never place your hands in your lap during dinner because that is considered dinner. Therefore, your elbows are somewhat on the table. If eating at a Danish restaurant, be sure to allow yourself three hours because the service is slow because they want you to take your time with the meal. It is not appropriate to tip your server in this culture and the server will be offended if money if left on the table. In the US, it is expected to tip at least 15% of your total bill.

Every culture practices different traditions regarding etiquette, so it becomes an interesting topic of discussion. What are some of your rules for good manners?

2nd time around

We have always heard the "second time around" is better, so I hope this is no exception when I turned in my National Board entries again yesterday. I started the National Board journey last year with my wonderful fourth graders and I was hopeful to certify the first time (even though we are all aware that this is a three year process). I attended support session offered by the county along with using my valuable resources (other NB certified teachers---Mrs. Binns). Any teacher who decides to pursue his/her National Board certification will admit that it is a rewarding, but stressful experience. At the beginning, I had many ideas of what to include in my portfolio and even the video taping did not scare me. I felt competent enough to express my teaching through writing, but having to limit my pages became the most difficult. However, in January, I was overwhelmed when I was announced as a regional finalist for the NC Teacher of the Year. Of course I was thrilled, but this added more responsibilities AND writing to my to do list along with teaching everyday. I turned in my National Board "box" on March 31st and prepared for the teacher of the year competition the next month.

Almost eight months later, we received our results...I will never forget the nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach that I could barely breathe when checking my scores on the computer. That day, I was actually attending an informational meeting at Learn NC in Chapel Hill with my other teacher of the year team members (who are all NB certified). Therefore, I was hesitant to check my scores with such influential educators, but it proved to be the best decision to have their support when I missed certification by 4 points. I was so disappointed and frustrated with myself and it didn't help calling my mama and listening to her sob the entire time. It amazed me because the areas that I considered to be my strongest, were scored the least. After days of contemplation and convincing from Will, I decided to try again this year to earn the points. I knew this was once again a busy year, but I know those sweet fourth graders from last year would once again by my cheerleaders in the 5th grade. I only had to redo two entries (social studies and learner/leader/community), so I was determined to work diligently to obtain those few points. Thank goodness for Cindi as she read through Entry 4 at the very last possible minute. She was an expert on that entry after scoring a perfect 4 a few years ago. My husband was also helpful when trying to cut two pages from the social studies commentary.

This opportunity allowed me to reflect on my teaching practices while encouraging me to become a better educator. It also allowed me to instill the lesson of never giving up to my own students. Walking in the classroom to tell the kids that I had failed was probably the hardest! However, they said to do it again and they didn't even mind being videotaped again..haha! They reminded me that a great teacher continues to reach for their dreams.

No matter the outcome of my "2nd time", I have become a stronger teacher who will never let anything stand in the way of my goals. We all say that the "third time" is a charm as well....

Nuestra Familia

Nuestra Familia "Our Family"

Today I realized the closeness of our classroom family when one of our students needed us the most. A few days ago, Hugo was placed in the hospital for his asthma concerns so it was important for him to get plenty of rest while doctors monitored his breathing closely. We all missed seeing Hugo's friendly smile and sweet personality so the entire ESL class in the 5th grade went to Stanley Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Evans, my mom, Joseline's mother, and Martha (our translator) took all seven kids to visit Hugo and immersed him with spring surprises, balloons, and Aaron sent a stuffed dog with balloons. It was obvious that afternoon how much we care for one another, and this is something that I hope the students will carry with them the rest of their lives.

GET WELL HUGO!

An emotional day

As the end of the year is quickly approaching, I always find myself a little sad to know that 180 days have once again flown by way too fast! A teacher will say the best part about our job is we get to start over every year with new names and faces. However, the same teacher will also admit the worst part is letting the kids go after making close connections with each student. I am one of those teachers who forms an immediate bond with my classes, and it never fails that the last day of school, I am the one with tears in my eyes waving goodbye to the buses. This year will be double tears because I have had these students for two years and it is hard to imagine how difficult it will be on June 10th when they leave Page Street Elementary forever.

So why was today so emotional? Well, I realized that I will not be only losing the sweetest children I have ever taught, but I will be missing the relationship with the parents as well. A few nights ago, I ran into two former students' parents at Zeno's (I always see everyone there) and it was great catching up with their busy lives and to hear what their children were doing in middle school. After spending only a few minutes at their tables, I realized that I not only missed the kids, but the parents as well. Throughout every school year, I make a conscientious effort to involved parents in his/her child's education by inviting them to special events, such as Special Loved Ones Day, to make them realize how special they truly are to the school family. I have been blessed each year with many supportive parents, and their encouragement is one of the major reasons I love my job!

Therefore, when I first saw Mr. and Mrs. Scott Fields walk in the door tonight for Parent/Teacher Conferences, I just sat there and cried. I stayed emotional through every parent meeting, so I am apologizing for my "weepiness" to all of my parents (and students).

Prior to conferences today, I had the opportunity to attend the NC Wachovia Principal of the Year Luncheon in Raleigh. This event celebrated eight regional principals who have demonstrated effective leadership skills by making a positive difference in their school, district, and community. They were recognized by our state superintendent, Dr. June Atkinson, and CEO Bill Harrison. I was fortunate to serve on the North Central regional selection committee this past January to select Matt Wight from Apex High School in Wake County. The regional finalists had to participate in a second interview with the state selection committee (which included Cindi Rigsbee, NC Teacher of the Year). This committee is charged with traveling across the state to visit each finalist's school to conduct in-depth interviews with faculty, staff, students, and parents.
Deborah Morris, 2008 North Carolina Principal of the Year, was one of the speakers for this formal event. She emphasized that a leader is not great from the "power" received, but the relationships formed. She also quoted that principals are the ones who ride out the rough waves to ensure smooth waters for the teachers and students. I was empowered by listening to the quick introduction of each finalist because each administrator was very deserving of the award. I was not able to hear the drum roll when the new NC Principal of the Year was announced, but Cindi called and let me know the winner...Congratulations is extended to Mr. Vann Pennell from South Brunswick High School in Brunswick County Schools.

So why was this emotional? I wasn't saddened by this announcement at all, but as I was surrounded by my other teacher of the year team members, I realized our year was coming to an end together. Even though we are on opposite ends of the state, all busy with school responsibilities and just life in general, we have all connected. I will miss seeing them and hope to stay in touch.

On the way home proved to be an emotional roller coaster. Since I was rushing back to Troy to arrive at Page Street in a timely manner for conferences, I had to drive through Moore County. As I drove through Carthage, my heart ached to remember the Pine Lake Nursing Home incident that occurred this past week. My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and families of this tragedy, including two people who from Highfalls. I also noticed many changes in this small town that were never there when I was a camp counselor for Moore Summer Fun at Carthage Elementary. Carthage was the county seat, and served as half way point when driving to Pinehurst for doctor appointments and to visit mom at work. I always admired the beautiful homes and elegant churches found in this town. We also clogged every May for the annual Buggy Festival. Therefore, Carthage was always a familiar place for growing up, which made it harder to accept such a brutal act of violence a few weeks ago.

As I continued to drive up Hwy 24/27, my tears began to fall. I passed the road that took me home to Highfalls. I still could not believe how much things had changed in this area. Just noticing the houses that look desolate that once looked full of life. It was inevitable that the economic crisis had drastically hit northern Moore County. Gas stations and local stores had shut down, and everything appeared empty. I approached the flashing caution lights at Robbins Crossroads and immediately thought about the gang shooting that happened in this small town involving two North Moore High School students. The place where I attended high school!
The place where I always felt safe and never thought anything bad would happen in such a quaint neighborhood. This proved that we are not "sheltered" anywhere...

Well after an emotional day, I realize time helps everything...and it is okay to have "those days"...