Thanks for a great year!

As the new school year is gearing up, I am really thinking on what went well, what I need to change and what I need to drop. I think the best part of the year was the children and families that I was blessed to work with. I am so very thankful to have had such a compassionate group of students. 

They really took care of each other and were more like a family than a random collection of kids.  From the beginning, they looked out for each other and over me. The way the majority of the kids stepped up to help Jayden and Tali acclimate to HLES and their acceptance of kids with different needs was phenomenal. I don't see how I can ever recreate such a lovely, nurturing group of students and I'll always be grateful. 

Grateful, because, I too was a recipient of your unconditional love and understanding. The passing of my brother David was the hardest event in my life to deal with. But the support that you as parents and friends gave to me was overwhelming. A few of you came to school every day afterwards to help and encourage me. Not only did you show when I was at school, but many of you came to support the substitute, in my absence. I also know that many of you were praying for me, my family and David's son. It was your love and support that really carried me through, and I am more thankful than words can express. 

You have awesome children. Each one is special in their own right, and I hope that all of their other teachers see what I see. Thank you for your diligence in learning the new standards, the family projects and the new way to do math. Lol! I was sure you guys would start a revolution against the math a few times! But we made it through, and I am confident in the kids's knowledge and preparedness for 3rd grade. Keep in mind 3rd grade is about the students being more independent in their studies, and that homework practices will be very different!   Homework will most likely be due everyday, and family projects will become student projects. Our projects were not mandatory in 2nd grade because it was a  learning year, but be prepared to back off a little on the projects and let the children's creativity take over! I hope you had enough practice! 

Also, when buying school supplies, there's an item that says "(Hudson only)", that is the name of 1 of the teachers. Its not a brand name. Lol, I've gotten a few texts and calls from parents about it, and wanted to clarify, you only need that if you get Mrs Hudson as your teacher.  The supplies might be used as community property, so don't buy the most expensive/prettiest/coolest notebooks or pencils with pictures. The pencils with pictures tear up the pencil sharpeners.  Also, keep in mind that the music, gym, art and computer teachers do not have supply lists. They probably could use some tissues and hand sanitizer for their classrooms.  By the way- Elmers is the best glue, Ticonderoga is the best pencils, Crayola is the best crayons and markers (other brands are cheaper the colors are not right on and they break to easily). Paper can be generic. 

To the kids, our AR challenge is on! I'll take you to dinner when you reach 250points and you can pick an activity when you reach 500! Keep me posted on your goals!

I'm sad to say that we've had a few friends move away from Mableton over the summer. To the Nance family and the Talley family you guys will be missed. If you've moved, and I didn't know before now, keep in touch! 

Good Luck in 3rd Grade! 

Love, G