Currently Reading Teaching With Love and Logic: Taking Control of the Classroom By Jim Fay, David Funk see related

I know it has been forever---- I don't know that I'll be able to keep up with xanga much longer (like I've done a good job anyway!) but I'll try to update now and then.

I graduated from UNT two weeks ago, Summa Cum Laude, Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education and Special Education. I am so excited to be finished and have my college experience behind me. 

The Lord has totally provided beyond my expectations.... during my last week of student teaching, I received a call from Hawk Elementary in Denton.  I had interviewed and accepted a job as a long term sub in a fourth grade classroom beginning in March... but the assistant principal informed me that a 5th grade full time position would now be available JAN. 3rd! I interviewed for the job with the team and AP the next day and they offered it to me that afternoon.  Of course I couldn't turn it down.  I will be getting full time teacher salary, benefits, and also my first year of teaching experience (on the pay scale) in only a 1/2 year.  What an awesome story of God's power!

I am teaching 5th grade social studies (we are completely departmentalized), along with reading tutorials in preparation for the TAKS test coming up.  Needless to say, I am completely excited and pumped.  I only had 3 days to get my classroom ready and they had to kick me out of the building each time.  I can't wait to start teaching! My team is great and the school is wonderful (it is its first year to be open!) 

Check out my website!

http://www.dentonisd.org/512351215123126/site/default.asp

In other news, Ben and I just celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday.  I am so thankful to have him in my life.  We are looking forward to celebrating this summer (July 1-8) when we go on a cruise through the Eastern Caribbean.  We always said when I graduated we would take a big trip... and now we are. What a great adventure!

Pray for me as I enter this new period of my life that I would be able to make a difference in my student's lives and that God would use me as a vessel for His work. 

Hope everyone is well and has a blessed new year!

Ok, so it's time to let everyone know the big news..............

I'm graduating! WHOO-HOO! I am finishing my last week of student teaching on Friday and then I will begin the graduation festivities! I can't believe its finally over after 41/2 years of work! I am attending my last "class" tonight, presenting my portfolio on Thursday, being evaluated on Friday- and its done!

Thank God for giving me the strength and endurance to finish.  He is so good. I look forward to the future.

Currently Listening How Great Is Our God By Passion Worship Band see related

It has been a looooonnngg time since an update!

I have started my LAST SEMESTER OF SCHOOL!!! I am student teaching in 4th grade at Highland Village currently, and in 6 weeks I will do another rotation in CM with Barb (my mentor from last year). So far it is going great. I am teaching in a departmentalized 4th grade, so it is only math and science. Although those subjects aren't my favorite, the Lord has placed me with an awesome teacher, and I know that God knew I needed more practice in those content area! (I'm now a pro at estimating and classifying animals...)

December 17th is not too far away!

The work load is large, with lesson plans etc.- but somehow it doesn't feel nearly as bad as last semester when I had to do both school and the elementary school internship. I have only one class and it meets every other Monday night.

I hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe. I am so thankful to the Lord to have a roof over my head, food to eat, and my husband beside me. Pray for those in LA, AL, and MS. My heart goes out...

Currently Listening Riverdance: Music From The Show By Bill Whelan see related

Just a couple of soap box items....

Yesterday, I went to an in-service for swim instructors for the city of Denton. One of the things we had to do was go around the circle and talk about the things that were going well or something you should improve on.  One of the swim instructors commented that there was a "deaf girl" in her class and she was just amazed at how much progress the girl had made. OK, #1, the girl has a name.  Everyone else had referred to specific students by their name in their comments, but because this girl has something that makes her a little different, she is automatically "deaf girl."  Secondly, having a hearing impairment has nothing to do with one's ability to swim. I understand that not everyone is aware of how you should treat the subject of disabilities, but there are a few simple rules! Use people-first language.  ie, "Janna, a girl with a hearing impairment... or a girl who is deaf." They are people first! And they have names! Every person should be treated with dignity and respect! When I see my kids I tell them what high expectations I have for them and that they only give me the best of the best in my classes. Sorry, just a little annoyance.

One more thing.....

My honey took me to a wonderful performance of Riverdance last night. It was something that I had wanted to see for a long time, and he was thoughtful enough to surprise me with tickets. We settled in to our seats for a romantic evening, when a grandmother walked in and planted her 6 year old grandson next to us. Ridiculous! Parents and grandparents please be aware that though you love your child/grandchild... we don't want to hear them! We would like to enjoy our date time. Furthermore... Riverdance is not appropriate for a 6 year old hyperactive boy. Take him to a Ranger's game. It is physically impossible for him to not be bored, loud, and fidgety the entire performance. We moved at intermission and that helped tremendously! Regardless we had a fabulous time together... but just a little annoyance!

Thanks xangaland for this time of ranting and raving.  Signing off.

Currently Listening Tim McGraw - Greatest Hits By Tim McGraw see related

Hola to all!

I just got back from a wonderful vacation with my gals! It was awesome! We went to Austin for two days... visited the capital, did hula hut, Mt. Bonnel, hung out by the pool, and saw the bats (you guys HAVE to do this some time!) www.io.com/house/bats.html

We shopped in San Marcos and headed to San Antonio. We had a blast on the riverwalk and heard a rockin mariachi (sp) band in the outdoor ampitheater. The Radisson had the coolest shuttle service that would take you to just about anywhere in the area and you wouldn't have to fight parking. We also went to Mi Tierra which has such a great atmosphere and truly gives the "authentic" experience of South Texas. We roamed around market square. Apparently us married ladies still have our game on, since we had to avoid the occasional come on too.... :)  Seriously though, I'm so blessed to have such lovely friends to vacation with!

In just a few weeks mi mama y papa are coming to visit me and Ben. Whoo-hoo! I'm pumped. They will get to enjoy the hot weather and "bedazzling" sites of the big city. Trust me, WI is hill billy country!  Can't wait to see mi familia, must be San Antonio that got all this fancy spanish talk out of me!

And now for something completely different....

I was shocked and appalled when I pulled up today at my gym. I knew the management there was pretty bad and all, but I was amazed to find out that Elite is now permanently shut down because of "unpaid rent." So much for abs and kick-boxing, or anything for that matter now! I guess I will have to sweat my butt off outside for the rest of the summer. I can't complain really because we got the membership free with our apt., but I feel so bad for those people who forked out hundreds of dollars and now are out the money apparently! Yipes! Well, off to roller blade at the park while my hubby does some pasear in bicicleta!

Adios mi amigos...