Waco Mammoth Site

It was a privilege to take the junior high students to visit the Waco Mammoth Site. They received a well taught lesson on the science of Paleontology and had some fun in the process. Each student was able to participate in research project involving picking the fossilized remains of sea creatures from material that came from both North Carolina and Florida. The paleontologist on site explained the project and how they helped with the research. Best of all, they got to keep what they found! Most of them found shark teeth but a few found things more exotic--like a piece of whale bone and even shark poop (it no longer smelled!). The tour went a bit longer than anticipated but not one student complained of hunger or tired feet. It was exciting to see the bones of those ancient creatures and to learn of the reason for their demise and the things that scientists have learned and continue to learn about God's wonderful creation. Thank you, Mrs. Perry for driving and to the moms and one grandmother who went along with us. It was a good day.

Picture Day

Mr. Dabbs came today! He has been coming to First Baptist School for thirty years! Mrs. Becky Z. and I were here that first year and have been here all the subsequent years! Although we only see him twice a year we all look forward to his visits.

He is an amazing photographer and he is SO good with our children. He puts them at ease with his positive manner and welcoming smile. And he calls them names! Funny names. Things like Papa Smurf and Popcorn and Cookie Monster and Gummi Bear. And the kids love it!! They remember what he called them last time and look forward to what he will call them this time. How he remembers so many silly names is beyond me but he has quite a repertoire.

He has photographed all three of my children, two of my three grandchildren, and no telling how many students over those thirty years. His skills are unmatched. FBS is very fortunate to have such talent visit our school. Thank you, Bobby Dabbs!!

Picture Day also means a disruption in our daily schedule. We all do our best to be flexible but sometimes it is a challenge! For instance, today my first graders had to stay in the classroom while my seventh graders came for their History class. And they had to be super quiet because I was giving a quiz. Kudos to both groups for behaving in a respectful manner. As a result, there was some free time at the end of class and the little kids got to play with the big kids. Honestly, I don't know which group enjoyed it more. I'm so glad that our students have such opportunities!

Pumpkin Carving

Thanks to Janna J. for coming today and sharing an object lesson with my children using a pumpkin. Basically, the lesson was that the love of Jesus changes us on the inside

. My students enjoyed helping scoop out the seeds and especially enjoyed eating the toasted seeds.

Showers of Blessings

We were blessed over the weekend with clouds and rain. Especially rain! Our state has struggled for the last few years with a shortage of rain and while most ponds in our area are okay, many of our large reservoirs are still way below normal levels.

First grade has been watching, observing, and recording the weather for the past week. It was a real treat to walk outside this morning and see that there were clouds and a light mist falling. Rainy weather makes me want to curl up in my recliner with a good book and read. Economic necessity requires that I go to work each and every day! But it's more than necessity. I have a 'calling' to do what I do. Some days are easier than others and I know that there are some days when I'm a bit grumpy. But every day that I set foot inside my classroom I receive showers of blessing--from the children I teach and the people with whom I work.

Please continue to pray for rain. Please continue to pray for our school. Please continue to pray for me! And thank God for every shower of blessing He sends your way!

First Grade in Pictures, October 7 and 8

First Graders collected weather data from our weather 'station' in the prayer garden and also practiced being cartographers as they drew maps of the school play areas.