A Week of History in the Making

Exactly one week ago this evening, our entire nation anticipated the results of the election on November 6. And those results came fairly quickly on the evening of the election. We have elected an incumbent President to a second term. There are those who are ecstatic over the results and others who feel a bittersweet disappointment in the choice of our nation. Regardless of which 'camp' you were in, we should pray daily for our President, our other elected officials, and all who hold jobs of strategic importance. We should remember that we are all Americans and that we love our country. The fact that we might see things differently from someone else is the exact thing that has made us strong. We have the freedom to do so and the Constitutional guarantee to say so!

We honored our nation's veterans yesterday. What began as Armistice day in World War I has come to be a day to honor all vets--those living and those who have left this earth. My dad served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in the Korean Conflict. My older sister, Denise, spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force. Among other things, she was a part of the evacuation of Saigon. I am proud of their service. The World War II vets are called The Greatest Generation and that is an apt description. But any man or woman who chooses to serve should be considered among the greatest! If you see a veteran, say thank you!! If you see a veteran's family, say thank you!! They have sacrificed, too.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching and it is my wish that each of you will be blessed beyond measure and that your holidays will be safe.

God bless you. And God bless our great country.

Photos

First and Second grades went on a field trip to Birch Creek Park recently. Ranger Kyle T. took us on a nature walk and the students were able to see animal tracks, a couple of birds, and enjoyed some time walking along the shore of Lake Somerville. The day was beautiful and we all had a great time.

It's not often that First Grade gets extra recess but every now and then it happens. When it does, we all enjoy being outside for a few minutes of running and playing a being free!

First Grade talked about the first Thanksgiving and we got to try a cornmeal dish that might have been on the table of those early celebrations. All of the students tried it, some liked it (a couple of them LOVED it!), and some didn't.

Enjoy some photos from our recent adventures in education!!

Who Knew?

The junior high students, along with Mrs. Perry and I, and two moms went to the Gault Archaelogical Site near Salado today. It was an awesome adventure! It was tiring as we were on our feet and moving for about 3 hours. But we saw and learned some amazing things about the Native Americans who inhabited our land long before the white man ever set foot on it. Who knew that there is a mammoth 'kill site' less than 100 miles from Caldwell? Or that it's one of only 14 in North America? Who knew that archaelogists uncovered the foundation of what they believe to be the oldest permanent structure in North America less than 100 miles from Caldwell? I could go on and on but the fact is we visited an historically 'alive' site.
I'm very proud of my students. They behaved as ladies and gentlemen, didn't complain about the long walk or the hunger pangs that we stabbing all of us, and were just generally great kids!!

Thanks to the moms who went with us. It's always good to have them along.

Encouragement

Students from first through eighth grade attended the Rachel's Challenge event at CHS a while back. That event encourages students to be positive influences to their peers. It was excellent and I'm glad that my students had the opportunity to attend.

One thing I am very proud of this year is how my students (first grade and junior high) encourage each other. They are excited when someone does well on a speed drill or a test and they say so. Sometimes in first grade there is clapping and cheering to go along with a 'well done'. Those kids are doing exactly what Rachel's Challenge encourages them to do!

I coach Maps, Graphs, and Charts for PSIA. Today I watched as two 'veterans' gave some time and coaching and encouragement to a student who is new to the competition. They were patient and kind and encouraging and I appreciate their willingness to share their expertise with others.

I watch our kids in chapel and other places as they help with the younger kids or console someone who is having a rough day. Not only are they living Rachel's Challenge, they are living the Golden Rule. They are an inspiration to me!

I'll be honest and say that I occasionally have bad days. Maybe I'm tired or a bit down and I can be a grouchy teacher but there is always a child or two or three who do something to lift me out of the doldrums of the day and make me appreciate once more the school where I teach, the people I work with, the students who come through my classes, and above all the God we all serve.

Fair Week

Our county fair is this week. We will be taking Thursday and Friday off school so that students who are showing animals or entering items will have the time to take care of their responsibilities without having to be concerned about school work. My hat is off to those students. They work hard, often before and after school, to prepare for the fair.

First grade made a Cowboy today as an art project. Enjoy the photos of the students at work as well as the finished product.

Field Trip

Twas a warm and muggy day in the pine forest of east Texas but our junior high students, two teachers, and three parents had a wonderful time visiting Caddo Mounds near Alto and Mission Tejas near Weches. Thanks to Mrs. Perry for driving and to the moms who went along. Our students were awesome!!

First Grade Field Trip

First Grade went on the first field trip of the school year on Wednesday, September 19. We had a kitchen tour of Blue Baker in College Station. The students got to make their own loaf of bread and had a yummy lunch in the restaurant. From there, we went to Bee Creek Park for some play time. The weather was picture perfect and a good time was had by all. Our last stop was the Brazos Valley Museum and a program by Ms. Maria in the Discovery Room. She showed the students several animals and also allowed them some time to look at the various exhibits on their own. It was a VERY good day!

I appreciate Mrs. Pipes for being our bus driver and I thank the moms and grandmothers who took time from their day to accompany us.