Monday, September 2, 2013

Positive Points Monday! My attempt at being a "Positive Polly!"

Today I was excited to find a new linky that is exactly what I am trying this year. Maybe it is the old college cheerleader in me, but I am going to stay positive this year. There are so many things to be grateful for in life, I will not let the negative drag me down...got that? Even though I've only had the kids for 1.5 days last week, I am ready for a positive, meaningful, consistent year! Doesn't that sound refreshing? So I'm linking up with Sarah from Permanently Primary for:


I mean seriously, this button is just too cute NOT to link up with!

I have co-taught special education class with an amazing teacher friend for five years (I think) and for the past two years she has been push in. She always jokes around with me and calls me Positive Polly. It always makes me laugh and reminds me of the power of positivity. So...


On the first day of school I sent home a parent information form asking a million questions and also for a parent's email address. I gave it as "homework" and guess what? I got them all back the next day, except ONE! I was psyched. I figured out how to make a parent "group" in my email and on Friday I created our first classroom newsletter using my editable pack of newsletters in my TpT store.


One of my goals this year is to make parent/home contact easy, consistent, and worthwhile. I couldn't believe how easy it was to type up some news, save it as a PDF, and email every one of my 47 student's parents! I am especially excited because I got a ton of excited emails from parents thanking me for opening the line of communication and also thanking me for helping their child adjust while have an amazing first few days at the new school. My goal is to put my newsletter out every Friday. I even included some pictures. I decided the best idea is not to use student faces in the pictures. Then I won't accidentally use the same child every week and I won't have to worry about not using pictures of other children.

 I love my staff, love routines, and love helping others. Seriously I work with my best friends. My partner (who teaches Math/Science/SS to "our" kids) is like my school mother and is amazing. I'm happy to be back with all of my friends. I'm happy to be back in a routine with my family, it makes me feel like I have a purpose. Now I just need to think of something other quick meals to put into our weekly rotation, fit in some exercise during the week, and keep up with the house cleaning and my life will be complete! :)

Our school year is going to be fun. We have a new principal this year who has a ton of new ideas. We are going to have after school activities! I am teaching dance/cheerleading and we will even get to preform at the school PRIDE assemblies. I already have our music mixed and burnt to a CD and am ready to go. We have a bunch of fun school events coming up, the first one being a Reading Camp out! Doesn't that sound fun? Teachers are volunteering to read (in tents) to students during a BBQ and while the parents are in an in-service learning how to help with the CCSS implementation of reading at home. I think this sounds great and is involving everyone. Little things like this really make our school stand out, give the students a sense of pride for their school, open more communication between school/home, and get the students away from the TV at night. Anyone else do any fun events at their school? I'd love to know what other schools do for fun!

See, wasn't that therapeutic? By focusing on the positive I am ready for another great week. Did I mention we not only have Monday off, but also Thursday! :)!!!

6 comments:

  1. Hi! I live your blog its beautiful!!!I'm loving the dots and owls too. Can I ask where you purchased the owl graphics? I have the schoolgirl style matching desk plates, cutouts etc, but would love to incorporate the owl in my newsletters etc. Thanks so much !
    Meghan msmas1@aol.com

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  2. Love the idea of sending newsletters out via email. Last year I sent a hard copy home each Friday. I have started that this year, but am trying to figure out how to do it with email. Great templates!
    Alyce

    Mrs. Bartel’s School Family

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  3. I've sent home weekly newsletters for two years (both electronic and on paper). If parents take the time to read it, they can easily stay on top of upcoming dates.

    I really like the idea of a Reading Camp Out. Our school does a Math/Sci night, a Reading night and a STAAR night (state test). I think the idea of using a theme and doing 1 night might be a better idea. I might have to make this suggestion to our parent involvement committee.

    Deniece

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  4. I appreciate your honesty about how hard it is to stay positive! I, too, am determined to focus on the uniqueness of each of my students and how fortunate I am to have a wonderful, supportive family. Teaching is not for the faint of heart!

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  5. Thanks for posting your positives! I know it changes my outlook on life when I point out the positive!

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  6. Hi! I'm your newest follower! I found you on Permanently Primary's linky party! I want to add mine next week . . . I sure hope I remember!
    Patty
    Second In Line

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