This weekend, Sarah and I ran in the Philadelphia Distance Run, which is a beautiful 13.1 mile half marathon. Sarah held up better than I did at the end, but we both had a great time running in it. Here are some pictures of us.
The last few weeks have felt like a marathon with all the events and planning that's been filling the schedule. I'll write more when I get a chance.
Thursday, September 20
Saturday, September 8
Seth's birthday
Kallie, John, and I surprised Seth in his room at 7:30 this morning for his birthday. Come with us as we serenade him with a Camp Geneva version of Happy Birthday...
Our class mascot
So, my mother sent me large, purple puffer fish that makes a "BOIIIING" sound when you hit his belly. I did what any self-respecting 5th grade teacher would do with a kitsch item: incorporated him into my classroom! Meet Fluffy, our new 5th grade mascot:
The kids voted on a name for him (Mr. Puff, and Egghead were the other two finalists). Similar to what I did my second year at Hope with Quackles, we decided to take a picture of every person who visits our room with Fluffy and display them on the wall. Visit our photo album for a picture of each person in our class with him, plus the Gym/Spanish and Shared Space teacher.
The kids voted on a name for him (Mr. Puff, and Egghead were the other two finalists). Similar to what I did my second year at Hope with Quackles, we decided to take a picture of every person who visits our room with Fluffy and display them on the wall. Visit our photo album for a picture of each person in our class with him, plus the Gym/Spanish and Shared Space teacher.
Michigan's great loss
Most of you are probably aware that my favorite college football team of all-time suffered what many are calling the greatest upset in college football history. As a number 5 ranked team in the country, they lost to a division AA school, becoming the first ranked class-A team to do so...EVER. What's worse than the loss? This is the promo video for Appalachian State:
Friday, September 7
First one down!
Whoa. This week has flown by! Already, it's the end of my first week at Spruce Hill Christian School. I'm writing this from my classroom, which looks remarkably better than when I first posted that 360-degree view. I'll have to do that again after Back to School Night this coming Thursday.
The week went considerably well, considering it's my first week as a "real" 5th grade teacher (aka: I'm not long-term subbing or serving as a specialist). The 4th and 3rd grade teachers in my group have been exceedingly helpful, and the kids have lived up to my high expectations. They're a good bunch that can get out of control, but still have great respect for authority. At Spruce Hill, we're encouraged to spend the first few weeks focusing on developing routines, procedures, and community in our classroom, which has helped me keep my head above water. Tuesday and Wednesday were long days, but yesterday and today went by quickly.
Last year, Krista Carter had asked me if it takes me a little bit to unwind after school. At the time, I had said no. She was surprised, as she said that it usually took her a half hour or so to be ready to start her evening. If you were to ask me that same question now, I'd say that it does take me a bit to unwind. My guess is that the emotional involvement of focusing on 20 students instead of 250 does that to a guy. Oh well...for now, it's certainly worth it.
I'm tired now. Most of next week is planned, thanks to me staying until 7:30 on a Friday night. (now I just need to set the alarm without it going off!) I'm heading over to a friend's house for home made Chicago-style pizza and a movie. Should be a good way to end the week.
The week went considerably well, considering it's my first week as a "real" 5th grade teacher (aka: I'm not long-term subbing or serving as a specialist). The 4th and 3rd grade teachers in my group have been exceedingly helpful, and the kids have lived up to my high expectations. They're a good bunch that can get out of control, but still have great respect for authority. At Spruce Hill, we're encouraged to spend the first few weeks focusing on developing routines, procedures, and community in our classroom, which has helped me keep my head above water. Tuesday and Wednesday were long days, but yesterday and today went by quickly.
Last year, Krista Carter had asked me if it takes me a little bit to unwind after school. At the time, I had said no. She was surprised, as she said that it usually took her a half hour or so to be ready to start her evening. If you were to ask me that same question now, I'd say that it does take me a bit to unwind. My guess is that the emotional involvement of focusing on 20 students instead of 250 does that to a guy. Oh well...for now, it's certainly worth it.
I'm tired now. Most of next week is planned, thanks to me staying until 7:30 on a Friday night. (now I just need to set the alarm without it going off!) I'm heading over to a friend's house for home made Chicago-style pizza and a movie. Should be a good way to end the week.
Saturday, September 1
New heights
Phew! It's been quite the week. I've been at Sandy Cove, MD (right on Chesapeake Bay), working in my classroom, preparing for school next week, relationship talks with Sarah, and running this week. I'm about ready for Labor Day weekend. Good thing it's here!
Sarah and I just got back from a 13 mile run. Yes, you read that right: we ran 13 miles this morning. The previous longest had been Broad Street when we did 10 miles, but that was with a student who went at a pretty slow pace. Sarah and I managed to stay below 10 minute miles this time, which was in itself a miracle. We both felt pretty strong, and the cool weather, beautiful scenery, and seeing student along the path kept us going. It felt good, but it also feels really good to sit down. I felt like it was a great release of stress from this past week. Pretty cool how God uses healthy living to keep us strong. When we are weak, He sure is strong.
Sarah and I just got back from a 13 mile run. Yes, you read that right: we ran 13 miles this morning. The previous longest had been Broad Street when we did 10 miles, but that was with a student who went at a pretty slow pace. Sarah and I managed to stay below 10 minute miles this time, which was in itself a miracle. We both felt pretty strong, and the cool weather, beautiful scenery, and seeing student along the path kept us going. It felt good, but it also feels really good to sit down. I felt like it was a great release of stress from this past week. Pretty cool how God uses healthy living to keep us strong. When we are weak, He sure is strong.
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