May 12, 2017 Dear Families, Ever have one of those weeks that you can't remember what day it is? You find yourself one day off the entire week. I have been one day behind every day this week. I spent all morning thinking today was Thursday. Thus, my Wire post is one day late. My apologies. … Continue reading Wait, What Day is It?

April 27, 2017 Dear Families, In a marathon, I am not sure which mile is worse. Mile one, when the runner realizes the undertaking ahead. Mile 17, when the runner realizes they have just under a half marathon still to complete. Or Mile 23, when the runner can't imagine taking one more step. May 19th … Continue reading Mile 23

April 20, 2017 Dear Families, Each week as I contemplate the topic for my Thursday Wire post, I consider many factors. I examine educational trends. I read articles on parenting teens. I reflect on my own journey as an educator and a parent.  I contemplate what is relevant based on society and student culture. I … Continue reading Because of my Two Questions

April 13, 2017 Dear Families, As we begin our initial descent to the conclusion of the year, I find myself struggling to settle on a topic for this week's article.  I could address the cliche that spring fever definitely fills the halls of the middle school. Students exhibit signs that their beloved summer break is … Continue reading The Mystery that is High School

March 30, 2017 Dear Families, As an English teacher, I taught my students to avoid cliches like the plague. But, in this case, I have no other words! WOW! Did time fly this year! I cannot believe that we begin the month of April on Saturday. This letter will contain an information download. My hope … Continue reading Buckle Your Seatbelt

March 23, 2017 Dear Families, I knew when Maddy was 2 weeks old, she would be my wanderer. She hated being swaddled. Any type of confinement, Out. Of. The. Question. My mom sat back in silent satisfaction as I stressed over the realization that she would seek adventure wherever she could find it. My mother's satisfaction stemmed … Continue reading Nobody Tells You This is the Goal

March 16, 2017 Dear Families, "Beautiful. Gorgeous. Wish you were here." This is a line from one of Paul's favorite movies. Today, as I walked the back lot and supervised Lunch A, I quoted this line. Students uttered appreciation throughout the lunch period. They loved eating outside today. It made my day to be able … Continue reading Lunch Outside, March Madness, and Spring Break

March 9, 2017 Dear Families, Do you realize that the school year is three-fourths complete? I literally cannot figure out where the time went! Last night, as I sat at the choir/band concert, I reflected on the growth of the band. Listening to Mr. Meinkoth introduce each number reminded me of the concert in December. I … Continue reading We’re Almost There

February 16, 2017 Dear Families, Birds sing. The sun shines. Pitchers and catchers report. Our house celebrates the fact that Ray Black finds himself in the pitching rotation in the Cactus League. We approach the sports season that celebrates a .300 batting average. In school, 3 out of 10 is a 30%, an F. We … Continue reading 3 out of 10 is an A+

February 9, 2017 Dear Families, If I were to describe the school year as days of the week, I would assert that February to March is Wednesday.  Students navigate the halls with ease. Sixth graders, once timid, find their way to class filled with confidence. Seventh graders that entered school with confidence eagerly anticipate 8th … Continue reading February is the Wednesday of the School Year