My Summer Vacation (so far)...

Right after school I headed out for a SCUBA diving vacation.   Getting to the location, the Bay Islands of Honduras, required a long flight and I was able to dig into some reading.  I read three books that I recommend.  First, I read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.  I had seen trailers for the movie and it looked good but I try to read the novel before seeing the film.  I got attached to the characters in the story, especially Jacob, ninety-three year old narrator.  The story gives you a peek into the life of the circus world but it was the story being told through the memory Jacob’s life that struck me and reminded me of my father.  My father is 87 and I am just now hearing stories of his life that I have never heard before.  There is a clarity in the details he tells and a distant look in his eyes.  I think he is recalling his life so vividly that he is fully absorbed.  This book absorbed me as well.  In the end notes, it was interesting read about the research that went into creating this novel.
    The second read is from an author that I call my “go to” for a fun summer read -  Carl Hiaasen.  I like his books because they keep me laughing out loud and I enjoy looking for his spin on an environmental issue that plagues Florida, the setting for most of this story.  He didn’t let me down with his novel, Star Island.  The main character, Bang Abbott, was an unlikely candidate for paparazzi and that worked well with bringing in the surprises through out the book - this is Hollywood after all!  This is just over the top with it’s link to show business and all of the star qualities that go along with being in the spotlight.  This is definitely my beach book choice of this year.
    My third book is a change in genre - nonfiction.  I try to read something that will help me with my financial place just to keep me attentive and working toward goals but this year I deviated a bit and chose Paul Sullivan’s book, Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don’t.  As a teacher, there are challenges were I will be asked to embrace and lead in initiating change.  I thought this book would give me insight into the qualities that would jump start me for the coming year. There were five key aspects of being clutch that were discussed in varying settings: focus, discipline, adaptability, to be present, and the fear and desire of drive.  I read the book looking at these traits through the lens of a teacher but it would be applicable to anyone.  Reading about each trait and thinking about how it could apply to teaching was relevant and I will be mindful to keep them in the forefront during challenging situations.
    So, that rounds out the fist half of my reading this summer.  I’ll share about my trip to Honduras and the fun of diving next.

Pass On a Good Book!

On Wednesday, the Corinna School is having their Family Literacy Night.  The gym will be packed with families and friends to share in activities around books and writing.  One of the traditions that has evolved over the past few years is the Book Swap.  The book swap is in the center of the gym and tables are put together to lay out hundreds of books that have been donated by community member.  Inside the books are placed a small label that says:  Family Literacy Night, Pass On a Good Book!  Each child that participates in the Family Literacy Night can choose a book to take home with them.  The truly wonderful thing that has happened is there is a culture about sharing good books in our community.

Throughout the year, students and families stop by the Title 1 room to drop off books for the Book Swap.  When I talk with students about the books they like, titles are discuss and which ones should they give to the book swap.  There is nothing more fun that pawing through a sea of books in search of your next read.

Come and join us on Wednesday, March 2nd (Dr. Seuss' Birthday!) as we celebrate Family Literacy Night at the Corinna School.  The event will be held in the gym from 5:30 - 6:30 and there will be fun family activities!

January's Woodpile

There is a window in our garage where you can see the cut and split wood stacked up. It is a portal into how the weather has been through the winter months. By mid-January, you can tell if the weather has been warm because there are tiers of wood stacked up to the height of the bottom sash of the window. If the weather has been cold, there is no wood visible. This year I can see plenty of dried wood. It's comforting to see the woods stacked so high. It let's us know we have done well with conserving the use of the wood in the wood stove. The sight of wood through the garage window is like a gauge radiating out letting us know we can make it through the rest of the winter in the warmth.


Beginning next week, your child will be participating in the mid-year reading and writing assessments. These assessments serve as a gauge to help your child's teacher monitor the progress your child is making.  The results of the assessments will be stored in your child's portfolio so that you can view them.  

The Family Literacy Night is schedule for Wednesday, March 2nd from 5:30 - 6:30 in the gym.  That's Dr. Seuss's  birthday.  Be sure to mark your calendars for this fun family outing!