One evening last spring, I was getting some papers checked at Caribou Coffee. Fire place crackling in the background, the quiet hum of college study groups, and business professionals working out their next business proposal; I was a little disappointed when I heard they were closing. I'm rambling. I went to the counter to order a cup of hot caffeine and noticed they had a pack of gum for sale. The box included information about an organization called Project 7. I asked the clerk about it and after learning about their cause, I bought a pack. What I learned was that this organization was being proactive in providing basic human necessities to those without to all corners of the globe. Their mission: Feed the Hungry, Heal the Sick, Hope for Peace, House the Homeless, Quench the Thirsty, Teach them Well and Save the Earth. My pack of gum, was a small contribution towards planting trees. Later that month, I came back and bought a pack of mints, which helped feed those in need. During our Rainforest Unit, what a better way to touch children than to share this incentive. Not because I want them to buy gum or send money...but because I want them to know that there are little things we can do every day that make a difference. We have more power than we think we have. It may seem like I work for this organization, but the fact is...I wish I did. I started paying attention to where my chocolate and coffee beans came from., however, once the rainforest unit was over, I turned my attention to the next project and stopped talking about Project 7...until now. In social Studies, we are learning about Wants and Needs. Well...when I saw this video, it reiterated my message about the difference between the two. We don't need that new toy...we need food. We don't need to go to Toys R Us...we need peace. You ask how you can help support your children's education at home....well, take a minute and help them understand the world around them. Maybe they're too young to see the big picture, but the world is much different outside of Troy. We all need to open our eyes and think about our actions. How do we positively effect the environment? How do we positively effect our community? How can we make a difference in the world we live? Watch the video...explore the idea of bringing change to the world. Maybe it starts within your soul...or maybe it starts with a pack of gum. ) Dear Troy Union Families, Thursday night, as you are walking through the halls to your conference, take a look around the hallways. This year Troy Union staff is doing more and more with Visible Thinking. We've made it our GOAL this year to not only challenge our students' thinking, but to challenge our own craft. As our 2nd year using the research based routines progresses, we are feeling more and more confident that they way we are communicating with our students is producing deeper level thinkers. You will see even more examples of your child's learning within the classrooms themselves! Look around and see the learning that's happening at Troy Union.
Monday night was "Grab a flashlight and read in the dark! Here we are...I think it would have been easier to read the whole chapter had Kona offered to hold the flashlight (or at least turn the pages for me!). C'mon TU! The MarchIsReadingMonth 25Challenges have begun! Share your pics with me! Last Friday we created a few rules for being a good shopper. Later this week, we will be creating our own series of Public Service Announcements for those of you who need more advice about saving your money! Afterall, these guys are now the experts...and they have a lot of wisdom to share! Stay tuned! Here we go! Sunday night and Kona is still up! Can't go to sleep until he "Signs on to Raz Kids and reads a book!" He didn't make it long enough to take the quiz...but I'll just let him finish tomorrow! Sweet Dreams, pup! C'mon TU! The MarchIsReadingMonth 25Challenges have begun! Share your pics with me! Was happily surprised this Friday, when I found THIS in my mailbox! Our Troy Union families are the best at taking care of us!! Teacher Appreciation week hasn't even started and I already feel the love! Thank you in advance for all the hard work you all put into this upcoming week. Thank you to all the volunteers who cook, cut, bake, copy, glue, and rhyme...all for us! It's so nice to know that we feel it all year round, too! Thank you!!!!!! Saturday night's challenge was to "Write a letter to Winter1" Check out my letter below, and let me know what you think. I hope I wasn't too hard on him! C'mon TU! The MarchIsReadingMonth 25Challenges have begun! Share your pics with me! Dear Winter,
I would first like to say that it is been lovely spending time with you these past few months. I've learned so much from you during this time. I've learned that my push broom does a much better job at clearing snow off my car than my window scraper. I also believe my balancing skills have improved dramatically. Additionally, I learned that carrying a bag of pebbles in the bed of your truck not only helps with tire traction when moving but can also help you when that same truck is stuck in the middle of a snowy avenue. Now, I regret to say that I feel our time together has come to an end. The cracks in my knuckles and the pasty completion of my skin are begging for new company, that which only the sun can promise. I miss the sound of birds waking me up on Sunday morning and the thrill of watching Kona attempt to make friends with squirrels. I've packed you a sandwich for the road. Spring will be here soon, but I won't rush you. That would be rude. You have until tomorrow, of course. I hope there are no hard feelings, for it was you who taught me very valuable lessons this season. I will not forget our time together and promise to be better prepared for your arrival next year. In fact, I believe ACO has an end of the season sale on shovels! Bon Voyage, my friend! With love and kindness, Eric Andary Thursday night's challenge was to "Read for 20 minutes!" After a LOOOOONNNNG night of checking lots of papers...I was struggling to keep my eyes open past 8pm...but I did it. My 20 minutes of reading was done in bed! And...here's my proof! Have a great weekend everyone! Tonight I get to think about my favorite character? Hmmmm.... C'mon TU! The MarchIsReadingMonth 25Challenges have begun! Share your pics with me! |
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