A Team that Stands (or shops) Together...

I love my diverse grade level team! There are 5 of us at 2nd grade and we are all unique. We encourage each other and celebrate the differences. We have fun talking before and after school and that alone can make a hectic day much nicer!

For the second summer in a row, we have taken a day trip together to do some "before school" shopping. Wichita doesn't have much variety when it comes to  teacher stores so we head out early on a summer morning to travel to Kansas City or Oklahoma City for the day. An hour or two spent shopping, discussing and helping each other find things to go with our themes, and we need a break. More often than not, we find ourselves at The Cheesecake Factory! After lunch and, of course, some yummy cheesecake, we find the strength to get back out there and do some more shopping!

A few days after school was out, we went to Emporia State University to hear Harry Wong speak. It was nice to see that there were so many teachers who were willing to travel from all over Kansas during their summer break to hear him speak. Of course, we took a few minutes to stop and get a picture of us in front of the home (now museum) of our school's namesake, William Allen White who was a well known journalist in Emporia, Kansas.

We have also become a 21st century team. As of last month, we all have iPhones! I don't know of another team that has as many group message sessions as we have. Sometimes the topic is a question about school or a sale on school supplies that one of us has just spotted. Other times, it's just friendly joking or personal news.


A strong team is a wonderful thing! Our jobs can be stressful and difficult at times. It's nice to have people next door or across the hall that understand and know how to take the pressure off. I'm thankful for my team.

Road Trip! (teacher style!)

Shortly after my last post I came down with a bad case of allergic bronchitis. It has taken me several weeks to get my energy back. I'm so glad to be feeling better! Now I'm ready to start planning for August.

A month ago I was so tired and sick that I couldn't think, let alone plan for next year. For a few weeks I couldn't bring myself to even talk about next year. Fortunately, I'm feeling much better. I allowed myself most of the month of June to relax and think about anything but school. I feel relaxed and reenergized; ready to get started with my plans.

June activities (with bronchitis)

• Closet in new room cleaned out and organized with the help of a good friend
• Room packed and closed up for summer
• Old office cleaned and closed
• Interviewing and hiring of another 2nd grade teacher for our team
• 2nd grade team meeting
• A week of vacation

July: Road trip!
Today, our 2nd grade team took a road trip to Overland Park, Kansas to buy out, I mean visit some teacher stores. The drive up and back allowed for some nice discussion time. It was definitely a fun team-building activity. Setting up a new room after 10 years out of the classroom isn't cheap! I spent a larger chunk of money than I'm used to. I'm hoping to use these things for a few years!

Our Teacher Treasures by the end of the day!