Scary Day, but I {LOVE} My Job

Today was extremely stressful.  There was an armed robbery at a bank across the street from my school this morning.  The school went into lockdown (very quickly) with the teachers not knowing what was going on.  We all knew what to do without thinking, and we all did everything in our power to keep our kids safe.  In my room, we were all huddled into a tiny corner with the lights off and sat there completely silent for over 1.5 hours.  That was pretty rough on my 10/11 year olds who can't stay in their seat for 15 minutes!  Thankfully, we were switched to a modified lockdown (doors remain locked and everyone indoors) right before our lunch.  1st grade ended up missing their lunch, so we all worked together to squeeze 5th grade, 3rd grade, and 1st grade into the cafeteria at the same time.  It was a scary day for a bit and I feel like we didn't get any learning done, but I must say, I am so PROUD to work with such great people!! :)

I Can... Statements

I decided to work at school today instead of play Candy Crush all day.  {No joke - I would have sat on the couch all day.}  I wanted to make something that I haven't had the time or energy to do: I Can... headers.  I would have made them at home, but I didn't have my scrapbook paper (or printer ink for that matter).  I already had I Can Statements posted, but they were ugly and I wanted them to be pretty.  :)  You can click here to see my Pinspiration.  Mine don't look quite that good, but I'm content with it for now.  What do you think?

I Can statements (before)  Ugly, right??

Finally, I just wanted to share my newsletter for this week.  I'm not sure about y'all, but I am having the hardest time getting students to:

1. Turn in anything, much less on time.
2. Put their name on anything.
3. Use reading strategies.

I feel like I'm turing blue from repeating myself.  To get their attention (and their parents') I put a picture on their newsletter this week.  You've all seen the "Keep Calm" posters I'm sure.  I found one that read, "KEEP CALM AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK".  Maybe it will help... (probably not, ha!).

TeacherLists {for supplies}

A colleague introduced me to a new website today called TeacherLists.  Apparently, teachers can make a list of the supplies they need in the classroom and post it for parents and friends to see.  This is a great way of getting the message out if you live in an area where parents have/use the internet.  If you're interested, you can click here to visit {http://www.teacherlists.com/teachers/?tt!pID=2162&tt!bD=1703667_1}.  The best part is... if you sign up, we both can get free supplies, so please use my link! :)

End of Year Letters

This isn't really what I need to focus on right now, but once I start thinking about something, I have to follow through!  Today, I made two letters to send home on the last day of school - one to students and one to parents.  These are NOT original.  All I did was add a border and fun font.  If you look on pinterest, you will see both of these letters all over.  If you decide you like what I've done, and want to download a copy, I've added both to TpT.  The student letter is free!  Note - I haven't actually tried to print these yet, so I'm not sure how they'll actually turn out. :)

TpT - Click Here

TpT - Click Here

Like I said, if you like them, they're on my TpT!!  Please give me feedback, too! :)  Have a great week!

EOY Books

With the end of the year in sight, I ordered a few books from Amazon just now.

Do you all have any favorite end of the year books?  Do you have any favorite activities?

Grades. Why?

(Caption: This wasn't even half of it!)

I hate grades.  I really do. ... Maybe I should say I hate the process of grading.  I don't get much from the actual numerical grade.  Honestly, when I grade, I'm thinking about the parents.  Are grades for teachers or are they for parents?  Why all the hostility toward grades, you ask?  Well, I spent my last day of spring break grading!!  Yes, it's my fault.  Should I have been better about grading this semester, yes.  Am I ever good about grading, no.

Next year, we are moving to standards-based grading.  I'm somewhat scared, but I think it is going to be more beneficial for me and for parents.  I'm still going to complain about grading, but since I see a purpose in it, maybe it won't be so bad.

What are your opinions, friends?  I know most K-2 teachers are already doing standards-based grading, but what about you 3-5 teachers?

Spring Break Recap {and a RECIPE}

(The Bro and Me)

I completely forgot to post about seeing Les Miserables in Richmond!  Let me start with the fact that we nearly didn't make it!  We were a little slow leaving the house last Saturday.  By the time we did leave, we were going to arrive right as the show started (according to Google Maps).  The bro pushed that Dodge Hemi as far as he could!  We found parking and ran in with 2 minutes to curtain!  Holy cow!  Then... this is the best part... the girl sitting next to us threw up all over herself.  Thankfully, no one was sitting in the seats in front of us, so we sat there until they could clean up the barf.  The girl sitting on the other side of her had no idea it had happened.  Maybe my ears are tuned to the sounds of vomiting? Anywho, Les Mis was great!  I did my best not to sing along.  My next dream: See Les Mis ON Broadway!!  The picture was taken in the garage after the show (hence the junk in the background).

I intended to leave Monday, but after testing cars, I decided to stick around and buy one!  I know I just posted pictures the other day, but it's so pretty, I wanted to post another one! :)  If you want to see the full blog post, click here!

So, school starts back Monday and I haven't done ANY school work.  I'm going to pay for this if I don't get on it!  Grades are due Wednesday!  ICK!  I hate grading.  So, instead of grading yesterday, I decided to make a healthy dinner: Salmon Carpaccio.  This is my favorite "meal" ever!  It's super simple too.  I'll tell you what you need and now to make it below.

Salmon Carpaccio

Ingredients:	Directions:
-Smoked Salmon	1. Whisk lemon juice with some olive oil.
-Olive Oil	2. Lay the salmon on a plate.
-Juice of 1/2 lemon	3. Throw on some capers
-Red onion, sliced	4. Throw on some arugula.
-Capers	5. Throw on some onions.
-Arugula	6. Drizzle with lemon/olive oil

 (Click to see bigger pictures)

Notice I haven't given you measurements.  That's because I just throw everything on... think of it as a salad.

I thought I might save money buying the arugula and spinach mix (I love spinach salads)...  It was 95% spinach and 5% arugula.  You'll notice that I ended up having to use some of the spinach, as well.

This recipe is SUPER healthy.  It is packed with Omega-3's.  If you're anything like me; however, you'll want to eat way too much of it! :)

School Lunch {Teacher Style}

Friends, this post is dedicated to school lunches.  Not the actual cafeteria lunches, but YOUR school lunches.  I would like to start saving money by bringing my own lunch, but I have a slight problem: I'm lazy.  It's hard to believe, I know, but it is true.  I'm lazy.  Not only that, I'm single, so it's hard for me to cook actual meals.  I know many of you probably bring leftovers for lunch.  Usually, if I cook, I'll put a frozen fish filet in the oven and cook a box of rice-a-roni.  I also would like to start eating slightly healthier.  My brother's lady friend is going vegan for a month.  That's not going to happen for me, but it did get me thinking about eating more vegetables.  I'm not really into fruits.  So my challenge to you: give me some ideas for CHEAP, QUICK, EASY, and HEALTHY lunches for school.

I should probably make this a linky, but the last time I tried that, I failed miserably.

New Car!

Isn't she gorgeous?  (the car, not me... PS after this picture I realized that outfit is not flattering.  That shirt obviously shrunk!)  The bro took a half-day at work yesterday {it must be nice to be able to leave whenever you want} and we went to the dealership around 1:00.  This was the easiest process ever.  If you're in the market for a new car, find a dealership with salesmen on salary and hassle-free pricing.  There was no negotiating.  I figured I would have to negotiate the price of my trade-in, but they gave me more than I expected upfront.  I was blown away!!  If anyone is in Virginia, check out Bill Britt Mazda in Fredericksburg!

The car is a 2014 Mazda Touring CX-5.  This model is in the middle... it's not stripped, but it doesn't have every option.  It does have fog lights, push button start, touch screen HD radio, back up camera, moon roof, Bose speakers... I can't think of what else.

One of the salesmen asked if I had looked at any other SUVs, and I mentioned the new RAV4.  He said a lot of people had come to look at the CX-5 intending to buy the RAV4 but changed their minds after driving the CX-5.  Toyota can't compete with this one!

I'm going to have an early dinner with the brother and his lady friend and head back to NC tonight.  I have a ton of grading to do when I get back!

April Currently {New car??}

Listening: I'm still at my brother's.  What is one reason I love visiting the bro?  He has satellite!!  I'm not willing to pay for cable or satellite on my own, so it's great being able to watch The History Channel when I go home to my parents' or visit the brother.  I'm SUCH a nerd when it comes to history!! :)

Loving: I haven't slept in too late on my spring break, but knowing the option is there, is amazing! :)

Thinking: New car?  Why, yes!  I went to Navy Fed. yesterday to apply for a pre-approval and got the amount and interest rate I wanted!  It feels great to have amazing credit! :)

Wanting: It's hard to want when you have what you need.

Needing: BUT, I do need the insurance company to call me back.  I'm in a sticky situation.  I'm still covered under the parents' policy in SC, but this new car will be registered in NC.  I need to know if I have a window of coverage or if I will have to sit there at the dealership and get new insurance!

Advice: (Not the advice I was supposed to give, but I'm not known for following the rules all the time.)  I know a lot of new teachers want to reach absolute perfection their first year (I'm not one of those teachers).  Very few can... and those who try, stress themselves out to a point of it being unhealthy.  Just chill.  Do what you can in a day's work and GO HOME!!  The work isn't going anywhere... it will be there tomorrow.  Relaxation and sleep will be your best friend. :)

Link-up with Farley!