This week I prepared my two classrooms at two schools for back-to-school next week. I was blessed to have helpers. In one classroom, one of my students appeared. Her mother was in a teacher workshop, so she was hanging out at the school helping out where she could. At the end of the year, I have to pack up the books so that the floors can be cleaned, so Lani re-shelved the books. I told her she could choose her own sorting method, so she put together books by the same author. I’m sure the order will change once kids start pulling them out to read, but it’s nice to start the year with some kind of order.
At another school, my friend Kristina came to help. She handled the stapler for the bulletin board and shelved my mountain of books. She decided to order books by genre, and she even made signs for the shelves.
I celebrate my little helpers and that feeling of anticipation that comes with a new school year.
I celebrate the summer poetry swap. I got this gift from Carol Varsalona. Carol has a unique talent of pairing photos with poems and creating timeless images. Her poem is a riddle poem about a fan. I can use a fan when temperatures climb to 90+ daily, but this one is too pretty to use. She also sent a necklace of handmade beads from paper. Carol wrote, “The women in Masese, Uganda wove the beads from paper that is hung to dry. With the proceeds we built an elementary school where 550+ children are educated, fed two meals a day, and have clean water. The mothers of Masese are proud jewelry makers who now can make a living to raise their children.” I will proudly wear the beads. Thanks, Carol.
I celebrate Iberia Parish Rocks! My husband found this rock on his doorstep on Friday. He texted it to me. That evening we saw an article in the paper about a Facebook group painting happy rocks to leave around town. What a great project for just spreading a bit of joy!
My summer is quickly coming to an end, but what a summer it has been. I am so grateful for my amazing trips to Tanzania, Africa and Old Bedlam Farm. I am also grateful for lazy days spent with my constant companion, Charlie. I wish I could take him with me to school.
Margaret, I am so delighted that you gave a shoutout to our charity, Bigger Than Beads, that brings education to children in Masese, Uganda. I also am grateful to have a friend like you who appreciates what others do. I was so excited to create the components to make a delightful poem swap for you. I am glad that you like what I sent. Can’t wait to present with you at NCTE 16.
Love the idea of painting rocks and passing it on. What a great way to have students outside and giving back.
I love the joy in your post, Margaret, so many good things to smile over. That rock group idea is so good. I had a group of teens from a church come by at the bookstore with a small bag of cookies, just to spread a little sweetness they said. Maybe this kind of thing is happening in lots of places? Have a lovely weekend before returning!
So much joy in this post. I love that rock project. What a way to spread some joy! Can I borrow Kristina and Lani? Need their stapling skills next week! Good to see Charlie looking so comfy.
Ah, so many celebrations to be thankful for, my friend. Charlie looks ever so happy to have you back!
Lovely celebrations! I LOVE the painted rock and your sweet helper and your beautiful Charlie!!! Happy almost back to school, my friend!
How fun to find a painted rock on the doorstep! And that pic of Charlie is so cute. No wonder you wish he could go to school with you. I always loved having helpers in my classroom. Enjoy and savor your remaining days of summer!
So much to celebrate. I love how you are grateful for the children helping you. You have a gift for making people feel welcome.