The Learning Effect

Teacher Appreciation Sale on Teachers Pay Teachers

2013-05-05T18:50:00.001-06:00

Teachers Pay Teachers is having a Teacher Appreciation Sale May 7th and 8th.

Everything in my store will be 20% off and you can get an additional 8% off by using the check out code TAD13.

Thanks to Beth from:

for the sale banner!

I have purchased several of her clip art items and absolutely love her work!

Teacher Appreciation Week Sale on Teachers Notebook

2013-05-04T10:14:00.001-06:00

I am participating in the Teachers Notebook Teacher Appreciation Week Sale! All of my files have been discounted 20%. Teachers Notebook will automatically apply 10% off your purchase as well. The sale ends May 10th.

You can enter to win a $100 Oriental Trading gift card through May 10th from Teachers Notebook. Enter daily!

Now on TPT & TN: Factors & Multiples Posters

2013-03-12T18:47:00.002-06:00

So many of our fourth graders didn't know their multiplication facts at the beginning of the year. Factors and multiples were a killer for them. I'm not teaching math this year, but I love creating posters for the teachers at my school, so I created these...

They're in both stores for $2.00.

Also... everything in both stores is 20% off until Friday, March 15th for a Spring Fever Sale!

Now on TPT & TN: Basic Geometric Shape Posters & a Spring Sale!

2013-03-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

Back in August I added my 3D Geometric Shape Posters to TPT & TN. These have been a huge seller on TPT and I've had requests for basic shape posters.

Last night I added basic shape posters and a pack of both the basic shapes and 3D shapes to both of my stores. Check them out!

Basic Geometric Shape Posters - $2.00

Basic & 3D Geometric Shape Posters Pack $2.75

The first three readers to comment below and tell me what your favorite math resource {with your email address included, please} will receive this double shape set for free. =]

Also... everything in both stores is 20% off until Friday, March 15th for a Spring Fever Sale!

Free iPad Apps from Lakeshore Learning Until 3/11/13

2013-03-03T10:36:00.002-07:00

Lakeshore Learning has some new iPad apps available. They are free until March 11, 2013.

Language Adventures Quiz Interactive
Game Show - Gr. 1–3

Language Adventures Quiz Interactive
Game Show - Gr. 4–6

There are also Math Game Show apps available for free.

TPT & TN Super Sales!

2013-02-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the TPT Sunday Super Sale tomorrow - Sunday, February 3. Everything in my store will be 20% off and TPT is offering another 10% off with coupon code SUPER.

I'm also having a sale in my TN store where I'm offering 30% off of everything today & tomorrow - Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 3. No coupon codes needed!

You can choose your favorite shopping platform and snag the same deals.

Now on TPT & TN: Daily Schedule Cards

2013-01-13T14:34:00.002-07:00

Just added to TPT & TN - daily schedule cards! I seriously *love* these! I've been using them all year in my classroom and two other teachers in my school also currently use them in their classrooms.

There are 42 cards included - with a large variety of subjects/events. I'm open to any suggestions on cards to add to the set - without charging extra or raising the set cost. If you have any ideas, let me know!

These daily schedule cards can be purchased in my TPT or TN store for $1.50 {50% off the regular price} until Wednesday, January 16.

The first three readers to comment below and tell me what you're currently reading {with your email address included, please} will receive this set for free. =]

Now on TPT & TN: 2013 Black & White Chevron Monthly Calendars {Free!}

2013-01-06T13:27:00.001-07:00

I just uploaded a free 2013 black and white chevron monthly calendar to TPT & TN. Have a great week!

Help Please! Classroom Library Basket Labels

2012-12-15T17:12:00.001-07:00

My classroom library is a mess. I've been purchasing new books like crazy over the last few months to make my library more grade appropriate. Being in 2nd grade last year, I had a lot of picture books. I've been purchasing chapter books from Scholastic, Amazon, and Sam's Club over the last few months and my library needs some revamping.

Last year I purchased baskets from Really Good Stuff for my classroom library. I also bought a labeling set {which appears to no longer be sold separately}with clear vinyl sleeves with plastic rings that fit 5" x 1.5" labels in them. I had to leave the baskets since the school reimbursed me for them, but I took the labels since I paid for them. I've created labels to fit these sleeves and need your help. I have 13 pages with 6 labels on each page, which include a variety of genres and nonfiction topics. I need your help to add more genres and/or topics to my library. I know series are popular, and I'd love to add series to the set as well.

Please comment and let me know what other topics/genres/series are of interest to you. Leave your email with your comment and I'll email you the set for free, once finished. I'll be adding this set to my Teacher & Classroom Organization Labels on TPT & TN.

Here's what I have so far...

Thank you! =]

12 in 12

2012-12-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

12. Favorite Movie You Watched

Of course, The Hunger Games. Besides Harry Potter, this is the best book to movie series I've seen. All the others just haven't "accurately" matched my visualizations of the characters and settings.

11. Favorite TV Series

Complete guilty pleasure, and perhaps I shouldn't admit that. I am in love with Sons of Anarchy.

10. Favorite Restaurant

Over the last year, I've discovered Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup. Now I have to go at least once a month for lunch - soup, salad, & breadsticks!

9. Favorite New Thing You Tried

Don't laugh... driving more than 5 miles to work. Call me spoiled, sure. Taking my current position requires me to drive 26 miles each way. I enjoy the drive, now, but I almost didn't take the position because of the drive. I was absolutely terrified to drive on the highway before.

8. Favorite Gift You Received

This is tough. I don't really receive gifts often because I purchase as I want. And I mostly just want for my classroom because as a new teacher, that's where my greatest need is.

I recently had a parent purchase an all-in-one printer for my classroom. Definitely my favorite thing this school year. {So grateful!}

7. Favorite Thing You Pinned

Source: shenanigansinsecond.blogspot.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

My students have a really hard time with writing this year. This writing rubric has helped improve their reading responses SO much.

6. Favorite Blog Post

Back to School Night 2012 - it was such a great success for me and I feel like this post has lots of good ideas {and some freebies}!

5. Favorite Accomplishment

My small business on Etsy boomed this summer, which was huge for my classroom. All of my business funds get put right into my classroom. I also opened both a Teachers Pay Teachers and a Teachers Notebook store. I had two large DonorsChoose projects funded as well. It was financially a great year for my students.

4. Favorite Picture

Picture taken at Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, UT - May 2012.

3. Favorite Memory

I went to my first NFL game in San Francisco in October 2012. It was so much fun.

2. Goal for 2013

Reorganize and simplify my life.

1. ~~One~~ Two Little Words

Let go... {of what I can't control}.

Online Shopping Deals Anyone?

2012-11-24T11:01:00.001-07:00

I cannot even tell you how excited I am for online sales - especially those on teaching websites!

I have some sponsor deals to share with you! Happy shopping!

My Teachers Pay Teachers store will have a 20% off sale from Monday - Tuesday {11.26 - 11.27}. Use coupon code CMT12 to receive a total of 28% off!

My Teachers Notebook store will have a 20% off sale from Saturday - Monday {11.24 - 11.26}. Teachers Notebook is adding an {automatic} extra 10% off discount to all orders on their site during this 3-day sale. No coupon code needed!

Starting today, save 40% on everything in my Etsy printables store. You have to use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY to get the discount. Coupon code expires on Monday, November 26 @ midnight (ET).

I will not apply the discount code after check out, so please do not purchase, then send me a message saying you couldn't figure out how to use it. It's honestly a hassle to do partial refunds on Etsy for discounts. To use the coupon, on the cart page there's a TEXT link that says "Apply shop coupon code" {see image below for example}. Add the coupon code in the box that appears. Make sure there isn't a space after the coupon code in the text box. If you have any questions, please contact me before purchasing!

Save 40% on your entire purchase with Milo Paper Gift Shop with coupon code nest2012. They have a whole brand new holiday shop, featuring cards, gift enclosures, gift stickers, and address labels. They also carry amazing personalized notebooks, calendars, notepads, stationery, and more.

Now on TPT & TN: Math Operations Vocabulary Posters

2012-11-08T21:45:00.003-07:00

I just uploaded my Math Operations Vocabulary Posters to Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook. Check them out!

November 1st?

2012-11-01T21:38:00.000-06:00

Seriously, my mind is blown. I cannot believe it's already November 1st. Tomorrow is the end of the first quarter at my school. We've had round one of parent-teacher conferences, DIBELS testing, our first math benchmark, and our first class holiday party. 10 weeks in and it still feels like the beginning of the year.

I'm so excited for next week. Our grade level teaching assistant will now be with us all morning - which will be amazing. I'll be teaching the whole grade language arts and my partner will teach math. I'll continue with science and art in the afternoon as well. I've never had to plan so little, yet so much before. Now I can really focus on my language arts block and making it work well for both classes. I was already doing all of the language arts planning for both classes, but now I can specialize it for each individual reading group. I can't wait.

I seriously have so much I want to share, if I can just find the time...

Hopefully this weekend I can write a post or two.

Have a great Friday and weekend!

Technology Tutorial: Making Binder Covers & Spines

2012-10-14T14:24:00.000-06:00

Reader, Brianne, sent left me a comment on the last post, asking if I could post a tutorial on how to create the binder covers. Of course!

Premade binder covers & spines available in my stores for free!

I now create everything in PowerPoint {thanks to Kristen at Ladybug's Teacher Files}. I had no idea you could create full page printables with PP, but I learned that I could from Kristen. I used to use Word, but PP is so much easier.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and delete the text boxes so you have a blank slide.

Step 2: Select the "Design" tab and then "Page Setup". A box will pop up and you'll need to change the following settings:

Slides sized for: Letter Paper (8.5x11 in.)
Orientation >> Slides: Portrait

You can select any size you want for your page under this setting. So if you have a different binder size, this is where you can customize it to fit your needs.

Step 3: Still under the "Design" tab, select "Background Styles" >> "Format Background". A box will pop up. Make sure you're on the "Fill" selection screen. Select the "Picture or Texture Fill" circle. Click "Insert from File..." and find the background clip art you want to use. If the background looks funny, try checking the "Tile picture as texture" box. Close the box.
The backgrounds I used are from Mel Stampz. They're free to download and use, as long as you're not using them to create files that you're going to profit from.

Step 4: Select the "Insert" tab. Click on "Shapes" and select the rectangle shape. Draw the box on your slide to whatever size you want. It doesn't need to be perfectly centered. We'll fix that in a minute.

Step 5: Click on your box to select it, then click the "Format" tab. Change the shape fill to white, the shape outline to white or no outline, and add a shadow under "Shape Effects" if you wish. To center the box on the slide, click on Align {on the right side, under the "Format" tab}. Select center and middle.

Step 6: Right click on the box and select "Edit Text". Type in whatever you want on the page. You can change the color/size/font/etc.

Step 7: If you want your text outlined in white, select the "Format" tab while the text is selected {highlighted} and then click "Text Outline". You can also add a shadow under "Text Effects". Font by Kimberly Geswein - KG Be Still & Know.

Step 8: When printing, click on the "Full Page Slides" drop down and make sure "Scale to Fit Page" and "High Quality" are selected. If these two are not selected before printing, your page will have a large white border around it and any shadowing will not print out.

If you're looking to create several binder covers, you can simply create one, then right click on the slide preview at the left and select "Duplicate Slide". Now all you have to do is change the background design and the text.

For the spines, it's pretty much the same directions, but I'll show you the differences.

Keep the page turned landscape, but change the page size to 8.5x11 in. Draw a rectangle shape. When selected, click the "Format" tab and make sure the dimensions {on the right side} are 0.9" high and 10" wide. {0.9" high fits a 1 inch binder spine perfectly. Whatever size you're using, choose 0.1" less than the size for the height.} Align >> center. While still selected, click the drop down menu "Shape Fill" and select "Picture..."

Again, find and choose the background clip art you want. Right click on the image and select "Format Picture..."

Select "Fill" from the choices on the right of the pop up box. Check the "Tile picture as texture" box. I also changed the "Transparency" to 50% so the text is easier to read once you type on top of it. Close the box.

Right click on the box again, and select "Edit Text". Type in whatever you want on it. Again, you can change the font/size/colors/shadows/outlines/etc. the way I showed you above.

When printing, select the high quality and scale to fit page options. I print my spines on card stock so they're easier to insert into the side of the binder.

I hope this tutorial was useful for you!

Any questions?

My Year So Far... Back to School Night 2012... & Some Freebies

2012-10-07T16:53:00.000-06:00

This year has been a whirlwind of craziness already. I think I may finally be somewhat settled into my new schedule, commute, school, students, etc. I spend 35 minutes commuting each way. I'm at school an hour and a half early and usually force myself to leave at 4 p.m. each day {when my contracted hours end}.

I'm enjoying my new school and students, but boy-oh-boy do I have a tough class this year - behaviorally and academically. We're working through it - slowly, but surely. I have a teaching assistant who bounces back and forth between the other 4th grade and my class. We have 53 kids in 4th grade. I absolutely love my teaching partner. He's absolutely amazing and we work so well together. We're rotating in the afternoon. I teach science and art. He teaches P.E./health and social studies. It's so much fun to have 53 students who all feel like mine.

It's been difficult starting in a brand new school. It's nice to have a brand new building, supplies, etc. But I am literally starting from scratch with our language arts and math programs. Last year, I could go to other grade level teachers and ask for resources and ideas/suggestions. This year, I am the "experienced" teacher on my grade level. This is my partner's first year. You'd never know though - he's really great in the classroom. We're figuring everything out together.

I've been wanting to upload more freebies to TPT & TN for awhile now, and share my Back to School Night pictures.

While Office Depot had their pocket folders on sale for a penny, I purchased 30 to use for BTS Night. I labeled each folder and placed all parent info inside. I placed a folder on each desk so when families came in, they could take their folder with them. I also created a true or false guessing game for students to take. {Click here to view my document.} I found the idea somewhere online last year, but couldn't find the source to credit it in this post {I didn't pin it}. If this was your idea, please leave me a comment so I can credit you!

I got the idea for the folders & parent contact info sheet from Amanda @ Mrs. Terhune's First Grade.
The documents I included are:

An introduction letter to parents from me
Mrs. Ford's FAQs {click here to view}
My classroom disclosure
Student supply list
Volunteer survey {download for free below}
Getting To Know Your Child survey {from Cara @ The First Grade Parade}
Parent contact information sheet {download for free below}

My donation tree was inspired by Mrs. Santana @ The Learning Tree. I created a sign to put by the tree, asking parents to donate, if they could. I've uploaded this sign for free {and extras with a different font and different backgrounds} to both TPT & TN.

I've uploaded my Parent Volunteer Information Organization forms to TPT & TN for free. Here's what the set includes:

I've also uploaded my Parent Email Contact Information form to both stores.

And...

As I showed you last month, I have a reminders & announcements board by the door in my classroom. I've uploaded the header sign for free in 6 different background & font colors.

I also shared my curriculum binders with you back in August. I've uploaded the binder covers & spine inserts for free to both stores.

We're reviewing verbs this week. I made posters to help students remember the difference between action, helping, and linking verbs. Download them for free in one of my stores!

More coming later...I still have a bunch to share! =]

Now on TPT & TN: Teacher and Classroom Organization Labels {+ Some Freebies!}

2012-09-23T12:03:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I uploaded the Teacher and Classroom Organization Labels I've been working on for the last few months. Thank you so much to all who contributed ideas for labels to add. I emailed the files to you yesterday if you left me your email in the comments.

There are 72 pages in this set, with 108 different labels and 2 versions of each label {which gives you a total of 216 labels}. The price for this file set is $10, but it is currently on sale for $5 until Wednesday, September 26.

Today I also added some freebies to TN & TPT.

I added the "You've Got Mail!" sign that I use in my classroom. This freebie comes in 6 different colors.

I added "We're a Nut-free Classroom" signs that I had to create for my classroom this year. This freebie also comes in 6 different colors.

I Caught It...

2012-09-03T16:40:00.000-06:00

The first bug of the year, that is. I have been sick for the last few days - what a way to spend my 3 day weekend, right? I had great intentions to finish up my teacher & classroom organization label pack, but I've been too sick to even get on my computer. They're almost done, and I've saved all of the comment emails that I received with your emails to send the set to y'all for free when I'm finished - I didn't forget! Give me a week to finish it up, and you should have it in your email by next weekend.

Thanks for understanding!

This Year's Classroom {2012-2013}

2012-08-26T14:16:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day! I've spent the last week and a half setting up from scratch. While it was nice to have a brand new room and furniture to work with, that's about all that I had. It was up to me to purchase bookshelves, extra tables, and everything else. I can be reimbursed for these things, but it was a lot of work to go shopping, lug them into the school, and put everything together.

The pictures below are inconsistent because they were taken on two different days. Ignore that when viewing, please. =] I created a lot of the decor/signs myself, and I'll share soon.

tables from IKEA

bookcase from IKEA

A coworker asked me to make one of these signs for her files. I loved the idea, so I made one for me, too! Inspired by Finding Joy in 6th Grade.

Drawers from Walmart. Students turn in work in the correct drawer.

Cart from IKEA.

Table & stools from IKEA. Baskets from Dollar Tree. Bookshelves from Walmart.

Banner created on Vistaprint. Design by technology rocks. seriously.

Numbers are calendar numbers found at a local teacher store.

Poster created on Vistaprint. Design by technology rocks. seriously.

Frames from IKEA. I'm going to use them for homework.

I'll share Open House/Back to School Night pictures and documents I used later this week.

TPT & TN Back to School Sale!

2012-08-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am participating in the big TPT Back to School Sale from Sunday August 12 - Monday, August 13. Everything in my store will be 20% off and TPT is offering another 10% off with coupon code BTS12. {But then, for whatever reason, it will only end up being 28% off...I don't understand it myself.}

I'm also having a sale in my TN store where I'm offering 30% off of everything from Sunday, August 12 - Monday, August 13. No coupon codes needed!

You can choose your favorite shopping platform and snag the same deals.

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions on my Teacher Labels file I'll be publishing soon. So many great ideas were given, so it's going to take me a few days to add them to the file. Unfortunately it won't be done before the sale, but when I list it, it will be 30% off for the first few days it's up.

I Need Your Help! Teacher & Classroom Organization Labels

2012-08-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've been working on Teacher & Classroom Organization Labels for my TPT & TN stores. I need your help!

There are 117 different labels and 2 different styles/sizes. {So, total, there are 234 labels}. I included days of the week, months, common supplies, etc. The whole point of this file is to help you organize your classroom with fun labels. Since I know I can't think of every thing on my own, I'm asking for your help!

What other labels could I included in this file that would help you organize your classroom?

Here's what I have so far:

Thank you for your help!

Now on TPT & TN: 3D Geometric Shape & U.S. Money Posters

2012-08-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

I have really been going nuts lately, making lots of stuff for my TPT store. Since I'm spending so much time making these files, I decided to open up a Teachers Notebook {TN} store as well. I know some prefer TN, so I decided to go for it. Everything that is in my TPT store is now also in my TN store {the prices are the same in both stores}. Why have both? Well, TPT seems to be more popular and known by teachers. But TN allows me to collect 100% of the profits with no transaction fees. As of now, I'm not sure if you receive file updates with TN {meaning, if you purchase a file and the seller updates it, if you can redownload the updated file for free, like you can on TPT}. If anyone knows, please share. I haven't purchased very much off of TN yet, so I'm still learning the ropes.

Yesterday I uploaded two new files for purchase: 3D Geometric Shape Posters and U.S. Money Posters.

3D Geometric Shape Posters $1.20

U.S. Money Posters $1.00

First FOUR people to comment & tell me your favorite math resource will receive BOTH of these poster sets for free! {Be sure to leave your email in the comment so I can email the files to you!}

Teacher Planner Sets on Sale for $10 Until Friday

2012-08-01T19:19:00.004-06:00

Last week I shared a preview of my new teacher planners on TPT and gave one set away. The lucky winner was Meghan M.! I had such lovely feedback from y'all that I've decided to keep the $10 sale up until Friday night! It will end at 10 p.m. (MT). At that time, the teacher planner sets will return to their normal price of $13.

There are 3 different designs available: Rainbow Polka Dot, Rainbow Hexagonal, and Black & White. All of the sets have the same documents {besides design and font}, with the exception of the B&W set having 6 additional covers to choose from. If you purchase the set, you'll be able to download the new monthly calendars next summer for no extra charge. These planners were made to be used year-to-year without having to purchase anything more. Any additions will be uploaded to the original listing, so you'll be able to get them at no extra charge.

My inspiration for creating the teacher planner was from beginning to create a 2013 planner for personal use. I knew I could whip up a teacher planner quickly with the templates I'm already using myself. I've been going crazy purchasing digital papers on Etsy lately, and after making sure they were okay for commercial use, decided to put them to good use!

Check out the planners below! {Click images to view larger.}

{Download the free preview file on the listing page to view these images larger.}

Teacher Planner - Rainbow Polka Dot ~~$13~~ Currently on sale for $10!

{Download the free preview file on the listing page to view these images larger.}

Teacher Planner - Hexagonal ~~$13~~ Currently on sale for $10!

{Download the free preview file on the listing page to view these images larger.}

Teacher Planner - Black & White ~~$13~~ Currently on sale for $10!

Free Printables: Number of the Day and Ordinal Numbers

2012-08-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have added 2 free new files to Teachers Pay Teachers - Number of the Day and Ordinal Numbers. I use the Number of the Day worksheet during morning work to get my students familiar with all forms of a number. The Ordinal Numbers file I created is something new I'm adding to my classroom this year. Check them out! {Click on the images below to visit the listing page to download.}

My Brand New Classroom & Some Rambling...

2012-08-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

I have been super busy lately!

Sunday I spent pretty much all day and night working on classroom / TPT files. I have some pretty great stuff that I just uploaded and will upload soon.

I also worked on my curriculum binders for this year. While Utah {as any other state} has it's educational quirks, it sure has great online resources for teachers when it comes to curriculum! I absolutely l.o.v.e. UEN! Even if you don't teach in Utah, I'd suggest you check it out. It's more than just curriculum objectives and standards.

Monday I went to my old school and loaded half of my classroom belongings into my car and took it to my new school! This is the first time I had set foot in the school. I'm a bit bummed because I have one of two "inner" classrooms, so that means I don't have any windows with natural sunlight. Boo. I'll live though, I promise. Maybe this will make me want to go outside for recess...we'll see, we'll see.

My classroom is pretty bare bones. Since the school is brand spanking new, there isn't very much funding left over, aside from teacher supply budgets. Anything extra {like bookcases and what-not} needs to be purchased with our supply budget. Luckily I found 3-shelf bookcases at Walmart for $15, so it won't be too expensive. Here are some pictures of what I'm starting out with...

I didn't get a ton accomplished on Monday because one of the 3rd grade teachers was a student teacher at my old school last year, so we were chatting for several hours instead of working. It's nice to know someone at my new school. {I actually know 3 people total, so it's not as intimidating!}

Yesterday I loaded the rest of my classroom up and my husband made the trek with me {what was left was books, and boy were they heavy}. He helped me with some of the heavy lifting in the classroom, and then we went in search of book baskets {at the Dollar Tree}, used bookcases {at local thrift stores - but no luck}, and anything else classroom related that was a deal. I ended up with 8 baskets from the Dollar Tree and a plastic paper organizer/shelf and Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader board game {for my classroom} from a thrift store. We also came home with Krispy Kreme donuts. We were mind blown that we finally found a Krispy Kreme store in Utah. We thought they didn't exist. {We don't really leave the Salt Lake valley. We thought it had everything we need. I guess we were mistaken.}

I am super excited to get organizing and decorating in my classroom! I am going on a trip with my brother next week back to PA. He's moving back and I volunteered to go with him so he'd have company. Being able to see my family in PA is an added bonus, too! I'll be back just in time for a week and a half of training/classroom set up days. Students start school on Monday, August 27.

I have an awesome giveaway over at The Nest Effect right now! Even a teacher will love it - check it out.

New {FREE} files in the TPT store are up next in a separate post. Stay tuned!

Free Printables: Cardinal Direction Signs

2012-07-28T14:56:00.000-06:00

I have added 5 free new files to Teachers Pay Teachers called Cardinal Direction Signs. Each file includes 2 sets of cardinal direction signs with different backgrounds. I hang these signs in my classroom all year as a resource for students. Check it out! {Click on the images below to visit the listing page to download.}

On a side note - I get to start moving things into my classroom on Monday! I'm so excited. They just finished building the school, so I've only seen pictures and the outside of the building when I drove up there a month and a half ago. It's going to be a good year. I chatted with my 4th grade teaching partner {colleague} and I think we'll get along great.