McPIFP Goal for Week #28

Back to School We go!


So yeah.... I apologize for not blogging last week. Needless to say, I've been so caught up in all of the back-to-school events that my blog unfortunately slipped through the cracks. I know, right? Shame on me! :( I'm getting back in a routine, so I'll do better!



But as you all know.... I, myself, am on my way back-to-school in the form of a Student Teacher! This past week and 1/2, I've been helping my cooperating teacher set up her classroom and I've been attending all of the PD (Professional Development) meetings right along with her. It has been a wonderful experience and I'm soooo excited about this school year! I'm doing a student teaching internship, so I get to be in the classroom all year and then will switch over to handling all of the classroom duties in January. During this first semester, I'll also continue to attend classes at Graceland.



In my recent experience, or "behind the scenes" of what a classroom teacher goes through, I've learned that when times are tough, it's the Educational industry that suffers the most. All of these teachers are spending more and more money out of their pockets in order to have supplies for their kiddos; they're giving up their last two weeks of summer in order to spend time disussing how they can become better teachers; how they can raise test scores; how they can meet the "needs" of the student... be it hunger, stability, affection, etc; For some, their class sizes are in the upper 20's... 25 to 28 kiddos per class, because the districts can't afford to hire anymore teachers; they're working from 8am to 7pm in order to make their classrooms as cozy as possible for the new little kindergarteners who will soon be arriving.



I could go on and on about how these teachers and principals are sacrificing their own family time and finances for the sake of their students. In today's economy, it's never been more clear to me that we teachers do this job, because we BELIEVE in your child. Now more than ever... when times are tough and school districts are predicting for it to be worse next year... I am SO thankful that I have chosen this industry. Not only do the children in today's society need us, but the families need us as well. Take heart knowing that your child's classroom teacher is there because he/she already loves your child and BELIEVES in them. =)

For this week's goal, I'd like for us to take the time to bless your teacher. This year's school supply list was very meager compared to what your teachers actually need. If you do not have a school-aged child, I'm sure you know of a school near you that could use your donations. If not, then contact me and I can tell you the name of my school. =)
Here's a list of some items that would be helpful to your teachers:

• clorox/disinfecting wipes
• hand sanitizer
• supply/school boxes
• dry-erase markers
• washable crayola markers
• snacks (check with the teacher on this one, just in case some of the students have food allergies)

I've also included a link to a video clip that I was introduced to in one of my meetings. Watch this amazingly touching video and see for yourself why teachers do what we do. =) Introducing: Dalton Sherman from Dallas, TX.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjOjYguJLls

Have a blessed week! Love you all! =)