Classroom

I have been working my BUTT off on my new classroom (shoulda taken before pics) but it is practically finished and the monsters come on Monday!! I am super excited. Here's to a good year!

the job

I am fortunate enough to be employed at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and am a proud Bulldog despite being a faculty member for only 2 weeks... I can't believe the warmth and support that I have received in my induction here and am truly excited to begin this journey with my 3 and 4 year old students. They have tested my courage and allegiance with a terrifying ropes course and my endurance with 2 weeks of 11 hour days. But I have a great paraprofessional and an amazing admin staff..
That being said... I am slightly terrified and exhausted and the kids haven't even arrived yet. This preschool program has been in duress for the past few years and they are thankful to have a certified teacher of the Deaf as an addition to their early childhood program... but as only a 4th year teacher and having experience only in the areas of science and english I am not sure that I am the savior that they have made me out to be. I have also been entrusted with the "early years" program which is a support/resource program for parents of young Deaf children that need support and that gives them ideas and companionship... it is such an amazing concept and I am nothing but proud to not only be apart of it, but run it... it is flattering... and OVERWHELMING.
I only hope that I have the strength to meet these parents and children where they need me to be... to be the teacher and shoulder to these families that I feel is my calling...
I am excited and scared to be a part of this endeavor... but what other feelings would be necessary?....
faith?

Page High School Reunion

I can't believe that I am old enough to have been to my 10 year high school reunion. The years have flown by but it was so great to see everyone. I am not sure why I thought it would be fine to plan this event from Boston and during all of our life changes in moving out west. I tend to pile things on... when you are crazy busy, what is one more little thing right? ha... There was quite a bit more involved in this little weekend gathering than I originally thought but after a few minor hiccups, I think that it turned into a great time. I loved seeing old friends (who still look amazing) and their little families. It is wonderful to see the people you have grown up with all grown up and being such great parents. We had a gathering at the Marriott patio on Friday evening, a family beach day on Saturday and then the dinner that night at a great sushi place in town.
Here are some of the highlights of the weekend from the PHS class of '99