1. Wrote a belated birthday card to a college student from church
This was a former youth that I would mentor last year while they were a senior in high school and they attended church regularly. Now that they are off at college, its been awhile since I've seen them. They are doing well, which is great to hear. So I just wanted to say hi and wish them a good birthday - even though I'm a few days late - oops! how time flies!
2. Wrote a 'Thinking of You' card
This goes to an elderly church member who can not attend Sunday Service anymore. I miss her very much because she would always add some sort of wisdom during the conversation time after the sermon. She always had the best stories during the social time after the service. Just wanted to let her know that she was missed at service.
3. Wrote a 'Have a Nice Day' card
So I must admit - I was a bit bored this afternoon. So I just randomly shuffled my way through the phone book and picked a random name. Yup, they received the card. The way that I see it is that - who wouldn't want to receive a card wishing them a nice day - even if they don't know the sender. Its all done in good spirits :-)
4. Salted the sidewalk
So there is a house down the street from where I live where the neighbors moved out from it over this past summer. Its a fairly nice house, but now that no one lives in it - the sidewalks haven't been shoveled during the past few weeks of winter. I also live on a street that the neighborhood middle school kids walk to attend their school/classes. I worry over the fact that the mail carrier, other neighbors, and the local kids are walking on these types of untreated sidewalks - this is a safety hazard waiting to happen. So I had some free moments and the temperature wasn't too bad. I took my shovel and some left over salt and worked on these sidewalks. I was able to get a decent path cleared - enough for walking - until the temps warm up enough to finish melting the ice/snow mixture
5. Bought a random person a cookie
This was actually my son's idea - I'm so proud of him. Since it was his idea, he chose the person in the food court and delivered it :-)
6. Cleaned up the food court
Threw away abandoned trash, straighten up the chairs, wiped tables, returned trays, etc. Anything that helped keep the area clean for other customers and to help the workers their. Sort of like a penny that helped multiple types of people.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 206
1. Made & brought in low-fat Banana bread
I just wanted to treat the other members of the fitness group with a healthy morning breakfast alternative. I found a great recipe on a website that takes classic food items and rearranges the ingredients to be healthier. I tried the directions out and made some really good bread. So I repeated the cooking and made some extra for the other fitness members. They have been working really hard. Enjoy!
2. Bought special coffee for another teacher
I normally buy the regular kind of coffee, but today I felt like being adventurous and buy some flavored - French Vanilla. I must admit that it was really good. I hope that the other teacher enjoyed it as much as I.
3. Wrote a 'Nice Job' note to another music teacher
He has spent a lot of time with his music students in working on an extra community concert. I just wanted to let him know that I really appreciate all of the extra time that he has given to his students & his music program to make this event really nice.
4. Left another car pull ahead of me
I was about to pull into the gas station when I noticed that there was another car across from me needing to buy gas as well. So I flagged them over and let them go ahead of me. It wasn't a problem at all because I had some extra time. Besides, there was still enough of gas for my jeep afterwards.
5. Gave an article to use in the classroom to another teacher
There was this really cool article about a WWII painting and the model that posed for it. I have heard the art teacher comment about it when she discusses her 'Pop Art' unit. Then while I was looking around on cnn.com - there was this brilliant article. After reading it, I printed it out and this morning put it in the art teacher's school mailbox. I hope that this is helpful for her to use in the classroom - or at least interesting to read.
I just wanted to treat the other members of the fitness group with a healthy morning breakfast alternative. I found a great recipe on a website that takes classic food items and rearranges the ingredients to be healthier. I tried the directions out and made some really good bread. So I repeated the cooking and made some extra for the other fitness members. They have been working really hard. Enjoy!
2. Bought special coffee for another teacher
I normally buy the regular kind of coffee, but today I felt like being adventurous and buy some flavored - French Vanilla. I must admit that it was really good. I hope that the other teacher enjoyed it as much as I.
3. Wrote a 'Nice Job' note to another music teacher
He has spent a lot of time with his music students in working on an extra community concert. I just wanted to let him know that I really appreciate all of the extra time that he has given to his students & his music program to make this event really nice.
4. Left another car pull ahead of me
I was about to pull into the gas station when I noticed that there was another car across from me needing to buy gas as well. So I flagged them over and let them go ahead of me. It wasn't a problem at all because I had some extra time. Besides, there was still enough of gas for my jeep afterwards.
5. Gave an article to use in the classroom to another teacher
There was this really cool article about a WWII painting and the model that posed for it. I have heard the art teacher comment about it when she discusses her 'Pop Art' unit. Then while I was looking around on cnn.com - there was this brilliant article. After reading it, I printed it out and this morning put it in the art teacher's school mailbox. I hope that this is helpful for her to use in the classroom - or at least interesting to read.
5 Pennies - Day 205
1. Brought flowers to a church member
It was her birthday yesterday :-) She does so many wonderful things within the church for so many of the different people - I just wanted her to have a great day and show my appreciation. Something about flowers that's great to get on your birthday.
2. Brought food to homeless shelter
Just making sure that they are stocked up for this up coming week with some basic items. I read an article in the local newspaper that more and more families are depending on the local area's soup kitchens for dinner lately. I am a very fortunate person. I have a nice home, good family, warm clothes, and food available. By providing food for others, in a way it shows my appreciation to God for providing me with so many things in life - I must remember to never take this for granted.
3. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to church groundskeeper
He has been working over time to make sure the the walk ways are clear, that clean door mats are available, that left over salt is swept up, the the parking lot is shoveled for service, and more. I just wanted to express my appreciation for the extra care that he has been showing to the church grounds and the parishioners.
4. Wrote a 'Good Luck' email/note to Volleyball coach & students
Several of my music students play on the middle school's volleyball team. They have an important tournament this weekend and made it to the finals which are being held today. I wish that I could attend, but the location is further away than what I can drive with my son. So instead I sent the Volleyball coach (another teacher at school) an email wishing her & the students good luck today within the final rounds of the tournament. Set, Bump, Spike, Serve!
5. Picked up trash in parking lot
So I took my son out to a special lunch after morning church today. He has been really sick lately; this has been a rare occasion for him to feel fairly well - so I thought about celebrating this small life wonderfulness. Anyway, he has a haircut appointment later on today - so things just seemed to line up better to leave church, go have a special restaurant lunch, and then go to the haircut appointment. While walking into the restaurant, I noticed that there were some pieces of trash in the parking lot. I simply went over and gathered a few of the items together. The best thing is that my son automatically did the same thing too!
It was her birthday yesterday :-) She does so many wonderful things within the church for so many of the different people - I just wanted her to have a great day and show my appreciation. Something about flowers that's great to get on your birthday.
2. Brought food to homeless shelter
Just making sure that they are stocked up for this up coming week with some basic items. I read an article in the local newspaper that more and more families are depending on the local area's soup kitchens for dinner lately. I am a very fortunate person. I have a nice home, good family, warm clothes, and food available. By providing food for others, in a way it shows my appreciation to God for providing me with so many things in life - I must remember to never take this for granted.
3. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to church groundskeeper
He has been working over time to make sure the the walk ways are clear, that clean door mats are available, that left over salt is swept up, the the parking lot is shoveled for service, and more. I just wanted to express my appreciation for the extra care that he has been showing to the church grounds and the parishioners.
4. Wrote a 'Good Luck' email/note to Volleyball coach & students
Several of my music students play on the middle school's volleyball team. They have an important tournament this weekend and made it to the finals which are being held today. I wish that I could attend, but the location is further away than what I can drive with my son. So instead I sent the Volleyball coach (another teacher at school) an email wishing her & the students good luck today within the final rounds of the tournament. Set, Bump, Spike, Serve!
5. Picked up trash in parking lot
So I took my son out to a special lunch after morning church today. He has been really sick lately; this has been a rare occasion for him to feel fairly well - so I thought about celebrating this small life wonderfulness. Anyway, he has a haircut appointment later on today - so things just seemed to line up better to leave church, go have a special restaurant lunch, and then go to the haircut appointment. While walking into the restaurant, I noticed that there were some pieces of trash in the parking lot. I simply went over and gathered a few of the items together. The best thing is that my son automatically did the same thing too!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 204
1. Went to student basketball game to show support
So it is basketball season in my school for both girls and boys. Today I took my son to watch a boys game at another school. The best thing about the team is that all of the players I also have in the classroom. They all did an amazing job and I was highly impressed with their athleticism and sportsmanship. I will say that I do have an annoying habit when I go to games, shows, recitals, competitions, etc. The people around me begin to get iritated because I'll continuously talk to my son about the kids that I teach. Like - oh, there's 52, mommy teaches him, his name is Joe and plays the trumpet. My son has begun to accept this habit and once we get situated and seated at an event he immediately starts asking about which kids I teach. I know that each of my students have families of their own, but I like to think that I am apart of their school life family - there to show support within and outside of the classroom.
2. Sanitize shopping carts
With the wipes that are provided at the front of the grocery store entrance, it is easy to do a couple more than just your own - help clean up germs for future people.
3. Personally thanked cashier & assistant by name
Remember to treat these people with kindness - all jobs are useful, meaningful, and important in society. These people have hard jobs because they are constantly dealing with customers - more that are unhappy than satisfied. Look them in the eye & say hello, thank you, and call them by name - it's a simple act of respect.
4. Bought boxes of tissues for son's classroom
Tis the season of sneezes. Can a classroom of preschool kids ever have too many boxes of tissues? With my classroom of middle school kids, the answer to this question would be an obvious NO! Anyway, the teacher works on limited pay with limited funding, so while I bought my classroom a pack - I bought another pack for her too.
5. Picked up knocked over boxes at entrance of doorway
The clerk was changing some of the items around at the front of the grocery store - displaying the new sales and such. Although the view was interesting, the left over boxes were making a run for it by trying to baracade the doorway. He was there trying to clean everything up by himself as quick as possible so that the other customers could leave. I just simply parked my cart and helped him move things out of everyone elses way - it was easy to do.
So it is basketball season in my school for both girls and boys. Today I took my son to watch a boys game at another school. The best thing about the team is that all of the players I also have in the classroom. They all did an amazing job and I was highly impressed with their athleticism and sportsmanship. I will say that I do have an annoying habit when I go to games, shows, recitals, competitions, etc. The people around me begin to get iritated because I'll continuously talk to my son about the kids that I teach. Like - oh, there's 52, mommy teaches him, his name is Joe and plays the trumpet. My son has begun to accept this habit and once we get situated and seated at an event he immediately starts asking about which kids I teach. I know that each of my students have families of their own, but I like to think that I am apart of their school life family - there to show support within and outside of the classroom.
2. Sanitize shopping carts
With the wipes that are provided at the front of the grocery store entrance, it is easy to do a couple more than just your own - help clean up germs for future people.
3. Personally thanked cashier & assistant by name
Remember to treat these people with kindness - all jobs are useful, meaningful, and important in society. These people have hard jobs because they are constantly dealing with customers - more that are unhappy than satisfied. Look them in the eye & say hello, thank you, and call them by name - it's a simple act of respect.
4. Bought boxes of tissues for son's classroom
Tis the season of sneezes. Can a classroom of preschool kids ever have too many boxes of tissues? With my classroom of middle school kids, the answer to this question would be an obvious NO! Anyway, the teacher works on limited pay with limited funding, so while I bought my classroom a pack - I bought another pack for her too.
5. Picked up knocked over boxes at entrance of doorway
The clerk was changing some of the items around at the front of the grocery store - displaying the new sales and such. Although the view was interesting, the left over boxes were making a run for it by trying to baracade the doorway. He was there trying to clean everything up by himself as quick as possible so that the other customers could leave. I just simply parked my cart and helped him move things out of everyone elses way - it was easy to do.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 203
1. Gave special treats to those students who won the school's Spelling Bee
I'm an ok speller - not fantastic, but proficient enough to make sense in life. However, these kids were amazing at school this morning. Words that I've never heard before they were rattling off like it was common knowledge. The 6th & 7th grade student that won for their grade, well I'm proud to say that they are my band students - & really smart too. The 8th grade student that won for her grade is a chorus student, but I also have her in my regular music class. This particular girl is pure amazing. She has so many talents, especially being so gifted in art. But her real talent is how she wants to help people and change the world. She's pure enchanting. So I felt that a little treat to show how proud of them I was, was easy to do.
*And yes, I love watching the National Spelling Bee hosted in Washington DC every spring.
2. Wrote a "Welcome Back" note to another staff member
Yeah, she's back! This particular staff member has been out for a while due to a serious injury that had to be taken care of by a surgery. Its nice to have her back 'home'.
3. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher
I've always wanted a 'smart board' to use in my classroom. Its a great piece of technology equipment that is really easy to use in the classroom and that the kids respond really well too. But being an 'Arts' teacher, we are often overlooked for having advanced technological equipment within our classroom. Now I am currently working off of my personal laptop & a LCD projector. However, I received some great news this afternoon. The Technology teacher in my building is getting a new 'Smart Board' from her supervisor and wants to give me her older one. Yes! The least that I could do was to write a thank you note.
4. Wrote a 'Good Luck' note to another student
This is my private flute student that has a really important audition tomorrow. She is applying to a private Music & Arts High School on her instrument. We have worked a lot on her music throughout this year, as well as, scales & basic music theory. She is going to do well tomorrow - she's ready for this. She wants to get in really badly so that she can go to college and be a music teacher - how cool?!? Unfortunately, I can't be there for her audition - so it was only natural to write her a good luck note.
5. Made brownies for the custodians
They have been really working overtime in the morning in keeping the sidewalks clear and safe for everyone from the winter weather. Just a simple show of appreciation.
I'm an ok speller - not fantastic, but proficient enough to make sense in life. However, these kids were amazing at school this morning. Words that I've never heard before they were rattling off like it was common knowledge. The 6th & 7th grade student that won for their grade, well I'm proud to say that they are my band students - & really smart too. The 8th grade student that won for her grade is a chorus student, but I also have her in my regular music class. This particular girl is pure amazing. She has so many talents, especially being so gifted in art. But her real talent is how she wants to help people and change the world. She's pure enchanting. So I felt that a little treat to show how proud of them I was, was easy to do.
*And yes, I love watching the National Spelling Bee hosted in Washington DC every spring.
2. Wrote a "Welcome Back" note to another staff member
Yeah, she's back! This particular staff member has been out for a while due to a serious injury that had to be taken care of by a surgery. Its nice to have her back 'home'.
3. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher
I've always wanted a 'smart board' to use in my classroom. Its a great piece of technology equipment that is really easy to use in the classroom and that the kids respond really well too. But being an 'Arts' teacher, we are often overlooked for having advanced technological equipment within our classroom. Now I am currently working off of my personal laptop & a LCD projector. However, I received some great news this afternoon. The Technology teacher in my building is getting a new 'Smart Board' from her supervisor and wants to give me her older one. Yes! The least that I could do was to write a thank you note.
4. Wrote a 'Good Luck' note to another student
This is my private flute student that has a really important audition tomorrow. She is applying to a private Music & Arts High School on her instrument. We have worked a lot on her music throughout this year, as well as, scales & basic music theory. She is going to do well tomorrow - she's ready for this. She wants to get in really badly so that she can go to college and be a music teacher - how cool?!? Unfortunately, I can't be there for her audition - so it was only natural to write her a good luck note.
5. Made brownies for the custodians
They have been really working overtime in the morning in keeping the sidewalks clear and safe for everyone from the winter weather. Just a simple show of appreciation.
Monday, October 17, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 202
1. Made stepfather coffee
He was really nice towards my mother this morning. The snow was heavy, deep, & abundant. He was really worried about my mom getting to work - so he drove her. While he was there he also shovel/plowed out her business too. I thought that since he was so nice towards her, I would return the favor. So when he returned home from the battle of the elements, a nice warm pot of fresh coffee was waiting for him.
2. Made brownies for the new neighbors
So across the street, new neighbors moved in just a few days ago - right before the newest snowfall came. My son and I had a day off from school, so we made them brownies & included a welcome note. Just something nice to do for them to say hello & welcome
3. Made brownies for the postal carrier
What is the mail service motto? Through sun, rain, sleet, & snow. I felt sorry & guilty for our carrier since he had to be in this horrible winter weather, while my son and I enjoyed the warmth from the inside. So we made extra brownies for him & included a thank you note for doing such a good job despite the weather conditions.
4. Sent an 'e-card' to other teacher colleagues
I just wanted to wish them a 'Happy Snow Day!'
5. Helped clean off & dig out neighbor's car
My son and I were outside playing in the snow. So I must admit that after building a snowman, my son honestly believes that shoveling is a part of 'playing' in the snow. Ok, I know that in some weird way it is wrong of me to let my son believe that shoveling = snow fun! However, he loves it. He actually loves helping me & others out - which I love him for. Anyway, we were going over our own sidewalk again to make things cleaner and noticed that our neighbor down the street needed some extra help with his car. So we went down to help him. The neighbor did the roof, I did the hood, & my son took care of the lights & wheels. Soon we got the car cleaned, then out & running - together.
He was really nice towards my mother this morning. The snow was heavy, deep, & abundant. He was really worried about my mom getting to work - so he drove her. While he was there he also shovel/plowed out her business too. I thought that since he was so nice towards her, I would return the favor. So when he returned home from the battle of the elements, a nice warm pot of fresh coffee was waiting for him.
2. Made brownies for the new neighbors
So across the street, new neighbors moved in just a few days ago - right before the newest snowfall came. My son and I had a day off from school, so we made them brownies & included a welcome note. Just something nice to do for them to say hello & welcome
3. Made brownies for the postal carrier
What is the mail service motto? Through sun, rain, sleet, & snow. I felt sorry & guilty for our carrier since he had to be in this horrible winter weather, while my son and I enjoyed the warmth from the inside. So we made extra brownies for him & included a thank you note for doing such a good job despite the weather conditions.
4. Sent an 'e-card' to other teacher colleagues
I just wanted to wish them a 'Happy Snow Day!'
5. Helped clean off & dig out neighbor's car
My son and I were outside playing in the snow. So I must admit that after building a snowman, my son honestly believes that shoveling is a part of 'playing' in the snow. Ok, I know that in some weird way it is wrong of me to let my son believe that shoveling = snow fun! However, he loves it. He actually loves helping me & others out - which I love him for. Anyway, we were going over our own sidewalk again to make things cleaner and noticed that our neighbor down the street needed some extra help with his car. So we went down to help him. The neighbor did the roof, I did the hood, & my son took care of the lights & wheels. Soon we got the car cleaned, then out & running - together.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 201
1. Sanitized seats & door knobs at son's pediatrician
Winter = sickness = need for cleanliness = good health :-)
Ok, so I'm viglient towards cleanliness. I wonder what my superhero name would be? Mr. Clean is already taken & personally he scares me to be married to him, so 'Mrs. Clean' is out of the picture. Then there is Wonder Woman with her golden laso of truth - would mine be golden container of Clorox Wipes?
:-) Either way, whatever I can do help others; miniscule or large; simple or complex; immediate or future - whatever the need is, I would like to help.
2. Shoveled snow for the two elderly neighbors
They are both very sweet and wonderful neighbors - the nastalgic grandparent type. Soft spoken & always smiling, but in need when it comes to winter weather. So of able body, strength, & mind - shoveling away I went. Honestly, it wasn't that cold or that physically demanding. Thanks to Tony H. & P90x for helping me build up my strength & endurance prior to the winter months :-)
3. Sent a birthday card to a church musician
Happy Birthday! She's a wonderful musician - plays guitar, piano, saxophone, & trumpet. The most interesting thing about her is that she is also a great composer. She mainly writes songs for a small combo to perform, but is currently working on a piece for my concert band to perform possibly this spring or next. Another cool thing is that she is also a recording artist. A lot of the money that she sells based on her cds, she then donates it back into the church for mission projects or food pantries. Great spirit!
4. Wrote a 'Thinking About You' card to church elderly
Haven't seen her for a while, just wanted to check to make sure that she was ok.
5. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to son's future kindergarten teacher
So after reading the article from yesterday that focused on preparing your child for Kindergarten, I sent an email to his future teacher in requesting advice. Not only did she send me some helpful information through an email, but also sent a packet of activities to further prepare him for his entrance exam. I just had to send a special thank you note for the extra time that she put into advising me.
Winter = sickness = need for cleanliness = good health :-)
Ok, so I'm viglient towards cleanliness. I wonder what my superhero name would be? Mr. Clean is already taken & personally he scares me to be married to him, so 'Mrs. Clean' is out of the picture. Then there is Wonder Woman with her golden laso of truth - would mine be golden container of Clorox Wipes?
:-) Either way, whatever I can do help others; miniscule or large; simple or complex; immediate or future - whatever the need is, I would like to help.
2. Shoveled snow for the two elderly neighbors
They are both very sweet and wonderful neighbors - the nastalgic grandparent type. Soft spoken & always smiling, but in need when it comes to winter weather. So of able body, strength, & mind - shoveling away I went. Honestly, it wasn't that cold or that physically demanding. Thanks to Tony H. & P90x for helping me build up my strength & endurance prior to the winter months :-)
3. Sent a birthday card to a church musician
Happy Birthday! She's a wonderful musician - plays guitar, piano, saxophone, & trumpet. The most interesting thing about her is that she is also a great composer. She mainly writes songs for a small combo to perform, but is currently working on a piece for my concert band to perform possibly this spring or next. Another cool thing is that she is also a recording artist. A lot of the money that she sells based on her cds, she then donates it back into the church for mission projects or food pantries. Great spirit!
4. Wrote a 'Thinking About You' card to church elderly
Haven't seen her for a while, just wanted to check to make sure that she was ok.
5. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to son's future kindergarten teacher
So after reading the article from yesterday that focused on preparing your child for Kindergarten, I sent an email to his future teacher in requesting advice. Not only did she send me some helpful information through an email, but also sent a packet of activities to further prepare him for his entrance exam. I just had to send a special thank you note for the extra time that she put into advising me.
5 Pennies - Day 200
Happy 200 Pennies!
1. Wrote and encouraging note to a student
I have this wonderful percussion student - really brilliant and just an overall nice kid. Anyway, I have started to notice that he has not seemed himself by being a little on edge with his talk & his actions. I talked to his mother a little yesterday about it because I knew that something was different. Again, he's a great kid - so something isn't right. She told me that he was starting to feel really stressed out with his academic work and his sports activity. So today I wrote a note of encouragement and slid it into his locker - quickly before he came to school. Just something simple to tell him to keep up the good work and that everything will be ok.
2. Scrubbed all the tables in the cafeteria
They just needed it - especially with all of the winter sickness going around. I wanted to make sure that our school looks its best and that the students had a clean place to eat. Where my OCD is welcomed - cleanliness = happiness :-)
3. Picked up books that another student dropped
Bless her heart - she was trying to carry her academic books, while balencing a clarinet, while heading towards the art area with extra supplies. A tiny girl with gifted talent - unfortunately balencing is not one of them. So as her arms caved in and all of her belongings exploded in front of her, I went and helped her pick everything up. Isn't that what we all need in life sometimes? When our burden becomes too heavy - someone to come over and pick up the pieces - putting our puzzle back together. Well, her puzzle is this is beautiful collage of colors, shapes, & texture.
4. Gathered up baskets at the grocery store
After gathering them up at the check out area, I placed them at the entrance of the store for future customers. Easy to do.
5. Placed articles in staff mailboxes for different people based on their interests
So there is this teacher at my school that loves comic book super heros - ok, there are two that have this same interest. Anyway, there was this really great article that was recently posted on cnn.com about a poll of top 10 superheros - ranking them acordingly to their strength, vigilence, and knowledge. An article that I knew that they would throughly enjoy!
Then I also read another article on cnn.com about how parents can start to prepare their child for kindergarten. This article had a lot of helpful hints for me as I am starting to prepare my son for next fall. I know of another teacher at my school that is in the same boat. So I printed out the article and placed it in her mailbox. I hope that the information is as helpful to her as it was for me.
1. Wrote and encouraging note to a student
I have this wonderful percussion student - really brilliant and just an overall nice kid. Anyway, I have started to notice that he has not seemed himself by being a little on edge with his talk & his actions. I talked to his mother a little yesterday about it because I knew that something was different. Again, he's a great kid - so something isn't right. She told me that he was starting to feel really stressed out with his academic work and his sports activity. So today I wrote a note of encouragement and slid it into his locker - quickly before he came to school. Just something simple to tell him to keep up the good work and that everything will be ok.
2. Scrubbed all the tables in the cafeteria
They just needed it - especially with all of the winter sickness going around. I wanted to make sure that our school looks its best and that the students had a clean place to eat. Where my OCD is welcomed - cleanliness = happiness :-)
3. Picked up books that another student dropped
Bless her heart - she was trying to carry her academic books, while balencing a clarinet, while heading towards the art area with extra supplies. A tiny girl with gifted talent - unfortunately balencing is not one of them. So as her arms caved in and all of her belongings exploded in front of her, I went and helped her pick everything up. Isn't that what we all need in life sometimes? When our burden becomes too heavy - someone to come over and pick up the pieces - putting our puzzle back together. Well, her puzzle is this is beautiful collage of colors, shapes, & texture.
4. Gathered up baskets at the grocery store
After gathering them up at the check out area, I placed them at the entrance of the store for future customers. Easy to do.
5. Placed articles in staff mailboxes for different people based on their interests
So there is this teacher at my school that loves comic book super heros - ok, there are two that have this same interest. Anyway, there was this really great article that was recently posted on cnn.com about a poll of top 10 superheros - ranking them acordingly to their strength, vigilence, and knowledge. An article that I knew that they would throughly enjoy!
Then I also read another article on cnn.com about how parents can start to prepare their child for kindergarten. This article had a lot of helpful hints for me as I am starting to prepare my son for next fall. I know of another teacher at my school that is in the same boat. So I printed out the article and placed it in her mailbox. I hope that the information is as helpful to her as it was for me.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
something cool
So I have a story written about my project in the local newspaper - The Herald Mail.
Below is the link to the story.
http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-boonsboro-teacher-takes-yearlong-project-of-helping-others-into-the-classroom-20111009,0,5375532.story
It was also picked up by USAToday.
Below is their additional link.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=delmarvanow&sParam=37668815.story
And then Great Instrumental Downloads-
http://greatinstrumentaldownloads.com/instrumental-music-in-the-news/
Here's another - Nuizer-
http://www.niuzer.com/US/Boonsboro-teacher-takes-yearlong-project-of-helping-others-into-cyberspace-7626560.html
And Schema-Root-
http://schema-root.org/people/career/musicians/teachers/
BC - South Member Exchange Digest-
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/rs/story/10258770/
The coolest thing is that people from all over can start doing pennies.
I wonder how Abe Lincoln would feel about this?
Below is the link to the story.
http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-boonsboro-teacher-takes-yearlong-project-of-helping-others-into-the-classroom-20111009,0,5375532.story
It was also picked up by USAToday.
Below is their additional link.
http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=delmarvanow&sParam=37668815.story
And then Great Instrumental Downloads-
http://greatinstrumentaldownloads.com/instrumental-music-in-the-news/
Here's another - Nuizer-
http://www.niuzer.com/US/Boonsboro-teacher-takes-yearlong-project-of-helping-others-into-cyberspace-7626560.html
And Schema-Root-
http://schema-root.org/people/career/musicians/teachers/
BC - South Member Exchange Digest-
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/rs/story/10258770/
The coolest thing is that people from all over can start doing pennies.
I wonder how Abe Lincoln would feel about this?
Monday, October 10, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 200 - Recap
So my 200th day of 5 Pennies is near. And so far my 'pocket change' is equating to $10! Cool huh?
Anyway, what I have learned thus far in this project is it is all about connecting with someone. Not so much of playing the game 'Connect 4', but more like 'Connect the Dots.' In order to understand someone, you have to actively listen and observe them - then you can help them. Even as something as simple as a note to cheer them up or more complex as supplying food for their soul - you can help them if you make the connection.
So when I was in college for my Undergraduate degree in teaching, there was this seminary that every Freshman had to go to. We in the music department nicked-named it "Mating, Dating, & Relating." So these 5 Pennies has nothing to do with the 'mating' aspect, but maybe has a little more to do with the 'dating' aspect. But really - it is all about the 'relating' aspect. Getting to know someone, learning what they need, and then providing it for them - the best way you know how.
I have been frustrated the past couple of days. I haven't seen the ripple effect in which is something that I was really looking forward to. However, I need to keep in mind that this project isn't about others and what they are going to do. It is about me and how I am relating/connecting to others.
So on this note, I will leave this post with one of my favorite 'Pee Wee Herman's songs:
Connect the dots, La-La-La-La
Anyway, what I have learned thus far in this project is it is all about connecting with someone. Not so much of playing the game 'Connect 4', but more like 'Connect the Dots.' In order to understand someone, you have to actively listen and observe them - then you can help them. Even as something as simple as a note to cheer them up or more complex as supplying food for their soul - you can help them if you make the connection.
So when I was in college for my Undergraduate degree in teaching, there was this seminary that every Freshman had to go to. We in the music department nicked-named it "Mating, Dating, & Relating." So these 5 Pennies has nothing to do with the 'mating' aspect, but maybe has a little more to do with the 'dating' aspect. But really - it is all about the 'relating' aspect. Getting to know someone, learning what they need, and then providing it for them - the best way you know how.
I have been frustrated the past couple of days. I haven't seen the ripple effect in which is something that I was really looking forward to. However, I need to keep in mind that this project isn't about others and what they are going to do. It is about me and how I am relating/connecting to others.
So on this note, I will leave this post with one of my favorite 'Pee Wee Herman's songs:
Connect the dots, La-La-La-La
Sunday, October 9, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 199
1. Checked in on another teacher's substitute
So I substitute taught while I was in college working on my Undergraduate Teaching degree. This by far is a hard job to do because you don't know anyone and you don't know the regular routine - even if the teacher leaves the best laid plans for you - there is still apprehension. So when I notice that there is a substitute teacher for another teacher nearby my classroom, I always go introduce myself and make sure that they have everything that they need. Just common courtesy to make the sub at ease. Good thing I did this too, she was out of coloring sheets and I was able to copy some for her prior to class beginning.
2. Wrote an "In Sympathy" card to a member from church
Just something simple to do to show that I cared about this member and their family.
3. Found and washed a coffee to go cup
So I noticed this really nice coffee to go cup in the teacher's lounge. It looked fairly new and I've never seen it before at school. I noticed the name that was written on it and knew that it didn't belong to any of my coworkers, so it must have belonged to a substitute that was in today. So I washed and dried it and returned it to the front office. As I was writing a post-it-note explaining this lost, but found coffee-to-go cup, the phone rang. It was actually the sub calling to see if anyone found her cup. I guess it is the 'right place at the right time' type of thing.
4. Bought extra snacks for students
I have a group of students that have been working really hard on an extra concert that is approaching this weekend. I just wanted to get them an extra snack to show them how much I appreciate all of the extra time and effort that they have been putting into to this extra concert. They are truly wonderful kids to work with!
5. Covered for another teacher during lunch duty
They needed to leave un-expectantly to pick up their sick child - so I had so extra time and just decided to cover for them during lunch duty. I hate when my kid is sick and am always looking for any extra help at work - I knew that this would help with one problem. It was easy to do.
So I substitute taught while I was in college working on my Undergraduate Teaching degree. This by far is a hard job to do because you don't know anyone and you don't know the regular routine - even if the teacher leaves the best laid plans for you - there is still apprehension. So when I notice that there is a substitute teacher for another teacher nearby my classroom, I always go introduce myself and make sure that they have everything that they need. Just common courtesy to make the sub at ease. Good thing I did this too, she was out of coloring sheets and I was able to copy some for her prior to class beginning.
2. Wrote an "In Sympathy" card to a member from church
Just something simple to do to show that I cared about this member and their family.
3. Found and washed a coffee to go cup
So I noticed this really nice coffee to go cup in the teacher's lounge. It looked fairly new and I've never seen it before at school. I noticed the name that was written on it and knew that it didn't belong to any of my coworkers, so it must have belonged to a substitute that was in today. So I washed and dried it and returned it to the front office. As I was writing a post-it-note explaining this lost, but found coffee-to-go cup, the phone rang. It was actually the sub calling to see if anyone found her cup. I guess it is the 'right place at the right time' type of thing.
4. Bought extra snacks for students
I have a group of students that have been working really hard on an extra concert that is approaching this weekend. I just wanted to get them an extra snack to show them how much I appreciate all of the extra time and effort that they have been putting into to this extra concert. They are truly wonderful kids to work with!
5. Covered for another teacher during lunch duty
They needed to leave un-expectantly to pick up their sick child - so I had so extra time and just decided to cover for them during lunch duty. I hate when my kid is sick and am always looking for any extra help at work - I knew that this would help with one problem. It was easy to do.
Friday, October 7, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 198
1. Bought extra food for the homeless shelter
Yes, their shelves and supplies are starting to get bare. I just couldn't stand the thought tonight of while I was eating something warm & nutritious, there were others that were living off of scraps. So I had some extra money in my pocket and bought some simple supplies that you normally use within any meals - noodles, powder cheese, cans of soup, etc. Something warm to cut the iciness of the cold night.
2. Sanitize the church's library computers
So within the educational area of the church that I attend, there are these computers that are accessible for anyone to use. We are in the midst of cold & flu season; and I know that the keyboards haven't been cleaned for awhile. So I just simply got a cleaning cloth and scrubbed the germs off of the keys. Aaaaahhh - one of my advantages of being OCD.
3. Talked with a student musician about future plans
So I have been mentoring this student for the past 5 years. I am really proud of him because he has grown up so much both musically and maturity. Anyway, he is at the age where he is starting to think about his future plans as in what college and occupation. He is really interested in being a music teacher, which really makes me smile - because in some ways I feel partly responsible for starting and helping him nurture his love for music. So we chatted awhile about different colleges and scholarships and things that could get him closer to his goals. I need to keep a continual eye on him so that he doesn't lose momentum.
4. Got music ready for another musician
I noticed that she was running late from serving refreshments at another earlier service. So as I was preparing my, it was just as easy to prepare her's as well. Simple to do and easy to help.
5. Brought in snacks for women's support group
What women's support group wouldn't like something with chocolate? The best thing about this snack is that it was low calorie and high in protein - but it still tasted pretty good. Just something for them to munch on while they were having their evening/weekly meeting.
Yes, their shelves and supplies are starting to get bare. I just couldn't stand the thought tonight of while I was eating something warm & nutritious, there were others that were living off of scraps. So I had some extra money in my pocket and bought some simple supplies that you normally use within any meals - noodles, powder cheese, cans of soup, etc. Something warm to cut the iciness of the cold night.
2. Sanitize the church's library computers
So within the educational area of the church that I attend, there are these computers that are accessible for anyone to use. We are in the midst of cold & flu season; and I know that the keyboards haven't been cleaned for awhile. So I just simply got a cleaning cloth and scrubbed the germs off of the keys. Aaaaahhh - one of my advantages of being OCD.
3. Talked with a student musician about future plans
So I have been mentoring this student for the past 5 years. I am really proud of him because he has grown up so much both musically and maturity. Anyway, he is at the age where he is starting to think about his future plans as in what college and occupation. He is really interested in being a music teacher, which really makes me smile - because in some ways I feel partly responsible for starting and helping him nurture his love for music. So we chatted awhile about different colleges and scholarships and things that could get him closer to his goals. I need to keep a continual eye on him so that he doesn't lose momentum.
4. Got music ready for another musician
I noticed that she was running late from serving refreshments at another earlier service. So as I was preparing my, it was just as easy to prepare her's as well. Simple to do and easy to help.
5. Brought in snacks for women's support group
What women's support group wouldn't like something with chocolate? The best thing about this snack is that it was low calorie and high in protein - but it still tasted pretty good. Just something for them to munch on while they were having their evening/weekly meeting.
Monday, October 3, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 197
1. Wrote a "Get Well" card to another teacher
She recently had a minor surgery, but I still wanted to send her some good thoughts and let her know that I was thinking about her. So a simple card was it - I hope that it brought at least a simple smile.
2. Wrote a "Thinking of You" card to a shut in from church
There is this wonderful elderly lady that use to attend church, but recently her age & health have started to overcome her. This makes me sad because I am so used to seeing her face at service & I know how much she enjoyed it. So I decided to write her a simple card, letting her know that I was thinking about her.
3. Returned shopping basket for another customer
I needed a basket what I was picking up a few groceries and this customer was finished with theirs. So it was like a win-win type of thing. Saved them a few moments & gave me the supply that I needed.
4. Bought items for son's preschool class
So this next week my son's preschool class will be focusing on the letter "P". I really believe that this is every young boy's favorite letter because of the gross words that start with it, which my son is currently hypnotized with saying. Anyway, I bought a couple of snacks & different types of pencils for him to share with the friends in his class.
5. Personally thanked a grocery clerk
He was cleaning up the check out area and noticed that I was having difficulty in scanning my groceries and keeping up with the bagging. So he stopped what he was doing and immediately hopped over to me to help - so that I could focus on just one task. A really nice & good worker. When I was done and was about to leave, I looked at him, shook his hand, called him by name, and personally thanked him. It was a nice respectful moment.
She recently had a minor surgery, but I still wanted to send her some good thoughts and let her know that I was thinking about her. So a simple card was it - I hope that it brought at least a simple smile.
2. Wrote a "Thinking of You" card to a shut in from church
There is this wonderful elderly lady that use to attend church, but recently her age & health have started to overcome her. This makes me sad because I am so used to seeing her face at service & I know how much she enjoyed it. So I decided to write her a simple card, letting her know that I was thinking about her.
3. Returned shopping basket for another customer
I needed a basket what I was picking up a few groceries and this customer was finished with theirs. So it was like a win-win type of thing. Saved them a few moments & gave me the supply that I needed.
4. Bought items for son's preschool class
So this next week my son's preschool class will be focusing on the letter "P". I really believe that this is every young boy's favorite letter because of the gross words that start with it, which my son is currently hypnotized with saying. Anyway, I bought a couple of snacks & different types of pencils for him to share with the friends in his class.
5. Personally thanked a grocery clerk
He was cleaning up the check out area and noticed that I was having difficulty in scanning my groceries and keeping up with the bagging. So he stopped what he was doing and immediately hopped over to me to help - so that I could focus on just one task. A really nice & good worker. When I was done and was about to leave, I looked at him, shook his hand, called him by name, and personally thanked him. It was a nice respectful moment.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 196
1. Washed out another person's coffee cup
So the one custodian has a favorite coffee cup that she left in the sink. I knew that she probably was about to wash it out, but was called away to take care of a problem. I was washing my own and figured that I would do her's as well - it was a simple thing to do and took very little time to complete - but it helped her in the end. Besides, it falls under cleaning - what I do best.
2. Held the door open for other students
So these 4 students were kind enough to help out another teacher by bringing in her materials from her car. She is very much pregnant and was having problems caring in everything to treat her classes. The majority of the students at my school are so well mannered and easily help when in need. So I figured that since they were helping this other teacher, I would help them by holding the door open so that they would have to wait outside in the cold until the buzzard unlocked for them to enter.
3. Gathered up & returned presentation items to Administrator
So the one Administrator put together this wonderful presentation about the new Anti-Bullying program that we are running within our school this year. It was extremely well done in both conveying the facts that the students needed to know and then ending with a music clip about bullying statistics. Anyway, he accidentally left his power cord to his LCD projector and an extension cord out in the stage/auditorium. It was easy enough to gather up and return the materials back to him so that he had everything that he needed for future presentations.
4. Wrote a 'Get Well' card to a student who was recently seriously injured
This particular student was in a ATV accident yesterday after school. Currently, he is at an important hospital in Baltimore listed as critical condition. I'm very worried about him and his family. I hate seeing my student sick/hurt - and this accident/injury is very severe.
5. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to another teacher for putting together special student activities
This particular teacher really studies and analyzes the different aspects with student attendance (including our tardy policy too). Anyway, she programs special activities for shorten weeks to inspire students to come to school on time. She also watches the absent list and rewards students/grades that have the best consecutive attendance. She also rewards particular students if there is an improvement with their attendance or tardiness. These little things make a big difference within our school. She does such a fabulous in programming all of these parties, activities, & special events. I just wanted to say a special thank you to her.
So the one custodian has a favorite coffee cup that she left in the sink. I knew that she probably was about to wash it out, but was called away to take care of a problem. I was washing my own and figured that I would do her's as well - it was a simple thing to do and took very little time to complete - but it helped her in the end. Besides, it falls under cleaning - what I do best.
2. Held the door open for other students
So these 4 students were kind enough to help out another teacher by bringing in her materials from her car. She is very much pregnant and was having problems caring in everything to treat her classes. The majority of the students at my school are so well mannered and easily help when in need. So I figured that since they were helping this other teacher, I would help them by holding the door open so that they would have to wait outside in the cold until the buzzard unlocked for them to enter.
3. Gathered up & returned presentation items to Administrator
So the one Administrator put together this wonderful presentation about the new Anti-Bullying program that we are running within our school this year. It was extremely well done in both conveying the facts that the students needed to know and then ending with a music clip about bullying statistics. Anyway, he accidentally left his power cord to his LCD projector and an extension cord out in the stage/auditorium. It was easy enough to gather up and return the materials back to him so that he had everything that he needed for future presentations.
4. Wrote a 'Get Well' card to a student who was recently seriously injured
This particular student was in a ATV accident yesterday after school. Currently, he is at an important hospital in Baltimore listed as critical condition. I'm very worried about him and his family. I hate seeing my student sick/hurt - and this accident/injury is very severe.
5. Wrote a 'Thank You' note to another teacher for putting together special student activities
This particular teacher really studies and analyzes the different aspects with student attendance (including our tardy policy too). Anyway, she programs special activities for shorten weeks to inspire students to come to school on time. She also watches the absent list and rewards students/grades that have the best consecutive attendance. She also rewards particular students if there is an improvement with their attendance or tardiness. These little things make a big difference within our school. She does such a fabulous in programming all of these parties, activities, & special events. I just wanted to say a special thank you to her.
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