5 Pennies - Day 218 Recovered

1. Made scones for various people

         So I had an evening music meeting tonight with other parents that support my program. I decided that to show my appreciation thus far this school year, I would make them some blueberry scones. It is an easy recipe to put together and make. They were very appreciative. Also, my dearest friend has been going through some personal things both health and emotionally. I just wanted to do something nice for them. Their favorite is chocolate chip scones. So a batch of them was easy to make as well. However, I rationed the scones in individual bags so that they could enjoy them for breakfast throughout the entire week - not just gorge on them the first day :-)

           The funny thing is that when I brought them in, others have started to make request for other types - cinnamon & cranberry/orange.

           Good homemade food is like hugging the heart & stomach at the same time. 

2. Made special food for other teacher's curriculum

             So there are 2 ELA teachers at my school that have been teaching a unit about the Holocaust. Since I can make traditional Latkes & Challah bread, I offered to make them for their students. At first I thought that I would only be service like 40-50 kids. I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed when they told me that I would need to make enough to serve over 100! I never made this much before! I really doubted if I had enough of time and ingredients to serve this many. I really didn't want to disappoint anyone. So I became a baking fool! In the end I made 12 loaves of Challah bread & over 100 Latkes. I went to the local 'megamart' and also bought cups of applesauce & different jellies (along with cutlery & plates). The next day at school I delivered everything and the teachers were really appreciative - they even had some of their students personally say thank you. It was nice to share this opportunity with them.

3. Moved a table for morning duty

              So the attendance woman normally sits at a particular spot so that the students can get the required paperwork taken care of prior to the beginning of the school day starting. I noticed this morning that her usual table was missing. So I looked around for it some and found it in the gym - must have been used for a weekend basketball game. So easily enough I picked it up and moved it into the spot for the attendance secretary - even before she came in - so that everything was ready for her.

4. Helped hung up cards for another teacher

               So in a prior penny posting I talked about how there is a teacher at my school that is fighting a really bad illness and that her teaching partner decided to have all of the students and staff make cards for her. Well, today was the day that everything got posted up on the mural design. Its a welcome back design that stretches from one side of the gym to the other. Its a very simple thing, but completely brilliant and very heart warming. So I just wanted to help in hanging some of the cards up too.

5. Gave extra food to the soup kitchen

              While I was buying the ingredients for the bread & Lakes, I bought some extra Mac 'n' Cheese for the local soup kitchen. Its January and cold - the time that the kitchens need help the most.

5 Pennies - Day 217 Recovered

1. Gave extra desserts to a school faculty social party
            I couldn't go to the party, but still wanted to contribute towards the event. So I gave the head of the faculty social committee two pies towards the activity for others to enjoy. I wish that I had time to bake something, but the nights this week have been very busy. However, the pies that I bought did look very good. FYI - Apple Crumb & Reduced Sugar Cherry

2. Gave the mail carrier brownies
             It snowed some this morning & its pure cold outside. I just wanted to treat them to something nice since they have to work on a Saturday and during this yucky winter day. One of my favorite lines that I heard recently comes from the Charlie Brown series character of Sally - "I'm not built for Winter." Yes, I agree!

3. Sent a "Condolence" card
           So one of the nicest lunch ladies had a daughter that recently passed away a few days ago. The daughter had been sick for awhile, but still the pain of it all really upset this woman. Anyway, I just wanted to contribute some money that another staff member collected and personally write a condolence card. My son wanted to help too, so he colored a picture for her as well. I'm trying to raise a good boy.

4. Wrote a "Good Job" note to another teacher
           So we have a teacher at school that is fighting a really bad illness. She is a beloved teacher to the faculty and students at the school. Throughout this entire journey, she has shown great bravery and strength. So her partner teacher wanted to do something nice for her when she returns back to school this up coming week. He has been organizing the entire student body and faculty members to design special get well cards and decorating her teaching area. Such a brilliant and heart engaging idea. I just had to say good job and gave him a special eraser.

5. Designed a card
             Yes, I was so moved by his act of kindness that I designed a card for his get well project for her.

5 Pennies - Day 216 Recovered

1. Brought in brownies for other staff members

              So my son and I had off on Monday and I decided that it was a perfect time to apply his math skills to a useful activities. The result = three batches of brownies: 2 medium size pans for other staff members at work and a small pan for him to eat if he has good days at school and eats a good dinner. Anyway, one of the pan of brownies was placed in the front office area for everyone who works there to enjoy. The other pan of brownies was placed in the custodial area. We have a few new people that have recently joined our staff. The school looks very clean, the new people work very hard, and they seem mostly pleasant to work with. Its a different change, but I just wanted them to feel welcomed.

2. Gave another teacher a special writing pad

               So the French teacher has been having some health problems lately. She only works part time at the school and then part time at another school, so I really don't know much about her. So while I was shopping this weekend I noticed that there was this writing pad in the dollar bind that was decorated with all different types of French sayings and a picture of the Eiffel Tower. Instantly I though of her and knew that this would cheer her up. So before school this morning I placed in on her desk with a notes saying to have a good day. The interesting thing about this story is that at our morning teacher meeting she announced that she was retiring from teaching this June. So the writing pad was sort of like a congrats gift too.

3. Gave a special cookie to another teacher

                So one of the teachers that I work close with has recently had to take care of her dog from a crucial surgery. To me my dog is my dog, really more like a being that was gotten for my son. Trust me, I take care of my dog and make sure that he is feed, walked, clean, & healthy. But in full honesty, my dog is just that - a dog. However, to this other teacher her dog is her child. So she has been very worried about this issue for quite some time. So while I was at the grocery store this weekend I saw these heart shaped cookies. The one had the saying on it, "You Rock" - which is something I say to her all the time after a successful student activity. So I got it for her and placed it in her teacher mailbox to brighten her day.

4. Sent two congrats cards for various people 

                    The one woman from church just became a grandmother yesterday day to a healthy baby girl - Maddison. Everyone in the family is so excited!

                    The other card went to a former administrated that worked at my school a few years ago. His wife just had their baby this past weekend.

                     Congrats to all!

5. Got a booster seat for another family

                   So my son and I were at a restaurant getting ready to eat when I noticed that another family was looking for a booster seat for their young daughter. They had their hands full of jackets and keeping her pacified. I knew exactly where the seat was kept and easily got them one. Simple thing to do.

5 Pennies - Day 215 Recovered

1. Took supplies to church for their mission project

                I talked to the woman who is in charge of youth service projects at church about how we are doing the school supplies activity in a few weeks and she loved it! So she is having the church collect for a local elementary school. This is great news so that more students can learn better with the proper tools. The only problem that I foresee is that I need to sponsor both activities. So today I bought more scissors for both church & school :-)

2. Bought Hot Chocolate & snacks for a local homeless man

                 So I was driving towards a local supermarket and noticed that there was a homeless man on the corner leading into the parking lot. It was so cold outside that I immediately knew what to get him. So I made a brief detour from the travels of the supermarket to go to the convenience store and buy some things for him. Then after this shopping trip I pulled over towards where he was standing and gave him a cup of Hot Chocolate and 2 king size packs of peanut butter crackers. You would have never seen a man so thrilled with so little.

3. Took shopping cart back to the supermarket for another person

             It was easy to do - I was headed in anyway.

4. Bought women's study group a snack

               At the church there is a group of women that meet every Sunday night to talk about the importance of Females within the Bible and religious activities. So I bought them a healthy snack to enjoy at their meeting tonight.

5. Helped pay for another person's groceries

                So I was at the check out station ready to pay for my groceries when the person in front of me was finishing up. Unfortunately, his debit card was refusing to work and he only had so much cash on him. Even though he was owing 75 cents, he couldn't leave the register station with his food. Panic instantly came onto his face. I dug into my coat pocket and fished for the change. It was easy to do. Never a man was so thankful.

5 Pennies - Day 214 - Recovered

1. Helped another student copy paperwork for another teacher

               I was using the copier to work on the Spring Concert music for the kids and a student came into the teacher work room. Knowing that I was going to take forever and a day - I paused on my work and helped him make his for his teacher. Then afterwards, finished some of my work. It was just a 2 minute detour, but it saved the other teacher several teaching minutes.

2. Helped chaperoned the student dance

              6th grade dance was today after school. It is so funny to watch them because there is very little dancing involved. A lot of running around, jumping up and down, loud music, and standing about. I just stood around and watch - just to make sure that everyone was safe.

3. Wrote 'Great Job' notes to other teachers-

               The teacher supervisors did a really nice job in putting together a wonderful event for the kids this afternoon. I know how hard it is to put together a performance - so kudos to them! Also included a piece of candy with the note.

4. Laminated and cut out an art project for another teacher-

               So while I was copying my Spring Concert music this evening, I noticed that some art cubes that needed to be laminated. So I decided to multi-task and get both jobs done at the same time. Well, my OCD mind couldn't stop there. So after I was finished laminating them, I cut them out and delivered them to her classroom. She was already gone from the day, but she'll get them on Tuesday morning.

5. Cleaned up the coffee area at a store

                So on my way home from school after the dances, I stopped off. I needed just a quick pick me up to get myself home - so just a simple cup of coffee would do. The one clerk was rushing around to refill & brew new pots of coffee. She accidentally spilled some used beans, but then was called over to the cashier area before she had a chance to clean it up. Oddly enough, 3 other customers stepped around the mess. So I just grabbed some napkins, scooped things up, and wiped things down. Again, my OCD comes into play to save the day :-)

5 Pennies - Day 213 - Recovered

1. Brought in homemade scones for various staff members

                      So I have found a new interest in baking. Using your hands to cook can be a real stress release activity. Anyway, I don't eat much in regards to sweets and such - so I decided to take the homemade scones that I made this weekend into school to share with others. Good thing too. One teacher was hosting a special student ceremony, another teacher was remembering the passing of his parents, the secretaries have been working very hard at various parental needs, and my best friend just returned back from a trip. Comfort food for all.

2. Shared my lunch with another teacher

                       He noticed that I was eating a homemade turkey sandwich - with real turkey. I wasn't going to eat it all - so I gave him half. I had grapes to eat too.

3. Nominated a teacher for a special reward

                      This particular teacher really deserved it. He does so many special things throughout the school day - but what he does outside of school is amazing too. I just want others to see how wonderful he is. This nomination really meant a lot to him and I was glad to be apart of it. We talked a little about this earlier today. He said that it really was a special thing. He also told me that he was having a rough day due to some past personal family problems - but that this nomination really made him feel special.

4. Wrote thank you notes to other teachers

                        So I needed to move my afternoon classes to different locations today due to a special student ceremony being held in my regular teaching area. Three teachers were very kind in letting me borrow their space so that I could still conduct class as regularly as I could. So the best thing that I knew how to do was to write each of them a personal thank you note with an attached piece of candy.

5. Helped another parent put away their child's swimming items

                My son was about to go for his swimming lesson tonight as I noticed another parent trying to pacify their 4 year old daughter who was getting out of the pool, as well as, carry the 6 month old son & cargo. I remember those days when it didn't seem that I had enough of hands to keep my son and myself together and moving. So I just easily stepped in and helped the daughter put away her swimming devices so that left the mother to handle the baby. She was thankful for the extra help & and I was happy to give.

5 Pennies - Day 212 - Recovered

1. Sent a 'Good Luck' note to another teacher from school

               Well, it was actually a text message because we weren't in school today (weekend), but nonetheless it was to wish him luck today. He received the opportunity to present a speech and lead a discussion about the topic of athletic recruitment to College at a professional Baseball Camp. He is really smart in this area and really cares about the 'kids' that he works with. In fact, several of his 'kids' are drafted by several high quality colleges and even the Major League. He was talking to me about it prior to the end of the day on Friday - so I just wanted to wish him luck today.

2. Brought in items for church's mission project

                Not only am I collecting school supply items at my own school, but I am also doing this at the church that I go to. Both projects are in desperate need of scissors. Who would have imagine? I am always running out of paper & pencils in my classroom. Anyway, I bought 6 scissors for this church project. What was the saying, "Cut, It, Out?" Thanks Dave!

3. Complimented another lady on her hair cut

                  This was actually a former student that I mentored at church throughout her high school and college years. This is her first year at a full time teacher and is hanging in there. The new hair cut was something different and very pretty looking. As I talked to her about it, she said yeah I needed something more simpler to teach in. I thought that this was a cute answer - I remembered saying the same thing when I first started teaching.

4. Helped the grocery worker move carts

                 He was trying to push a long line of them into the store, but there some other customer abandoned her cart right at the door way - thus blocking his movement. I just simply went over and moved the cart out of his way so that he could continue on with his work. Easy to do.

5. Helped mother with her work

                    Her office manager recently quit on her and the paperwork has started to build up. My mother is also taking a continuing education class in which her project is due this week. So in order to give her time to work on her project, I did the regular paperwork that needed to be done - organizing, stapling, filing, filling out forms, etc. Thus we were able to take care of 2 things at the same time. If I wasn't so in love with teaching, I think that I would make a really good office manager/secretary.

5 Pennies - Day 211 - Recovered

Day 220 - Recovered

1. Gave $ to a staff member to help out with a family that recently lost their house to a fire.

             I don't have this student, but still wanted to contribute something.

2. Wrote a note & gave cookies to another staff member 

           Just to celebrate her birthday day. FYI - it was Chocolate Chip cookies. Who doesn't like CC cookies?

3. Wrote a congrats note to another staff member

             The Technology Education teacher had an article published in the BOE online news letter. It was really well written and picture of her is really nice too. I just wanted to say congrats again. She talked about collaboration ideas and how she really wants to connect with her kids. I still say that she is the strongest teacher at my school. 

4. Helped a parent gather work for her sick child

            One of my trombonist has been extremely sick all week. I gave her the All County information, but told her that he didn't need to worry about that yet. That he needed to get himself well, get caught up on his academics, and then I will help him with the music. He has had the stomach flu for about 5 days. Poor kid! Yuck! However, one of the grossest sick kid episode was when a kid threw up in his bass clarinet - absolutely revolting.

5. Talked to another student at lunch time

           He was sitting by himself while the rest of the students that sit at his table went outside for recess. I felt bad for him, just watching him sit there. So I sat down beside him and tried to start up some conversations. This was extremely tough. We were both very quiet. We were watching the announcement screen under the clock in the cafe when he turned and told me that he didn't know any of the students that were being listed on the announcements. I know that he was new at the beginning of the year, but doesn't seem to still not have any friends and its been close to 5 months. Ok, my goal by the end of the year is for him to have made at least one friend. We'll see how this goes.

5 Pennies - Day 210 - Recovered

1. Bought scissors for the school's community service project

               The teacher who is in charge of this activity talked about how we were lacking them the most - so I went and bought some yesterday after school - 6 to be exact. I am going to try to buy some other things this weekend if I have the chance. We also talk about doing a phone message to all of the families about bringing in School Supplies. We really only have enough of materials right now to fully complete 12 bags. We need to complete 60 exactly. More than a bit worried about this.

2. Bough a snack for the cafe assistant worker

            Cheese curls. She seems to be very tired lately. I hope that this cheers her up.

3. Gave another teacher a desk ornament

             A Social Studies teacher & the Panda Bear sharpener. I just had to really and I couldn't hold it any longer. She is a really wonderful teacher & person. I just don't know that much about her and feel awkward in talking. Anyway, she is being very nice and letting me use her room for my band students to have class on the afternoon of the CC Ceremony on Tuesday 1/10.

4. Bought pencil sharpeners for an Art Teacher

               She is always running out of these things. I don't know exactly what the kids do with them, but they are always disappearing. So while I was at the dollar store yesterday after school I saw pencil sharpeners. My son needed some for at home - I don't know what he does with the ones that I gave him either - so I bought him a pack and bought an extra pack for her. She was very thankful this morning.

5. Gave flowers to another teacher

               Her birthday is this weekend and to say hi. 

5 Pennies - Day 209 - Recovered

1. Wrote a fellow teacher an encouraging note

              Another teacher that was really bothered after our morning meeting expressed to me that some of the other teachers on the his team doesn't want to do his idea of the bus dismissal and the gym. It really is a brilliant idea and believe that it could work, but others are set in their ways. Also, he expressed how frustrated he was in that all of the talk a few months ago that he made about not bringing extra work to meetings so that you can be fully attentive has gone by the wayside as others were grading, clipping hangers, and doing other paperwork. I really feel his frustration. So I just wrote him a brief note in saying that I really appreciate his efforts.

2. Wrote a fellow teacher a get well note

             Another teacher who as been fighting a major illness this year wasn't feeling that well today. Her medicine got the best of her. I feel so bad for her, which is definitely something that she would never want to hear. I am also not that close to her - so I don't feel comfortable in asking how she is doing or if she needs anything. So what I did do is take a spare uniform hanger and wrote a note that said "Hang in There." I hope that it brighten her day, even if is just a little.

3. Filled up the copiers with extra paper

              I was copying the music that the 7th/8th students will be performing for Regional Large Ensemble festival. Before I left the copying room, I checked and filled up both copying machines so that they would be ready for other teachers tomorrow morning.

4. Gave my cup of coffee to another teacher

             So I was cleaning up the coffee machine right before 8th grade lunch started. Once I poured out the extra coffee, another teacher came to me and asked if there was any coffee left over. I didn't know that she was back to drinking it. I felt so bad because I just poured it out. Well, prior to pouring it out I did pour me a cup and was heating it up in the microwave at the same time. So I just decided to make things right, I would just give mine to her. It was perfectly fine too. I was eating some left over spaghetti for lunch - so coffee really didn't go with the meal. I felt better then.

5. Bought church attendance person extra tablets

           So I was at the Dollar Store prior to church tonight and notice that they had the particular writing pads that the church attendance person uses. So I picked up a packet of three. Good thing too because she was on her last tablet.

Recovery

Ok, so me being OCD just can't let go the feeling of not being complete with the missing 5 pennies. Therefore, I have decided to redo the 5 pennies for around the next 100 days to catch up on those pennies that have become lost. I am calling them the 'Recovered Pennies'. Then I will resume in discussing the final days within 'Penny-Lane' of the 300's.

Yes, I'm a Beatle-nut.

Please enjoy!

5 Pennies - Day 319

1. Wrote a "Thank You" note to a teacher that helped me with important paperwork 

              So I recently was accepted to present twice at an important teacher conference next November. The biggest problem with this activity for me isn't the actual presentation, it is all of the logistical details - filling out paperwork for the trip, requesting money from the board of education to sponsor me on the trip, making flight plans & hotel reservations, etc. Luckily another teacher from my school was also accepted in presenting too. So we did our paperwork together. He was so helpful and knew who to ask questions & how to ask the questions. I'm so very grateful for all of his assistance - the least I could do was to write a thank you note.

2. Wrote  "Nice Job" note to another teacher who put together a special science activity

            The one science teacher had her students figure out how to make their own miniature hot air balloons. I was amazed at how much the kids learned, could speak about their project so intelligently, and how much joy this was bringing to their lives. Science was not my favorite subject in school - far from it. So to see my students enjoying their work so much, it was really great to see. I just had to write a nice job note to this particular teacher.

3. Gave an extra ink cartridge to another teacher

           Another teacher in my music department was out of ink and really needed to print off things for her up coming concerts. I had an extra ink cartridge that I knew that I wasn't going to use. Most importantly, it really did need to be used up - sometimes when ink sits around they start to leak. So I gave it to her - simple.

4. Gave money to an animal shelter activity

          Ok, as much as I complain about having a dog - I really must admit that I do like the furry substance. And yes, I am even working on loving the creature. He brings so much joy to my son - even when they are wrestling over toys. So yes, I'm a sucker when it comes to giving to animal shelters. This was something else easy to do today.

5. Picked up trash in the cafe after lunch

             If everyone helped with the trash after lunch - it would be much easier to keep clean. Besides, it is everyone's responsibility to keep our school clean - a part of being respectful and responsible.

5 Pennies - Day 318

1. Helped another teacher bring in refreshments for a student reward activity

            Little did I know that this teacher was starting her pregnancy and didn't tell anyone yet. Later on today she came to me and asked if I knew. I told her - knew what. Then she told me that she was pregnant but really hadn't told anyone and wanted to know why I helped her with the refreshments. I told her that I liked being nice to people. She gave me a funny look and then went the opposite direction. Crazy - right?

2. Complimented a student on her pretty dress
            This student rarely wears any dresses, so she just looked so pretty today. It was cute outside after lunch because I noticed that she noticed some of the boys noticing her. Aaaahhh, spring time in a middle school atmosphere!

3. Cleaned up Auditorium area after a previous nights concert
                   I moved the breakfast table back to the back of the auditorium because the morning attendance person really gets bothered when it is moved for a concert and not put back.

4. Cut out lamination materials for another teacher
                    We have the 8th grade award ceremony coming up in in the matter of days and these items were awards for her 8th grade ELA students. I just wanted to do something nice for her in advance.

6. Brought in newspapers for another teacher

             Its been awhile since I have done this, but still glad to do so.

7. Held the door open for a mom who was trying to carry a small child and dinner at the same time

             Yup, been there and done that. Sometimes with kids you begin to feel like a packed horse or a waitress - trying to carry and balance everything. This is both a literal & metaphorical statement.