1. Text a co-worker to wish her a Happy Birthday.
The coolest thing about this birthday & coworker is that she shares it with Elvis! So lucky! I share my birthday with Billie Idol - which, I must say is really cool too!
2. Personally thanked the grounds keeper of the local store
There was snow & salt & gunk all over the entrance of the store when I first went in to buy a cup of coffee. When I came out a worker was there shoveling a clear path for the customers to walk. I knew that I couldn't buy him a cup of coffee because he was 'on the clock' - so I personally thanked him for clearing things up for everyone else.
3. Returned a book of music to another teacher
Accidents happen and we all make them. My biggest fault that in the process of trying to do multiple things at one time, I often put down music and forget to pick it back up when I leave the room. I notice that a lot of people do this especially with the copiers. As if we are in such a rush to get things copied & taken care of that we forget the original music. So today, I tracked down the person that it originally belong too. It was a little tough because I was at a workshop with all music teachers - but I still figured it out.
4. Straighten & cleaned up food court area
Pushed in chairs, cleaned tables, threw away scraps of left behind - stuff that we sometimes forget to do in normal life. Just to help the regular cleaning crew & to make the area nice for everyone to enjoy.
5. Talked with another parent about college possibilities
The worst thing about teaching is hearing that a student that you taught in 6th grade is approaching graduation. Ok, so this isn't the worst thing - but it does make you feel old. The only thing that makes you feel better after hearing this news is the plans that the parent & student have for their up coming future. I came from a family of limited in come. At the time, both my mother & father were not college graduates - since then my mother has become both a credited Undergraduate & Mastered Graduate - I'm so proud of her. Anyway, I learned quickly that since my brother was in college and was going to still be in college when I will be enrolling - I had to quickly figure out how I was going to pay for my education. Scholarships - I became a queen & a pro at this. I eventually earned over $32,000 for my high education. I know now - it doesn't seem like much - but at the time - it covered almost 3 years - which was nice. So knowing some of the scholarship tricks and such - I started to talk to this parent about various that the student should look into in order to attain the most amount of money to pay for their college. Also volunteered my time to help mentor this student during the application & audition regime. I have always thought that me helping my students goes well beyond the classroom walls & well beyond their 8th grade year.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 182
1. Brought in cookies for students
I was out yesterday morning due to a dentist appointment. I hate taking time off from school, I like my kids too much - even the ones that drive me crazy! Anyway, they were working on a final project and the substitute gave a good report on all of my classes. I always worry about my students because so many of them have bad days when there is a change in the schedule - the classes are switched, there is a different routine, there is a different person, etc. So when I heard this good news - I knew that they deserved something special.
2. Let another teacher borrow my favorite fitness DVDs
So I do a mixture of Turbo & P90x. I mainly do P90x at school with the fitness team and then supplement it with Turbo 3-4x a week (mainly on the weekends). Anyway, there is a teacher who is getting ready for her up coming wedding ceremony. She talked about how she wanted to workout so that she could quickly shed a couple of lbs prior to the formal event. So for the next few weeks I am letting her borrow the Turbo DVDs. I will miss these greatly, but will figure out something extra to do - maybe Zumba?
3. Wrote 'Thank You' notes to the administrators for attending a special student activity
So I have been working with my students in doing piano recital as their formal assessment of the piano unit. I am trying to make it special for them by having punch & cookies. I have also worked with them in performance skills such as bowing & stance. Presentation skills have has been important since I am asking them to dress nicely & having the boys tuck in their shirts during the recital. Anyway, I invited the administrators to also attend - which they did. I am so blessed to work in a school where my administration is so supportive of the music department. So I had to write a simple thank you to show my appreciation.
4. Picked up trash in the bathroom
Paper towels belong in the trash can. Easily done & easily cleaned.
5. Helped custodian take out another teacher's trash
Since it is Friday, I figured that it would be nice to help the custodians so that they can get their work done quicker and start their weekend earlier. Easy to help with clean up & the trash.
I was out yesterday morning due to a dentist appointment. I hate taking time off from school, I like my kids too much - even the ones that drive me crazy! Anyway, they were working on a final project and the substitute gave a good report on all of my classes. I always worry about my students because so many of them have bad days when there is a change in the schedule - the classes are switched, there is a different routine, there is a different person, etc. So when I heard this good news - I knew that they deserved something special.
2. Let another teacher borrow my favorite fitness DVDs
So I do a mixture of Turbo & P90x. I mainly do P90x at school with the fitness team and then supplement it with Turbo 3-4x a week (mainly on the weekends). Anyway, there is a teacher who is getting ready for her up coming wedding ceremony. She talked about how she wanted to workout so that she could quickly shed a couple of lbs prior to the formal event. So for the next few weeks I am letting her borrow the Turbo DVDs. I will miss these greatly, but will figure out something extra to do - maybe Zumba?
3. Wrote 'Thank You' notes to the administrators for attending a special student activity
So I have been working with my students in doing piano recital as their formal assessment of the piano unit. I am trying to make it special for them by having punch & cookies. I have also worked with them in performance skills such as bowing & stance. Presentation skills have has been important since I am asking them to dress nicely & having the boys tuck in their shirts during the recital. Anyway, I invited the administrators to also attend - which they did. I am so blessed to work in a school where my administration is so supportive of the music department. So I had to write a simple thank you to show my appreciation.
4. Picked up trash in the bathroom
Paper towels belong in the trash can. Easily done & easily cleaned.
5. Helped custodian take out another teacher's trash
Since it is Friday, I figured that it would be nice to help the custodians so that they can get their work done quicker and start their weekend earlier. Easy to help with clean up & the trash.
5 Pennies - Day 181
1. Wrote a "Sympathy" card to a church member
There is a nice man from church that I have mention about a few pennies previous to this day whose wife has terminal cancer. Well last night at church I found out that she passed on. The most amazing part of this news was that he was there at church to talk about it, to thank those that have supported him through this tragedy, to give thanks for good memories of his wife, and to be with his church family. Me, I would have been a mess. But at that moment I realized how amazingly strong person he is - he captured all of my respect. So out of respect I wrote him a Sympathy card, just to tell him that I was thinking only good thoughts.
2. Bought flowers for another teacher
So there is a teacher at school that mainly deals with behavior problems throughout the entire day. She has been wearing down recently and I just wanted to do something nice for her. So after I went to the dentist this morning, I stopped off at the grocery store and pick out some flowers for her. Food may bring happiness to the tummy, but flowers often bring happiness to the heart.
3. Cleaned up coffee area at the supermarket
Just tidy things up some for others. I love coffee & so do others. Just wanted to keep things clean & presentable. Another plus of having OCD.
4. Bought flavored coffee for another staff member to use
Sometimes I like regular coffee, but then there are all those flavors. My favorite is either the chocolate/mocha or the french vanilla. However, this other staff member likes a particular brand of Starbucks & the grocery store had it on sale. So Starbucks it is to share with them.
5. Let another person go ahead of me in line
I was standing there in line at the grocery store ready to approach the U-Scan, but I had a few spare moments. The guy behind me seemed like he was in a hurry so I turned and let him go ahead. At first he didn't know what to do - as if I was joking. I must admit - I have an awkward sense of humor - but I told him no I wasn't joking and wanted him to go ahead. The entire time he was checking out he kept looking at me and then shaking his head. What has happened to society in when someone does something nice for another person that we automatically think that they are joking or being malicious? This penny made me a little sad. However, I'm still glad that I did it - it helped him save a few minutes.
There is a nice man from church that I have mention about a few pennies previous to this day whose wife has terminal cancer. Well last night at church I found out that she passed on. The most amazing part of this news was that he was there at church to talk about it, to thank those that have supported him through this tragedy, to give thanks for good memories of his wife, and to be with his church family. Me, I would have been a mess. But at that moment I realized how amazingly strong person he is - he captured all of my respect. So out of respect I wrote him a Sympathy card, just to tell him that I was thinking only good thoughts.
2. Bought flowers for another teacher
So there is a teacher at school that mainly deals with behavior problems throughout the entire day. She has been wearing down recently and I just wanted to do something nice for her. So after I went to the dentist this morning, I stopped off at the grocery store and pick out some flowers for her. Food may bring happiness to the tummy, but flowers often bring happiness to the heart.
3. Cleaned up coffee area at the supermarket
Just tidy things up some for others. I love coffee & so do others. Just wanted to keep things clean & presentable. Another plus of having OCD.
4. Bought flavored coffee for another staff member to use
Sometimes I like regular coffee, but then there are all those flavors. My favorite is either the chocolate/mocha or the french vanilla. However, this other staff member likes a particular brand of Starbucks & the grocery store had it on sale. So Starbucks it is to share with them.
5. Let another person go ahead of me in line
I was standing there in line at the grocery store ready to approach the U-Scan, but I had a few spare moments. The guy behind me seemed like he was in a hurry so I turned and let him go ahead. At first he didn't know what to do - as if I was joking. I must admit - I have an awkward sense of humor - but I told him no I wasn't joking and wanted him to go ahead. The entire time he was checking out he kept looking at me and then shaking his head. What has happened to society in when someone does something nice for another person that we automatically think that they are joking or being malicious? This penny made me a little sad. However, I'm still glad that I did it - it helped him save a few minutes.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 180
1. Collected trash from my classroom to help the custodians
I had an after school rehearsal today and the custodian that normally comes into my room to gather the trash & tidy everything up didn't want to bother us. So instead of trying to search for him after we were done, I just simple cleaned up my room for him. It was easy & it saved him some time from his other work.
2. Wrote a 'thank you' note to another teacher for putting together a special student activity
The one teacher put together a special attendance activity for those students that were here prior to the Winter Break. It was a small informal pizza party for about 9 students that won the drawing for this special lunch activity. The kids enjoyed themselves, which was really nice to see. She did such a fabulous job in organizing & managing everything.
3. Wrote another 'thank you' note to a teacher for spending extra time in helping a student
We have this after school study help group that meets Mondays & Wednesdays throughout the school year. Although it runs till 4:30, today I noticed that the one teacher was still working with the student well after the 4:30 mark. He kept on saying that he wasn't going to get the one math concept - but the teacher kept saying that she believed that he would because he was so close. I watched this scene from a distance for a little while. Soon the kid lit up because yes, he did finally get the concept & figured out how to do the problem. I don't know who was more happier for his success - the kid or the teacher. Anyway, the teacher really did deserve a special thank you for having the tenacity with this student.
4. Helped several children get a special snack at church
Who wants a Freeze Pop? Well about 5 children did - but they couldn't get the Popsicle open. They are wonderful things, but almost completely impossible to open. And when you have 5 5 year olds screaming for one - wow, the noise!!! Anyway, it was easy to help them get the Popsicle open with the assistance of scissors.
5. Held the door open for other people
Various teachers coming into school this morning, various parents/families leaving the school this afternoon, & various parishioners attending church tonight. I think that maybe I was a door monitor in my past life. One hidden talent that I have and have recently perfected with ease.
I had an after school rehearsal today and the custodian that normally comes into my room to gather the trash & tidy everything up didn't want to bother us. So instead of trying to search for him after we were done, I just simple cleaned up my room for him. It was easy & it saved him some time from his other work.
2. Wrote a 'thank you' note to another teacher for putting together a special student activity
The one teacher put together a special attendance activity for those students that were here prior to the Winter Break. It was a small informal pizza party for about 9 students that won the drawing for this special lunch activity. The kids enjoyed themselves, which was really nice to see. She did such a fabulous job in organizing & managing everything.
3. Wrote another 'thank you' note to a teacher for spending extra time in helping a student
We have this after school study help group that meets Mondays & Wednesdays throughout the school year. Although it runs till 4:30, today I noticed that the one teacher was still working with the student well after the 4:30 mark. He kept on saying that he wasn't going to get the one math concept - but the teacher kept saying that she believed that he would because he was so close. I watched this scene from a distance for a little while. Soon the kid lit up because yes, he did finally get the concept & figured out how to do the problem. I don't know who was more happier for his success - the kid or the teacher. Anyway, the teacher really did deserve a special thank you for having the tenacity with this student.
4. Helped several children get a special snack at church
Who wants a Freeze Pop? Well about 5 children did - but they couldn't get the Popsicle open. They are wonderful things, but almost completely impossible to open. And when you have 5 5 year olds screaming for one - wow, the noise!!! Anyway, it was easy to help them get the Popsicle open with the assistance of scissors.
5. Held the door open for other people
Various teachers coming into school this morning, various parents/families leaving the school this afternoon, & various parishioners attending church tonight. I think that maybe I was a door monitor in my past life. One hidden talent that I have and have recently perfected with ease.
5 Pennies - Day 179
1. Helped wash the table in the cafeteria
The nice elderly woman was not at school today and it seemed like the custodians were being a little overworked. So I grabbed a washcloth & some soapy water & started to scrub away. No big deal and happy to help when it comes to cleaning.
2. Wrote a sympathy card for another teacher due to a death in the family
Sometimes these little mementos just shows other people that you care & that you are thinking about them. This particular staff member recently lost her grandmother. She took the news rather well, but said that she new this was coming because the grandmother was going down hill over the Winter Break. Still, a little card that says that I'm thinking good thoughts for her & her family is still something nice to do for someone else.
3. Wrote a thank you note to a staff member for returning my personal belongings
So I was in a rush this morning after working out, that I didn't realize that some money, my debit card, & my diver's license fell out of my workout jacket. They were just laying there on the wide open gym floor for any staff member or any student to pick up & carry off. However this administrator found it and placed everything in an envelope and put it in my teacher's mailbox. I would have had such a massive anxiety attack if he wouldn't have been so nice in doing this. The very, very, very least that I could do was to write him a thank you note & included a piece of candy.
4. Held the door open for other teachers
So after school today I was rushing around to try to get to my monthly meeting for my Board of Education class. However, this doesn't excuse me from holding the door open for other teachers that are a few steps behind me but are still leaving. It's just common courtesy to be nice and do simple/easy things like this for other people - even if you are rushing. Take the time to be nice.
5. Wrote a note of encouragement to another class member
So in my class after school today, we had to present our portfolios of our school work thus far this school year. It was really interesting because we all had a different take on the assignment and all presented something very unique. There was another teacher in particular that had a recent family crisis and was disappointed with herself that her portfolio wasn't as fully developed or organized as much as she wanted it to be. So I quickly wrote her a post-it note saying three things that I really liked about her work - just to encourage her spirits. It was easy to do.
The nice elderly woman was not at school today and it seemed like the custodians were being a little overworked. So I grabbed a washcloth & some soapy water & started to scrub away. No big deal and happy to help when it comes to cleaning.
2. Wrote a sympathy card for another teacher due to a death in the family
Sometimes these little mementos just shows other people that you care & that you are thinking about them. This particular staff member recently lost her grandmother. She took the news rather well, but said that she new this was coming because the grandmother was going down hill over the Winter Break. Still, a little card that says that I'm thinking good thoughts for her & her family is still something nice to do for someone else.
3. Wrote a thank you note to a staff member for returning my personal belongings
So I was in a rush this morning after working out, that I didn't realize that some money, my debit card, & my diver's license fell out of my workout jacket. They were just laying there on the wide open gym floor for any staff member or any student to pick up & carry off. However this administrator found it and placed everything in an envelope and put it in my teacher's mailbox. I would have had such a massive anxiety attack if he wouldn't have been so nice in doing this. The very, very, very least that I could do was to write him a thank you note & included a piece of candy.
4. Held the door open for other teachers
So after school today I was rushing around to try to get to my monthly meeting for my Board of Education class. However, this doesn't excuse me from holding the door open for other teachers that are a few steps behind me but are still leaving. It's just common courtesy to be nice and do simple/easy things like this for other people - even if you are rushing. Take the time to be nice.
5. Wrote a note of encouragement to another class member
So in my class after school today, we had to present our portfolios of our school work thus far this school year. It was really interesting because we all had a different take on the assignment and all presented something very unique. There was another teacher in particular that had a recent family crisis and was disappointed with herself that her portfolio wasn't as fully developed or organized as much as she wanted it to be. So I quickly wrote her a post-it note saying three things that I really liked about her work - just to encourage her spirits. It was easy to do.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 178
1. Picked up trash in the gym
So today was our first day back to school after the Winter Break. The school feels so weird right now. The majority of the holiday decorations were taken down moments before the winter break occurred. Now it seems to so bare & vacant. The coldness of January is a visual interpretation of how sparse the classroom & hallways look. January has always felt like the saddest month to me - the excitement is over & the cold, harsh winds settles in a drastic way. Anyway, there were bits & pieces of various holiday decorations that were left in the gym area. So prior to working out, I went around and picked up the strands - just to make things clean & tidy for the gym teachers.
2. Wrote a thank you note to a co-worker for a delayed present
So I do this fitness program called P90x. It is as tough as nails & really have never been through something so rigorous before - I've classically danced for 15 years of my life. Its a killer program, but so far I have lost around 12 lbs. I am thinner now than what I was in high school :-) So at workout this morning, one of the other people bought all of us special workout shirts that had the P90x label on it. It was really nice of them. The least that I could do was to write a thank you note.
3. Passed along an art article to the art teacher
I'm addicted to the CNN.com website. I check it often to see what is going on in the world and love the different topics that the home page offers. The health & entertainment sections are my favorite. Anyway, the one article that was posted during the Winter Break discussed the iconic picture of the "Rosie the Riveter" and focused on the woman that the picture was stylized after. Since this was classified as "Pop Art", I thought that the one art teacher could really use this information in her classroom. Or it was at least really interesting information to read about.
4. Complimented a student based on her new hair cut
It so cute to see the kids after the break. They are wearing their new clothes, shoes, coats, and such. The only problem is that they also bring with them their new electronics too - but this problem will die down by mid February. Anyway, this particular student had really long straight hair prior to the break, but today it is much shorter & stylized. The new haircut really frames her face in such a nice & flattering way.
5. Gave another teacher a VCR tape that featured her favorite actor
So this other teacher is in love with Leonardo DiCaprio - I don't see why. I mean, yes he has one of the most coolest actor names right now - but his look doesn't impress me much. Sorry - I wasn't a fan of "Titanic". Did enjoy him in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" - but then I am a Johnny Depp fan. Anyway, prior to the break I was given a whole bunch of VCR tapes from a student who decided to clean out their entertainment area. The movie, "The Aviator" was in the pile and knew that this particular teacher would enjoy this special treat immensely.
So today was our first day back to school after the Winter Break. The school feels so weird right now. The majority of the holiday decorations were taken down moments before the winter break occurred. Now it seems to so bare & vacant. The coldness of January is a visual interpretation of how sparse the classroom & hallways look. January has always felt like the saddest month to me - the excitement is over & the cold, harsh winds settles in a drastic way. Anyway, there were bits & pieces of various holiday decorations that were left in the gym area. So prior to working out, I went around and picked up the strands - just to make things clean & tidy for the gym teachers.
2. Wrote a thank you note to a co-worker for a delayed present
So I do this fitness program called P90x. It is as tough as nails & really have never been through something so rigorous before - I've classically danced for 15 years of my life. Its a killer program, but so far I have lost around 12 lbs. I am thinner now than what I was in high school :-) So at workout this morning, one of the other people bought all of us special workout shirts that had the P90x label on it. It was really nice of them. The least that I could do was to write a thank you note.
3. Passed along an art article to the art teacher
I'm addicted to the CNN.com website. I check it often to see what is going on in the world and love the different topics that the home page offers. The health & entertainment sections are my favorite. Anyway, the one article that was posted during the Winter Break discussed the iconic picture of the "Rosie the Riveter" and focused on the woman that the picture was stylized after. Since this was classified as "Pop Art", I thought that the one art teacher could really use this information in her classroom. Or it was at least really interesting information to read about.
4. Complimented a student based on her new hair cut
It so cute to see the kids after the break. They are wearing their new clothes, shoes, coats, and such. The only problem is that they also bring with them their new electronics too - but this problem will die down by mid February. Anyway, this particular student had really long straight hair prior to the break, but today it is much shorter & stylized. The new haircut really frames her face in such a nice & flattering way.
5. Gave another teacher a VCR tape that featured her favorite actor
So this other teacher is in love with Leonardo DiCaprio - I don't see why. I mean, yes he has one of the most coolest actor names right now - but his look doesn't impress me much. Sorry - I wasn't a fan of "Titanic". Did enjoy him in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" - but then I am a Johnny Depp fan. Anyway, prior to the break I was given a whole bunch of VCR tapes from a student who decided to clean out their entertainment area. The movie, "The Aviator" was in the pile and knew that this particular teacher would enjoy this special treat immensely.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 177
1. Bought food for the local soup kitchen
So it is a brand new year & extremely cold outside. I feel really bad for those that don't have a family or a home to go to at night. A warm meal means more during this time than anything else. It is more than just nourishment & fuel. It is comfort - even it is breaking bread with strangers. Sometimes food is more about the company than the taste. So if I can provide the opportunity for a little more comfort in the world during this cold time of winter - then I will continue to buy & bring food tot he local soup kitchen.
2. Cleaned up the Sanctuary
All of the beautiful poinsettias that were used for the Christmas celebration are starting to wither and fade. That is the horrible thing about January. The Pomp & Circumstance is over, the decorations are put away, and the coldness settles in. So today after church that is what I did - started to s clean up everything. The poinsettias flower petals are shedding. This was a sad OCD project for me - but the bright spot is the Sanctuary is now clean.
3.Helped prepare refreshments for another person after Church
It was the usual stuff. Making coffee, placing cookies & cakes, pouring juice, etc. Just the normal stuff that people like to munch on while socializing. I'm horrible at socializing, but I am good at hosting. So I stepped in to help another person so that she could have some time to socialize too.
4. Tidy up children's area at Church
Gathering up crayons, putting away stuff dolls, re-stacking the puzzles, etc. Just the normal stuff that the kids get into while their parents are socializing. Like I said, I'm horrible at socializing - but I'm good at cleaning. So I just stepped in so that the kids had an organized toy area to entertain themselves with - giving their parents time to socialize with one another.
5. Took out trash for neighbor
It is trash night and I wanted to help the elderly neighbor. It is bitterly cold in January now and it is only the beginning of this month. Oh how I miss the warm days of spring and summer. Anyway, I haven't seen them moving around a whole lot out side. I just wanted to do something nice for them. It was easy to move the trash cans.
So it is a brand new year & extremely cold outside. I feel really bad for those that don't have a family or a home to go to at night. A warm meal means more during this time than anything else. It is more than just nourishment & fuel. It is comfort - even it is breaking bread with strangers. Sometimes food is more about the company than the taste. So if I can provide the opportunity for a little more comfort in the world during this cold time of winter - then I will continue to buy & bring food tot he local soup kitchen.
2. Cleaned up the Sanctuary
All of the beautiful poinsettias that were used for the Christmas celebration are starting to wither and fade. That is the horrible thing about January. The Pomp & Circumstance is over, the decorations are put away, and the coldness settles in. So today after church that is what I did - started to s clean up everything. The poinsettias flower petals are shedding. This was a sad OCD project for me - but the bright spot is the Sanctuary is now clean.
3.Helped prepare refreshments for another person after Church
It was the usual stuff. Making coffee, placing cookies & cakes, pouring juice, etc. Just the normal stuff that people like to munch on while socializing. I'm horrible at socializing, but I am good at hosting. So I stepped in to help another person so that she could have some time to socialize too.
4. Tidy up children's area at Church
Gathering up crayons, putting away stuff dolls, re-stacking the puzzles, etc. Just the normal stuff that the kids get into while their parents are socializing. Like I said, I'm horrible at socializing - but I'm good at cleaning. So I just stepped in so that the kids had an organized toy area to entertain themselves with - giving their parents time to socialize with one another.
5. Took out trash for neighbor
It is trash night and I wanted to help the elderly neighbor. It is bitterly cold in January now and it is only the beginning of this month. Oh how I miss the warm days of spring and summer. Anyway, I haven't seen them moving around a whole lot out side. I just wanted to do something nice for them. It was easy to move the trash cans.
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