5 Pennies - Day 225 Recovered

1. Made special Valentine Day treats for various staff members

             Happy Valentine's Day! Ok, I must admit that I don't get much into this holiday and I will also admit that the colors pink/red annoy me during this time of year. Please don't get me started on my feelings towards a baby cupid. I know that there are those 'Grinch(es)' during the Christmas season, but what would I be called if I didn't get into the Valentine's spirit? Anyway as I ponder about this question, I will say that I do love to make deserts and pastries for the staff members at school. So for Valentines day I made chocolate cherry cheese tarts - yes, I need a better name. Everyone loved them and I was happy to supply :-)

                       A. 'Anti Vals' - those who hate Valentines Day

                       B. C3T - Chocolate Cherry Cheese Tarts

2. Returned shopping cart at grocery store

                    Yes, it was trying to escape - but ha,ha! I was able to stop it :-)

3. Got a church service bulletin for others 

                   Sometimes at the Mid-Week church service there is a van that brings the clients and caretakers from a local nursing home to for the fellowship. I haven't seen them for a while, but thought nothing of it because it has been rainy, snowy, and cold - yeah Winter! However, these special visitors were at the service tonight, which was really nice to see them again. As they were settling down during the gathering music, I noticed that none of the care takers had a service bulletin to follow along with the worship. So after I was finishing singing the praise songs, I got a couple extra and handed it to them. Easy to do.

4. Helped a student with an art project

              She was really upset that she didn't get to finished and didn't want to get a bad grade - so after I was finished working with some of the band students that have been preparing music for a Solo and Small Ensemble Festival, I helped her glazed her work. Unfortunately as we worked, the head, right upper leg, and tail fell off. However, we were able to put things back together with some super glue. We shall see if everything turned out ok in the morning.

5. Helped a student with a music test

                There was a student in the discipline room, which in the past I will admit that I haven't always gotten along with. Honest, he is an extremely smart kid and can normally defend his thinking with good arguements - but he just makes the worst decisions in life sometimes. Anyway, another teacher gave him a test to complete about the famous musical, West Side Story. He was easily getting frustrated with it and actually politely asked me for help. So I gave up the majority of my lunch time and sat with him until he finished. He honestly knew the majority of the answers, but just needed the verification that he was thinking the correct way. It was a unique 'teacher/student' connecting moment.

*By the way, I love WSS and if you've never seen it, you're missing out on an aspect of American life!

5 Pennies - Day 224 Recovered

1. Gave Homeless Man Food
             So while leaving church yesterday, I noticed that there was a homeless man that was going through the dumpster behind the education building. Wow, to live this type of life is beyond me - I just can't imagine. He was collecting both tin soda cans and reminisce of food.  So in my nice warm Jeep my son and I had our lunch packed - but I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. Soon I got out and went up to the man. He quickly clutched his earthly belongs - which was a small grocery bag of old cans. I extended to him some of my and my son's lunch. I just couldn't idly watch this. I felt bad knowing that I couldn't provide him any more than what I had. I thought about him a lot throughout the day.

2. Bought church extra coloring books
           So at the kids table during the contemporary service, my son has eagerly informed me that the coloring/activity Bible books are just about done. His favorite color by numbers and dot to dot section are finished and there are very little choices left to complete. While I was out yesterday buying him some knick-knacks for Valentines Day, I noticed that the store had these kid church activity books very similar to what he likes. So I bought a few and laid them on the back kid tables for him to do at Wednesday evening service.

3. Gave past Holiday cards to art teacher
           I was cleaning up some piles of bits and pieces around the house this weekend, and found two boxes of unused holiday cards. Yeah a donation to the school's art department!

4. Passed along an art article
            Again, I was browsing the world of CNN.com earlier tonight and found this wild story about fingernail & design. Immediately I thought of the two art teachers within my school and passed along the information. The coolest thing about this article is the pictures of the nails - crazy!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/10/living/fashion-week-nail-art/index.html?hpt=hp_bn8

5. Bought special pens for another teacher
              There's this really beautiful teacher that assist with students who struggle with math. I'm mean she is absolutely gorgeous and she always looks amazing - head to toe. I really think that she is the most beautiful person that I have ever seen in my life. And she works very hard with the students at school. Lately she has just seemed to losing some of her normal cheerful umph. She has a really tough job and state assessments are quickly approaching. So when I was at the store again yesterday, I noticed this crazy pens that were in the shape of lipstick. I immediately thought of her. Wasn't for sure if she would want them as a silly gift or if she could use them to reward some of her female students. Either - I knew that they belonged to her.

5 Pennies - Day 223 Recovered

1. Participated in the Cycle United event
          So I would consider myself fairly fit. I workout everyday, unless I am sick - and I do a variety of programs such as mixing it up between cardio, dance, weights, strength, yoga, etc. Like I've said in earlier penny days - I'm a P90x Turbo gal! So I thought that by doing this event I would have been fine. Wow was I wrong! Although I am glad that I did the 2 hour spinning class that sponsored the United Way, I am so sore from the belly button down. However, I share this soreness with a few other students and staff members that participated in the event too. The coolest thing that I heard after this event was over is that it raised over $40,000! The soreness was worth it :-)

*I saw a shirt the other day that I honestly thought about wearing - "Pain is weakness leaving the body."

2. Got other cycle participants water
              So by the third hour and cycling class, I was done - but I still wanted to contribute. I noticed that some other participants were looking for water, but couldn't leave their cycle to get some. I easily went over to the refreshment station got some water and passed it to those that needed it. Simple thing to do to continue to help others.

3. Wrote a 'Get Well' card
              There is a lovely language teacher that works at my school that has been having some serious problems with blood clots in her legs. I've never had any, but have been told that they are dreadfully painful. Recently, she had a surgery to have these removed so to alleviate her painful situation. She is doing better, but I just wanted to let her know that someone was wishing her a speedy recovery.

4. Gave a pink flamingo to another teacher
            This particular teacher at my school is one of my most unique persons I've ever met. Her sense of clothing style is as colorful as her personality. She is both tough on the students while being completely caring - a true mother to many of the kids at school. Recently she has taken the lead of the special attendance events while the chair person is out on maternity leave. A few days ago she held a special breakfast for those students that have perfect attendance thus far this school year. This is a really good incentive activity for the students, but it does take a lot of planning ahead of time to make things go smoothly. She did a fantastic job in stepping forward to take care of this event for the first time. So when I saw this pink flamingo toy, I thought of her.

5. Shared refreshments to another host
             The church that I attend to every Sunday has two services - 8:30 am & 11:00 am. This morning I was in charge of the 2nd after service refreshments. However, I noticed that after the 1st service the host woman was very flustered because she completely forgot that it was her turn to provide refreshments. She was just so frantic and apologetic - a very humbling experience. I baked and bought plenty of cookies, pastries, and fruit that it was easy to share with her. You have never seen a woman so thankful for assistance.

5 Pennies - Day 222 Recovered

1. Gave Guidance Office a special treat
            This week at school celebrates 'Happy Guidance Counselors' week! These three staff members do an amazing job that keeps are school together and moving in the right direction. Their job is incredibly hard and mentally taxing that each varies from student meetings, behavioral meetings, new student welcome, college readiness, schedule changes, and probably 1,000 of other duties that I don't even know about. So to celebrate how much I appreciate all that they do in the school, I bought them a big triple chocolate bundt cake. Enjoy!

2. Wrote a Good Job note
              Another staff member and I have been working extremely hard on a community service project throughout this school year thus far. Today at school was the culmination of our efforts when we had the students put together the school bags. Thankfully we had enough of supplies to put together 65 bags that had around 15 different school supply items. It was a lot of work and not everything went perfectly well, but at the end of the day we just helped 65 different elementary school kids to have what they need to function in school for the remainder of the school year. This staff member really orchestrated a lot of components to have this project get done so well. She deserved more than just a simple 'Good Job' note - I think that I will make her a special treat for Valentines Day.

3. Gave flowers to another staff member
             Yesterday there was a special ceremony that honored a particular set of students that have earned an extremely high scholastic achievement. One staff member in particular organized this event and facilitates this group throughout the school year. Not only did she look very beautiful for the event, but everything went well from the official membership/swearing in, the different student speeches, and the parent refreshment area. She had her work cut out for her in putting everything together - but it was fantastic. She deserved more than just some simple flowers, but it is what I could provide.
*The cool thing is that being a science teacher, I noticed that she placed the flowers in a beaker of water!

4. Passed a music article to supervisor
              So I admit that I am addicted to reading news clips on CNN.com and any time that I find something interesting or reminds me of someone, I just have to pass it on. Well my music supervisor is always looking for articles that spot-light the importance of music & performing arts. I was in luck tonight as I read an interesting article about how music can affect the behavioral outcome of many classrooms. Cool - ehh?
http://www.cnn.com/

5. Sent a student a 'Sympathy' card
             My heart hurts today. Not physically, but emotionally. I found out earlier today that one of my favorite student and family, just loss their father to a 1 1/2 battle with Cancer. Maybe I'm too connected with this family. Like I loved teaching the oldest son and he honored me at his Eagle Scout Ceremony. I currently love working with the youngest daughter now. She reminds me so much of myself. Then the mother is so supportive of her children, music and me. I'm getting too attached to my students. I know.

So when I was driving home today - exhausted from the grind of the students and mounds of work - chilled by the winter and recent snowfall, I really didn't want to go to church service tonight. I was actually hoping that it would be cancelled. It wasn't and I went.

My heart has been heavy all day today because of my feeling towards this student, family, and situation. So when it was prayer time, I did the only smart thing that I could think of - I cast all my cares unto God. Please God, please take care of this family.

Then I had this strange feeling inside - a new thought. The last time that I saw this particular father in decent health was when he was first diagnosed with Cancer - it was at the son's Eagle Scout Ceremony. My hear became lighten somehow. I started to thank God for letting this father have this opportunity to share with his son - to see this important accomplishment - that the son would never have the regret of not having his father see this important goal.
           
So I sent this family a 'Sympathy' card, just to say that I am thinking/praying for them.

5 Pennies - Day 221 Recovered

1. Wrote a "Have a Nice Day" to another staff member

           Actually this staff member works at another school and I use to be her children's band teacher when they were in middle school. She is such a wonderful teacher and a great person to know. She is strong in her conviction for the best education for her own kids and the ones that she works with everyday. Anyway, I overheard that her mother is in really ill health and I just wanted to do something nice for her - just to let her know that someone was thinking about her.

           I found out earlier in church today that her mother passed away yesterday and this has broken her at the core. I feel so bad for her because she is dealing with this pain, when I know her best as being so strong. So tomorrow I will send her a sympathy card.

2. Bought extra water for students

            We had a special music field trip today and the students needed to have an extra bottle of water. Knowing this ahead of time, I bought a big case of bottles just to make sure that the kids were taken care of. Good thing too, many of my students forgot or needed an extra. Glad to provide.

3. Gave breakfast to hungry students

            So I had one student who in the midst of getting ready for the special music field trip this morning, completely forgot to eat breakfast! Then I had another student that her sugar level was wavering. Also, I had another student that is always hungry - what do you expect? He's a middle school boy - they eat constantly. So I had some extra protein breakfast bars that I told them to eat. Again, glad to provide.

*I know that the last two pennies seem like a 'mommy' moment. But really, when the students are at school - they become my personal kids for 8 hours. I'm the provider, the counselor, the disciplinarian, the coach, the advocator, etc. Everything that a parent is first and then their music teacher 2nd. I had an administrator once tell me that I shouldn't take things so personally. But really, when I feel like their day time mommy - how could I not take things so personally?

4. Cleaned up the coffee and snack area

           So at this music field trip, there was a spread of coffee and pastries for the teachers. I was thrilled that this was provided for us, but soon kept thinking about when I was going to clean it up. Even at 9:30 in the morning, I kept thinking about when would be a good time. So I decided that at precisely 2:30 I would start cleaning everything up: dump the coffee, pour out the creamer, package up the donuts & muffins, sweep up the crumbs, organize the plates/napkins/cutlery, and wipe down the table. The time came & I did - I was thrilled when everything was neat and organized. The other music teachers just looked in amazement. Again, when OCD is a blessing and a curse.

5. Made students a special treat bag

            All of the students that participated in the special band concert this weekend has really been working hard on their extra music. I'm so proud of them and the concert went off very well with very little problems. They have all learned so much from this experience that I hope that they will share with others, while applying their knowledge in their regular band class and with their regular band music. So since they have been spending extra time in this experience, I figured that I should make each of them a special treat bag - just to show how much I am proud of them for all of their hard work. 

5 Pennies - Day 220 Recovered

1. Bought another person a cup of coffee
           So I was finished my grocery shopping, but still had about 15 minutes left prior to picking my son up from choir practice. It was fairly cold outside tonight and I also didn't feel that great - I am desperately trying to fight the remainders of this sinus infection that just will not go away. Anyway, I pulled up to a little, but clean gas station. I need fuel for both my Jeep & my mind. So it was a purchase of gas & coffee - of course separate and going to the correct areas. So while I was in line to purchase my coffee I realized that I had a few extra dollars. I looked around and noticed an older guy preparing a cup of coffee for himself. I easily payed for my cup and then told the cashier that I was purchasing the other guy's coffee. After paying, I went up to him and told him to enjoy that free cup of coffee. I left him speechless - he literally didn't know what to say - it was great to see his reaction. Essentially, I made a man speechless over $1.32 :-)

2. Reheated another staff member's lunch
           So it was lunch time for me and as I approached the microwave, I noticed that the staff member who just used the microwave had to suddenly leave his lunch to take care of a student problem. As I heated up my soup, I kept an eye on the clock. After at least 5 minutes of heating my food and watching the clock, this staff member didn't return. Although I was done with the microwave, I stuck his food back in for another minute - knowing that his once heated food was now cold. Hopefully, he got back to it and was able to eat it warm.

3. Bought in snacks for a morning meeting
            I must admit that morning meetings are not my favorite thing. Ok, I think that it is also safe to say that morning meetings are not other people's favorite things to do either. So I figure that in order to make this at least a little bit enjoyable, I might as well provide snacks for others. Job well done.

4. Bought a cookie for another teacher
             So I had a special music ensemble rehearsal tonight - for an up coming concert this weekend. Anyway, while I was quickly grabbing a bagel and coffee to have as dinner I noticed another teacher a ways off grading papers. I didn't know her, but she had that teacher look - hair pulled back, correcting pencil in hand, pouring themselves over student work, vigorously shaking their heads once & awhile - trying to figure out what is being written; and of course the grade book. Anyway, I sort of felt sorry for her. That she was spending her spare moment at a restaurant not enjoying the food - but working & grading.  She definitely deserved a cookie break!

5. Helped another teacher with an application
         So in a previous penny, I described how I submitted paperwork to honor another teacher at a special event. Well, he was selected to indeed be honored and was asked to submit some additional paperwork. This afternoon he came to me for some advice in how to write his answer. I showed him what I did so that he had a jumping off point in how to construct his answers. I hope that he does well.

5 Pennies - Day 219 Recovered

1. Wrote a 'Get Well' card
            So there is a teacher at my school that recently had a minor surgery done in the past week. I must admit that I have not been the nicest person to this teacher in the past few years, but I am trying to improve on myself by being kinder towards others. If the 5 Pennies have taught me anything, it is this - be kind towards others. Regardless if you like it or not. Regardless if you believe that they deserve it or not. Just be kind. Anyway, I sent her a 'Get Well' card wishing a speedy recovery.

2. Wrote a 'Good Luck' note
             So the orchestra teacher and a few of his students have a special concert coming up this weekend. He has been working for this event the past several weeks and I know that it is going to be nice. It is great that he would take his free time to work additional hours in helping his and other teachers' students. I just wanted to wish him good luck.

3. Wrote some 'Good Job' notes to various staff members
              Wow - we have had a busy week at school recently. I just wanted to show other teachers how much I appreciate the extra time, energy, & focus that they have displayed on various activities.
           - These 'Good Job' notes go to our popcorn making team.
                         There is a group of staff members that for the past day have been making popcorn for a special reward activity for those students that have displayed good behavior.
           - There are two staff members in particular that helped organized a special student/staff Volleyball game for those students again who have displayed good behavior.
               These extra incentives for the students do make a difference & it is all put together normally by the same corp of teachers. They rarely get thanked and often get headaches from the stress of the activities - but I just wanted them to know how much I appreciate all of their hard work.

4. Collected breakfast lunch cards
              I wasn't for sure if the usual staff member was absent or accidentally forgot to collect these items. Anyway, they were laying all scattered about on a cafeteria table. I didn't want them to get lost before needed them the next day. So I just simply collected them together and returned them to the original staff member's mailbox. Easy to do.

5. Bought school supplies & food for shelter bank
            I took these items back to the church to submit in the correct areas. Again, easy to do.