1. Gave special hand lotion to teacher
So this hand lotion had all of these cool looking french designs engraved all over the bottle. This particular teacher has all of these really cool designed items all over her classroom. The instant that I saw this item, I immediately thought of her. Plus, I over heard her the other day saying that her hands were really dry because of the cold winter.
2. Helped another staff member with the schedule & special student activity
One of the few things that I am good at is organization. So this particular staff member noticed that there was a conflict in dates in regards to two activities being held at the same time. With some careful planning and reorganization, I was able to help this person sort things out so that the events could take place without overlapping in dates & times.
3. Helped a student carry his books to class
He plays the cello and although I am not the orchestra teacher, I definitely recognized the fact that he needed someone extra to help him. So I was in the hallway monitoring the student traffic in the hallway when I noticed that he was struggling to get to class with both his books & instrument. So I simply went over and picked up his books and told him to keep continuing on with his instrument. The best thing is that when we got to his classroom - he said thanks :-)
4. Wrote an encouraging note to the school secretary
This remarkable secretary does so much for the school. She was starting to get frazzled because in the matter of minutes her computer fried, the phone was both off the hook and on hold at the same time, at least 6 teachers were absent, and somehow a group of parents arrived in her office to speak to everyone & anyone about everything. Just looking at her, you could easily tell the she was beyond stressed out. So I got a spare hanger & made her a sign "The Hang In There Award."Instantly it brighten her day.
5. Cleaned up girls bathroom
Picked up paper towels on the floor, returned other teacher's bathroom passes, straighten hand washing area & mirrors, etc. Simple things that keep this area nice for the students, parents, & other staff members to use in the future.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 194
1. Helped the new neighbor de-ice his car
Across the street, the new neighbor comes from Florida and is struggling during this winter. It is too cold, too snowy, & too icy for him and his family. Such a drastic climate change for him to get use to - he didn't even have an ice car scraper. So as I was finishing getting my car ready for work, I watch him as he struggle with using a broom to clean his car. I simply went over to help him with my ice scraper on his windshields. He looked at me in disbelief, but I told him that that is what neighbors do - help each other.
2. Gave an inspirational athletic sign to gym teacher
She is wonderful in putting up all of these great motivating signs throughout the gym, the hallways, & the locker room. And the signs are the regular 'hokie' signs - they actually have good meanings and interesting pictures. So when I saw this particular sign at the teacher store that closed just a few days ago, I immediately thought of her. If anything, she has inspired me to help her inspire the students.
3. Gave my breakfast to someone else
So one of my students was incredibly hungry this morning because they got up late and didn't have time for breakfast. I didn't want my orange juice and had an extra Special K bars that I normally eat for breakfast. Even before I could get out the offer to share my breakfast, he immediately started to eat & drink. Sometimes it surprises me how much a teenager can consume food. Anyway, I was glad that they ate something - he often complains of headaches because of lack of food. I did advised him to stop by later on in the morning if he needed a snack to carry him to lunch. Checked up on him at lunch, he was eating - again :-)
4. Donated some extra cleaning supplies to needy shelter
Yes, I know that the most important thing right now is to feed the needy & make sure that they have a warm bed at night. However, having a clean bathroom to refresh themselves and clean clothes is also important thing too - it provides sanitary & better health conditions. But more importantly, it also provides a sense of hope & compassion that someone is treating them with respect. The needy shelter is always looking for cleaning wipes, clothing detergent, soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene items.
5. Gave extra Sunday School stickers to church
There were these cute little stickers that said "Yeah God!" on them. Very simple, but new that one of the Sunday School teachers would use them with their kids. Later on today I received a picture from my son - yes, I got a "Yeah God." It made me chuckle to myself.
Across the street, the new neighbor comes from Florida and is struggling during this winter. It is too cold, too snowy, & too icy for him and his family. Such a drastic climate change for him to get use to - he didn't even have an ice car scraper. So as I was finishing getting my car ready for work, I watch him as he struggle with using a broom to clean his car. I simply went over to help him with my ice scraper on his windshields. He looked at me in disbelief, but I told him that that is what neighbors do - help each other.
2. Gave an inspirational athletic sign to gym teacher
She is wonderful in putting up all of these great motivating signs throughout the gym, the hallways, & the locker room. And the signs are the regular 'hokie' signs - they actually have good meanings and interesting pictures. So when I saw this particular sign at the teacher store that closed just a few days ago, I immediately thought of her. If anything, she has inspired me to help her inspire the students.
3. Gave my breakfast to someone else
So one of my students was incredibly hungry this morning because they got up late and didn't have time for breakfast. I didn't want my orange juice and had an extra Special K bars that I normally eat for breakfast. Even before I could get out the offer to share my breakfast, he immediately started to eat & drink. Sometimes it surprises me how much a teenager can consume food. Anyway, I was glad that they ate something - he often complains of headaches because of lack of food. I did advised him to stop by later on in the morning if he needed a snack to carry him to lunch. Checked up on him at lunch, he was eating - again :-)
4. Donated some extra cleaning supplies to needy shelter
Yes, I know that the most important thing right now is to feed the needy & make sure that they have a warm bed at night. However, having a clean bathroom to refresh themselves and clean clothes is also important thing too - it provides sanitary & better health conditions. But more importantly, it also provides a sense of hope & compassion that someone is treating them with respect. The needy shelter is always looking for cleaning wipes, clothing detergent, soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene items.
5. Gave extra Sunday School stickers to church
There were these cute little stickers that said "Yeah God!" on them. Very simple, but new that one of the Sunday School teachers would use them with their kids. Later on today I received a picture from my son - yes, I got a "Yeah God." It made me chuckle to myself.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 193
1. Brought in coffee & snacks for a morning meeting
So we had a special supervisor meeting on this cold winter's day. The best thing about this day so far is the free coffee. So I tend to arrive early for things - my nervous habit of never liking the thought or action of being late. So while I was the first to arrive, I helped bring in the free coffee and snacks. It was easy to help with this task - I also got first dibs on the coffee.
2. Helped get chairs for other teachers
Again, being the early bird - I put myself to work. Coffee in - check & taste great! Donuts/other snacks in - check & didn't try. Now onto the chairs. Since there will be a gathering of us, yes I need to get out enough for everyone. No big deal - I like to feel like I am helpful.
3. Gave a grading device to another staff member
So I was in the workroom the other day copying papers for my next unit for my one set of music classes, when I heard another staff member talk about how she misplaced her grading device. It was the kind that you could slide the numbers of total problems and then the grid would show up with the percentage in relation to how many were incorrect. Cool device. Well, I saw one the other day marked in the clearance section at the store and new who it needed to belong too. So after our meeting this morning, we had time to go back to our school and work in our classroom. This is when I placed the new grading device on the desk of the other staff member. I hope that they can use it :-)
4. Cleaned exercise DVD's for others
At the last workout, I noticed that the DVD's were a little scratched up and they were beginning to skip while being played. So this past weekend I bought a DVD disc cleaning kit and started to work on these small problems. Yes, it did make a difference. No more skipping - well, except for us staff members who do the Plyo DVD.
5. Bought crayon erasers for another art teacher
So I just saw these crazy little things and new that the art teacher would love them. She has a who collection of crayon stuff - Crayon thermos, Crayon sandwich protector, Crayon bank, etc. Just something quirky to add to her hobby.
So we had a special supervisor meeting on this cold winter's day. The best thing about this day so far is the free coffee. So I tend to arrive early for things - my nervous habit of never liking the thought or action of being late. So while I was the first to arrive, I helped bring in the free coffee and snacks. It was easy to help with this task - I also got first dibs on the coffee.
2. Helped get chairs for other teachers
Again, being the early bird - I put myself to work. Coffee in - check & taste great! Donuts/other snacks in - check & didn't try. Now onto the chairs. Since there will be a gathering of us, yes I need to get out enough for everyone. No big deal - I like to feel like I am helpful.
3. Gave a grading device to another staff member
So I was in the workroom the other day copying papers for my next unit for my one set of music classes, when I heard another staff member talk about how she misplaced her grading device. It was the kind that you could slide the numbers of total problems and then the grid would show up with the percentage in relation to how many were incorrect. Cool device. Well, I saw one the other day marked in the clearance section at the store and new who it needed to belong too. So after our meeting this morning, we had time to go back to our school and work in our classroom. This is when I placed the new grading device on the desk of the other staff member. I hope that they can use it :-)
4. Cleaned exercise DVD's for others
At the last workout, I noticed that the DVD's were a little scratched up and they were beginning to skip while being played. So this past weekend I bought a DVD disc cleaning kit and started to work on these small problems. Yes, it did make a difference. No more skipping - well, except for us staff members who do the Plyo DVD.
5. Bought crayon erasers for another art teacher
So I just saw these crazy little things and new that the art teacher would love them. She has a who collection of crayon stuff - Crayon thermos, Crayon sandwich protector, Crayon bank, etc. Just something quirky to add to her hobby.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 192
1. Wrote a "Thinking of You" card to another member at church
So I recently got a list of people from the church that I attend - these are people who are in the hospital, needing healing prayers, or are waiting for surgery. There is a particular woman that is a very nice person who has recently missed a couple of services. I just wanted to send her a card in saying that I was thinking of her and hope that she was getting well. Just to brighten her day.
2. Gathered up shopping carts at the grocery store
I guess these shopping carts didn't want the customers to leave the grocery store - they were starting to gather & block the front door. So I situated them all out into nice straight neat rows. This not only cleared up the doorway, but let other customers get a shopping cart with ease.
3. Bought some peach jelly for step father
Unfortunately my step father received paperwork earlier today saying that his job was being eliminated by the end of the month. He was really upset by this news because he has been with the same company for over 25 years. So while I was out buying groceries today, I asked my son what he thought that 'Pappy' would like to cheer him up. My son said that he likes special jelly to go on his toast - so peach jelly it was.
4. Held the door for an elderly lady
Prior to going to the grocery store, I took my son out for a special lunch. I like to do this with him every now & then - and today was a perfect opportunity - we had the day off from school. So while we were leaving the restaurant, I noticed that there was an elderly lady starting to head for the door. I asked my son to hold the first door open, while I then got the second so that the woman would have complete ease going through and into the outside where h er daughter was getting the car ready. Easy to do.
5. Wrote the waiter a 'thank you' note
He was very nice towards my son and got him extra whipped cream & sprinkles for his pancakes. Anything special that a service person does should be appreciated & thank properly thanked. This restaurant always have really great service.
So I recently got a list of people from the church that I attend - these are people who are in the hospital, needing healing prayers, or are waiting for surgery. There is a particular woman that is a very nice person who has recently missed a couple of services. I just wanted to send her a card in saying that I was thinking of her and hope that she was getting well. Just to brighten her day.
2. Gathered up shopping carts at the grocery store
I guess these shopping carts didn't want the customers to leave the grocery store - they were starting to gather & block the front door. So I situated them all out into nice straight neat rows. This not only cleared up the doorway, but let other customers get a shopping cart with ease.
3. Bought some peach jelly for step father
Unfortunately my step father received paperwork earlier today saying that his job was being eliminated by the end of the month. He was really upset by this news because he has been with the same company for over 25 years. So while I was out buying groceries today, I asked my son what he thought that 'Pappy' would like to cheer him up. My son said that he likes special jelly to go on his toast - so peach jelly it was.
4. Held the door for an elderly lady
Prior to going to the grocery store, I took my son out for a special lunch. I like to do this with him every now & then - and today was a perfect opportunity - we had the day off from school. So while we were leaving the restaurant, I noticed that there was an elderly lady starting to head for the door. I asked my son to hold the first door open, while I then got the second so that the woman would have complete ease going through and into the outside where h er daughter was getting the car ready. Easy to do.
5. Wrote the waiter a 'thank you' note
He was very nice towards my son and got him extra whipped cream & sprinkles for his pancakes. Anything special that a service person does should be appreciated & thank properly thanked. This restaurant always have really great service.
Monday, September 19, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 191
1. Bought & donated clothing items to local homeless shelter
Wow! It has gotten so cold in are area lately. Yes, this homeless shelter runs a wonderful soup kitchen that in the recent past weeks I have donated several bags of groceries, but I have also noticed that the clients are in desperate needs of some warmer clothing too - especially the children. So I went to the local department store and picked up a couple essentials - socks, long sleeve undershirts, undergarments, and such. Warmth of food & clothing is what these people need on this cold winter's day.
2. Sharpened various pencils for children
So as my son was practicing his writing, I noticed that many of the pencils at the children's table were very dull. So I simple gathered them up and sharpened them. A little thing to do, but it gave the kids more of an opportunity to practice their writing skills.
3. Wrote a welcome card
So this past week a new musician joined the church's praise band. She was very hesitant about joining because she doesn't know many of the songs that are in our performance book. However, she is a fairly good singer and will eventually pick up this music. Besides, it's nice to have new blood within the praise band.
4. Helped clean up after children's service
In order to get to the communion area, I had to move the various pillows and carpet that were left after the children's sermon. Easy to do for others.
5. Let people cross the road to attend church
So diagonally from the church that I attend is another church, but of a different sector. There was this father with two little girls that were trailing under his footsteps and in his shadow. They were all trying to cross the street to get to service on time, but there was a line of traffic. So as I watched, I slowed down in my jeep so that they would have time to safely cross. The girls were so cold in their beautiful dresses. I was glad that they made it into the warm building safely.
Wow! It has gotten so cold in are area lately. Yes, this homeless shelter runs a wonderful soup kitchen that in the recent past weeks I have donated several bags of groceries, but I have also noticed that the clients are in desperate needs of some warmer clothing too - especially the children. So I went to the local department store and picked up a couple essentials - socks, long sleeve undershirts, undergarments, and such. Warmth of food & clothing is what these people need on this cold winter's day.
2. Sharpened various pencils for children
So as my son was practicing his writing, I noticed that many of the pencils at the children's table were very dull. So I simple gathered them up and sharpened them. A little thing to do, but it gave the kids more of an opportunity to practice their writing skills.
3. Wrote a welcome card
So this past week a new musician joined the church's praise band. She was very hesitant about joining because she doesn't know many of the songs that are in our performance book. However, she is a fairly good singer and will eventually pick up this music. Besides, it's nice to have new blood within the praise band.
4. Helped clean up after children's service
In order to get to the communion area, I had to move the various pillows and carpet that were left after the children's sermon. Easy to do for others.
5. Let people cross the road to attend church
So diagonally from the church that I attend is another church, but of a different sector. There was this father with two little girls that were trailing under his footsteps and in his shadow. They were all trying to cross the street to get to service on time, but there was a line of traffic. So as I watched, I slowed down in my jeep so that they would have time to safely cross. The girls were so cold in their beautiful dresses. I was glad that they made it into the warm building safely.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 190
1. Got coffee for my step father
This is his last weekend in putting together the new building for his work. It is bitterly cold outside & I just wanted to do something nice - to celebrate the finale of this long project.
2. Text other teachers about educational store deals
It saddens me in the fact that many local businesses are having to shut down due to the struggling economy these days. This particular educational store has been in our community since I was a little girl. I still remember being little and going there with my mom as she shopped for her classroom. Anyway, this store is closing after several successful years and they need to sell their stock. So even though it saddens me, the silver lining is that I am able to buy some really good materials at amazingly discounted prices. As I shopped, I noticed some other things that other teachers in my building could use in their classrooms. So I started to text them to let them know about these deals.
3. Bought items for son's classroom
Yes, I was even able to buy some really nice puzzles & books for my son's preschool classroom at very low costs. I know that his teacher will really appreciate it.
4. Gave extra money to support a local children's charity
So I was grocery shopping and as I was getting ready to leave, I noticed this stand where the money collected supported local children that were diagnosed with cancer & now being treated at St. Jude's. Ok, so the stand was selling cookies & other sweets. My son loves cotton candy & they were selling his favorite kind - blue raspberry. So since the money was going to a good cause & the treat was going to a good little boy - sure! It only cost $1, but I gave $5 because I knew that everything was going to go help others.
FYI- no I didn't take 5 bags of cotton candy - just 1 bag is good & plenty.
5. Took a picture for another family
So I took my son to one of his friend's birthday party this afternoon. There was a family there that the mom was trying to take a picture of the father and their son. I asked if they would like to have a picture of all of them together. The mother at first didn't know what to say. Then she started to comment on the fact that she is basically the photographer in the family and there isn't really any pictures of all of them together. I was happy to help them out & hope that she enjoys the picture along with the memory of the wonderful time that they had at the party.
This is his last weekend in putting together the new building for his work. It is bitterly cold outside & I just wanted to do something nice - to celebrate the finale of this long project.
2. Text other teachers about educational store deals
It saddens me in the fact that many local businesses are having to shut down due to the struggling economy these days. This particular educational store has been in our community since I was a little girl. I still remember being little and going there with my mom as she shopped for her classroom. Anyway, this store is closing after several successful years and they need to sell their stock. So even though it saddens me, the silver lining is that I am able to buy some really good materials at amazingly discounted prices. As I shopped, I noticed some other things that other teachers in my building could use in their classrooms. So I started to text them to let them know about these deals.
3. Bought items for son's classroom
Yes, I was even able to buy some really nice puzzles & books for my son's preschool classroom at very low costs. I know that his teacher will really appreciate it.
4. Gave extra money to support a local children's charity
So I was grocery shopping and as I was getting ready to leave, I noticed this stand where the money collected supported local children that were diagnosed with cancer & now being treated at St. Jude's. Ok, so the stand was selling cookies & other sweets. My son loves cotton candy & they were selling his favorite kind - blue raspberry. So since the money was going to a good cause & the treat was going to a good little boy - sure! It only cost $1, but I gave $5 because I knew that everything was going to go help others.
FYI- no I didn't take 5 bags of cotton candy - just 1 bag is good & plenty.
5. Took a picture for another family
So I took my son to one of his friend's birthday party this afternoon. There was a family there that the mom was trying to take a picture of the father and their son. I asked if they would like to have a picture of all of them together. The mother at first didn't know what to say. Then she started to comment on the fact that she is basically the photographer in the family and there isn't really any pictures of all of them together. I was happy to help them out & hope that she enjoys the picture along with the memory of the wonderful time that they had at the party.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 189
1. Gave my lunch to another staff member
So he was extremely hungry, forgot his lunch, & had limited amount of money to purchase a lunch from the school cafeteria. I had more than enough between a large sandwich and enough of snacks to feed all of my students. So I gave him 1/2 of my sandwich, an extra bottle of water, & some fruit from my lunch pail. Was happy to share.
2. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher
This particular teacher is amazing! She not only helps with the student newspaper, but she has recently put together a staff newspaper too! And both documents are so well placed, laid out, and informative. The recent staff paper focused on the music, arts, & physical education teachers & programs. It was so wonderful - I just had to write a thank you note.
3. Helped another student picked up her dropped items
So she was talking to her friend while exiting the lunch line in the cafeteria and accidentally tripped and dropped her tray. As her food went everywhere, all of the students became completely silent. She sat there for awhile in humiliation. So I simply went over and just started to clean up the split food as her friends helped put her back together - it was a team effort. Later on in the day, I found this same girl and I told her about the most humiliating fall that has ever happened to me. It seemed to help a little.
4. Retrieved lunch for another teacher
This particular person was in a meeting and already prepaid for a cafe lunch. So it was easy just to go and get the lunch for them, so that they would have it waiting for them after the meeting. I had some extra minutes and it was easy to do to help out another person.
5. Sent a 'thank you' email to another person for an interview
So the one class that I am taking through our Board of Education, is based on leadership skills. I was recently able to interview another person based on their leadership role through our BOE. Throughout the interview, I really became interested in her job and leadership role. Not only did she give me pertinent information that I need for my class, but also some really great ideas to think about in the future. I just had to say a special thank you through the school's email.
So he was extremely hungry, forgot his lunch, & had limited amount of money to purchase a lunch from the school cafeteria. I had more than enough between a large sandwich and enough of snacks to feed all of my students. So I gave him 1/2 of my sandwich, an extra bottle of water, & some fruit from my lunch pail. Was happy to share.
2. Wrote a "Thank You" note to another teacher
This particular teacher is amazing! She not only helps with the student newspaper, but she has recently put together a staff newspaper too! And both documents are so well placed, laid out, and informative. The recent staff paper focused on the music, arts, & physical education teachers & programs. It was so wonderful - I just had to write a thank you note.
3. Helped another student picked up her dropped items
So she was talking to her friend while exiting the lunch line in the cafeteria and accidentally tripped and dropped her tray. As her food went everywhere, all of the students became completely silent. She sat there for awhile in humiliation. So I simply went over and just started to clean up the split food as her friends helped put her back together - it was a team effort. Later on in the day, I found this same girl and I told her about the most humiliating fall that has ever happened to me. It seemed to help a little.
4. Retrieved lunch for another teacher
This particular person was in a meeting and already prepaid for a cafe lunch. So it was easy just to go and get the lunch for them, so that they would have it waiting for them after the meeting. I had some extra minutes and it was easy to do to help out another person.
5. Sent a 'thank you' email to another person for an interview
So the one class that I am taking through our Board of Education, is based on leadership skills. I was recently able to interview another person based on their leadership role through our BOE. Throughout the interview, I really became interested in her job and leadership role. Not only did she give me pertinent information that I need for my class, but also some really great ideas to think about in the future. I just had to say a special thank you through the school's email.
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