Category: School

Posted in School, Tuesday Talk

Teacher Talk Tuesday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Well, as the school year winds down, I wanted to get in at least one more “Teacher Talk Tuesday” for the year.

…via…Talking About it Tuesdays with Joanne.

This was a WordPress prompt a while back, and it had me taking a trip down memory lane…

Look at me in 2002 in my classroom my first year teaching…that’s a big ol’ computer, printer, and floppy disk holder!

Through the years, technology has really changed how we teach. All of my classrooms from my first fifteen years of teaching still had an overhead projector.

My first few years, the kids mostly learned a from textbooks and worksheets.

My previous school was in a smaller district, and they did incorporate more technology before a lot of the larger districts. After my first couple of years at that school, they added on to their building, and my classroom was in the new wing. My classroom had an electronic (Smart) whiteboard that I used pretty often. Also, students had chromebooks before the Covid days.

Now, I’m in a larger district, and through the years, most of the classrooms had the Smart boards, and then last year, we all got interactive flat panels, and it’s another thing to learn!

I still love my regular white board, and still write on it most days.

During Covid, most (all?) districts became 1:1 with technology, and we all became acquainted with Zoom.

We still have some meetings and professional development opportunities on Zoom. Today, I actually have a PD on our new textbooks via Zoom.

Because of their computers, students have easy access to be able to type their papers, do research, and turn in assignments.

Many online resources include:

  • Canvas
  • Google: classroom, docs, and slides
  • Online textbook (I still have a class set in my room which is my preferred method. That being said, at least online is available for students who are absent or who didn’t finish a class assignment) Another thing I appreciate about online textbooks is that students can use the “read” feature to have the text read to them. Honestly, as a teacher, I appreciate that feature…especially when reading Shakespeare!!
  • No Red Ink – checks for plagarism
  • Students can easily access and check their grades (even though they don’t do that often)
  • Email to correspond with teachers

There are so many benefits to what we have thanks to technology that help keep our kids engaged.

Unfortunately, students feel like they have to be entertained all the time. As a teacher, we can plan engaging lessons thanks to sites like:

  • IXL
  • Blooket
  • Newsela
  • Kahoot
  • Nearpod
  • Flipgrid
  • Quizlet

There are also downfalls to technology, and students being off task because of chromebooks. Don’t even get me started on AI!

Post Covid, many teachers still relied on online learning, but now I’m seeing most teachers split the difference and have some online assignments and some paper assignments.

Overall, teachers do spend less time having to make copies these days which is nice.

I’m still “old school” when it comes to planning. I look forward to buying my new desk calendar and lesson plan book every year. The past couple of years I’ve used Happy Planner stickers to spruce up my calendar pages.

Looking back on my 22 years in education, many things have changed. I think I started teaching right as technology (computers, anyway) started being classrooms.

My first couple of years teaching, I still received a phone call via the phone tree for a snow day. Of course, for years, that information has been on the news, but now we all receive automated phone calls and texts…even the students.

We now have digital hall and tardy passes, there are cameras all throughout the building, we can document parent contacts easily, submit paperwork and so much more now that we have greater technology. As teachers, we can share resources easier as well.

Students now take the ACT and other standardized tests online.

I run my school’s after school tutoring, and just this month, stipends became electronic. I used to lose about thirty minutes every other Friday tracking down paper stipends, getting them signed, scanned and submitted. Now, I can approve everything in a few clicks.

Honestly, most everything I listed is just the “tip of the technology in education iceberg.”

I do think that technology has many benefits in education and technology sure has changed my job. In some ways it’s made it easier, and in other ways, we have other battles now because of it. (Like AI, don’t even get me started on cellphones). I have at least eight more years left in education, and I’m sure more changes in technology will come. They’ll have to continue to “teach this old dog new tricks!”

I like when topics turn in to a “stroll down memory lane.”

Posted in Blog challenge, Me, School

Bloganuary 1.4.24 – Colleges

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Today I’m sharing my first “Bloganuary” post. Yesterday’s WordPress topic was “what colleges have you attended?”

At first I thought this topic might be boring, but then I realized that I had a journey/story for each part of my college career.

University of Missouri:

University of Missouri (KC):

When I graduated high school, I was really uncertain about where I wanted to go or if I even wanted to leave home.

My “homebody” tendencies started early, and I wasn’t much of a “risk taker.” I was really comfortable living at home, working part-time at a dentist office, and sticking with my surroundings. Ultimately, I decided to stay home and attend UMKC which is a smaller branch of the University of Missouri system. Looking back, I still think this was the right decision for me. I was able to ease into college while being in the comfort of what I already knew at home and work.

That being said, I had always liked the idea of going to a bigger college, and in the spring of my freshman year, I applied to University of Missouri-Columbia. (MIZZOU).

University of Missouri (Columbia):

My sophomore-senior years were spent at MIZZOU. Again, the timing really worked well for me. I’m glad I waited to go until my sophomore year. I lived in the dorm that year, so I was able to experience that. I do wonder if I’d gone to MU my freshman year if I would have joined a sorority, but I did make some great friends living in Jones Hall!

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was a middle school Language Arts teacher for over 30 years. Also, I loved to read and always had great English teachers. So, I never once changed my major. I was always going to be a high school English teacher. I couldn’t wrap my brain around working with elementary aged kids (they seem so needy…haha), and I just felt like older kids would be a great fit.

I graduated in four years with a B.S. Secondary Education: English (grades 9-12) in May 2002. I feel very fortunate that I entered adulthood debt free thanks to my parents paying for college (and I helped a bit financially by staying home the first year, earning a few college credits while in high school, and even managing the front desk of my dorm as a junior to have free room and board).

I loved CoMo, and stuck around one more year for my first year of teaching.

Rank 2: University of Missouri

I moved to Kentucky after my second year of teaching and started my first Master’s degree after teaching for three years. In Kentucky, the pay scale is by rank. So, teachers earn more every year with experience, but they also move on the pay scale with their rank. With a B.S., it’s Rank 3 pay. One Master’s degree is Rank 2, and then an additional Master’s gets Rank 1 pay. In my district, there is also Rank 1.2 (PhD).

Anyway, I knew I wanted to start on my Rank 2 before we had kids. I was living in Lexington, but the University of Missouri had an online Master’s with a focus in literacy. Literacy had always been something I was interested in. I also knew that having that focus could be of benefit to me as I grew as a professional. I started that program in the fall of 2005.

All of the courses were online, but I really enjoyed having the flexibility of the program and there was no commute! I think I typically took two classes each semester, but maybe I took three one summer?

In May 2008, I earned my M. Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Focus: Literacy which got me my Rank 2.

I’m so thankful for that degree because right after that, I took a job as a Literacy Coach in my school building and really enjoyed that work.

Rank 1: University of Louisville

The Literacy Coach position came about because the district I was in was a part of a federal grant called Striving Readers. It was a three year grant with partners at the Collaborative for Teaching and Learning in Louisville and the University of Louisville.

As a part of the grant, I had the opportunity to earn a reading specialist degree which would give me my Rank 1. I delayed the start of this work because Travis and I had just had the kids.

Then, my school was able to add an additional year with the grant. Knowing that it was “now or never” and this degree would be paid for, I realized I should go ahead and take advantage of this opportunity. I started working on the degree when the kids were about a year old…I think!

That time period is a blur, and it was a lot of work…but much like my Rank 2, all the courses were online, and I had such great support from my mentors at CTL and U of L.

I enjoyed working on the courses and completing each Capstone. I’d much rather write a twenty page paper than take a test!

In May of 2012, I earned my M. Ed., Reading Specialist, May, 2012, Rank 1 through U of L.

Again, that degree is one of the main reasons I’m able to work as an interventionist today. Both of my Master’s degrees have really led me to wonderful opportunities, and I appreciate that I’ve been able to work in my school in a capacity besides as a traditional classroom teacher.

I know college isn’t for everyone, but I always say that no one can take away your education. Also, through the years, these degrees have enhanced my knowledge and expertise as well as allowed me to better support my family and my future.

So–those are the colleges I attended.

I’m still a big MIZZOU fan, but I can’t cheer for the U of L Cards in my house…haha

I will cheer for the CATS with the rest of the fam.

Posted in Five things, School

Five Things in My…

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I’ve been wanting to share another “Five Things” post, but my house isn’t in its “normal” state thanks to fall and now Christmas decorations.

So…today, I’m sharing…

school bag…

I got this bag at Target about three years ago, and it’s held up nicely. I like that it’s big, but not too big, and it has an inside and outside pocket. I always leave my badge and school keys in the inside pocket and not my purse. I want to keep things separate in case I lose one or the other.

So, here’s what’s in my school bag.

1. Lesson plan book

I have had a lesson plan book in my bag for over 20 years! This is my third year using a Happy Planner, and it’s the second year that I’m using the smaller version of the Happy Planner.

I prefer the vertical column layout with the dates going down the left hand side, so this one is perfect. I use the columns for each hour of the school day, but then I use the far right column to remind myself of meetings, appointments, and the kids’ activities.

I love using Happy Planner stickers to brighten up each week in my planner (and on my desk calendar too!)

2. Folders

Of course, I have a few folders in my bag. The blue and white one I’ve had for years, and I mostly use it for my blogging calendar and other personal papers. I should probably get a new set of these folders as this one definitely is showing some wear and tear.

Other folders usually get switched out depending on my needs or what meetings/ training sessions I’m attending.

3. Notepad(s)

Sometimes, when I feel like I have a lot to do, I use these bigger notepads to make a big list either day by day, or I categorized activities. I bought this colorful pack of legal pads, and it’s lasted me over three years! I’m on my last pad of paper.

Of course, I also use the note pads for note-taking during meetings or professional development sessions.

4. Pencil pouch

Ahh…this pencil pouch has been in my bag for over four years. I like that the front part has a spot for extra storage. I keep it filled with markers, highlighters, pens, pencils, and a pad or two of sticky notes. I’m always prepared!

5. Book/Computer

ok — so I lumped these two together. haha

I usually have a book that I’m reading to help with English classes, and often times I have my school computer in my bag. Sometimes, I leave it at school if I’m not going to need it at home, but it’s typically in my bag more times than not.

What about you? What are your essentials that you keep in your school or work bag?

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids, School

Friday Favorites {#177}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF –It was another week school and busy evenings, but we’ve made it to the weekend.

As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Why not round out the month sharing photos from Shay and Erika’s Photo Challenge like I have the past few weeks?

Here are some favorites from the week:

September 22: Festival

No photo, but the kids went to Oktoberfest on Friday night.

Trav and I went last year, I always find the Bingo tent!

September 23: Autumn

The best autumn quote on the first day of fall.

September 24: Comfort food

Soups are definitely a comfort food, and on Sunday, we had a nice fall meal followed by a yummy fall dessert.

I made Bev’s Simple Chicken Pasta Soup and Apple Cider Donut Cake for dessert.

September 25: In my cup

I started Sunday morning off on the back patio watching Southern Charm while sipping my coffee in one of my favorite mugs.

September 26: Crisp

Well, I could have said “crisp fall air” as we’ve had some cooler mornings and evenings, but really our grass has been “crispy” from lack of rain!

September 27: Memory

I always love this sweet memory of when we took the kids to the pumpkin patch for the first time in 2010.

September 28: early

Quiet early mornings with coffee, a candle, light up pumpkin, and the local news. That’s how I start most of my mornings, but in the fall, it’s even better.

Other Faves:

This Life in Lilac candle is amazing. It’s my first time buying one of Jen Reed’s candles, and it won’t be the last.

Saturday night was a favorite because of the fall temps and a night at home. We pulled the sunroom tv outside and hung out while watching the Mizzou game.

8th grade school pics came in, and they are definitely a favorite. This is the first school pic in a few years without the kids in braces.

Hayden joked with me that he wasn’t going to smile, but I’m so glad that he did…Hadley too, of course.

I made a trip to my favorite place to pick up pumpkins for our front porch. This is one of my favorite things to do every year.

My dad came to visit for a few days. Of course, we took the traditional porch pic, and he was able to see two of Hayden’s races as well as my nephew’s football and baseball games.

Hayden had two great races this week. He had a top 5 finish on Saturday in a very competitive race where he had a 4k PR by over thirty seconds. He really pushed himself to he finish.

Trav’s brother got a few great pics of him running which I always appreciate.

On Tuesday, our district had their end of season championship 4k, and Hayden placed 1st!! He was 1st place in the elementary race his 5th grade year, so it’s neat that he did that again as an 8th grader.

Of course, we’re proud of all he’s accomplished this season. The state meet is in a couple of weeks.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This is very relateable.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Ahhh…I feel like the three years of middle school have flown by!

Hayden through the years:

(8th grade left, 6th grade top right, 7th grade bottom right)

…and Hadley through the years:

(8th grade left, 6th grade top right, 7th grade bottom right)

Weekly Recap:

Here’s a peek at my posts this week in case you missed one:

5 things in my…
Monday Memes
September Books
Monthly Musings

Well, it’s officially fall break for us, and I’m ready for it. We have some fun plans, so I don’t know how often I will post next week, but I have a few posts planned, including Prime Purchases on Monday!

Have a great weekend!

Posted in School

Teacher Talk Tuesday: Classroom Tour

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How was your Labor Day weekend? Ours was good. We had a mix of down time, busy time, friend/family time, pool time and more.

Now that I feel like I’m in the groove this school year, I thought I’d show you around my classroom.

I shared some back to school photos a few weeks ago, but today I’m honing in on my Top 10 things in my classroom.

I always want my classroom to feel warm and welcoming.

Since I do intervention, I actually don’t need this many tables, but students are able to spread out when they are in my room. Sometimes, I’m helping a couple of students and other times, I might have 12-15 students for small group instruction.

I like for the room to be colorful and cheery. The natural sunlight from the windows help brighten the room. Often times, I don’t even turn on the overhead lights because I have so much daylight thanks to the windows, and I have a few lamps around my classroom.

Whatever classroom I’ve been in, I always have a corner for my area…that way students know to stay in front of my desk. haha

My area is behind the desk, and they get the rest of the room.

The “Save Time …See it my way” poster I’ve had on my desk for all 22 years I’ve taught.

1. Desk

On my desk, I have a few pictures, my desk calendar, supplies and important folders.

2. Computer area

When I moved into this classroom a couple of years ago, I decided to use a table for my computer. In my former classroom, I had the computer on the desk, and I like to have more space this way.

I have two crates under this table that hold a few books and binders I need for reference as well as some extra school supplies.

I also have a stack of lesson plan books through the years. I never want to throw them away at the end of the year. Are there any other teachers reading this post that feel the same way?

3. Teacher planner

While I don’t need a planner to plan out my lessons like I used to, I still use one to pencil in which students I’m helping, which classrooms I need to visit as well as meetings. This is my third year using a Happy Planner, and I really love it.

4. Flat panel

I just got this flat panel at the end of last school year, so I’m still figuring it out. I did go to a professional development last week to learn a few tricks. Like with most technology, the kids can probably teach me quicker than me just messing around with it.

5. Posters

I have posters all throughout my room. Honestly, they don’t change much through the years.

I have fun quotes and motivational posters as well as a few literary ones.

As an English teacher, of course I have reading reminders and proofreading marks…

The three questions I’ve had posted in my room for years. They were shared at a PD years ago, and they are good reminders for students and myself when questioning students.

6. Supplies

Admittedly, I don’t need as many supplies as elementary school teachers do, and honestly, I probably have more than most high school teachers do.

I just re-stock when supplies are on sale in July and August, so I have mostly what students might need.

At the front of my room, I have highlighters, markers, scissors, glue sticks, index cards and more.

7. Pencil boxes

Quite a few years ago, I put one pencil box on every table. These boxes have a couple of pencils, a few highlighters, some markers, colored pencils and crayons.

That way, once students are seated, they have most of what they need right in front of them.

Honestly, this helped more when I had classes of over thirty students and wanted them to stay seated. That’s not as big of a deal now since I work with so few students at a time, but I still like for them to mostly have what they need right in front of them.

8. Books

I have a variety of reading materials and resources for students. I’ve used the Timed Reading books with all levels of learners. They provide good practice with reading comprehension.

The National Geographic books are good visuals for students and are shorter texts that aren’t overwhelming.

The Bluford series books are high interest books for struggling readers.

Through the years, I’ve read them with classes or let students read them individually.

9. My bookshelf

Over five years ago, my neighbor had this bookshelf sitting out on the curb, and I snagged it for my classroom.

On top, I have some family photos, a little plant, some teacher items given to me through the years, and my new candle warmer.

The top shelf holds the textbooks, both teacher and student editions, that I use daily as well as some extra supplies.

The bottom shelf holds a few more knick knacks, photos, and books.

10. Comfy chair

This comfy chair is a favorite spot for students. It’s just an extra spot to sit, but they have to be working or reading in order to sit in it. No phones allowed. It’s for learning, not lounging. 😃

I always feel better once my room is put back together after summer break. I love when students come in and say, “Ms. White, your room is so cute!”

I want it to be comfortable for the students but also for myself since I’m there seven hours a day.

Speaking of my classroom…off to school I go! At least it’s a four day week this week. Thanks for stopping by.

Posted in Monthly Musings, School

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

It’s the last day of August, and I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings. I love reading these posts and seeing how everyone answers these questions.

This month’s topic is Back to School…

It’s hard to believe that we’re on our third week of school already! Thankfully, I feel like we are finally getting in a groove.

1. Where do you typically shop for back to school? Any tips?

It’s changed as the kids have gotten older, but we usually go to the outlet mall at some point to get them new shoes.

While Hayden doesn’t care much about what he wears on the first day, Hadley will always say, “Yes!” to shopping. I shared about her “back to school ‘fit” a couple of weeks ago. Her favorite store is probably Aerie.

2. How do you organize for back to school?

The last couple of weeks of summer, I try to start crossing things off our “to do” list and do a little bit at a time. One day, we might get haircuts, and another day buy school supplies. Right before school starts, I have the kids get everything organized, label their folders, and make sure they have everything they need.

I also have to get my classroom organized, and I always feel so much better after I get it situated. Hadley was a big help this year.

3. Do you meal prep? Any fall recipes to share?

I meal plan more than I meal prep.

I always write our activities and dinners on the magnetic paper calendar on our fridge. Last year, I made a point to do my Kroger pickup on Saturday, so that I wasn’t scrambling on Sundays. I hope to keep that up this year too.

I also try to get our lives/activities organized using the Cozi app.

4. Any back to school traditions?

We always do a “Back to School Brinner” a night or two before school starts. Of course the morning of the first day, I take the kids’ picture.

5. How long does it take you to get in a new fall routine?

Uh…I’m still trying to get that figured out. haha

I do feel like we are getting in a bit of a routine now that we are on our third week of school. Just when we figure it out, I’m sure our evening activities will change and throw us off.

6. Best lunchbox packing tips?

Since middle school, the kids buy school lunch. That being said, Hadley requested this lunchbox this year for days when she wants to take her lunch.

I don’t really have any packing tips. When the kids were in elementary, we’d pack these Yumboxes, and Hadley still uses hers.

I do think it’s best to pack lunch the night before, and I told Hadley that needs to be her plan this year if she’s taking her lunch.

Maybe on the days that Hadley takes her lunch, she will let me put a note in her lunch like I used to in elementary school.

As for me, I do try to plan my lunches. Every week, I usually split a bagged salad with chicken over two days, take leftovers one day, pack an “adult lunchable” another day and so on. I always take fruit and then some days I bring cottage cheese, chips, etc.

7. Best tips for getting out the door in the morning?

This year, I set an alarm for when I need to leave for school. I’ve done a much better job at getting to school on time so far this year.

I try to have an idea of what I want to wear for the week just so I’m not fumbling around trying to figure that out. Often times, whatever I wear to church on Sunday, I wear to school on Monday.

8. Slow cooker? Instant Pot? Neither? Both? Recipe to share.

Slow cooker… always!

I use Shay’s Simmers cookbook at least once a week.

Some of our favorite recipes are Sloppy Joe’s, King Ranch Joe’s, and Taco Tortellini Soup.

9. School bus? Car pool? Walk to school?

When the kids were little, we’d walk to school some and they’d stay after school for childcare or a sitter would pick them up.

Once they started middle school, they started riding the bus in the morning. I pick them up from school most of the time if they don’t have practice. They mostly do something year round, but never really at the same time until track season.

Hayden doesn’t mind to ride the bus home in the afternoon, but Hadley does. haha

It pretty easily works with my schedule to pick them up, so I do what I can when I can.

10. Start school before or after Labor Day?

Before! I wish we just kept it simple with a nice long summer of Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Hope everyone is having a great back to school season.

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Posted in Kids, School, Traditions

Back to School 2023-24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Well, we did it…we made it through the first day of the school year!

I used to do the “Back to School Breakfast” when the kids were in elementary, and then started doing the “Back to School Brinner” once they started middle school.

Back to School Brinner:

We had our Back to School Brinner Tuesday night. Travis and the kids were at cross country practice, so I had some time to myself to set up the table and cook dinner.

I use shipping paper as a table runner, and then have my decorations in a tub. Overall, it only takes me a few minutes to decorate.

I can’t believe we’ve held on to this chalkboard for over nine years…it’s a fun tradition.

I made Andrea’s Sausage Square Breakfast Casserole, and it’s a family fave. I made it for Easter too.

I put out donuts, fruit, and yogurt as well.

I like the shipping paper because I can write a few back to school things on it.

Not that it was a “mom fail,” but I didn’t pick up any cute cookies or a Bundt cake this year. Instead, I just put a few cookies in a cup.

Every year, I put a book at their place setting, but this year I “kept it real” with the books they needed to finish reading before school started. haha

I did all my summer reading, so my place setting was a little more simple 😉

It was a good meal to kick off the year…and probably a “snap shot” of most of our dinner times…since we didn’t eat until after 8:00 when they got home from running.

First Day of School Photos:

I’m grateful they still oblige for a traditional back to school photo….one was probably more agreeable than the other 😉

I will say that both set their alarm clocks and got up on their own!

What a difference two years can make…

Year 22 for me…hard to believe!

Back to School Interview:

After school, I picked them up and we got some ice cream. We all deserved a scoop after the first day back.

Then, they answered a few questions for me…

Hayden’s Thoughts:

  • As an 8th grader, I’m most excited about…sports.
  • A goal I have this year is…to get all A’s.
  • I think my favorite subject will be…gym.
  • One thing I’d like to get better at this year is…math.
  • The first day of school was…it felt like school.

Hadley’s Thoughts:

  • As an 8th grader, I’m most excited about…being the “top dawg” in the building.
  • A goal I have this year is…to keep up with my assignments.
  • I think my favorite subject will be …science.
  • One thing I’d like to get better at this year is…math.
  • The first day of school was…good.

Oh…I miss the days of sweet and funny responses…haha.

Anyway, I’m always thankful we start on a Wednesday…We all need to ease back into reality.

Posted in School

Back to School Things

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Y’all — before I get to today’s post, I have to apologize/share —if you get my blog posts via email, you might have seen a major typo yesterday. It took four years of blogging, but I finally had a whoops – I spelled “swimsuits” as “swims!$&s!” I corrected it as soon as I saw it on the email. You know on Fridays when I typically share a flashback photo and say “this popped up in my memories”…I always thought it would be “poop” that I type by accident but instead it worse. lol

Anyway, on to today’s post…

Well, with school officially starting tomorrow, I guess it’s time to get serious about back to school.

Today, I have a classroom work day, and I told Hayden and Hadley that they need to get their school supplies organized, their clothes picked out, and get ready for the first day of 8th grade tomorrow.

Here are a few things on my mind as we get back to school…

Clocks and Cozi:

As we get back in the swing of things, two things that we will heavily rely on are alarm clocks and the Cozi app.

I got the kids each this alarm clock/sound machine combo back in February, and ever since they have been in charge of getting themselves up. While Hadley hasn’t used it a ton this summer, Hayden has gotten up most mornings on his own to run. Both of them use the sound machine feature, and it’s been a good upgrade from the sound machine they each had when they were babies.

So, now it’s back on them to set the alarm, get up and get going in the morning.

We started using the Cozi app last year. It’s really handy because each of us has a color assigned to our name, and we even have a color for when all of us have somewhere to be.

Backpacks…

Hayden got the Under Armour backpack two years ago while Hadley got the North Face one last year. Both of them are still in really good condition. That being said, they both have a second backpack they carry for sports, but these have been great for school, and have held up nicely.

First day of school clothes:

While Hayden doesn’t care much about what he’s wearing on the first day of school, Hadley had a vision…haha

Travis ordered her new shoes which might not make it for the first day, but she chose On Clouds. I braved the mall twice with her over the weekend because she wanted to find a pair of jean shorts to wear. We went to Pac Sun because she had luck there last year, and she found two pairs she liked. We also wandered in to Aerie Offline, and she picked out a couple of waffle henleys.

Hadley has a real knack for dodging sale items…haha

Beverages:

I had the same coffee tumbler for years, and the lid cracked right at the end of the school year. I was going to order another one, but saw this small coffee tumbler at Target and couldn’t resist. To be honest, I probably drink too much coffee, so I figured if this smaller one worked, it would be better to take less coffee to school.

I’ve also been loving my new Stanley, but I knew it would probably be too heavy to take to school. I’ve heard great things about this tumbler, so I think I’m going to leave it at school (or bring it home every once in a while) to use to drink my water.

The kids have been using these water bottles from a local sporting goods store. Hadley has had hers for over a year, and Hayden got a new one this summer before running camp.

My school supplies:

I really didn’t need too many school supplies, but I picked up my Happy Planner at Michaels because they always have them 40% off this time of the year. The stickers were discounted as well, so I picked up a pack of those too.

Paper Mate Flair pens are my faves, so I picked up those and the pretty pencils at Kroger one day.

Y’all –yesterday, when I sat down at my desk to start writing in meeting dates in my planner, I realized it wasn’t the same layout at the one I had last year.

This one had the vertical layout, and I prefer the “classic layout,” so I found this one on Amazon that should be here tomorrow.

I sent a schoolwide email, and gave the planner with the vertical layout to the first one to claim it. I’m hoping what I ordered is just what I need.

Well, I had these pens saved on my Amazon list (you can never have too many pens, right?) along with this wireless keyboard and mouse that I want to use for my school computer. I’m excited to get it set up this week.

I get a new desk calendar every year…sometimes from Amazon or Walmart, but I saw this one at Target, and it will work for me!

My classroom:

Hadley helped me get my classroom set up on Friday, and yesterday I put the finishing touches on it. This will be my 22nd years in education, and I’ve never “cut it this close” on getting ready. That being said, I won’t really have students on the first few days as I’m still doing academic intervention, so I will help wherever needed.

I got rid of a couple of tables because the most I typically have would be 15 students. Most of the time, I have 3-5 at a time.

My room got a bit of a refresh with carpet (to replace the old tile) Also, we got these new Interactive Flat Panels at the end of the school year, so I’m excited to use it more this year.

For lunchbox moms:

I miss the days of putting one of these cute lunchbox notes in the kids’ lunches.

Now, they mostly buy school lunch.

Brinner:

I wanted to have our “Back to School” brinner Sunday night, but both kids ended up having plans with friends. So, we’ll do it tonight once they get home from practice.

Phones:

With getting back to school, we had the reminder conversation about phones and what they really should be used for before we get back to school. I’ve told both of them that phones are a responsibility and while I know they use them to text or watch videos/Netflix, I expect them to start taking more ownership in their learning. They did a pretty good job with this last year, but with this being the last year of middle school, I want them to be as responsible and engaged in their learning as possible.

They have the phones and can use them to check the Cozi app (and add to it when needed –like when the Stu Co meeting pops up that I didn’t know about), check their grades, email their their teachers and check assignments.

We’ve always had a rule of phones up by 10:00 (even earlier if they have been at home and not at an activity), and asleep by 10:30. Also, they plug them up in the kitchen; we’ll definitely continue that practice this year. Towards the end of last year, they were getting on them in the morning, and now I don’t want them getting them until they are ready for the day.

Obviously, kids having phones wasn’t something my parents worried about when I was a kid. I remember when we got a cordless phone when I was in the 6th grade…that was the best thing ever! We definitely don’t have all the answers, and we’ve relaxed a bit with rules over the summer, but it’s time to get back focusing on school and managing time wisely.

My goals:

I always surprise myself that I’m not more disciplined in the summer. I guess I thrive a bit more with a routine. So, while getting back in the school routine usually takes a few weeks, I always appreciate it once we get going.

My goals are:

  • Workout 4-5 days a week. (I was decent with working out this summer, but like to have a plan). I honestly have the goal of getting up at 5:00 three days a week to knock my workout out before school…I’m going to give myself this week to just get up at my regular 6:00 time, but we’ll see starting next week if I can make the early mornings happen)
  • I want to get 8-10k steps per day. My goal this summer was 7,000 steps, and I got that many most days. While I was pretty good about working out, that doesn’t always give me lots of steps. It’s easier for me to get steps during the school day, of course. Plus, I want to try to walk a bit if I’m short on steps to reach the 8,000 goal.
  • Kroger pick up on Saturday. This really worked for me last year. Before that, I was usually picking up groceries on Sunday which felt like one more thing to do as the weekend was ending. Last year, I would meal plan and make my Kroger list on Thursday or Friday for pick up on Saturday. This summer, I haven’t been structured with groceries, and it’s time to get back at it!

A reminder for my kids:

Of course, we want Hayden and Hadley to be well-rounded individuals who are polite and respectful, but who will also stand up for what’s right.

Most of all, I care that my kids are inclusive and kind.

They certainly aren’t perfect, but I know at their core, they do their best to do the right thing, and I sure hope they are making good choices and being kind both when we are looking and when we aren’t looking as well.

I know middle school can be rough. High school can be difficult too. I’m hoping they continue to surround themselves with great friends, but I also hope they look out for those who need the friendly smile or a seat at the lunch table.

A person’s character is what matters most…not how fast they run, what classes they take, or how they score on a test. How they treat others is so important as well.

Because apparently I like to make myself cry leading up to the first day of school…here are a couple of fun flashbacks:

…the first day of kindergarten and the first day of 6th grade.

I probably won’t have a post tomorrow, but should have first day of school pics on Thursday.

I hope everyone has a great year…the kids, the parents, and the teachers!

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Posted in School, Share 4 Somethings

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

I love it that Jennifer hosts this fun little link up at the end of the month. It’s just a quick way to reflect on the past month.

I this month, I….

Loved:

Slow mornings when we had them. July was still busy, but there were fewer alarms set in the morning.

I also loved seeing so many beautiful sunsets while in Florida last week.

Read:

You know I love to read. Looking back on this summer, how lucky am I that I read with mountain views, ocean views, and pool views?! That makes my reading heart happy.

Ate:

Seafood while at the beach.

Travis and I both love seafood, Hayden mostly loves oysters, and Hadley loves salmon. The boys missed out on oysters this year (although, Hayden got them when he went to SC with his friend’s family)

While in Florida, I had shrimp, fish tacos, and more.

I also drank a daiquiri at one of our favorite places…The Daiquiri Deck.

Bought:

Well, it’s that time of the year…back to school. {*sigh}

About the only thing that makes going back to school better is buying a new planner (and pens!)

This is the third year that I’m using a Happy Planner. Three years ago, I realized Michael’s sells them, and are 40% for back to school. (Also, fun fact: Michael’s gives a teacher discount…A few summers ago, I showed my badge and ever since, the discount (I think 20%) is connected to my account).

Anyway, this is the second year I’m going to use the smaller version of the the Happy Planner. It worked well for me last year, so I figured I would try it again.

Since they were also 40% off, I picked up a pack of stickers too. I use them on my desk calendar as well.

Then, of course, I had to have new pens. I just got my favorite Flair felt pens at Kroger. {*Impulse buy*}–these PASTEL Ticonderoga pencils. I’m honestly not picky about my pencils, but the pastel colored ones stopped me in my tracks. How could I say no??

I also need to pick up a new desk calendar…sometimes I get one from Amazon, but I think last year I got mine at Walmart when the kids got their school supplies.

For the first time in a few years, I actually need to get a new lunch tote and a new travel coffee mug.

Every year, I used to go to the Parent Teacher store to pick up my planner and any other odds and ends I needed. I could always spot the elementary teachers a mile away because they always had so much stuff!! I know you might see lots of “teacher lists” this time of the year or even just the back school supply list and think it all seems excessive, but if you can, throw the extra box of Kleenex their way or purchase a few things off their Amazon list. It means more to them then you know!

As a high school teacher, I admit I don’t need as much. That being said, I still have to replenish markers, paper, folders and other odds and ends during the school year. When I take my own kids back to school shopping, I usually pick up some of those supplies while they are on sale.

I do miss the days when the kids were little. In elementary school, we’d make a day of all the back to school things. The kids would get haircuts, we’d go out to lunch, we’d buy new shoes, and then go get school supplies. I loved that day when we did all the fun things.

To be honest, I tried to make it kind of a big deal because it helped me get excited about going back to school. It’s also why I did the Back to School Breakfast in elementary school and now do the Back to School Brinner .

I always love my summers with my kids. I don’t take for granted that I get to be with them all day. This summer has felt especially quick with everyone’s schedules being so crazy and the kids being a bit more independent.

They used to help my set up my classroom…

…and now they are about to be 8th graders! (Honestly, they will still help me set up my classroom if needed.)

Well, y’all, I didn’t mean to get so nostalgic, but here we are…haha

I hope you still have many fun summer days left having all kinds of fun.

Posted in Kids, School

Last day of 7th grade

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your long weekend?

We had a good one. We started off with hanging out with neighbor friends on Friday night, the kids had the state track meet all day Saturday, Sunday we were tuckered out and pretty lazy, and yesterday we enjoyed a day at the pool.

Friday was a our last day of school, and per tradition, I’m sharing those photos. We’re all ready for summer!

To finish out the school year, the kids had three Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) tests. They took the reading, math and science tests a couple of weeks ago. Then, they had a week of classes where they had a few tests and final exams.

The last week of school included two walking field trips, Clash of the Classes and a PBIS rewards day where they also signed yearbooks. By Wednesday of last week, they’d turned in their chrome books, and learning was officially complete.

Honestly, after all of the testing, I was glad they had a pretty easy week at school with their teachers and classmates.

Seventh grade was definitely harder than 6th grade, that’s for sure. As a high school teacher, it reminds me of the 10th/11th grade years where you aren’t the new kids at school, but you also aren’t the oldest either.

This year I wanted them to work on organization, time management, & self-advocacy…and they did. Also, they will continue to work on those learned skills.

I’m sure they don’t realize it, but I loved how excited they both were for “Cupcake Wars” in their Life Essentials class. Also, first semester, they were in the same gym class and I loved hearing those stories.

As I shared in last week’s Three Things post, they were involved in athletics and clubs too. They also had their first school dances since they didn’t have those opportunities in 6th grade.

They worked hard for the grades they earned. While they weren’t perfect, they did make the 3.5-3.99 honor roll every quarter. Also, they were both in Beta club in school. I was happy they were recognized for their effort and grades.

They probably handled their 7th grade year better than I did when I was their age. They are way more well-rounded than I ever was. I’d say it was definitely a year of lessons, and they learned a lot, both personally and academically, along the way.

While not school related, they both got their braces off. Hayden grew a few inches and is officially a head taller than Hadley. That’s probably his biggest accomplishment of the year. haha

They are finding their way and have grown both literally and figuratively.

The first day of school:

The last day of school:

Hayden:

What a difference nine months makes!

He said his favorite class was science and his favorite memory was field day.

Hadley:

I don’t see as much change in Hadley as I do Hayden, but she certainly has matured this year!

Her favorite class was also science (They had a FABULOUS teacher), and said her favorite memory was “Clash of the Classes” which is the field day Hayden was referring to.

Me:

As for me, I didn’t take an end of the school year photo, but this pretty much sums me up:

Overall, I had a great year 21 in education. It feels like time moves so quickly, but that’s doubled when you have two teens!

I have a faculty meeting this morning and graduation tomorrow. Then, it’s officially summer!