Just Because...

I really don't have any news that is worthy of reporting except that your children were fantastic today! They were respectful, and kind, both to me and their classmates, and they worked VERY hard on all of the projects I had planned! We had a really fun day, and being a parent myself, I know that sometimes it's just good to hear some good news for a change! See you Tuesday!

Conferences!

A big thank you to all of you for participating in conferences! I know the concept of a preschool conference can seem silly at times, but I am glad for the opportunity to share with all of you, and get to know you a little better. I am so grateful to you all for the gracious reception to my news about moving. It reinforces how truly blessed I am to be teaching in an environment where the underlying values and spiritual views among parents, teachers, and children are the same!

I am looking forward to the next two weeks and what they will hold! On Thursday, the 24th, I am planning a little party for the kids since that will be my last day! You are (as always) welcome to be there and participate with your child! We will get started after Library at 10:00AM!

Thanks again for partnering with me to create the best environment possible for your child's schooling! Have a wonderful weekend!

Move to Spokane...

Many of you have been asking me about our upcoming transition, so I wanted to post an 'official' announcement about our move to Spokane!

As many of you already know, my family has been separated since October. When the fallout in the housing sector was at its greatest, the company Tye works for let go of almost 80% of its employees. We were blessed to have been given the opportunity to stay with the company, but Tye would have to work in Eugene. Since then, the kids and I have been here, and he has been coming home only on the weekends.

To be completely honest with you, it has been quite a struggle for all of us! We prayed everyday that God would reveal His plan, and that we would have the wisdom and strength not to push forward without Him. He provided more strength and patience during that time than I could have ever had on my own, but this was not how He intended a family to function!

About two months ago, after realizing that we were not going to relocate to Eugene, the company approached Tye with an opportunity in Spokane. Two days later, our house sold! I had such mixed emotions about the entire situation! After much thought and prayer though, we were both convinced that this is where God was leading us to go!

That being said, I am truly devastated about leaving your little ones behind. My little class of seven kids has brought me more joy than you could ever know. I have grown to love each one of them as if they were my own! My sincere hope is that each one of you will keep me updated on their progress with pictures or emails now and then! The fantastic news is that God always provides a solution, and usually one that is far superior to anything we might dream up on our own.

Easton's mom, Melanie, has agreed to take over the class until the end of the year! She was my top pick, and I could not be any more thrilled with her decision to step in! She is a certified teacher, has several years of experience, and has even developed curriculum for children's' ministry in her church! She has very similar expectations of the kids, and will be in the classroom with me during my last week to help make the transition a smooth one!

Thank you for sharing your children with me this year, and for your support and encouragement. It has been a wonderful experience, and one that will be hard to match anywhere else! If you have questions about what will be happening over the next two weeks, please let me know! I will be glad to address anything that comes up! God Bless!

Successful Planting!

As of this morning, we officially have a Classroom Garden! We planted several different kinds of flowers, corn, beans, peppers, cucumber, lettuce, watermelon, and one more that will be a mystery species! :) Thanks to all of you who contributed items to make this happen. Be sure to stop by and check out our progress! If you are interested in any of the plants, let me know! We will be transplanting them to new homes as soon as they are big enough to do so! Have a fantastic weekend!

Tornado Painting!

Today, our Science focus was on tornados! We talked about how they form, what they look like, and even saw some pictures of the damage they can do! After much excited discussion, :) we took some time to make tornado paintings. Each child took a paper plate, and put it inside of a salad spinner with two different colors of paint! After giving it a good spin, we observed the patterns that were created, much like in a tornado! The kids had a great time with this, and so did I! We even did a few extra paintings just for good measure! :)

Conference Schedule...

Thursday April 10, 2008

9:30 - 9:50 Easton Croft
10:00 - 10:20 Korbyn Dice
10:30 - 10:50 Alyssa Walker
11:00 - 11:20 Jordyn Looney


6:00 - 6:20 Kyela Smith
6:30 - 6:50 Isabelle Ludi
7:00 - 7:20 Abby Anderson

WELCOME APRIL!!!

I can hardly believe that April is already here! I hope all of you had a fantastic Spring Break! This month our focus will be primarily on weather, Noah and the Ark, and we will continue to review some of the letters and numbers that tested a little weak! It's also conference time again! I will be posting a conference schedule online as well as sending reminders home with the kids. Just like last time, I will have report cards ready for you to take home the day of your conference! I am really looking forward to meeting with you and sharing some of the successes your children have made. They truly are a wonderful group of kids!!
P.S.
On Thursday of this week, we will be planting our class garden so please be sure to send the kids in clothes that can get dirty!