Hi Everyone,
I hope you're all doing fabulously, and I miss you all terribly! I am coming to you with a favor - I have created a "Global Consultants" activity group at my school and we begin our Activity Day this Wednesday (10/3). Essentially, I created the "Global Consultants" as a way to continue my interest in travel, culture, and this notion of global citizenship and cultural awareness that we studied so intently while in London. I am very interested, and determined, in trying to expand the views of the students at my school and to get them to gain a "cultural lens" to help them be exposed to new perspectives. With this said - the goal of GC is to help students study and learn more about different cultures, and hopefully develop some sort of electronic pen-pal/Skype buddy system with sister schools elsewhere in this world. Now I'm coming to you...do any of you know of some international schools that do something like this, or something similar? Carly and Jon - would either of you be interested in joining in on this? The club will only meet six times this fall, and (I'm hoping) again for another six times in the spring. It's tough, because I have a lot to crunch in all at once, but let me know if anyone is interested and/or has any ideas they'd like to share.
Thanks! Miss you all - if you're ever wondering what to do on a random day, please come visit me in Danbury! I'd love to see you all :)
Jill
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Hi Everyone!
I feel like I finally have a minute to breathe, and obviously the first thing I want to do was write to you all. I've been meaning to for so long.
Life is so crazy out here, in the day-to-day and the big picture. But when I take a step-back moment I truly love what I am doing. Some days I'm building gardens with classes, sometimes we're harvesting and making meals, sometimes I'm planning community gatherings/meals, sometimes I'm at community health and policy meetings, sometimes I'm working with kitchen staff on breakfast and lunch menus, sometimes I'm farming, sometimes I'm meeting with local farmers, sometimes I'm working on writing grants, sometimes I'm buying turtles from Victor who sells them out of his van on the side of route 66. Oh, and sometimes I'm baking bread and selling it at the farmer's market (actually thats every week.) All in all, I feel like I've found the job that incorporates everything I want to be a part of: farming, community organizing, health initiatives, policy change, etc.
The only problem...and I mean elephant in the room bothers me out of mind problem, is that I'm working to better the food system in Gallup, NM and no one seems to address the fundamentally HUGE issue here. Gallup has a really horrible history (and present) of racial discrimination. So, the injustices in the food system are deeply rooted in all kinds of problems with racial/economic oppression. The perception and treatment of the native people is pretty awful. (and not just between white and native, but also between native and native...people keep saying things like "a population that only knows oppression only knows to oppress") Having access to healthy food is a huge issue, as well having rights to water, obtaining electricity, and of course alcoholism, diabetes, and obesity. I know you guys would love to discuss some of the current and historical things going on here. (Jason never once mentioned Native Indians populations!)
Gallup is a traditional South Western, Route 66 type town. Lots of trading posts, strips, and fast food. It's the strangest juxtaposition of wild west and modern consumerism. And surrounding Gallup is the Navajo reservation which is a huge, vast, and seemingly barren land. It's spooky and invigorating to look out on. It's an interesting sensation, loving the land for it's immensity but hating it for everything it's lacking. Most of the people who live on the reservation don't have access to electricity or running water. (Another thing I would love to discuss with you guys.)
So that is what I am up to. I have some awesome, completely melt your heart photos of kids in gardens. I'll show you soon! Last night we had a build your own pizza night with the kids and families at one of the schools. The kids had been prepping all week, making dough, chopping veggies, etc. We made 77 pizzas! It was a madhouse. And today I built 8 raised beds at a charter school. Kids with power tools, incredible. I'm delirious now and need to sleeeeep.
The only thing I'm missing out here is FRIENDS! I wish you guys could transfer your lives to New Mexico. It's awesome here...just saying.
Okay, that's enough babble. Sorry. I hope most of you did not get this far in reading this.
I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you.
love,
melissa
I feel like I finally have a minute to breathe, and obviously the first thing I want to do was write to you all. I've been meaning to for so long.
Life is so crazy out here, in the day-to-day and the big picture. But when I take a step-back moment I truly love what I am doing. Some days I'm building gardens with classes, sometimes we're harvesting and making meals, sometimes I'm planning community gatherings/meals, sometimes I'm at community health and policy meetings, sometimes I'm working with kitchen staff on breakfast and lunch menus, sometimes I'm farming, sometimes I'm meeting with local farmers, sometimes I'm working on writing grants, sometimes I'm buying turtles from Victor who sells them out of his van on the side of route 66. Oh, and sometimes I'm baking bread and selling it at the farmer's market (actually thats every week.) All in all, I feel like I've found the job that incorporates everything I want to be a part of: farming, community organizing, health initiatives, policy change, etc.
The only problem...and I mean elephant in the room bothers me out of mind problem, is that I'm working to better the food system in Gallup, NM and no one seems to address the fundamentally HUGE issue here. Gallup has a really horrible history (and present) of racial discrimination. So, the injustices in the food system are deeply rooted in all kinds of problems with racial/economic oppression. The perception and treatment of the native people is pretty awful. (and not just between white and native, but also between native and native...people keep saying things like "a population that only knows oppression only knows to oppress") Having access to healthy food is a huge issue, as well having rights to water, obtaining electricity, and of course alcoholism, diabetes, and obesity. I know you guys would love to discuss some of the current and historical things going on here. (Jason never once mentioned Native Indians populations!)
Gallup is a traditional South Western, Route 66 type town. Lots of trading posts, strips, and fast food. It's the strangest juxtaposition of wild west and modern consumerism. And surrounding Gallup is the Navajo reservation which is a huge, vast, and seemingly barren land. It's spooky and invigorating to look out on. It's an interesting sensation, loving the land for it's immensity but hating it for everything it's lacking. Most of the people who live on the reservation don't have access to electricity or running water. (Another thing I would love to discuss with you guys.)
So that is what I am up to. I have some awesome, completely melt your heart photos of kids in gardens. I'll show you soon! Last night we had a build your own pizza night with the kids and families at one of the schools. The kids had been prepping all week, making dough, chopping veggies, etc. We made 77 pizzas! It was a madhouse. And today I built 8 raised beds at a charter school. Kids with power tools, incredible. I'm delirious now and need to sleeeeep.
The only thing I'm missing out here is FRIENDS! I wish you guys could transfer your lives to New Mexico. It's awesome here...just saying.
Okay, that's enough babble. Sorry. I hope most of you did not get this far in reading this.
I love you. I miss you. I can't wait to see you.
love,
melissa
HELP! Please, pretty please
Hey ladies,
So I'm having a classroom issue and I was hoping to pick your brains and see if y'all have any suggestions. I'd really appreciate it.
My boys and girls hate each other... But seriously, we are having a lot of gender issues in our classroom. My kids are 8 or 9 and they are transitioning from that phase where it's all childhood innocence, into the beginnings of puberty. And with that comes a whole host of issues.
It all boils down to respect. Some of my girls are bossing all the other students around as if they are in charge, and some of my boys constantly make fun of each other, but especially make fun of the girls. There is constant taunting and stealing of pencils, or little scraps of paper. They don't want to play together, and so on and so forth. They are excluding the opposite gender from everything, even group discussions.
My kids can tell me what the problem is and they can say they will start respecting each other, but I don't see it. Today one boy told me that he can't be friends with girls until he is 18 because the minute he talks to a girl all the other students start teasing him saying "he's got a girlfriend"
It's gotten to the point where I've had multiple kids cry over it, in class and in recess. And I can't get through a single lesson without someone having a major breakdown.
Here's what I've done to address it so far.
1) The Purple Peace Tree
- We discussed peace and I made a tree in our room (I ran out of brown paper, so it's purple. Plus I like the alliteration. I feel like Ericca would enjoy the fact that it's purple) and then the kids made leaves which say what peace means to them. I taught my kids how to use I-statements ( I feel ____ when ___ because ____.) And they can go to the tree to resolve their own issues.
2) Class discussions on what respect means
3) Everyone close their eyes and raise your hand if...
-raise your hand if you have felt disrespected by another member of the 4th grade
-raise your hand if you have been sad or angry because of something another 4th grader said/did to you.
-raise your hand if you have been mean to another 4th grader
4) On a piece of paper write down everything that has been done to you, said to you, or happened that made you feel sad, angry, disrespected, or annoyed. They all wrote for a while, then put them in a box, which I threw away and then we talked about how we are throwing away the injustices of the past.
5) On a new sheet of paper draw or write how you will act towards your classmates moving forward. Share them with the class and then add them to the peace tree
I'm about out of ideas and there isn't a whole lot of good stuff on the internet (or I haven't found it) But it hasn't seemed to change their behaviour. Anyone have any ideas or strategies. Sorry this turned out so long. Miss you all and would love to hear how the beginning of your years are going. My midterm grades are due tomorrow. I feel like the year is moving really fast already!
So I'm having a classroom issue and I was hoping to pick your brains and see if y'all have any suggestions. I'd really appreciate it.
My boys and girls hate each other... But seriously, we are having a lot of gender issues in our classroom. My kids are 8 or 9 and they are transitioning from that phase where it's all childhood innocence, into the beginnings of puberty. And with that comes a whole host of issues.
It all boils down to respect. Some of my girls are bossing all the other students around as if they are in charge, and some of my boys constantly make fun of each other, but especially make fun of the girls. There is constant taunting and stealing of pencils, or little scraps of paper. They don't want to play together, and so on and so forth. They are excluding the opposite gender from everything, even group discussions.
My kids can tell me what the problem is and they can say they will start respecting each other, but I don't see it. Today one boy told me that he can't be friends with girls until he is 18 because the minute he talks to a girl all the other students start teasing him saying "he's got a girlfriend"
It's gotten to the point where I've had multiple kids cry over it, in class and in recess. And I can't get through a single lesson without someone having a major breakdown.
Here's what I've done to address it so far.
1) The Purple Peace Tree
- We discussed peace and I made a tree in our room (I ran out of brown paper, so it's purple. Plus I like the alliteration. I feel like Ericca would enjoy the fact that it's purple) and then the kids made leaves which say what peace means to them. I taught my kids how to use I-statements ( I feel ____ when ___ because ____.) And they can go to the tree to resolve their own issues.
2) Class discussions on what respect means
3) Everyone close their eyes and raise your hand if...
-raise your hand if you have felt disrespected by another member of the 4th grade
-raise your hand if you have been sad or angry because of something another 4th grader said/did to you.
-raise your hand if you have been mean to another 4th grader
4) On a piece of paper write down everything that has been done to you, said to you, or happened that made you feel sad, angry, disrespected, or annoyed. They all wrote for a while, then put them in a box, which I threw away and then we talked about how we are throwing away the injustices of the past.
5) On a new sheet of paper draw or write how you will act towards your classmates moving forward. Share them with the class and then add them to the peace tree
I'm about out of ideas and there isn't a whole lot of good stuff on the internet (or I haven't found it) But it hasn't seemed to change their behaviour. Anyone have any ideas or strategies. Sorry this turned out so long. Miss you all and would love to hear how the beginning of your years are going. My midterm grades are due tomorrow. I feel like the year is moving really fast already!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Baby Katherine
So I sent an e-mail out to all of you like weeks ago and the only return I got was telling me that I have the wrong e-mail for Tom Levine. Needless to say it didnt make me feel very loved! hahah
I have booked my ticket for Zambia on November 12th. I will be in Peru from Oct 12th - Nov 6th so I will not have very much time to organize things, but if anyone wants to send something to Katherine I would be happy to bring it. We could talk about putting together some gifts, or people could send things on their own. But I just thought it would be nice if she had something from us so she could get to know who we are as a group. Also I know that some of you wanted to do something with your classes. So now that you have been there for about a month, maybe you may want to think about that. I know you are all busy and I am sure everything still feels new, so no worries if it is too soon to get your class involved.
Also I will be sending out a FB invite soon to those of you still on the Facebook, but I am having a going away party on November 10th. All are welcome and wanted!! and everyone can slumber if they wish.. also the casino is close so that could finally happen as well!
Well thats all! Except that I miss everyone so much!! xoxo
I have booked my ticket for Zambia on November 12th. I will be in Peru from Oct 12th - Nov 6th so I will not have very much time to organize things, but if anyone wants to send something to Katherine I would be happy to bring it. We could talk about putting together some gifts, or people could send things on their own. But I just thought it would be nice if she had something from us so she could get to know who we are as a group. Also I know that some of you wanted to do something with your classes. So now that you have been there for about a month, maybe you may want to think about that. I know you are all busy and I am sure everything still feels new, so no worries if it is too soon to get your class involved.
Also I will be sending out a FB invite soon to those of you still on the Facebook, but I am having a going away party on November 10th. All are welcome and wanted!! and everyone can slumber if they wish.. also the casino is close so that could finally happen as well!
Well thats all! Except that I miss everyone so much!! xoxo
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Cystic Fibrosis Climb
Hiii Everyone!
I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful fall weather! In about a month I will be doing a climb in Boston to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. CF is a genetic disease that affects the digestive system and lungs and the little boy I nanny for unfortunately has it. He is very happy and for the most part healthy but he takes a lot of medicine and I also have to do physical therapy with him. There is no cure for CF but the average lifespan has gone from elementary age to age 37 thanks to all of the research that the CF foundation has done! I'm asking for your help in supporting me - every penny counts and no amount is too little!!
Here is the link to my page:
http://www.cff.org/LWC/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?idEvent=20803&idUser=596730
Donate because you love this face..
Love love love you all <3 <3 <3
I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful fall weather! In about a month I will be doing a climb in Boston to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. CF is a genetic disease that affects the digestive system and lungs and the little boy I nanny for unfortunately has it. He is very happy and for the most part healthy but he takes a lot of medicine and I also have to do physical therapy with him. There is no cure for CF but the average lifespan has gone from elementary age to age 37 thanks to all of the research that the CF foundation has done! I'm asking for your help in supporting me - every penny counts and no amount is too little!!
Here is the link to my page:
http://www.cff.org/LWC/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?idEvent=20803&idUser=596730
Donate because you love this face..
And if you find yourself saying wow I really don't love that face...do it for this little guy!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Teachers, YEAH!
I feel like I want to print this out and hand it to anyone who is like "Oh ill just go into teaching as a fall back" or people who treat us like our job is "So easy." I just thought I would share this article with you all. :) Enjoy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-miller/teaching-profession-_b_1888145.html?utm_hp_ref=education
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-miller/teaching-profession-_b_1888145.html?utm_hp_ref=education
Saturday, September 15, 2012
White Student Union..
Have you guys seen this?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
The video makes it seem like it is highly unlikely to actually be recognized by the university but just wanted to share..how ridiculous!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
The video makes it seem like it is highly unlikely to actually be recognized by the university but just wanted to share..how ridiculous!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Hey, Everyone!
So I just received an email from the NERA Program Chairs saying that we are scheduled for Wednesday, October 17th from 3-4:15. Anyone interested in going will need to register on the NERA website (David recommended registering as a student) (http://www.nera-education.org/). Text me with any questions... I'll respond faster.
Kerri :)
So I just received an email from the NERA Program Chairs saying that we are scheduled for Wednesday, October 17th from 3-4:15. Anyone interested in going will need to register on the NERA website (David recommended registering as a student) (http://www.nera-education.org/). Text me with any questions... I'll respond faster.
Kerri :)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
An update from Rebecca L. Brooks
Hellllooooo my London Loves.
You all seriously amaze me with all of the fantastic things you are all doing around the state, country, and world. I'm so proud of all of us and the steps we've taken towards our future! Seriously....we're so cool.
SOOO here is my update. I recently took a job with a new literacy initiative funded by our beloved UConn (you may have all gotten the email a few weeks ago about it from Neag...). With Governor Malloy's reform bill (guhhhhh leadership class...) lots of changes were made to education in CT, and with lots of changes came lots and lots of grant $$$$$. One grant fronted by UConn is the Connecticut K-3 Literacy Initiative which is working with 5 schools in urban centers throughout CT each which failed to meet annual yearly progress especially in literacy. We will be going into the schools and helping students using SRBI methods while also working with teachers to help the schools create self-sustaining intervention programs. The job includes all SORTS of professional development and tons of connections with educational game changers throughout the state (ie the State Dept. of Ed., UConn, superintendents, literacy coaches, etc.), gives me the opportunity to hang out at UConn a bunch, and not to mention is paying me QUITE nicely :)
So as sad and kind of defeated I was after not landing a classroom job this year, I am now back into believing that all things happen for a reason because this is an incredible opportunity that I am SO excited to be a part of. I'll keep you all updated on the progress of the initiative and will definitely share some of the things that I learn/use so you can try them in your classrooms!
Oh, and you all need to come visit Kate and I in Hartford...we need friends. Well, Kate doesn't, but I do.
LOVE YOU ALL and am so proud of everything that you're all doing!
You all seriously amaze me with all of the fantastic things you are all doing around the state, country, and world. I'm so proud of all of us and the steps we've taken towards our future! Seriously....we're so cool.
SOOO here is my update. I recently took a job with a new literacy initiative funded by our beloved UConn (you may have all gotten the email a few weeks ago about it from Neag...). With Governor Malloy's reform bill (guhhhhh leadership class...) lots of changes were made to education in CT, and with lots of changes came lots and lots of grant $$$$$. One grant fronted by UConn is the Connecticut K-3 Literacy Initiative which is working with 5 schools in urban centers throughout CT each which failed to meet annual yearly progress especially in literacy. We will be going into the schools and helping students using SRBI methods while also working with teachers to help the schools create self-sustaining intervention programs. The job includes all SORTS of professional development and tons of connections with educational game changers throughout the state (ie the State Dept. of Ed., UConn, superintendents, literacy coaches, etc.), gives me the opportunity to hang out at UConn a bunch, and not to mention is paying me QUITE nicely :)
So as sad and kind of defeated I was after not landing a classroom job this year, I am now back into believing that all things happen for a reason because this is an incredible opportunity that I am SO excited to be a part of. I'll keep you all updated on the progress of the initiative and will definitely share some of the things that I learn/use so you can try them in your classrooms!
Oh, and you all need to come visit Kate and I in Hartford...we need friends. Well, Kate doesn't, but I do.
LOVE YOU ALL and am so proud of everything that you're all doing!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Why do Americans get scared when they hear the word "bomb"?
So I taught probably the most interesting lesson since I've been here yesterday. As you all know it was 9/11 and I had struggled with whether or not to teach anything about it in class. I talked to some of the other teachers and got mixed reviews, so I decided to go ahead and teach it, using it as a springboard for future lessons on culture and the creation of more GLOBAL CITIZENS.
My kids were incredible though! We started with discussing what is terrorism and its root word terror. Then went on to discussing what kind of people commit acts of terror. They made some incredible literary and historical connections to the story we are reading in read aloud and also to everything from Bloody Mary to the Muslim exodus of Spain. It was crazy. Then we went on to discuss why people commit acts of terror. They cited jealousy, and not liking the other group of people as the primary reasons. From there we went to religion and I asked them to name the 6 major world religions. They got the big three easy, then struggled with Buddhism and Hinduism. (Those ones that people in India do with the many arms....) And I didn't think they got Sikhism but once I added it, three kids claimed to have said it. Nonetheless I was pretty impressed with their knowledge. We talked about religion as a source of conflict and how if Christians and Muslims would get to know each other then they would probably get along. It was really cool to be a part of. One of my boys asked why Americans panic when they hear the word "bomb" and I said I thought it was likely because it has been over a hundred years since conflict on American soil so we got used to feeling safe, whereas in other parts of the world there isn't this safety and security. So Americans aren't accustomed to fear, and they don't know how to react.
Anyways I was wishing you all could have been here to partake in my groups discussion on culture, religion, coexisting and terrorism. Discussing the events of 9/11 in an American school in a Muslim country was definitely one of the most interesting/challenging/terrifying/rewarding experiences of the year thus far.
Miss you all and our chats tons! Hope you are doing well in all your endeavors
My kids were incredible though! We started with discussing what is terrorism and its root word terror. Then went on to discussing what kind of people commit acts of terror. They made some incredible literary and historical connections to the story we are reading in read aloud and also to everything from Bloody Mary to the Muslim exodus of Spain. It was crazy. Then we went on to discuss why people commit acts of terror. They cited jealousy, and not liking the other group of people as the primary reasons. From there we went to religion and I asked them to name the 6 major world religions. They got the big three easy, then struggled with Buddhism and Hinduism. (Those ones that people in India do with the many arms....) And I didn't think they got Sikhism but once I added it, three kids claimed to have said it. Nonetheless I was pretty impressed with their knowledge. We talked about religion as a source of conflict and how if Christians and Muslims would get to know each other then they would probably get along. It was really cool to be a part of. One of my boys asked why Americans panic when they hear the word "bomb" and I said I thought it was likely because it has been over a hundred years since conflict on American soil so we got used to feeling safe, whereas in other parts of the world there isn't this safety and security. So Americans aren't accustomed to fear, and they don't know how to react.
Anyways I was wishing you all could have been here to partake in my groups discussion on culture, religion, coexisting and terrorism. Discussing the events of 9/11 in an American school in a Muslim country was definitely one of the most interesting/challenging/terrifying/rewarding experiences of the year thus far.
Miss you all and our chats tons! Hope you are doing well in all your endeavors
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
London was in the air...
Hello all!!
The air smelled like London this morning on my walk to the train station :/ even being in NYC I still really miss London a lot.. Probably too much. And I miss all of you even more!
Since everyone else was giving their updates I figured I'd give mine as well. As I said, I'm living in MYC. I live with one of my best friends from Rochester and its been really fun being back together after the 5 years in college. There are so many cute pubs and cafes and parks around me but itd still be better if I had you all to go with me to them!! Nonetheless, I'm loving NY and being back in the city way of life.
My job is going really well too! I'm working at a Behavioral Health Center teaching kids who has behavioral and psychiatric disorders. I have my own classroom and I teach lessons for 4 hours a day. The other 4 hours I am making phone calls, doing paperwork and other admin tasks, which is good for me since I see myself going down the admin path in the future. I work with a nice group of young teachers and am learning a lot! The kids are pretty great too!!
As for this weekend, I MIGHT be able to come Ericca. I'm running my first half marathon on Saturday in CT so we shall see how I'm feeling after that! And then Sunday my roommate and I are going to see Rock of Ages!
Well, hopefully I will see you all soon and if anyone is ever in the city I need to know and I will meet up with you in a heartbeat.
Love you all!!
Ps: do we have any updates on the NERA conference?
The air smelled like London this morning on my walk to the train station :/ even being in NYC I still really miss London a lot.. Probably too much. And I miss all of you even more!
Since everyone else was giving their updates I figured I'd give mine as well. As I said, I'm living in MYC. I live with one of my best friends from Rochester and its been really fun being back together after the 5 years in college. There are so many cute pubs and cafes and parks around me but itd still be better if I had you all to go with me to them!! Nonetheless, I'm loving NY and being back in the city way of life.
My job is going really well too! I'm working at a Behavioral Health Center teaching kids who has behavioral and psychiatric disorders. I have my own classroom and I teach lessons for 4 hours a day. The other 4 hours I am making phone calls, doing paperwork and other admin tasks, which is good for me since I see myself going down the admin path in the future. I work with a nice group of young teachers and am learning a lot! The kids are pretty great too!!
As for this weekend, I MIGHT be able to come Ericca. I'm running my first half marathon on Saturday in CT so we shall see how I'm feeling after that! And then Sunday my roommate and I are going to see Rock of Ages!
Well, hopefully I will see you all soon and if anyone is ever in the city I need to know and I will meet up with you in a heartbeat.
Love you all!!
Ps: do we have any updates on the NERA conference?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Party time!
Hello friends :)
I miss you all berry berry much, but I hope to see you soon! A short update on my life... I am still working at prudential in a corporate learning division, which is providing me with lots of opportunity to learn!! It's pretty fun, but I miss the kiddos. So for now my plan is to stay here and look for a long term sub job starting the beginning of next year. Hopefully that will set me up for a full time teaching position next year! So if you hear of any long term sub openings let me know!!
On another note, I moved into a new house in Fairfield with Carl and Eric and we would like for you l to join us for a celebration on Saturday the 14th! We can throw a stone from our front door to the Fairfield metro station so get here any way you can!! We will hopefully have live music, bonfire, and snacks! There is plenty of room if you want to stay over, and we have tents to pitch outside.
1610 Kings Hwy
Fairfield, CT 06824
Saturday, September 14, 2012
I love the updates, keep me comin! Love and miss you all tons and tons!! Hopefully I'll see some of you this weekend :)
Ciao
I miss you all berry berry much, but I hope to see you soon! A short update on my life... I am still working at prudential in a corporate learning division, which is providing me with lots of opportunity to learn!! It's pretty fun, but I miss the kiddos. So for now my plan is to stay here and look for a long term sub job starting the beginning of next year. Hopefully that will set me up for a full time teaching position next year! So if you hear of any long term sub openings let me know!!
On another note, I moved into a new house in Fairfield with Carl and Eric and we would like for you l to join us for a celebration on Saturday the 14th! We can throw a stone from our front door to the Fairfield metro station so get here any way you can!! We will hopefully have live music, bonfire, and snacks! There is plenty of room if you want to stay over, and we have tents to pitch outside.
1610 Kings Hwy
Fairfield, CT 06824
Saturday, September 14, 2012
I love the updates, keep me comin! Love and miss you all tons and tons!! Hopefully I'll see some of you this weekend :)
Ciao
Thursday, September 6, 2012
I'm Officially A Mass-Hole!! ;)
Hi Everyone!!
How are you all doing?! I just wanted to send an update - I am officially living in Boston!! I moved in on Saturday and so far I am loving it. My apartment is basically on the BU campus so I get to pretend like I'm still in college :) and I walk to work every day! For those of you who I haven't told, I am nannying for a 5 month old and a 3 year old. Work has been great! I was afraid I would be bored but the two of them keep me VERY busy. They are sooo cute too, I'll post pictures of them on here soon. I am hoping to nanny for a year (possibly 2? who knowS!) and then re-apply to the Spain program so I can go next fall. So for now I am saving up some money and practicing my Spanish with Rosetta Stone and I am also signing up for classes. I decided to move to Boston kind of late in the game which basically meant I wouldn't be able teach because I didn't take my MTELs, it was a tough choice but I think it was the right one. Teaching happens in the most unexpected ways both inside and outside of classrooms and even though I'm not a "teacher" I think I am still teaching! Anyways, all of you are always welcome to come and visit me whenever you'd like. I want to have a get together sometime next month - maybe a Halloween theme? I will keep you posted! I miss you guys and I honestly miss school and all of our conversations, I never thought I'd be missing Friday mornings in Gentry with crazy Tom Levine! I LOVE you all and keep sending updates about your new adventures :)
Chrissy
How are you all doing?! I just wanted to send an update - I am officially living in Boston!! I moved in on Saturday and so far I am loving it. My apartment is basically on the BU campus so I get to pretend like I'm still in college :) and I walk to work every day! For those of you who I haven't told, I am nannying for a 5 month old and a 3 year old. Work has been great! I was afraid I would be bored but the two of them keep me VERY busy. They are sooo cute too, I'll post pictures of them on here soon. I am hoping to nanny for a year (possibly 2? who knowS!) and then re-apply to the Spain program so I can go next fall. So for now I am saving up some money and practicing my Spanish with Rosetta Stone and I am also signing up for classes. I decided to move to Boston kind of late in the game which basically meant I wouldn't be able teach because I didn't take my MTELs, it was a tough choice but I think it was the right one. Teaching happens in the most unexpected ways both inside and outside of classrooms and even though I'm not a "teacher" I think I am still teaching! Anyways, all of you are always welcome to come and visit me whenever you'd like. I want to have a get together sometime next month - maybe a Halloween theme? I will keep you posted! I miss you guys and I honestly miss school and all of our conversations, I never thought I'd be missing Friday mornings in Gentry with crazy Tom Levine! I LOVE you all and keep sending updates about your new adventures :)
Chrissy
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Global Citizens
Hey guys,
Check this out. The founder of Chikumbuso just posted this on Facebook so I obviously watched it. I thought you all might be interested as well.
http://www.globalcitizen.org/Content/Content.aspx?id=e7a1bf8c-f2b9-44bf-95f8-5f5ac4c21aec
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