My son, Brooks, discovered Buzz and Woody during the quarantine. I introduced him to the dynamic duo from the Toy Story movies. Since he found these two former enemies and now best friends, we have watched the movies on a
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Metaphorically Unpacking my Literal Pile of Classroom Boxes
Since June, here is what I have seen in my dining room: (To the left in this frame, you will notice the sewing machine I took out thinking I would “remember” how to sew and make masks. Since June, I
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Simply Put: This is Hard
For the last three years, I have had the honor of blogging for the AZK12 Center’s Stories from Schools AZ. Each month I love having an outlet to pour my thoughts and ideas into. Each month it was easy to
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Lessons from the Lonely Garden
When I learned we were assigned to work from home in March, my anxiety about the safety of my family lessened, and was immediately replaced with mild panic over whether our school garden* would be left to die. At first
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Readiness for Remote Learning in Our Innovative School
Since Arizona closed schools March 16, like my Stories from School colleagues and many other people around the world, I have experienced alternating episodes of hope, tears, escapism, distress, mental dispersal, zen, joy,
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Seeing the Bright Side
My mom is a textbook definition of the eternal optimist. She sees the bright side of every situation through her rose-colored glasses. Her self proclaimed nickname is Pollyanna. I did not inherit this trait from her. I, on the other
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COVID-19, 2020. When Districts Remain Open.
In the light of COVID-19 concerns, the familiar juxtaposition of professional athletes’ salaries to teacher pay takes on a new context. Why is every public event I can think of cancelled in every community I know, while many districts will
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What Happens When We Get to College, Mrs. Clark?
One of my favorite aspects of being a teacher is talking with the kids. Just talking. Asking them questions about themselves, their friends and families, hobbies, other classes, after school activities, and future plans. I sit back listening as they
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What Makes a School Great?
I drove by my school at 6:30 pm Sunday. Teachers and staff weren’t due back until Monday morning, but my school buzzed with the enthusiasm of a Friday night football game. Pop up tents, propane firepits, camping chairs and tents,
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Picky Eaters: What Happens When Kids Don’t Gobble Up Our Passion
As I write this blog, I’m munching on delicious homemade mac and cheese. I made quick white cheddar sauce and tossed in peppers, mushrooms, and peas. It’s topped off with more cheese and a few pieces of crunchy dried jalapenos.
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