December 31, 2013
I'm so excited! My first blog! I have been inspired to start my first blog because of the fantastic people I work with at Merton School. They are an innovative bunch with lots of enthusiasm and great ideas. Furthermore, I have been asked by our principal (@posickj) to answer 11 questions in conjunction with his achievement of the "Sunshine Award" from Matt Renwick @ReadByExample.
#1. What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
I enjoy vacationing, playing games, and going out to eat with my wonderful husband and two awesome boys!
#2. If you could be anyone other than yourself, who would that be?
Right now I would have to say Aaron Craft, a member of the Ohio State Buckeye Basketball team. I've read so many articles about him, not to mention I follow his roommates on twitter, and he is just one of those all around great guys. Not only is he a fantastic athlete out on the court but he is a stellar human being on all fronts. Character is a big deal to me and his character is strong, hard working, selfless, and kind! A winner in my book.
#3. What one thing are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my boys. Logan is 13 and Cameron is 11. They are both turning into such fine young men. I wish I could stop time, because they are growing up way too fast! I look at their baby pictures and my heart just melts.
#4. If you could change one thing about education, what would it be and why?
I would do the least amount of required standardized testing and not one stitch more. I want to use my time creating, collaborating, connecting, and communicating with my students! They are so much more than a test score. P.S. If I had a magic wand, I would make all of the Debbie Downers into "Positive Polly's!"
#5. When you have one hour to yourself, what do you like to do?
I enjoy going to the outlet mall, swimming, and love, love, love going out to dinner with girlfriends!
#6. If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?
This is easy...hands down: Hawaii! I've always wanted to go there! The warmth, the beauty, the beaches! My husband and I are hoping to go there next year for our 20th wedding anniversary! Stay tuned!
#7. If you won the lottery today, what would be the first thing you did?
I would surround myself with really smart people so that I would make good decisions on how to spend, share, and save the money.
#8. If you could start your own school from scratch, what would be the three things you must have to make sure the students are successful?
I would want the students to have an enthusiastic teacher in front of them who is constantly willing to learn new things, a computer (duh!), and a principal who fosters the awesome feeling that each and every student and staff member matter within the walls of his/her school.
#9. What book(s) are you reading now and why?
I am reading "The Autistic Brain" by Temple Grandin and "The Reason I Jump" by Naoki Higashida. My son was diagnosed with Autism (PDD/NOS) at 15 months so I try to "gobble up" all I can about this most fascinating disorder. So far they are both excellent books. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Temple Grandin a couple of years ago.
#10. How would your friends describe you?
I hope they would say that I am happy, smiley, someone they can count on and a person who loves to dance! :)
#11. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I have very wide and short feet...so shoes are not my friend. I have a difficult time finding ones that work for me. I have basic pairs that get me by each season. When I find something that fits, I buy it in every color. Now, had you asked me about handbags, that would have been a different story! :)
~ Happy New Year's Eve from snowy Wisconsin. Looking forward to more blogging and connecting in 2014!
