Hello, 7th Grade!

The real reason that I am backdating these posts stems from the fact that I have been slightly (okay, terribly) consumed with my new career, which began back in August when I decorated my very brightly colored classroom as I prepared to welcome my first group of 7th grade ELA students. This year has been one for the books, and I'll just include all of it into one post. I could truly write a book on my adventures of the first year of teaching at Memorial Middle School; I have had countless learning experiences (what to do in the event of a bomb threat), disappointments (students I never expected to have issues with became my worst nightmare), tragedies (I experienced something no teacher, or woman, should have to go through), and ultimately, victories (I broke down cultural, racial and educational barriers that in the beginning I had no idea how I could). This year tested me to my limit, yet somehow showed me how to find a level of faith and strength that I had no idea was within me, even after my experience with Crohn's Disease. It seems that seventh grade hormones have a lot in common with an unpredictable illness, which bonded me with my students in more ways than I ever thought possible. You see, in my first year of teaching, I knew I would learn a lot, but I never envisioned that I would be taught just as much by my students as I taught them.

Through my first year of teaching, I saw more than any mother of a small child wants to see of the sadness of this world, but I have hope that by shining a light and teaching my son to shine his even brighter, we can continue to make a difference, even if it's just one person (or hormonal seventh grader) at a time. I would also like to give a HUGE shout out to the amazing team of teachers and administrators that got me through this year and solidified for me that I am right where I need to be, fulfilling God's calling in my life. I have found true and lasting friendships, and feel at home when I go to work each day. I played on the faculty softball team, sponsored Student Council, and got to play a role in the planning of some awesome reading and writing initiatives that in a few years will hopefully bring our testing performance tons of improvement, and as I sit here on summer vacation, I can honestly say, I can't wait for the new school year. It feels good to know that you're in the right place, and I am so thankful for God's perfect timing in bringing me into the classroom.

Nerd Day during spirit week

Team 7-1 Teachers do the Justice League. Happy Halloween!

2015 Veteran's Day Assembly- honoring veterans within the community and our school. What an honor to organize this as Student Council co-sponsor!

All of Student Council at the Veteran's Day Assembly

Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. These ladies helped me survive the crazy year!

One of my favorite projects my pre-AP kids did this year was a "Best Part of Me" poem. I took a picture of the part that each of them wrote their poem about and displayed it with the poem. I loved having a piece of them in my classroom.

Domestic Violence Awareness 5K Run with Student Council

Winter Dance with my STUCO partner in crime.

To review inferencing skills for the STAAR test, we did a crime scene in my classroom. The kids know that Mrs. Johnson needs her Nutella (I keep a jar in my desk at all times), and when they found out it had been stolen they were determined to solve the crime!