Fitness is Elementary

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of creative and dynamic intellectual activity.”  – President Kennedy Teachers play a critical role in developing the fitness of the minds and bodies of their students.  School…

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Summer Love List

From the desk of Alice… The season of summer is upon us.  Thank goodness. In her book, The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin reminds us “It’s about living in the moment and appreciating the smallest things. Surrounding yourself with the things that inspire you and letting go of the obsessions that want to take over your mind.…

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Well Families

From the desk of Carol C. . . Ahhh…the perfect family…all smiles and laughter  This is called fantasy land, and since perfect families just don’t exist, let’s aim for having well families.  This means making your family the best they can be.  We know healthy students make healthy learners, so it is important to think…

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Humor and Health

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . Humor can be a very therapeutic survival aid for teachers as the school year draws to a close.  After many seasons in the classroom, I have found that a pair of sensible shoes and a sense of humor can help me get through the roughest of…

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Decluttering

From the desk of Carol C. . . “As far as I know, no one has ever had ‘I wish I had bought more stuff’ inscribed on their tombstone. What you own can easily blind you to who you are and what you can be.” ― Peter Walsh Peter Walsh is an author, speaker, and…

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Here's to a Healthier Generation

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”  – Buddha Each day we enter our classrooms and strive to prepare our students to be responsible and capable citizens who are ready for…

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It’s All About That “Why”

“As you read today, I want you to list three facts and one opinion in your comprehension journal. Remember, a fact is an indisputable true statement and an opinion is a view or judgement formed not necessarily based on factor knowledge. We are going to transfer these to index cards later and play a game…

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Pep Talk

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . The finish line is in sight, and students and teachers are striving to complete the race.  You are weary, children have learned what buttons to push to create conflict and get reactions, and you simply want to keep a healthy classroom environment that is filled with…

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Book Club Anyone?

From the desk of Carol C. . . I love a book club.  Reading the same book and discussing it with my friends brings me such joy.  Can our students feel the same way?  Some fourth teachers decided to give it a try. Here’s how it went. First, each student in fourth grade was assessed…

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