Personal Reflections

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I am one…

A young friend shared this powerful poem by Edward Everett Hale with me today:badge-campus

I am only one, but still I am one.

I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.

And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

We were talking about her work this past weekend in West, TX, where she spent time helping family members sift through what’s left of their home.  She talked about the fact that at least they were given the chance to go through belongings while others still cannot survey the damage to their homes.  She discussed the tremendous outpouring of support, encouragement, and love being shown to the entire community as they search, sift, honor, memorialize, and begin to build their new normal, “much like the strong folks in Boston right now.”

On another note, we also talked about Earth Day and those things we need to do everyday to protect the only home we know, our Earth.  She shared these powerful words with me too:

If you can, plant a tree or a garden to suit; Be good to the soil, and the seed will bear fruit.

Even one small green plant will help cleanse the air; indoors or outdoors—it helps everywhere.

No planet is like it, not Venus nor Mars; our home has such beauty it outshines the stars.

Treat it with thoughtfulness.  Treasure its worth.  Tend it with loving . . . Long live the Earth!  (Meighan Morrison)

So, accept the challenge on both fronts today (and everyday) because here’s hoping you find multiple ways to do something to help others in need and take care of Earth…even if you are only one!  🙂

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Help and Healing

Our learning community stands in support with our friends and families in West, Texas, in the aftermath of the tragedy.  Our students in particular want to help their fellow learners in various ways.  The following official press release is from West ISD, which includes information OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAon what can be done now and in the near future as the community begins to recover.  Here’s hoping as you talk with your child this information will be useful to you.

The West Independent School District is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we are receiving from our fellow Texans, as well as communities from across our great nation. Our goals at this time are very simple:

•    To support the work of first responders.
•    To return our students to their schools and the security that comes from normal routines as soon as possible.
•    To repair our school buildings to the safe and secure buildings our community takes pride in.

Many are seeking meaningful ways to assist our community at this time. Here are three ways you can assist:

•    For those who are geographically close to Waco, donations are being collected at the McLennan County Extension Office. Water, Gatorade, food, toiletries, baby wipes, baby items, blankets, towels, wash rags, clothing and shoes for men, woman and children are among the many things needed. Please bring donations by the extension office: 420 N 6th St, Waco, TX 76701-1315, mclennan-tx@tamu.edu,~Office: (254) 757-5180; Fax: (254) 757-5097
•    Blood donations will eventually be needed, which is one way to provide support in our local areas through Carter Blood Care.
•    Baylor University has organized a West news page and Relief Fund, which includes links to other organizations responding to the tragedy.

Many school districts have been reaching out to assist as well. If you are with a local school district and have an offer of assistance please email that offer to allison.albrecht@gpisd.org.  Grand Prairie ISD will compile the master list and make it available to West ISD Superintendent, Dr. Marty Crawford.

As we learn more about our needs, we will work to update our district website at http://www.westisd.net

We appreciate the many offers of support and assistance that are coming in. Please know that your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated and are a great comfort to our community.

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World’s Best Office Team!

In the midst of much campus activity, we stopped this week to celebrate and show appreciation to our amazing office ladies.  Our star office team, Vanya Worley, Kim Huff, and Shannon Gossett, make everyday game day here at LME!  It’s true; these gals work as one well-practiced team with big smiles and thoughtful ways throughout each school day…no matter what!  This week, classrooms of learners, parents, staff members, and community volunteers have stopped by to say thanks, share treats, and give lots of hugs.

IMG_0074Today, the fifth grade team shared a special song with the group (and will repeat their performance tomorrow morning during Miller Rally!) as a musical tribute to Nurse and Cute-Tips (of which they participate each week).   Pictured are Dr. Garippa, Mrs. Huff, Mrs. Worley, Mrs. Gossett, Mrs. Gunter, and Mrs. Garippa.

Yes, we are blessed in so many ways everyday by our Miller Family…we remain incredibly thankful for the world’s best office team!

Note:  Don’t forget to join us this evening from 6:00-8:30 for the PTO meeting, Fine Arts Show and Gallery Walk, the Book Fair, Miller Ringers and Singers, refreshments, and so much more!

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The ARTS have it!

bunny statue flyer011It’s time for our 5th annual Fine Arts Show, Musical Extravaganza, and Book Fair at LME.  Join us tomorrow evening, April 18th from 6:30-8:30 when each learner will showcase extraordinary original pieces of artwork, our Miller Ringers and Singers will perform, PTO refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome in the Spring Book Fair for some great summer reading bargains.  There are amazing examples of creative elaboration and astounding “works of heart” on display.  Most importantly, this is a family event where, as one learner shared, “the ARTS have it!”  🙂

Note:  Congratulations to Marissa on her colorful interpretation flyer for this year’s event!

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One Smart Cookie!

It’s simply no secret how much I adore a great cookie–making them, smartcookiebaking them, and especially eating them…and if chocolate is involved in any way, it’s a no-brainer!  🙂

So imagine my excitement when this precious jar of homemade chocolate chip cookies landed on my desk while I was out-and-about “doing some principal things” (as one learner noted).  A fellow colleague stopped by seeking some advice and we took a little walkabout to chat.  In the middle of our conversation, a little voice says, “Mrs. Van, I know you’re busy, but I forgot to stick this note on your jar so here you go!”  I smiled, got a big hug, and she was on her way again (with me not knowing exactly what jar she meant).  Back in my office, the cookies were waiting and everything fell into place.

One Smart CookieThis child’s special note thanked me for spending time these past few weeks with her as we talked, played a game, or ate some lunch together.  She’s new to our campus and her transition has been a challenging one at best.  During our first “meeting” we read the book One Smart Cookie by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (it’s part of a clever “Cookie” book series of “bite-size lessons on life”).  We’ve managed to read all the books during our time together and even talk about the “big vocabulary words in cookie terms.”  The last sentence of her sweet personal note was the best:  “Mrs. Van, thanks for always being fair and tough and really one smart cookie!”  Now you know why I love my work AND a really great cookie!   🙂

Note:  Speaking of “really smart cookies,” we have a building full of them at LME!  Our learners will showcase their amazing art skills this week in our annual LME Fine Show and Gallery.  Join us on Thursday, April 18 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for refreshments, a gallery walk, the book fair, a PTO meeting, and performances by the Miller Ringers and Singers. 

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Organized vs. Disorganized, Part VI

Note:  This is the next in a series from the book Organizing the Disorganized Child:  Simple Strategies to Succeed in School by Martin L. Kutscher and Marcella Moran…enJOY!  🙂

So…we’ve identified organizational style, chosen and set up supplies, and organizingfollowed the paper trail from school to home and back again…It’s time to charge forward with Super Study Skills!  The most powerful concept at this point to is ASK QUESTIONS.  Learners should always question everything because questioning is the key to effective learning.  There are three parts to consider now:

1.  Effective Reading:  Like all learning, reading starts with actually asking (and answering) several questions.  The reading technique the authors discuss most is called SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review).  This strategy  is based on the active learning process of asking questions.  The learner begins by surveying or previewing the material, then making a mental map of where they want to go by laying out questions to answer.  As they read, section by section, learners ask questions by reading, reciting, and eventually reviewing the answers to the questions.  A quick way to come up with questions is to turn headings into questions so the learner can review all the information at the end once again.

2.  Effective Note-taking:  This also requires asking lots of questions and reviewing information weekly.  Based on the work of Dr. Walter Pauk from Cornell University, the simple system the authors recommend (Cornell Method) provides more than just notes; young learners might actually use it!  This note-taking technique divides a sheet of notebook paper into columns and has the child take notes in the larger, right-hand column.  At home, the child asks what key concepts can serve as hooks/cues for the rest of the information given.  The hooks/cues are written next to the corresponding material in the left column.  At the bottom of the page, the child summarizes the material.  The authors also discuss visual organizers (we use Thinking Maps here at LME), outlines, and flash cards.

3.  Effective Test-taking Techniques:  This section is so important, we will devote the next installment on sharing ideas. 🙂

Once the material is read and effective notes are taken, the learner is now ready to study for the test.  Planning a study schedule, rewriting or reviewing all the materials, using a study buddy, and other ideas abound as the learner prepares to share back the knowledge acquired.  Being able to synthesize the material into as few key concepts as possible is a great learning technique for school and life; besides, when you can teach to someone, you know it well!  🙂

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All-Star Volunteers and MVPs

DSC_0009You’ve likely heard the saying:  Kind hearts are the garden; kind thoughts are the roots; kind words are the blossoms; kind deeds are the fruit.  We are abundantly blessed at LME with the BEST Volunteers in the MISD Garden!

We celebrated our All-Star volunteers today DSC_0012with a huge Miller Rally, presentation, and special breakfast.  Under the direction of music teacher, Amber Grant, the Miller Ringers and the Miller Sign Choir performed beautiful selections for all to enJOY.  The entire student body chorally shared a Thanks, Volunteer poem with the assembly crowd.

DSC_0006Our own Mrs. LaRue Miller (our first volunteer) was on hand to personally thank everyone and shake hands with each one!  Everyone enJOYed the scrumptious breakfast provided the LME staff family.

Team Miller was on their top game today.  Special thanks to our Volunteer Committee who orchestrated this big event.  You truly knocked it out of the park!

There is something profoundly majestic in young learners gathering as an entire student body to IMG_0062show their appreciation to our daily volunteers.  THANK YOU seems so small compared to all they do for and with us…we are so grateful for the dedicated time, talents, gifts, and service our All-Star volunteers and MVPs provide each day at LME!

Here’s hoping you find a way to volunteer soon.  In the meantime, enJOY this beautiful spring weekend!  🙂

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Volunteers are Vital!

It’s National Volunteer Month and we’re celebrating in a big way here at LME!  Tomorrow is our big Miller Volunteer Rally of Thanks.  Parents, grandparents, and community members are joining us for our usual Friday Miller Rally followed by a special breakfast with entertainment and treats.  It’s our simple way of saying a huge THANKS for all the support, smart work, IMG_0040assistance, and love our volunteers provide daily to our learning community.  Why, just today, we had 29 volunteers in our LME hallways hanging over 3,600 pieces of artwork (several for each child) in anticipation of our big Fine Arts Show and Gallery next week!  WHEW!

Our learners are excited to share their thanks and our staff is blessed and grateful for volunteer assistance everyday!  Here’s hoping you thank a volunteer in your life today because, as one young friend noted, “Volunteers are vital, Mrs. Van!”  🙂

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Weeds or Wildflowers?

You probably know the saying:  “May all your weeds be wildflowers.”  IMG_0731Some learners today mentioned this to me as I was passing through during morning walkabout.  They were commenting on activities from the weekend and noticed “several weeds on the ball fields,” in their yards, and even on the highways.  Someone mentioned allergies and “how hard it is to stay healthy right now with everything blooming!”  Another friend talked about sharing “a daffodil from Grammy’s garden with a friend at church yesterday; she sure smiled alot after that!”  One child discussed the need to “help others learn to see the weeds of life as wildflowers everyday.”  🙂  Obviously, this got my attention!

As we talked on, it became obvious these observers were sharing ideas gleaned from recent classroom conversations and discussions about turning challenging situations into opportunities.  This life lesson at a young age can certainly impact the future for these learners.  Looking at things optimistically (the glass is half full) goes a long way in bringing JOY to daily challenges, no matter the situation.  So…here’s hoping you find a batch of wildflowers along your journey today and help others to turn their weeds into wildflowers too!

Note:  We have our annual Volunteer Appreciation Day this Friday, April 12 @ 7:45 a.m. during our Miller Rally…thanks to our Vital Volunteers everyday!  🙂

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5K4Kids and Fun Run

t-5K4Kids-LogoDo you want to go where learning meets the road in Midlothian ISD?  Do you crave a family-friendly event where you can mingle with the community and help MISD at the same time?  Do we have a deal for you!  🙂

Join us at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27th when the Midlothian Education Foundation once again sponsors their annual 5K and Fun Run.  Our own Miller Rowdy Runners will be present and in force to tackle this challenging 5K course (I know because we did it last year!).  There are some great prizes this year in overall categories and all proceeds from the race benefit the Midlothian Education Foundation’s educational activities in MISD.  To read more about MEF and to register online go to http://www.misdef.org.  Run or walk, but come out and participate in this exciting outdoor family experience this year!

Note:  It’s Report Card Day for Quarter #3 and we’ve successfully wrapped up our first week of state assessment.  Thanks again for your continued support and understanding throughout the process!  EnJOY a wonderful spring weekend!  🙂