Fall Wildlife Show 2010

September always means a visit from Bob Tarter, the animal guy. This year he brought five very interesting animals for us to see.

Baxter, the kangaroo
fruit bat

Egyptian chicken
hedgehog
legless lizard

Easter Centers in Kindergarten

I visited Mrs. Michelle's class while they were enjoying Easter centers. I snapped a few pictures of their fun.

Principal Reflections

We only went to school three days this week because of weather, but that's ok. I wanted to take some time to think and reflect on the first half of this school year I've spent as principal of East Chester Elementary School. Somehow the word principal doesn't describe me. First of all I feel extremely lucky to work with the faculty and staff at East Chester. Since I student taught at East in 1989 I've wanted to teach here and be a part of this special family. The teachers at East Chester genuinely care for each child that comes through our doors. A lot of behind the scenes work goes into seeing that these little children's needs are taken care of. I can honestly say that everyone employed at East Chester works very hard to provide the very best educational experience possible for each of our children. My job is now very different from the job I've loved for 20 years. The day still flies by, because I am still extremely busy with a variety of jobs. Spring and I try very hard to be in as many classrooms as possible each day. I love being with the children, but whenever I visit a classroom, I miss my classroom very much. I gave so much of myself for 20 years that I almost feel lost when it comes to the chores that come with keeping a classroom running efficiently. I know that I've made many mistakes in the first half of this school year, but I hope that the children feel the love and genuine care and concern we all have for them. Each day I end announcments with, "Let's all work hard today and remember to do the right thing." If the children can learn those two important ideas at East Chester, hopefully they will do well at the middle school and later in their lives. I'm very lucky to be at East Chester.

Grannys All Around

I've always enjoyed teaching at East Chester, and I've had great friends the entire time I've been here. It's been so fun watching my friends become grandmothers. They all have different names - "Nana", "Nini", "Mimi", "Grank", and the list could go on and on. This is Allison and one of her grandbabies....Emma. Emma started kindergarten this year! Now we're all looking forward to seeing Leslie become a grandmother, too.

Field Day 2009

Field Day was rained out for its original date, and we were beginning to worry about whether we would even get to have it. Finally, the rain stopped for a while, and we were able to enjoy a fun day outside. The kids loved the games, playing on the playground, and the tug of war. We also enjoyed some time just playing with sidewalk chalk, bubbles, balls, and frisbees. The kids found a nest outside, and they were so excited about that. I even ran some of the relay races with the kids - fun, but I was so sore for days afterwards! We had a great day together which is what field day is all about!

Principal?!?...

I've had a big decision to make over the past few weeks. Our principal is taking a job at the Central Office, and our school needed a principal. I really had mixed feelings about the position at first - more than mixed feelings - I love teaching!!! I cannot imagine myselft not teaching. After lots of prayer and advice from different people, I decided to take this opportunity. I hope that I will be able to help more children in this position. I also want to help keep East Chester doing what I feel is most important: love all children and take them as far as they can go regardless of their circumstances in life. Please pray that this decision will work out to be what's best for me and my family as well as the East Chester family. I'll probably be posting challenges and hopefully triumphs as I begin this new phase of my career.