Remembering Sandy Hook Elementary...

A Day Like Any Other... and Yet Not...

I don't profess to have answers to questions that might arise after the profoundly sad Friday of last week. I could not bring myself to watch the news this weekend, it was too hard. I felt physically ill and helpless all at the same time. I made it through Monday with a very heavy, yet grateful heart. Sending my parents a simple note "...we're having a terrific day" was the message we all needed today. I know that I am writing what you have probably heard several times already but I still feel compelled to tell you that I will always be here for your child in school. You loan me your child for a few brief hours daily, I know that it is hard and sometimes scary. I will always do my best with each and every one of them and love them completely, and of course, hug them tightly. I need those hugs too.

Silence For Sandy Hook Elementary

Ahhhh.... A Purple Day For All!

I will try to catch up with the blog over break but wanted to share a really great day in our room!

Highlights from Red Ribbon Week... Oct. 2012

Here We Are..... REALLY!

I have been so negligent posting on the blog. I am sorry for that. I will be posting many things to get caught up! BUT FIRST... Gotta start with the most recent event in our world - the 50th day of Kindergarten! We followed a 50's theme and had a terrific day. We did a lot of math activities, including patterning, counting and tallying, and making an edible bracelet from 50 Fruit Loops. We played with hula hoops, tried our hand at bubble blowing (which was pretty adorable) and we, of course, enjoyed ice cream sundaes and my personal favorite.... a sock hop! What fabulous parents I have, getting their kids all dressed up for this. The slideshow is in the sidebar and I hope that you enjoy it. Share it with your friends and family. It is sure to put a smile on the their faces.

Very Exciting News...

Hello all! My name is Michelle Mulfinger and I will be spending the next eight weeks in your child’s classroom. I recently finished working in second grade for the past eight weeks and I really enjoyed teaching them but I am excited for the next chapter. I am ready to learn more about Kindergarten and what all that entails. This summer I graduated, got married and moved to Lawrence. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May with my bachelors in Elementary Education and a minor in Literacy Education. I got married to my husband Dylan who is getting his master’s in Public Administration at KU. In my free time I enjoy shopping, reading, playing sports and baking. I hope to get to know your child well throughout the next few weeks and to learn all that I can.

My Little Wounded Birds...

After a long weekend and lots going on in this quaint small town we all came dragging in to class on Monday morning. Notice I said "WE" because I felt the same way! Two of my little darlings clearly had VERY exciting weekends, and not in a good way! Two children returned to class with broken bones. I am so proud of you two. Neither one has wasted a moment of their precious time whining or complaining! They are tough little people and it is just another picture for their scrapbooks!

Look Who Came To School!

Our guest came to remind the kids that Scholastic Book Fair is on the stage tonight and tomorrow during our conference times. The kids loved this! Thank you PTO! I adore conference time! Yes, it is exhausting (especially the older I get) but it is such a wonderful time to be able to share all of the fantastic happenings. I don't think that there is a better topic than the growth and development of a 5 or 6 year old! I appreciate my families so much and hope that they realize that when their children are here, they are mine too and I will do my best to give them the best! That was my pledge on Citizenship Day this year. We each made a "school" pledge and then I it in a book for them to look through and enjoy! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Hands On Learning...

What A Wonderful Day!

Well, as usual we snapped a picture of the Walk-A-Thon but also as usual, it didn't really turn out terrific! It was so nice seeing everyone come out for such a good cause! I loved having my daughter Sarah, participate with me! Check out the cause at www.energyforlifewalk.org

Best Job In the Whole World....

Well, I know that you have heard me say this before but I can't tell you often enough how fortunate I am to work with my outstanding staff, wonderful families and those precious children! Each and every day I get to sing, dance, laugh out loud and igve and receive geniuine hugs and affection! I am still amazed, even after 29 years in education, that I actually get paid to do something that I love so much! I attended a flag football game last night and the two teams were both Wellsville teams. Someone approached me and asked me if I had "someone" on one of the teams. My answer was simple and without a second thought..."Yep, they are all my kids!" and that is exactly how I feel. Ah, this time of year things sure do get hectic! This weekend I plan to walk in a Energy For Life Walk-A-Thon at the T Bones stadium to help Zoe Kavan and her family bring awareness to Mitochondrial Disease...It is not much, not enough really, but every little effort we can make will eventually produce some results! Next weekend we have Wellsville Days and the little ones cheer at the local football game - always adorable! We have conferences, field trips, and on and on! I plan to help at a local restaurant, doing whatever I need to do to help raise money for our local Parent Teacher Orgnaization. TIPS ARE ENCOURAGED! I can't guanrantee that I won't talk your ear off or forget part of your order....but I do promise NOT to sample your food, no matter how tempting it is! I hope to see lots of friends there supporting our elementary school! Can't wait to share more pics of class soon....

And So It Begins!

Dancin' The Day Away!

Let's not forget what it is like to be a 5 or 6 year old! I remember clearly and that very well could be the reason I adore teaching this level! I still act, sing, and dance like a Kindergarten student - yep, even at 53! I hope that these children will enjoy their year, make a lot of wonderful memories, learn a lot, and sing and dance all of the time!

Recess RULES!

We are really adjusting to our new schedules and new friends! When asked about the best part of Kindergarten, majority said it was taking time for two recesses!

We Are Family!

Oh What A Day!

Today was our first day of Kindergarten for the 2012-13 school year. I am so in love with this class already! They were so sweet, responsible and already showed there sense of humor! Even though it was an early dismissal, they were very tired at 11:25 - tomorrow, the 2:50 dismissal should be interesting....hope I can stay awake! Enjoy the pictures...so many more to come this year!

Where Has The Summer Gone?

I just wanted to send out a note to say - enjoy what is left of your summer! It seems like just yesterday we were closing down the room. It has been a hot, dry summer but I have managed to stay quite busy. As always, I am excited to see what is ahead, to see old friends and without a doubt, to make new ones. There are 4 buttons on the right side of the blog that represent the summer skills packets 1-4. I will not be posting another this summer. Remember the importance of reading to your child daily, even during our busy summer evenings. Be sure to practice writing and sight words. See you, old friends, in the fall!

Summer Is Here At Last!

Well, I have been out of school for a day and a half now and I am already looking for things to do to stay busy. I have already sent my kids some mail, gone to a dance recital, and this evening attending 4 T-Ball games to cheer on my wonderful little people! I DO miss them already. The recital was wonderful and the games were precious! Have a great summer, everyone!