30-day Photo Challenge

My DEN friends, @nsharoff and @McTeach, tweeted it, Melanie Holtsman blogged it, and I visited the White Peach Photo site where it all started.

Much as I want to participate in a 365 photo a day challenge, I take it too seriously and am too stressed out. I get one or two photos behind, it soon becomes a week, and 'whomp' I drop out. I thought, instead, that I would try a different photo challenge, since it's summer, and maybe I can "git 'er done" as Larry the Cable Guy would say.

'Course, I'm already behind ... it started yesterday with a Self-Portrait. Mine will be there today and I'll be all caught up and no stress!

Join me, if you will, and take some mighty photos. Click the link to join the group.

... now to find my camera to take today's shot.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Yes, I've been out of the loop for a bit but am inspired to include today's topic thanks to the DEN. The Discovery Educator Network remembers its STAR DEN members with daily notes and small tokens every day of this week. Since I'm no longer in the classroom it's really my only recognition as a teacher. I don't need it 'cause I LOVE what I do, but it sure is nice to hear. A simple pat on the back from people I respect and who indicate they respect me and the choice I made to be a teacher.

As part of teacher appreciation week, we were asked to fill out a form answering the question, "Would you share with us what being a part of the DEN means to you?". Theis wordle says most of how I feel but it can't express the attachment I have to the DEN, all the teachers who have touched my heart, and the amazing legacy of learning I have enjoyed as a member of the DEN.

Thank you to everyone who is part of the Discovery Educator Network!

Uncle Sam works for GUSD!

Preparing a presentation for one of the PTA groups on cyberbullying and cybersafety I wanted to include something at the end that was relevant but light-hearted, memorable yet cute, with the emphasis on the C U T E.

Enter acapela.tv and Uncle Sam is revitalized for GUSD. Okay, not the real Uncle Sam, but a very clever impersonator. This video hit the parents' funny bones and gave a lift to the serious tone of the evening. I saw the principal at our district Tech Fair last week and got a big hug. I think this did the trick.

There is a limit to the length of the speech and I think I hit that limit, but using Twitter made it easy to trim. Take a look for yourself and then take time to make your own. Oh, and be sure to have some fun while you're learning!