She's Growing Like a Weed

Reese has been growing and growing. She's now about 22 lbs and full speed. Her favorite toy is Louie the Lamb and she gets cuter every day.

We Love You Ripley!!

August 14, 1991 - April 14, 2006

Good Friday

Good Friday has been a good Friday.

Got to sleep in. Progress is being made with Reese. Ate Mexican for lunch and have been enjoying the 80 degree beautiful weather. Spring Break has been nice.

Work is going to kick my butt these next couple of days, but it's worth it in the long run. My friend Julie broke her foot so I'm taking over all her shifts -- the money-making shifts. I need the extra boost before graduation and the summer hit.

Next week is my last week at League but it looks like I'll only be there 2 days. I have to spend Monday and Friday at Clemson doing school stuff and I've just been asked to step in and chaperone an 8th grade field trip to Charleston on Tuesday (way cool!). So only two days will be spent within the classroom. No matter, everything is coming to a close and it feels so good to have some weight off my shoulders. I'm going to cash in the massage I got for Valentine's Day.
I'm excited about graduation and starting life "in the real world".

Overextended

So the head of my Master Program has asked me to present a poster I designed for our program at two different conferences at Clemson. As I'm trying to get things organized as the semester is coming to a close, I'm realizing that I have a LOT to do in a very short period of time.

** I have two binders to compile:

1. An ADEPT portfolio that outlines 10 Performance Dimensions on how capable I am at performing all the required functions of a teacher. This is the design that the Department of Education uses when evaluating new teachers. Basically a lot of crap.
2. Student Teaching Binder that organizes my whole life as a student teacher this past semester. Also includes other random evaluations and reflections. Another load of crap.

** I have to study for the PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) Exam which is a requirement for graduation.
** I have to put together a Capstone project with a tri-fold display discussing my teaching experience and following the chosen metaphor of "Teacher as Adapt, Improvise and Overcome."
** I have to find a cap, gown, and hood for graduation.

I'm beginning to stress a wee bit.

I'm a Science Teacher

So, now it is official. I am officially employed by Greenville County as an 8th grade science teacher at Hillcrest Middle. The school is actually in Simpsonville, which is about 15 miles from my house, but the drive is not bad at all; I actually like a drive in the morning to drink some coffee and clear my head before the day begins.

Hillcrest is a larger (1100 students), public middle school based on traditional studies. The school is on the outskirts of the metro area so it's a more rural community. Really, I couldn't have asked for a better position right off. The school is great, the students are great and the principal is awesome.

So yeah, my life will now be filled with 8th graders and lots of Earth Science. I'm gonna love this!!!