Welcome to Our Neighborhood!

Dear 1-D Parents,

I'm so happy to have the privilege of teaching your children for the 2018-2019 school year.  I thought it might be helpful to put my parenting resources in a blog post this year so you would have access to them on your phone.

One of the smartest decisions I made this summer was to go see the Mr. Rogers documentary.  That film rejuvenated me in more ways than I can describe.  I was reminded of when I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Rogers in college.  I was so nervous when I approached him to ask for his autograph for my cousin.  Since this was long before smart phones, I have no photographs to commemorate this moment.  What I remember most was his kindness.  He took my cousin's address and sent him an autographed photo and a letter.  He was exactly who he presented himself to be on television.  I realized two things this week in reflecting on this moment.  First, I want my first graders to be as comfortable as he was with who God has created them to be.  Second, Mr. Rogers planted a seed that day.  God used Mr. Rogers to start me on my journey towards teaching.  I just didn't know it at the time.  If you haven't already done so, please see Won't You Be My Neighbor?

http://focusfeatures.com/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/

Here are some of the books I've read and am currently reading that I think would be helpful:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/316571.Reading_Magic

http://www.reclaimingconversationbook.com/

https://madelinelevine.com/the-price-of-privilege/

https://amazima.org/about-us/katies-story/

https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Katie-Story-Relentless-Redemption/dp/1780780893

http://stevencurtischapman.com/between-heaven-and-the-real-world/

This website is a very helpful parenting resource: http://www.familiesmanagingmedia.com/

Our service project supports families in Rwanda.  Please visit their website to learn more about who your children will be helping.

https://www.kulaproject.org/

We are working on being good neighbors in 1-D.  We have been enjoying ending our day watching clips from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.  

Our time together will fly.  Know that I cherish each day with your children and look forward to working with you this year.

Sincerely,

Miss Deem

Dear Doc,

I've accepted my struggle with putting into words how Roy Halladay inspired me to be a better teacher.  I started this post back in November shortly after his passing.  I miss this man's presence in the game that I love so much, and I have decided it's okay that my post is unfinished.  My prayers remain with his wife, sons, and loved ones.  

November 2017

Dear Doc,

Tuesday was a tiring day for me.  I came home tired and grumpy and knew I needed to change my attitude.  After school I went home to change into more comfortable clothes before going to dog sit.  When I opened my closet full of Phillies shirts I decided I needed to channel you, follow your example, and improve my mindset.  I put on my Halladay shirt and got in my car to drive to my pet sitting job.  Before I started my car, my phone rang.  My friend Mark was calling to find out if I had heard the news.  He was the first to tell me that you had passed away that afternoon in a plane crash.  As the afternoon turned into evening, more friends and family members called and texted to make sure that I knew, and to share memories of you. 

July 28, 2018

I started this post back in November.  I still don't feel like I have the right words to describe how much you inspired me to be a better teacher.  I was blessed to be in the just the right time and place to take these two pictures.  I always wished I could have given them to you, but in hindsight I realize I needed to share them with Phillies Phans.  I took the top picture in Pittsburgh in 2012 during batting practice.  When I look at it I see one of my favorite players contemplating his gift.  I've looked at it countless times to remind me that teaching is my gift.  I took the bottom picture in Atlanta in 2013.  It was the only time I was present to see you pitch in person.  It was a rough day for you.  What I remember most is watching you warm up and seeing how hard you fought that day.  My niece and nephew were excited to see you pitch in person despite, the cold, the rain, and the score.  They even drew me pictures of you after the game. 

I miss seeing you pitch.  I miss seeing you encouraging and mentoring younger pitchers during Spring Training.  

I'm grateful for your example, Doc.  My prayers remain with your family and loved ones.

Ellen

What Love Looks Like

One of the best experiences I have had in my 20 years of teaching happened just a few weeks ago.  St. Matthew Catholic School had its second event to raise awareness for helping the poor. Last March we celebrated Poverty Action Day, and this year we had Poverty Action Week right before Spring Break.  Each day students had a special activity or presentation to raise awareness on how we can help those in need, and the week culminated with a food packing event on Friday.  Combined students, teachers, staff, and parents packed over 52,000 meals for http://servantswithaheart.org. Check out this interview with one of our kindergarten teachers which explains the week in more detail.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vJsp0UdYxc1Wf0vCtFncS_CZ6guRjvRY/view?usp=sharing



I've had two weeks to reflect on this experience I shared with my 25 first graders.  I had no idea before we did this that http://servantswithaheart.org/ existed and was based in Charlotte.  Seeing images of children who had already been helped by this organization truly touched me.  I can't imagine living in the conditions these children and their families face every day.  I could tell by the reactions of my first graders that they couldn't imagine such immense need either. 

When it came time to pack the food on Friday, my thoughts pondered  whether my first graders could stay focused for almost an hour on this task.  Each student had an assigned spot in an assembly line.  Well my teacher worries were wasted because my students were awesome!  They took pride in their work, and they loved doing it:)  I think they could've gone longer, but we were on a strict schedule to make certain that every student in our school had the opportunity to help.

I'm grateful that this happened at a busy time in the school year.  Poverty Action Week reminded me that the bigger purpose to every thing we do at our school is to share the Gospel.  To have the chance to serve with my first graders is something I will never forget.  What I want most for my students is for them to develop compassionate hearts.  Poverty Action Week gave them the opportunity to put their compassion into action. 

At a time when the news is full of tragic stories, our St. Matthew Wildcats were doing something good.  I hope you'll check out http://servantswithaheart.org. 

As always, thanks for taking the time to read.

Ellen