Letter to My Students - January, 2009

January 6, 2009

Dear Future Freshmen,

Here we are again! I told you on the first day of school that this year will absolutely fly by! Your last year of middle school is halfway over already! High school is just around the corner! Just think, by this time next year, you’ll be halfway through your freshman year! High school years are unforgettable! I’ll never forget the four years I spend at Farragut High School. My advice for you is to work hard; do your best because it matters. Your grades matter because they determine whether or not you’ll get in to the college you want. Don’t live with the regret of knowing you could have done better, you just didn’t think it mattered.

I have set several goals for this year. Some are kind of silly, others are serious, and some are just intended to help me be a better person. I try to set my goals in categories.

First, I look at my faith and set goals that will help me grow stronger in my faith. Next, I look at my family. I try to think of ways I can be a better mom to my children and wife to my hubby. This also includes my extended family. For example, I want to send pictures to my grandmother and aunt who live in another city so they can feel like they are a part of our children’s lives. I also set goals related to my health. This is one area that I lack self-discipline. I have decided to allow myself one Coke or soft drink per week (I really want to cut them out entirely). Exercise also falls into this category. Ugh! It’s tough for me to stick to a schedule, but I am committed to walking twice a week. Another area that I want to make changes in is teaching. I want to be the absolute best teacher that I can be. This means I have to constantly be on the look-out for inventive, creative ideas. I also have to be willing to change the way it’s always been done. This can be scary and risky, but I know that growth involves change and if I’m serious about my goal, I have to embrace change. Reading the latest young adult literature is a must for me to be an effective teacher, so I have set goals for reading. My friends are important to me, so I have to work to maintain those relationships to ensure that I don’t get so caught up in my own life that I neglect my friends.

All in all, I have set goals in the following areas:

1. spiritual- This can include spending some time in reflective thought, getting involved in a youth group, praying, talking to your parents about what they believe, etc.

2. personal- This can be anything that YOU want to improve about you. Do you want to have more friends? Did Mission Unstoppable light a fire in you to get involved in our community? What do you need to do to make that happen?

3. physical-How do you want to improve or maintain your health? Exercise and diet are obvious areas, but what about what you put into your mind?

4. professional- Your job is to be a good student. How can you do better in this area? Keep an agenda? Study every night? Read more?

5. intellectual- How can you improve your mind? What kinds of things interest you? How can you feed your mind and improve your academic grades?

6. relational- Do you want to keep in touch with friends more often? How about your relationship with your parents? Do you want to get to know them better? How can you improve your relationships with other people in your life?

Setting so many goals involved some thought and discipline. I realize that I may not meet all the goals that I set, but that’s okay. I can always try again. By setting goals, I chart the direction of my life. Without knowing my course, my life would just evaporate with no purpose or meaning. My life is too important for me to allow that to happen.

I don’t know if you’ve ever given much thought to directing your life in the way in which you want it to go, but get ready, ‘cause you’re going to do it now. In your response back to me, I want you to set at least one goal in each of the areas listed above. Give it some thought. Make your goals meaningful to you. Think about where you’d like to be this time next year and write your goals to help support those dreams.

This grading period, we’ll spend a little time studying “The Bard,” (gotta’ be a smartie to know who that is); and we’ll read a play based on The Diary of Anne Frank. I think you’ll enjoy all of it, but it won’t be easy, so prepare to work hard. Remember what you put into it is what you’ll get out of it.

Here are some tips that will help you succeed in my class this nine weeks. First, always say thank you when I give you something. If you don’t, I will take it back. Reasonable? Second, be as organized as possible. I will do all I can to help you, but the bottom line lies with you. Third, complete your homework on time. Finally, enjoy yourself! Life is all about experiences-the ones you make for yourself and the ones you make for others. Remember to LOVE LIFE!

You may have noticed that I didn’t ask as many obvious questions in this letter. That’s because I think you are now capable of writing back without so many prompts. When you write back to me, tell me about anything you want. This may include your family, your fears or hopes about high school, ideas for our class, etc.

Thank you for being the students you are. Each and every one of you brings something unique to our class. Believe it or not, I missed you guys over the break. I was ready to come back to hear your jokes, stories, adventures, and just see your faces again. Let’s get through the winter blahs by making it better for each other!

Well, I suppose I’d better wind up my letter #3 now. As always, I am anxious to read your responses to me. Unfortunately, I cannot mention any specific names in this letter. Maybe next time… Please give me your best work. This assignment should be fun, yet challenging. If you choose to give me rotten work, I’ll make you do it again. I love you too much to let you be a slacker, so do it right the first time, ‘kay?

In anxious anticipation,

Mrs. Crawford

94.5 School Days 'til Summer Vacation

Busted! I posted a status update on Facebook that asked the question, "How many days 'til Summer Vacation?" and one of my current students commented, "Gee, Mrs. Crawford, do you really hate us that much?"

Of course I responded truthfully that it wasn't the students I dreaded but the EARLY MORNINGS! My body has to get reacclimated with retiring before midnight and rising before the sun. Actually, today was a great day and I found myself easing into the new year without too much resistance.

This morning, I picked up Sherry and Angel at 7:30 and we headed over to the new Hardin Valley Academy for our "motivational" event. Chick-fil-A served "chikin" biscuits and scrumpticious cinnamon rolls. There were many familiar faces as teachers from South-Doyle, Karns, West Valley, Bearden, and Powell met together for the first time.

Our speaker, Riney Jordan, did a great job sharing funny stories of his experiences as an elementary school principal in a small Texas town. Most of his humor was self-depreciating as he poked fun at his hairpiece, his religious convictions ("you're just gonna have to get over it!"), and his family, particularly his second child, Todd. He used the acronym HELP to define our role in the classroom.

H=Hear them

E=Encourage them

L=Love them

P=Prepare them

Our job as teachers is to "H.E.L.P." kids. He shared his personal story of a teacher who saw potential in him and even helped him acquire a college education to achieve his dream of being a teacher.

After his speech, we watched the documentary, "Paperclips" which was filmed in Whitwell, TN just 20 mi. outside Chattanooga. Wow. Imagine the learning that could take place in our classrooms if we weren't so tied to the test!

The morning concluded after a 16 yr. old girl, Amanda, shared her personal story about being involved in the Paperclip Project. She was poised in the midst of "technical difficulties," and everyone loved her courage. (I was only slightly distracted by the fact that she sounded exactly like Kellie Pickler! "Hungary? Hungary is a CUN-TREE?"). I know , I know, I'm bad!

We grabbed a quick lunch at Sam and Andy's and headed back to "The Valley" for a little room time. I'm looking forward to trying out a few "powerteaching" strategies tomorrow.

Back at home, it was hotdogs for dinner. What? You thought I was a gourmet cook? Addie updated the dry erase board in the kitchen with a cute 'n' clever Valentines theme (future teacher?), and they both worked hard getting their toy closet organized! Sam and Addie and I started the novel, Bud, not Buddy. Two chapters into it and they're hooked.

Chelcie heads back to UT tomorrow. I'm sure going to miss her. It's nice having her around.

...like a Walk in the Park!

Ahhhh, the last day of the long winter break. And boy, it sure has been a long one! When I think about all that has happened over the past ten days, I'm amazed that I'm still standing! Without going into too much detail, let's just say I'm glad to be able to continue my story in 2009. Deep breath...

NorthStar Church this morning at 11 was quite emotional for me. Sometimes I am absolutely overwhelmed by the love of my Savior. Holy, holy, holy...is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. With all creation, I sing praise to the King of Kings, You are my everything, and I will adore You! ....even more in 2009!

Crazy Knoxville weather brought temperatures in the mid-60s today, so Chelcie, Addie, Sam, Taylor, Marley and I went for a walk at Lakeshore Park. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

2009 is starting out pretty tough, but greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Reach Them Reaches Out and Papaw Plays Games

Theresa and I drove to Cleveland, TN to meet with Marquita in order to share the "dream" of Reach Them to Teach Them. The first question I asked Marquita was, "Do you see a need for the teachers and coaches in Hamilton Co. to be encouraged and reminded of the power of their influence? Are there teachers in the classroom who have lost sight of the privilege we've been given to impact the lives of young people?" I knew her answer before she said a word. Literally, tears pooled in her eyes.

How have we gotten so far off track?

We spent about an hour and half dreaming and sharing vision together. We see a world where... every child has the opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential! If only!

Marquita plans to attend our strategic planning meeting on January 19th. In the meantime, I'm praying that she will have many opportunities to cast vision and share the dream with the yet to be formed "Hamilton County Dream Team '09!"

With three years of success under our belt, it's time to reach out to other cities in the southeast U.S.

Subject Change!

Tom and the little kids went to Atlanta for a Hanukah party at Tina's house. I opted to say home with Chelcie and Drew. As it turned out, I made a good decision. Chelcie, Drew and I went up to Grandmom's and Papaw's house and we all played board games together. For the first time in my life, my dad played too!

We shared some lasagnae and some laughs. As we enjoyed time together, it occurred to me that someday, I'd look back and think of this evening as "the good ol' days!"

I have been blessed with wonderful children. May I never, ever take them granted.

...and then the COPS came!

Well, 2009 has gotten started off with a bang! I'm ready to retreat to classroom to escape all the excitement. I'm just gonna put it out there and tell the story just the way it happened, no foolin'!

Marley, the Poop Machine, woke me up dark and early at 5:30 because she had to...do her thang! The warmth of my covers and the pounding of the rain on the skylight made me ever so resistant to provide her with the relief she craved. But, like me, she's a persistent little pooch, so I, very gently mind you, led her to the door and nudged her outside. I'm assuming she took care of her situation because when I woke up twenty minutes later, there she sat, looking as cute and demure as ever, pleading with her big brown eyes to allow her admittance to the castle. I cracked open the door and stepped aside, as the little varmit nipped savagely at my ankles with her razor sharp teeth.

That's how the day started, but it gets better...

My goal for the morning was to finish filling out Chelcie's college paperwork, so she would be all set to complete her final registration for Spring semester. Very stressful for me! I have this theory that if I get the most dreaded task finished first, there's no where to go but up! So I was determined to get this completed asap.

As is typically the case around here, my children, affectionately referred to as Bonnie and Clyde, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Hilter and Mussolini...(pick one), started a bicker-fest that had me ready to string them up by their toes! This one was at least a 9.8 based on my most conservative assessment.

Allow me to set the stage...rainy day. New puppy. Late nights. Early mornings. No school. BOREDOM. Sure, I threatened and I warned, I promised and I bribed, but there was no end in sight. The high pitched screams, the "I'm telllllllllin' Mom!" "She started it!" "He hit me first!" You name it, they said/did it. Side note: Ya' think kids have a built in sense of when a person REALLY needs to concentrate and focus?

Enough detail. I think you're with me. Finally, I realized I had to take a break to remedy the situation before blood was drawn. I pushed my papers to the side, gently closed my laptop, and as calmly as a civilized human being could muster, I cooed these words to my offspring..."Both of you, to your room NOW!!" (enthusiastic coo) In hindsight, perhaps I was to blame for the antics of the morning, but I desperately needed some relief. I set them both up with books to read and a ten minute time-out and headed back to table with the hopes of finishing my detested task in ...well,...ten minutes, of course!

The first 2.5 minutes were relatively calm, but then I heard the murmurings of a pending explosion. I determined to work harder and faster as I raced against the imaginary clock ticking down the seconds 'til disaster struck! With only 3 minutes remaining in my ten minute respite, I was again jolted out of my focused "zone," by a very loud, very persistent knock on my front door.

The front door? No one comes to the front door at my house. We're back door people. I hadn't heard a car. I peered out the window but could only see the shadow of someone at my door. Creepy and strange. I used the safety rules I had taught at school and did not open the door but instead asked, "Who's there?"

"Knox County Sheriff's Department, Ma'am." Refrains of "bad boys, bad boys, whacha gonna do? Whacha gonna do when they come for you?" played in the back of my mind. I breathed a quick prayer that whatever it was that brought the po-leese to my door, would be something God would give me the strength to handle. Then I opened the door.

"Ma'am, we received a 911 hangup call from this residence." HUGE rush of relief washed over me before I called my little darlings from their bedrooms. If only I'd had a camera to capture the look on Addie's face when she rounded the corner only to find a very large, intimidating officer of the law in full uniform! Looking back on it, I have to laugh, but at the time it was important for her to learn what happens when 911 is called. Soon after Addie, came Sam. I calmly asked them (I'm serious, I WAS calm. I promise) if they had called 911. Sam wasted not a moment informing me that "Addie did it!"

As Addie broke down and cried tears of remorse and regret into my belly, I explained to her that 911 is only for real emergencies. To which Sam explained in all the sincerity a six year old could muster, "Addie said it was against the law for boys to hit girls and since I hit her, she was calling to report me."

The officer was very understanding and kind. He said that whenever there's a hangup call, the dispatcher calls the number back. When they did that for my number, there was no answer. (The reason being that that $%#@*& dog had finally settled into her kennel for a long winter's nap and I didn't want to phone to rouse her from her slumber, so I turned off the ringer)! I apologized to the officer and he was, fortunately, satisfied that all was well at the Crawford abode, then he headed on his way.

As soon as the door was shut, Chelcie emerged from her cave to hear a first-hand account of the drama she had so blissfully slept through. We grabbed her camera from the table, just in time to snap a blurry picture of the patrol car heading up the hill in front of our house. (I'll post the picture later). As for the rest of my day? Let's just say it truly WAS all up from that point on!

2009-The Year in Pictures

1-20-09 Barack Obama's Inauguration

1-19-09 1st SNOW DAY of 2009

One Year. One Day at a Time. One Picture at a Time. No text. No pressure. No problem. We'll see.

Seven Things You Don't Really Need to Know About Me

This is a first for me. My new "Twitter" friend, Kelly tagged me, so here we go! Seven things? Ummm....Oh, the pressure to be interesting!

1. I am a follower of Christ. As a public school teacher, I realize that some may consider this a conflict of interest, but I consider this my calling in life. I believe that God has gifted me to serve Him in the public schools. My prayer is that someday I will hear my Savior say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

2. I have four incredibly different children. My oldest is a freshman in college, majoring in, would you believe it?, education! Number 2, is a senior in high school and is an incredible cross country runner. Registered for his first marathon in March. Number 3 is my most challenging, but most fascinating child. She is the poster girl for the strong-willed child, and yet is an eager, enthusiastic learner. My prediction is that she will greatly surpass any expectation I have for her. The baby, Number 4, is the light of all our lives. Mr. Six Year Old just lost the first of his two front teeth. His favorite thing to say to me is, "You're never too old to hug your mama!"

3. Sometimes I sing to myself while driving. Loudly. I love music and am often brought to tears when a certain song speaks to my heart.

4. Three years ago, I founded an organization called Reach Them to Teach Them, in the hopes that every child has the opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential. In the almost twenty years I've spent in the classroom, I have seen a definite shift in focus FROM teaching STUDENTS, TOWARD teaching to the TEST. My experience has taught me that without a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and personal investment, our efforts to teach SKILLS are in vain.

5. Confession time. I am an ice-aholic. That's right. I'm addicted to Sonic ice. I buy an 8 lb. bag of pellet ice twice a week! I like it best with unsweetened Milo's tea, but I'll take it straight if tea is unavailable. Yes, I know it's bad for my teeth, but I figure it's better than drinking, smoking, or bringing strange men home!

6. I live in a log house. With four kids and a new puppy, we need something indestructible. I think we've found it.

7. I have a long list of favorite books. Here are just a few: Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer, The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter, The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.

So there you go! I can't wait to read what my other friends write about themselves.