Monday

Dear Friends,

Today's total book donation is 631. Yes. SIX HUNDRED THIRTY ONE BOOKS. Have you searched through your collection yet? A child in need and Indy School on Wheels is on the receiving end of your generosity. 

P.S. What a great opportunity to teach our kids that kindness matters. 

School on Wheels

Dear Friends,

Check out this amazing video.

P.S. These kids are amazing!

Leadership Convocation

Dear Friends,

Last Thursday we celebrated our achievements in learning the 7 Habits of Happy Kids with a convocation.  It was seriously THE coolest thing we've done here in a long time.  We tried to turn the control over to our little leaders as much as possible and we are so happy we did.  First, Xavier and James (members of Leadership Forum lunch group) introduced the convocation to the entire school.  I was like a proud mother hen watching them as they spoke into the microphone with confidence and authority.  (I may or may not have had tears in my eyes).  Read on to find out what else we did during the convocation and to see some photos of the kids in action.

Xavier introducing our convocation

 

James giving our convocation introduction

 

After the introduction, we had the opportunity to be recorded for Wish TV 8 as their guests on the Wake Up Call!  Two of our Leadership Lunch Forum kiddos, Marissa and Claire, had the honor of introducing, with the rest of the Forum and school participating as well!  You can catch us live Monday, October 26th on Channel 8 between 6:40 – 7:10 a.m.  I wasn't able to get a great photo, but here is one

We all synergized (Habit 6) to create a really fun video highlighting each of the habits.  Click below to check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hllert4dzW4

We also introduced our Leadership Tickets, which you can see below.  Students and staff can fill out one of these to nominate anyone in the building for showing leadership through one of our 7 habits.  Nominees are recognized on the live announcements each morning.  Check out our first nominees, who were recognized during the convocation!

 

Our First Leadership Ticket Winners

The picture below is such a true example of how amazing Carmel Elementary is! I am so fortunate to work here and so fortunate that my daughter attends school here.  I couldn't ask for a better place for us to spend our days.

P.S. Happy Friday, ya'll!

Say CHEESE!

Dear Friends,

Today was picture day here at Carmel Elementary and it is always so much fun to see the kids dressed to the nines, like this dapper looking young man.

Also, click on the link below to see a really fun video create by Mrs. Fossum's class about Picture Day!

https://voice.adobe.com/a/R9jmO/

 

 

 

P.S. Here is one of my school pictures.  That mop on my head...I promise it was in style in 1999!

 

 

 

 



What's Happening?

Dear Friends,

Today was National Walk to School Day!  We had a great turnout despite the chilly air and fog.  The Girl Scouts even handed out water bottles to the kids who walked to school!

We are gearing up for Fall Break next week and are anxiously looking forward to our All School Seven Habits celebration next Thursday! 

My plan for my Leadership Lunch Forum lunch group has been sidetracked a bit.  Originally, I planned to meet one day a week for four weeks and then move on to a new grade level.  Well, these sweet 4th graders have taken that plan and turned it upside down!  They have major plans of their own which will be revealed in due time.  I cannot say enough about how much I enjoy meeting with this amazing group of kids!  But for now, rest easy knowing that I will get to other grade levels soon.

It's hard to believe that the first quarter is nearly over.  These sweet days slip away just as I feel I'm getting a grasp on them, but I suppose that time flies when you're having fun!

P.S. If you have a moment, parents, you could make a teacher's day by sending a kind word their way! 

A Day in the Life...

Dear Friends,

After a day like today, I can't help but feel like I work in what is truly a one of a kind, special place.  I cannot say enough good things about the people I work with (kids and adults).  It's amazing to be able to say that being at work reminds me of how lucky I am.  Click the link below to hear a short clip about our school, which is narrated by Carmel Elementary students.

https://voice.adobe.com/a/B5dYy

 

 

P.S.  This video was created using Adobe Voice, and inspired by videos made by Mrs. Trammell (http://kindergartenwithmrstrammell.blogspot.com/) and Mrs. Fossum (http://secondgradelearningfactory.blogspot.com/).

Mini CEOs

Dear Friends,

Exciting things are happening with our 4th grade Leadership Forum Lunch Group!  Take a look at the pictures below- don't the kids look like little CEOs?!  They are hard at work on something that is a pretty big deal and I just can't wait to see what these little leaders will accomplish in the coming months!  I continue to be inspired and surprised about their ability to get things done!

P.S. These kids are so inspiring!