Holiday

A few days off of work was exactly what I needed. I slept, slept, slept during my Thanksgiving break, taking in some sunshine & quality time with the family.

The first half of the year is almost over - I can't even believe it. In four short weeks, winter break* will be here! Off to plan for 20 more meaningful days...back to the grind!
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*In need of a holiday gift? A fellow 2012 DFW CM's mother is creating Teach For America holiday bracelets - $10 of each sale goes directly for TFA! Here's what the bracelet looks like:

"One Day"

Somos como una familia.

My friend & TCU journalist Jordan Rubio recently captured a snapshot of my classroom through interviews & video, titled "TCU alumna impacts local students through Teach For America program."

My 4th graders will be future movers & shakers.

These are my babies. They are my family.

Feedback

I love feedback. Constructive criticism, helpful tips for improvement, etc...I can never get enough. Recently, my MTLD (Manager, Teacher Leadership Development, sorta like my Teach For America mentor) observed my teaching. I got this wonderful email from her after the visit:

What I love about this email is that it contains concrete action steps I should take in order to improve. Fabulous.

Teach for America, Fort Worth ISD & my alternative certification program (The New Teacher's Project) aren't the only channels in which I can get feedback. Turns out my students are good for that, too.

This one almost made me cry. Tears of joy, of course!

"I hope to graduate from college in class of 2025. I think this because you are my best teacher I ever had in my life.  

 I said this because I believe that you can make a change. We can go to 5th grade and you can be here in 4th grade so you can show them all the things you showed us so they can believe that they can, which they are because you are the best 4th grade teacher I ever had. You are like a different version of "Mr. Ortega." That is how you are to me.

The best thing is you are a second mother to me. Thank you teacher!" 

Lovin' those frogs.

These notes of positivity are what keep me going.

Other happenings these past few weeks:

My class made it to the end of the 6 weeks dance party.

After-school tutoring has begun.

My class took a field trip to the FTW library & learned about Native Americans. 

TCU journalism major Jordan Rubio came to my class as a guest speaker
to tell students about reporting.

Running club is in season! Did I mention I'm assistant coach? Pictured above
is the actual coach, Mr. Nava. 

Two of my students celebrating running club post-survival.