reading summit 2017

I love this picture ^^^

At the end of June, three of us from school (SIT members) attended the Annual Scholastic Reading Summit. Typically the Summit has been in Concord, which is only a hop, skip and jump away from school. This year, however, it was in Raleigh. #boo

This meant we road tripped to Raleigh the evening before, had a very nice meal out, and slept in a really skeezy (is that a word?) hotel. The Summit was at the Sheraton Imperial Convention Center, which was really in Durham - not Raleigh. It was a nice place though and had a Starbucks, so. #iwassold

As you walk into the Summit, you're greeted with a whole bunch of freebies. Well, your registration paid for them really. I got two nice bags and a bunch of books, which was a nice little token:

The day began with a breakfast with Mr. Schu. He used to be an elementary school librarian but now works for Scholastic as an ambassador for public school libraries. Cool job, no? This guy has a true passion for books. He talks about them as if they are all family members - yes, the books! I kid you not I have a list four pages long of books I want to read. Some are chapter books, some picture books. He was giving away books left and right, but none of the three of us were lucky enough to win.

The first keynote speaker was Donalyn Miller, who I've seen speak four times now. She is the author of several professional books, two of which I've read. The Book Whisperer is her first book, and I wish I had read it when I was in the classroom. It would have transformed the way I taught reading. But since I didn't discover it until I was already an administrator, I had my teachers read it as a book study. #imsuretheylovedthat

The first three times I heard Donalyn speak, she had the same schpeal (is that a word?). Thankfully this time it was different. She had us start the conference by setting a goal for ourselves. What did we want out of the Summit? My goal(s) were: 1. Leave with new ideas and 2. Be excited

There's nothing better than leaving professional development with an urge to get to work and get started. Donalyn also spoke about how important it is NOT to incentivize reading. I really struggle with this. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with it. But - reading has been incentivized in schools for as long as I've been alive. Read a certain amount of books, get an award/grade. Take "RC or AR" tests on books, get an award. The list goes on. I hate RC and AR with a flying purple passion. But it's not a battle I'm ready to fight. We actually did an incentive field trip this year for the students earning the most RC points in our building. It went over really well, and we will continue to do it. I just wish there were a better way to get kids excited to read than pushing them to take a test on every book. Another thing she said was, "Stop letting reading scores matter more than reading lives." I wanted to stand up, shout Amen, and start dancing. I think she was preaching to the choir though - everyone in the room agrees, but that statement needs to be shouted into politicians' ears.

Something I loved that I can immediately implement is the "Reading Without Walls" Challenge:

I've already decided how my staff can participate, and will hope they'll decide to use this within their classrooms as well. It could so easily be a school-wide challenge that everyone from Kindergarten through 5th grade, parents and staff could participate in.

A few other cool ideas:

1. Rain gutter bookshelves - here's a picture from google search (top) and a picture outside my office of the work in progress (bottom). 
    
   
2. "Shelfies" - a selfie with a bookshelf. This is an image from a google search. I had taken a Shelfie of ME and then got a new phone and all my pictures are gone. #stillnotoverit 
   
3. "BookFace Friday" - a selfie using yourself as an extension of a book. The top pic is from a google search and the bottom is one I did last week: 
    
   

So the first "Break Out Session" I attended was this:

Now I don't tweet. It's all I can do to keep up with Instagram. But the lady who taught the session gave me a bunch of book recommendations to add to Mr. Schu's list. She shared her website with lots of resources and examples of things I can use. She also gave me some ideas for Booktalks. One of the ideas was a 6 Word Book Talk. It's very challenging trying to summarize a book and get readers interested by only using 6 words. She also does 6 Word Memoirs and 6 Word Summer Breaks - with students - to try to challenge them to be succinct. The presenter runs a virtual book club with another colleague that is very well attended by professionals all over the country (mainly educators) and they have a "World Book Talk Championship" that uses brackets and has a "Vince Lombooki" trophy, which I thought I could incorporate this year since our school-wide theme is football.

***LUNCH BREAK***

The second break-out session I went to was with Mr. Schu and it was his reviews of books. So, more to add to the list. One I canNOT wait to read/buy is After the Fall by Dan Santat. It comes out in October of 2017 and I desperately want to use it as our "one book, one school" book this year. What we do is purchase a copy for every classroom. Then my AP and I read it to every class and we paint a mural in the school of the book's cover. Last year we even Skyped with the author of Peanut Butter and Cupcake in front of the mural - it was neat! While Mr. Schu was book-talking After the Fall, I was so engaged I was in tears. It's about Humpty Dumpty and how he gets back up after his great fall. A good story (apparently) about how to overcome the lows in life. Here's the cover:

Finally, our closing remarks were done by author Jewell Parker Rhodes who calls herself a reading evangelist. She has written many children's books, but talked specifically about Ninth Ward and Towers Falling.

This lady was a little spitfire. I loved her. I bought Towers Falling and am excited to read it. She gave us a list of three things we HAVE to do:

• Engage Families
• Build Libraries
• Book Talk

I think we do all of those things well at my school.

After the Summit ended, I evaluated whether I met my earlier stated goals:

1. Leave with new ideas: Yes! The Reading Without Walls Challenge, Shelfies, BookFace Friday, 4 pages of books I can't wait to read, 6 Word Book Talks, the book for One Book One School, Book Gutters, the Lombooki trophy.

2. Get excited: Yes! I've already started working on several of my new ideas (see pic of Book Gutter progress above) and also I'm spray painting a football for the trophy today:

Finally - a picture from one of the sessions that really struck me:

I think this is important to revisit in life all the time. WHY am I in the career I'm in? WHY am I working out every day? WHY do I want to be healthy? WHY am I getting up early? WHY do I need to put my cell phone down. WHY should I answer this phone call? Don't lose your way in life.

Now excuse me while I sign off. I have four pages of books to read!

book fever

This year I've had a major book fever. 

It is such a relief to have that hunger back in my life. I used to read ravenously, then having children dampered that. I was always too tired to read during the free 2 minutes I had per day taking care of babies. Now that the kids are becoming more independent, I'm finding making more time to read. I always carry a book with me wherever I go. I read at the park, the pool, waiting for appointments, during Finn's swim lessons every Monday at 7:30, etc. I've not only been reading adult literature but children's as well. I've slacked in the children's department these past few months, but at the beginning of the school year, I was tearing through some novelettes. I would "book talk" on morning broadcast at school and then give the books away (if they were mine to give). Here's the most recent novelette I read:

The book Wringer was recommended to me by one of my teachers. I've read other Jerry Spinelli books, and this was definitely no let-down. A great book about a pre-teen trying to fit in, doing whatever it takes to be considered "cool" and then realizing that ultimately "fitting in" wasn't really what he wanted. Such a sweet story that I'd love to read to Finn when he is old enough to understand.

The book I'm in the middle of now is this:

It was in the adult lending library at work. The reason I picked it is because on the back it mentions that it's soon to be a movie with Reese Witherspoon. #loveher

I'm enjoying the story-line but am having a hard time envisioning Reese as Ani. Ani is such a "bad girl" who speaks and thinks with vulgarity. I can look beyond those things however, I'm gonna have to see the movie to believe Reese could pull off the character. I'm so used to seeing her as a good Southern gal, sweet as peach pie. #imdoubtful

As a sidenote-not a book, but a movie. We watched Lion last night. It was definitely a Redbox steal. I saw the previews for it when we watched LaLaLand last weekend (didn't like that one).

First of all, the little boy verson of Saroo is quite possibly the most beautiful little boy. Ever. I was in tears a lot throughout this movie. I watched it through the eyes of Saroo's birth mother. How devastating it would be to lose your son and have no idea where he was and if he was alive. The end of the movie gives you all the feels, though. If you haven't rented it, it's a must. Just have lots of tissues. #uglycry

I've made my summer book list.

Next weekend I plan to spend some time at the local B&N making these purchases with an Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte in hand. If you have read any of these, don't tell me if you hated them. :)

First up:

Jennifer Weiner has been a favorite author for EVER. I was searching books and saw this one and simply canNOT believe I haven't read it. Not sure if it's new or just one I managed to overlook. It's like finding a $20 bill in your winter jacket the first cold day of the year. Can't wait!

Next:

I've read Mary Kubica's other 2 books and loved them both a lot. She writes in a way that makes me not want to put the book down. I have lost a lot of sleep reading her books because I convince myself I have time for one more chapter. And maybe just one more...

Thirdly:

I don't know what drew me to this book. I think the review at the top reading, "...you'll laugh, you'll cry..." may have had something to do with it. Also a friend recently mentioned she read it and liked it. That helps.

Fourth one:

Well. I've read a few of Liane Moriartys books this year and since this one has become a TV show with my fave: Reese Witherspoon, I have to read it. Any book good enough to become an entire series must be fantastic. And there's a sucker on the cover. So.

Finally:

This author wrote The Girl on the Train, which I attribute to me catching book fever this year. I believe this is her 2nd novel - she has only published two so far. When your first novel becomes a movie, you must be good. 

I'm not sure how long it'll take me to finish the current book and then read these five, but if I have time for more this summer, I'd love to have some recommendations. Also below are some of the other books I've loved during my book fever this year:

Happy Reading!

i missed you

It has been over a year since I've blogged and I have had many people ask me why I stopped, will I ever write again, and when? I stopped blogging because a few people misunderstood my most recent blog post. It's hard to write and for your readers to fully understand what you mean. So much is lost in writing. Tone. Cadence. True emotion.

In the year since I've not blogged, I have also removed myself from Facebook personally. There are a gazillion reasons why. I won't go into it. I'm still not on Facebook personally, only for photography. I'm now on Instagram instead. I love it! It is all pictures, which is what I loved most about Facebook. It's not a political or religious debate, and people aren't just plain mean on Instagram.

Well, I've missed writing. It has always been a passion for me and allows me to record my thoughts and experiences as well as share them with family from afar. That's one of the things I missed most about Facebook vs. Instagram. On Facebook I could write a paragraph thought or conversation but that's really not what Instagram is for. So here I am. Blogging. There's really no purpose to this blog other than to tell you I miss you. I miss my platform to write. I miss my readers having the opportunity to see into my life.

I just ask that you read my blog with an open mind and don't ever take anything personally.

what's up wednesday

 

It's not the last Wednesday in July, but I felt like writing.

 



 

WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK

Pat and I are both back on Weight Watchers. I need to drop the 12 lbs I've gained since I went to Jamaica and started over-eating. So what we're eating isn't TOO exciting. Monday night we had Baja Tacos, which is a WW dish and delish! Tuesday night was homemade pizza, with not near enough cheese. And tonight is grilled chicken and roasted green beans. Finn's friend is coming over for a play date and we're getting them pizza. #imissbread

 

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT
Finn found an entire box of old photographs the other day. He pulled them out one at a time asking me to tell him who everyone was in each picture. He would get super excited when he found one of himself! "Look Mommy it's Finn!" Lots of the pictures weren't too old, but it is always fun reminiscing by looking through pictures you hardly ever have time to look through.

 

WHAT I'M LOVING
Gerry Brooks. He's this principal that does videos that are just HILARIOUS. Here's a recent one:

Some of my other favorites of his are "Summer break etiquette", "Principal Snow Day", and "Principal Coupon Book". Look them up on YouTube.

 

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO
Pat and I decided in February that every other month we would take turns planning surprise date nights for each other. One month we did a scavenger hunt around Charlotte, one month we went to a Knight's game, one month we just went shopping and had dinner...and there's another month in there that I can't remember. Figures it was one of the dates I planned! July is my month and our date is July 31st. Anyone have any super ideas?

 

WHAT I'M DREADING
Finn has several splinters in one of his feet that we've not been able to get out. We've tried EVERY home remedy, trust me. Homemade paste, raisins, blue emu cream, etc. It doesn't help that he is extremely ticklish on his feet. So when you TRY to get a blister out he cannot hold still. I'm dreading the fact that we're eventually going to have to take him to the doctor to do it. Which means he'll have to get some sort of numbing shot. #hegetsithonest

 

WHAT I'M WORKING ON
I've started planning for Christmas mini sessions. I know. It's July. But, the sessions are in November so I have time to edit and deliver images so clients can have their cards printed in time. And I usually book them in September - and they fill up FAST. I have 2 ideas so far - still trying to figure out another idea. I need five pallets for one of my ideas. Anyone have pallets they don't want?

 

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT

Pat and I are taking Finn - just Finn - to Carowinds at the end of the month. He has been talking lately about Disney World and how he wants to go. We aren't quite there yet, as we want both boys to be old enough to actually remember the experience. So, the next best thing (?) is Carowinds. It's a 30 minute-ish drive from our house, gives discounts after 4:00 pm, and has a pretty good kids-section. We haven't told Finn we're taking him, because he doesn't really know what it is. But I'm excited to see his excitement as he goes on all the rides.

 

 

 

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING

I'm reading Me Before You. I read it avidly while in California and on the many flight delays and layovers home. I'm a few chapters away from finishing and just cannot find the time (or the book itself really) to finish. Perhaps that is what I should be doing now instead of blogging ;) I'm also watching The Bachelorette. We record it and when I have time I catch up on it. I know there are a lot of haters out there when it comes to this franchise, but it is my guilty pleasure and aside from The Lion Guard it is pretty much the only TV I get to see. Man I hate The Lion Guard. #samethirteenepisodesformonths

 

 

 

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO

When I'm at work over the summer it's pretty quiet. I try to listen to Pandora, but sometimes I turn it off and enjoy the silence. The building has a lot of soothing sounds; air conditioning, the sun making the metal on the roof creak, the copiers making their funky sounds even though they're not really on, the bells that still ring over the summer, the occasional car driving up or through, the phone ringing, sometimes a rain storm, the doorbell ringing, the custodian's keys jingling. Just thinking about it makes me want to take a nap!

 

WHAT I'M WEARING

I'm wearing a lot of comfy clothes this summer to work. It has been eerily calm at school. Not a whole lot of people showing up to register or ask questions. So I've been either coming in my comfy LuLaRoe leggings or workout clothes. Most days, anyway. And I love it. What I'm not wearing much of lately is makeup. So anytime someone does come in to the building asks me if I'm feeling ok. #mascaraisamust

 

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND

This weekend I'm taking the boys to Atlanta to stay with my dad and Sherry! I am praying that sleep comes easy to Finn & Kellan while we're there because our last visit was quite miserable. Not the visit, the nighttimes. We're going to go to a splash pad and park, get smoothies, watch movies, and otherwise just take it easy. Finn is excited to see Baba and Grammy!

 

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH

Next month is my all time favorite month! AUGUST! Back to school, weekend vacation to the beach, my birthday. I'm not necessarily excited about my birthday per se. But the entire month just makes me happy. I'm super excited that I'm going to a Dixie Chicks concert the 2nd weekend in August. It was Pat's gift to me for Valentine's Day (I think?) or maybe Mother's Day. I've always wanted to see them in concert.

 

 

WHAT ELSE IS NEW

 Some personal things I've been going through drives me to post this quote:

It's something I need to be reminded about, but I also want to remind others as well. It's just a good general reminder in life. It's so easy to jump to conclusions and think you understand - making a judgment on someone or their actions without knowing all of the circumstances. I know it hurts to be misjudged. So I'm trying to be more understanding of others.

 

thankful thursday

 

In a time where a lot of what you see and read are devastation, frustration, anger, sadness, fear, stress, and anxiety [the list could go on] sometimes it is hard to change your mindset. You can let yourself be consumed by those negative feelings, or you can give yourself a second to feel that way and then decide to find things you're thankful for. There have been so many things in the news [both real news and facebook news] that make me scared, sad, etc. I feel like I often live thinking what if even though I know that's no way to live. I have to consciously change my mindset after watching/listening to the news or reading my newsfeed on facebook so I'm not consumed by everyone else's negativity. I'm by no means perfect, I have those feelings too. But today, this Thursday, the 30th of June 2016, I'm spending the day being Thankful. Thankful Thursday. Here's what I'm thankful for today:

 

Last night Pat and I went to a fantastic concert, got trapped in the pouring rain, laughed hysterically, and got home really late. Two sweet girls took care of our boys and we knew they were in great hands. We were carefree for a night, and so needed that!

 

I have the hardest working head custodian. I am so thankful for him, his kind heart. I brought him breakfast this morning and told him I appreciated him.

 

I was able to enjoy an amazing California vacation last weekend. Just Magena, Anjani, and me. It was relaxing and rejuvenating, which is what I needed. My travel plans coming home were less than desirable, but I made it home safely to my family - even if it was 24 hours later than planned. I was safe.

 

My mom called me yesterday with the sad news that she and my aunt Paula won't be able to come visit as planned at the end of July. Mom and Auntie are dealing with some health issues where traveling long distance just isn't ideal. I'm thankful that they realize what's best for them is to stay home, so they are not uncomfortable or jeopardizing their safety. I'm thankful that in October, Finn and I are able to travel to Michigan to see them!

 

I'm thankful that in a few weekends, the boys and I are traveling to Georgia to spend time with Baba and Grammy. What I'm really thankful for is the fact that they're good sleepers now [for the most part] so that I feel travel is possible and they won't disrupt their Grandparents during the night.

 

I'm thankful for a supportive husband. Supportive is not a strong enough word to describe him, but his support of me and all aspects of my life enables me to do what I love and be who I need to be.

 

I'm thankful for quiet days in the office over the summer. Organizing, planning, decorating, enjoying music and comfortable clothes. Here are some things I've been getting together:

I've recycled the actual binder and it looks a little water-logged. The actual pages for the Principal Binder are from Teacher Pay Teacher. They have them for APs, Directors and Teachers as well - and they're so cute and affordable [$4.95 for the file download, you just have to print on your own].

Mousepad thanks to Jane.com and notepad thanks to Barnes & Noble.

 

I'm thankful for having Fridays off all summer long. Working four ten-hour days is exhausting [there's a reason I'm not in the fields of work that work more than those hours] BUT I enjoy having Fridays with Finn & Kellan. Tomorrow we're meeting friends for lunch, then going to the pool for the afternoon!

 

I know I could go on and on because there truly is so much for which to be thankful.

What I leave you with today is the encouragement to start each day with a thankful heart. As each foot touches the floor as you climb out of bed, tell yourself what you're thankful for today. You'll be amazed at how your mindset changes!