I'm happy to report that things are off to a really great start.  I have 20 kids and they are absolutely adorable.  They're not perfect by any means- but what a cute and genuinely sweet group of kids.  I can tell I'm going to get really attached.  I don't anticipate any major problems with any of them, behaviorally speaking, and that's a big relief (as those of you who have been following my saga for a few years know .

My grade level team is really awesome, too.  We only have one new teacher (there are 8 of us total) and she's wonderful, not only with the kids but also as a person.  She's a Christian as well and we have a lot in common- I'm really looking forward to getting to know her better.  Our team just works so well together, there's no drama, and I love being able to work with people I consider my friends. 

I've never taught in any one place for longer than 2 years, so coming back for a 3rd year in the same place is a little strange for me.  I know all the kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades because I've taught them, and now I'm actually getting the younger siblings of former students!  What a concept.  And not having to rent a U-Haul to load all of my stuff up at the end of the year and bring sit omeplace new in the fall is a huge relief.  You might remember how much I wanted to transfer last spring... but I just didn't feel like God was releasing me to go, and now I'm so glad I was obedient.  I appreciate my school and the community more now than ever.

The school district has come up with this One Voice plan in which all schools are using the same terminology and working on the same goals.  It's resulting in a lot of formulaic requirements in which we have to be teaching the same skills at the same time, which is causing some initial problems but I think will work well in the long run. I don't have a problem teaching the standards, I have a problem with teaching the test and being forced to teach the standards in a way that is not appropriate for my students.  So far we still have the flexibility we need, for the most part... but I'm definitely going to bring some of what I'm learning to this site because I know a lot of you are facing NCLB regulations and are struggling to deal with it.

Oh, and this is really cool- the school district is using this site in some of it's training sessions for teachers!  In the past, I've granted permission for material to be used in several universities, teacher-training curriculums, and school district manuals in other parts of the country but Broward County was not using it until several months ago.  It's been suggested to me that I pull the material that they are using off the site and publish it so that they have to pay a fee to use it, but  I'm really happy to be able to help out other teachers in my own school district and I can't see charging for that.

I am still working on my book- thanks to all who have asked about it-, which I will most likely publish as an eBook first and then put out a print copy later- but that's still in the beginning stages so it won't be anytime soon (especially since I'm also trying to work on the book about prison ministry).  I do have a lot going on this year, especially since I'm taking a course at the Bible Institute this semester, but nothing like it was last year with the National Boards.  I should actually have some time to write this year... so I'll keep you updated.

On the site, I'm going to be filling in activities and resources for the pages that have been created but aren't yet completed, especially the literacy ones.  Typically there are a lot less visitors to the site in September because everyone's so busy with school, but stop back in (or sign up to be emailed when there are new updates) to see what's new.  I have a lot of really incredible resources from other teachers and the workshops I took this summer and I know you're going to get a lot out of them, just like I did.

Thanks so much to those of you who have been purchasing Amazon products through the site!  I wish I could thank you personally, but trust me- it IS appreciated, and I'm really glad that I don't have to run ads to support the site.  I know that there have been some pop-ups from 3rd party ads recently and I'm trying to get that resolved.  You alll have been very patient with all the 'construction' and I'm so grateful to those who took the time to email me when there were problems with viewing the site or following links.

I love reading all of your emails and hearing what's working in your classrooms.  Please stay in touch, and if you're going to be in the Ft. Lauderdale area and would like to visit the classroom, let me know.  I've been fortunate enough to meet up with some of you in person and exchange ideas, and it's such a great learning experience!

Have a WONDERFUL school year, and remember to stay focused on ENJOYING the children and teaching lessons that are fun for you as well as the kids.  Stay true to what you are passionate about and bring that enthusiasm to the classroom each day.  Thanks for all of your encouragement- God bless you!

 Angela

Just wanted to let you know that a friend sent me your website and I found it to be so helpful. I am a fourth year teacher and am still trying to figure out what works best for my students. Your suggestions and explnations are helpful and easy to incorporate into any classroom. It's nice not to have to reinvent the wheel. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.:):):)

I am happy to hear about your book writing. I can understand about fufilling your purpose. Once you start moving in your purpose you receive more energy from the Lord to do His will! I will begin my first school year Monday so pray for me as well!

Comtinue to do His Will Girlfriend! Pray for me as I enter into my first year of teaching! Ihave 2nd grade and was hired at a wonderful district. We are using Reading First and Saxon Math. I never knew how much better it would be to have a structured curriculum!

hi miss Powell, I have been stuck in your web page for like a week!!!:)hahaha..It is so wonderful! and then I found out that you are christian which made me feel really happy. I have been teaching for 5 years now and your blog and website have inspired me to keep working and dreaming about touching my kids`lives in a significant way.
Blessings!