Photostory Class

What an interesting class today! First some of the computers wouldn't work so we could download pictures into Photostory. Then some of the microphones wouldn't work and just when we were getting everything together, the power went off and here we sit about 15 of us with battery operated computers. All I can say is patience was all that kept this class going and I bet they won't forget this class! The power still hadn't come on when we left. This surely was an experience!

Speaking to Driver's Ed Classes

Once again I am speaking to Driver's Ed Classes about Ginni's accident and teen safe driving. This time I am speaking at Staunton River. I think it has been productive and if it saves just one life, then I have done my job. The students have been very attentive and several good questions have been asked. I was asked "How do you do this?" I responded that it is hard to speak about the death of your daughter but I do this to let others know that life is not definite and it could happen to anyone.

Also I give them several things to remember:·

• Wear your seatbelts.
• Obey traffic laws.
• Limit your passengers.
• Stay off cell phones.
• Avoid distractions and pay attention.
• No drinking and driving.
• Learn what to do if you run off the road, please don’t overcorrect.T

There are also some websites that relate to the safe teen driving:

• http://yovaso.net
• http://www.teendriving.com/
• http://allstateteendriver.com/
• http://www.safeteendriving.org/
• http://www.wset.com/news/stories/0308/503665.html

I hope that by speaking to these classes, the students will listen and follow through.

http://ginnimarcheson.org

Challenging But Rewarding Week

This has been a challenging week for me after having surgery on Sunday. Getting back to work has been a gradual process but has also been rewarding. When I came back on Wednesday, we finished up the podcasts at SRHS and let me tell you some of those podcasts were outstanding and the students to be commended.

Then yesterday and today, I have been at BMS where the students did a contiuing great job of creating podcasts. They nicknamed me the podcast queen (Asia, Jennifer, and Mrs. McCallister). Mrs. McCallister said she was going to get me a Burger King crown to wear! LOL!

Melanie Simmons was at BMS today and saw one of the podcasts. She was very impressed and complemented Miss DiPuma and the podcasts the chorus students had made. I happened to have one on my macbook I could show her.

Another reason this week has been challenging is because of the meds I am taking for pain make me really tired. I am glad to be back at work but it is wearing me down. Hopefully next week will be much better healthwise.

I am looking forward to doing my class after school Monday on podcasting. There are 12 signed up for the class. That is another step towards my goal!!!

Collaboration

I am really excited about all this collaboration among the teachers at SRMS, SRHS and us. Everytime my colleagues and I go to the schools, some teacher is coming up wanting us to do something in their classrooms. There has been a lot of response to podcasting which is my goal this year. Let's hope all this continues.

Hugs

*HUGS*
There's something in a simple hug That always warms the heart;

It welcomes us back home And makes it easier to part.

A hug's a way to share the joy And sad times we go through,

Or just a way for friends to say They like you 'cause you're you.

Hugs are meant for anyone For whom we really care,

From your grandma to your neighbour, Or a cuddly teddy bear.

A hug is an amazing thing - It's just the perfect way

To show the love we're feeling But can't find the words to say.

It's funny how a little hug Makes everyone feel good;

In every place and language, It's always understood.

And hugs don't need new equipment, Special batteries or parts -

Just open up your arms And open up your hearts.

Jill Wolf