Wow, I can hardly believe the school year is upon us. Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing, enjoyable, and safe vacation. As always, I had a fantastic summer spending time with my family. Like every year, it felt short, but I am ready for the school year to begin. I am eager to get to know you, and am looking forward to what the year has in store for us!
For starters, I would like to tell you a bit about myself. My hometown is Lomira, WI, which is located approximately 15 minutes south of Fond du Lac. I have three brothers, Jamie, Jason, and Jess. Yes, my parents decided to name us based on the letter J. In addition to my brothers, I have three nephews, Collin (16), Hunter (12), Owen (1), and a five-year-old niece, Lila.
Upon graduating from Lomira High School, I attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In addition to receiving my Bachelors in Science-Education with a health minor, I also met Dan, my husband. Together we have three children; Mya (8), Ava (5), and Molly (2). Mya loves to run, bike, and explore the outdoors. Zealous, ambitious, and gregarious are words that sum up Ava’s personality. And then there is Molly, who knows what she likes and wants, but goes with the flow. We currently reside in the Town of Black Creek. I absolutely love our secluded farmhouse along with our spacious backyard that is a little over two acres.
Some of my interests include going to sporting events such as Green Bay Gambler hockey games and Timber Rattler baseball games. To keep active, I like to run, bike, and occasionally golf. If you haven’t already picked up on it, I enjoy the outdoors. Although I don’t camp as often and I would like; my favorite location is Peninsula State Park in Door County. Some of you might be familiar with J&H in Shiocton, my preferred place to shoot sporting clays.
As for my teaching profession, this will be my fourteenth year at Greenville Middle School. It is hard for me to believe it has been that long as the time seems to really fly by! This year I will be teaching Language Arts and Reading. I might have some of you for multiple classes; therefore, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other real well! Over the course of the year, you will notice that Language Arts and Reading are connected in many ways. Together, we will be exploring many different types and styles of writing: Narrative, Research, Informational, and Persuasive.
In closing, I am looking forward to a extraordinary school year. See you on Tuesday!
Gratitude
November 2013
The quote, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter,” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one that I continually reflect upon. Therefore, as Thanksgiving approaches, I would like to voice a few of the many things I am grateful for.
First, and foremost, I would like to mention my coworkers and students at Greenville Middle School. The individuals I work with daily are amazing, and as a result, I am continually learning something new. I am truly blessed to have a job that I anticipate day in and day out. In addition, I would like to give a shout out to my past and present students. You are all truly talented and wonderful. I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and skills with me; I enjoy learning alongside you!
Also, I am ever so thankful for my loving husband, my beautiful, little ladies, and my family and friends for their continued support. I love the moments we share and feel blessed to have the memories that we have made through the years. No matter what, there is advice that is given, an ear to listen, an abundance of laughter, and shoulder to lean on. Thank you!
In closing, there are 86,400 seconds in a day. As the holiday approaches, I encourage you to take one of those to thank someone that has made a difference in your life. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Tough Mudder
September 2013
Mud, sweat, determination, team work, the list is endless. Bruises, scrapes, and a bit of soreness is what I have been left with along with a sense of accomplishment and brotherly love. Yes, I ran with a team of people that included my oldest and youngest brother; Jamie and Jess.
Running 11.8 miles and defeating countless obstacles, nothing like I had ever imagined to say the least. Kiss of Mud, Blades of Glory, Firewalker, and Boa Constrictor, all sound like great obstacles, right? Wait, did I fail to mention that there were 10,000 volts of electricity flowing through the Electric Eel? And, did you know that there were 80,000 pounds of ice in the Artic Enema? Plugged ears and dirt oozing from orifices taught me some valuable lessons of wearing ear plugs in addition to plugging my nose prior to jumping in the water obstacles. Admission number one, Walk the Plank was my nemesis. The deal was at the count of three, but where was I...standing at the top in fear and a bit tremble.
For an event I never thought I would be a part of, I certainly look forward to another chance to take it all on. As the Tough Mudder creed goes: I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race, but a challenge. I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time. I do not whine - kids whine. I help my fellow Mudders complete the course. I overcome all fears. Bring it 2014 Tough Mudder!