Spirit Week Schedule

Spirit week is the week of May 15- May 20!

Here is the schedule for the week:

Monday - Mismatch Day
Tuesday - Hat Day
Wednesday - Color Day
Thursday - PJ Day
Friday - Sports Day

White House Ceremony

After extensive security checks, we entered the White House grounds on Tuesday, May 3rd.

We had some time to explore the White House, enjoy some lovely snacks and drinks, and practice lining up. First we lined up in state order, then by height.

There were some reporters!

Mr. Koch finally made it through security too!

We then got to meet with President Obsma for a few minutes. We shook hands and a professional photographer captured the moment. All of the Teacgers were then sent out to the risers for the NTOY award ceremony. 

What an exciting day, and an important  boost for education in our country!

This is George, the personal butler for President Obama.

My fist- bump with the President!

My favorite view from inside the White House.

Teach Like Me

Shawn Sheehan( OK TOY)  started the "Teach Like Me " campaign 3 years ago in Oklahoma. His goal was to highlight our awesome profession and to attract folks to teacher prep programs.

The NTOY16 group is dedicated to the campaign and wore t shirts together on "Teach Like Me" day!

For more information click here: www.teachlikeme.org

We had time for a quick walk and a visit to the Renwick museum and the exhibit called"Wonder".

Taking a few minutes to soak in the whole experience! Next stop- the White House!

Smithsonian Monday

Our morning started with a breakfast at the Smithsonian castle, the site of the original Smithsonian Institute.  

Imagine my surprise when Ashley Naranjo from Smithsonian lab shared a slide of our class using Smithsonian resources last winter. Here is a link for more info https://learninglab.si.edu/news/celebrating-10-years-with-the-teachers-of-the-year

We then split into groups for "behind the scenes" workshops. I went to the Freer/ Sackler museum to explore an exhibit by Saudi artist Ahmed Mater. Deeper questioning strategies, artful thinking models and reflection were the topic of my session.

In the afternoon we met again in the castle

 To discuss education policy issues. I am so proud to be part of the Teacher of the Year group which is unafraid to tackle assessment issues with honesty and integrity.

Here are more photos from the day :

Visiting the Vice President's Home

Our group was bused to the US Naval Ibservatory in Sunday afternoon. We were able to visit with Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. They actually came outside to join our group for a photo together.

Going through security.

My friend, Beth Nickerson, ELL director for Alexandria Public schools.

A lovely home!

A quiet corner.

The Vice President, Joe Biden! Hard to believe it was that close.

Dr. Jill Biden is a teacher too! 

Wow! 

Washington Week!

I am very exited to join each state's "Teacher of the Year" for Washington Week. We have a packed agenda  with exciting activities each day and evening.

Rest assured that the first graders also have an exciting week planned with guest teacher Kathy Fechter.

I look forward to the time when we are together again to share our experiences.

Wondering

As we continue to learn more about Vermont birds, questions have been popping up. 

We will continue to do research, and will look for answers to some of these deep questions. 

Please check with your child to find out what they are wondering!