Red Ribbon Week is a celebration in school that promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The yearly celebration was started in honor of Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agency Agent who fought against the effects that drugs and alcohol addiction had on families. Because of his dangerous job, Camarena was killed in 1985. Red Ribbon Week keeps his memory alive… Read More

You’re back to school, and you’ve already dove into your stash of pencils, paper, and glue. Let’s face it. You’ve probably spent some of your hard earned money on supplies for your students. Don’t fret! It’s time to put your favorite items on your wish list to share with parents, donors (check out #clearthelist on Twitter for a donor movement… Read More

The school year is in swing for most of the country, and it’s time to start the year strong! Growth mindset is not just a hot topic; it’s a way of teaching your students to embrace challenges and failure and keep going. It’s the attitude that even though things might get tough, believing that you can and working hard to… Read More

Well, we’re officially in Back to School mode, and Parent Orientation is a BTS event always noted in my planner. It may go by another name at your school- Open House, Back-to-School Night, or Curriculum Night– but its purpose is the same: to communicate to parents all they need to know as partners in their child’s education. Here are some… Read More

Classroom Decorations that Increase Student Engagement As much as I love summer, I think I love Back-to-School season even more! There are deals and sale galore, and new ideas to put into action. The opportunity for new beginnings is all around, and I just can’t wait to get into my new 5th grade classroom and get things set up! One… Read More

This past June I went on the MOST AMAZING professional development in my 12 years of teaching thanks to Teach Your Heart Out Con. We departed for a 3 day cruise with about 600 teachers in tow! Most of us were fresh from the school year ending and ready to relax. I connected with a lot of friends I know… Read More