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Saturday, January 5, 2013

2013 has dawned

Wow, it is hard to believe that I have not posted in so many months. It reminds me about how time really does move quicker the older we get, but really this is just so ridiculous!

I am planning to take this blog on a different direction; using it to feature some of my creative products, my feelings as I muddle through this school year trying to find ways to help develop a love of learning in my middle school students, and overall views of life as I observe life revolving around me.

Since August so much has changed in the state of New Jersey.  The school year began with changes in teacher evaluation, standards for testing, and overall teacher distrust. (That is an editorial remark based upon the perception of a current teacher - so if I offend anyone, my opinion is just my opinion)
I came into the year with so many new ideas for my students, and for the most part they have been enthusiastically embraced. 


The biggest change though came on October 29, 2012 when Superstorm Sandy slammed into the East Coast of the United States, directly onto Long Beach Island where so many of my students and colleagues live.  Wow, how priorities and life has changed.  As my students continue to make sense of all the changes; addresses, needs & wants, and basic life experiences, we continue to teach to the best of our abilities, showing caring through fundraising, gift giving and overall generosity.  If you want to help with the continuing rebuilding, Jetty tee-shirts - hurricane sandy relief are doing great things in Ocean County, New Jersey.


So as I enter 2013 my goal is to continue teaching in a creative manner, build my etsy shop Suzinstitches to give me an outlet for my creative juices.  The Masters of Instructional Technology program continues, so having a creative outlet will certainly help keep the stress levels down.