My 1st NC Snow Day

I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina last August for a Kindergarten teaching job.  I lived in the same suburb of Ohio since I was 2 years old so it has been an experience to live somewhere new and unfamiliar to me.  Besides the drastic changes in the schools, the weather has been an adjustment.  I love sunshine and warm weather-- especially in the winter months when I am used to brutal cold temperatures below 0.

This "winter" North Carolina has mostly been in the 50s and 60s, except last weekend.  On Friday we were expecting a big ice storm.  Coming from Ohio where snow and ice is normal, I expected a dusting here.  However, apparently every person goes to the grocery store to buy milk and bread at any chance of winter weather coming.  Why?  I don't know.

I was actually taken aback by what I saw Friday afternoon.  The way Ohio and North Carolina reacts and treats winter weather is incredibly different.

View from my apartment window.  If you look closely at the road and concrete by the pool- it's all ice.

My car on Saturday after .75 inch of ice and snow.

Joke was on me- took over an hour to de ice my car.  Look at how thick that ice is!

Over the weekend 50,000+ people in my county lost power.  Some are still without power.  I had a snow day on Friday and today.  Then tomorrow I have a 3 hour delay.  In Ohio we only had 2 hour delays so the option of 2 or 3 hour delays is new to me.

Even though it is 50 today and supposed to be 60 tomorrow, I am going to enjoy this "winter" weather.

Have a great week everyone!

2016 One Little Word

My one little word for 2016 is MINDSET.  I read Carol Dweck's book last year and it impacted my life.  I went through a lot of major changes in 2015 and having a growth mindset helped me navigate my emotions.  We go through many situations in life, but our attitude is what controls the situation.

I am on the mindset committee at school and started reading Mindset in the Classroom.  I look forward to seeing how it can improve our classroom and school.

Bulletin board at school. 

Moving forward in 2016...

I love reading this book to students immediately upon returning to school.  After reading the book, we discussed what a resolution is.  Then, we chart ideas of possible resolutions for school.

I was so impressed with my Kindergarten students ability to reflect.

After reading the book and discussing whole class goals, I meet with individual students to help them decide on their goals.

Students choose from goals from work habits, math, reading, and writing. 

This is the template students use to record their goals.  Once the goal is met, I check it off and date it.  I believe goal setting is very empowering for students.

Both pictures above are from Mrs. Ricca's Kindergarten freebie.

Happy New Year!