Playing Catch Up!

I'm sort of funny about my blogging.  I like to keep things nice and chronological.  So, I'm going to do a quick "catch up" blog.  Life happens so fast around here that I can't possibly share EVERYTHING with you, but how I want too! 

My goal is to be in classrooms as OFTEN as possible.  Why?  Sure, classroom supervision is part of my "job description," but it is so much deeper.  Just ask our PCA North administrative assistant, Anslie Dysart.  When I come back from the classrooms, I'm almost skipping and whistling!  Again, why?  Because our teachers are AMAZING and no matter where I look - at any day or any time - I see FANTASTIC student learning. 

The above being said, I'm going to share a variety of things - just to "catch up!" 

First Grade Literature Centers

One of the most important things first graders learn is to become fluent readers.  As students rotate through literature centers, Mrs. Fuller has opportunity to listen to individual students read to guide and challenge them appropriately.

 

Music

Walking by our music classroom draws me in every time!  It's such a happy place.  Enjoy some pictures of our first and second graders in music.  Mrs. Arredondo does a great job of varying the activities and keeping students actively engaged.

Kindergarten Math Time and Centers

The first picture shows Mrs. Zarycki and students in a hands-on math activity.  Students understand numbers and place value so much more when they can actually touch and manipulate the objects. 

 

Centers are a big part of the kindergarten curriculum.  Each learning station (or center) has a specific purpose.  

 

I love the series of pictures to follow.  Who knew 100 cups could be so much fun!?

Third Grade Technology Integration

When speaking of technology integration, I never want to lose sight of the learning objective.  Sure, technology is a great tool, but is most beneficial if enhancing the learning objective.  Recently, Mrs. Troster and her students explored the reading skill of cause and effect.  After learning the objective, students used technology to demonstrate mastery.  One group made an iMovie while another used augmented reality.  I would explain augmented reality - except it BLOWS MY MIND!  Google it!  Or - come and watch some third graders demonstrate! 

These creative students used props found around the classroom to act out a "cop and robber" movie.  The production was videoed and in no time was ready to show to classmates.

 

Mrs. Noel

Our staff had time to say a prayer, give a small give, and say a huge 'THANK YOU' to Jennifer Noel.  North's very first art teacher has left her imprint on our school and we are going to miss her tremendously.  However, we are excited for the doors God has opened for her family and look forward to seeing what is ahead for her as she moves to Tulsa.  Each staff member wrote a favorite verse on a paint brush. 

Our North campus is blessed with a great group of enrichment teachers who offer students great experiences in PE, library, technology, art, music, Spanish, and Learning Lab! 

 

Meet the Teacher and Back to School Day

Monday was so full of excitement and meaningful events, the day needs more than one blog post to contain everything the day represented in the life of our new campus.  

So...in this post, I will share the events that happened at the North campus in Prosper.  In the following post, I'll share thoughts and pictures from our All School Worship held at Prestonwood's Plano campus.  

After months of praying, planning, and preparation, we were able to gather our families together and show students their new classrooms!  Many students met their teacher for the first time and almost everyone made a new friend.  I don't have adequate adjectives to describe the energy and excitement of this day.  Perhaps a few pictures will give you an idea!

Teachers and staff met families as they arrived.  We met in the gym to learn more about the school and to hear from Dr. Taylor, Pastor Kouba, and PCA North parent and Board of Trustee member, Mike Daugherty.  Parents heard from representatives of many special interests groups, sharing how they can jump in and become involved with various ministries and activities of our school. 

 

Students modeled spirit attire sold in the PCA HUB.

 

 

Students, parents, AND teachers could hardly wait to be together in the classrooms.  The teachers have worked very hard readying their classroom.  To see the excitement and hear the chatter made all of the hard work worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayers of Blessings Over our Staff

If you've been reading the posts from the beginning of the "North journey" until now, you may notice I continue to talk about the significant events and preparation leading up to the first day of school.  However, my VERY, VERY favorite time was spent this past week.  

Our entire PCA North faculty and staff gathered to hear from our Head of School, Dr. Larry Taylor.  He reminded us of the early days of PCA and of the significance of being called to the work of building the North campus.  

We heard from Prestonwood North's Lead Pastor, Dr. Chris Kouba.  Chris shared more about the many ministries of Prestonwood and welcomed us to the North campus. 

You want to know who is blessed with strong leadership?  Me!  Here I am sandwiched between my pastor, Chris Kouba, and my boss, Larry Taylor.  Two amazing men here to support me as we begin PCA North. One I've known for fifteen years.  One I've known for about six months.  Both have supported me in countless ways. There really are not adequate words to thank them. No words except..."Thank you, LORD." 

After "favorite" upon "favorite" event - here is my favorite of the favorite...Seeing the Prestonwood North staff praying over our PCA North staff in their classroom space.  

 

Friendships - old and new 

church and school 

coming together for the purpose of

 Kingdom education.

  I stand amazed in the presence

 of Jesus - my Savior - my Lord

and thank Him for 

all He has done.

And I wait in eager anticipation

of what is yet to come.