Hello, Berkeley County!
I have just arrived home from the 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year Reception. It was a beautiful evening, despite the rain and the thunder.
The finalists are as follows:
Mark Albright from Hedgesville Middle School
Susan Bucey from Musselman High School
Brenda Gain from Tuscarora Elementary School
Erin Sponaugle from Tomahawk Intermediate School
and
Cynthia Woods from Spring Mills Middle School.
Berkeley County is truly blessed with amazing teachers who eagerly accept the many challenges of education.
....And the winner is......Susan Bucey! Congratulations!
I would like to thank the entire Berkeley County School System for an exceptional year. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as your Teacher of the Year. I am looking forward to reading the new blogs that will be posted by this year's recipient.
Thank you so much!
Dottie Pownall
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happy Memorial Day!
Hello, Berkeley County!
So what are you doing on this glorious Memorial Day Holiday? Are you sunbathing by the pool? Enjoying a picnic with your family and friends? Getting caught up or your chores? Enjoying a vacation at the beach? Or simply chilling on this hot, Monday afternoon?
We are all grateful for the time to relax. But we must never forget the true reason for this special holiday. Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May. It is a federal holiday to honor the U.S. war heroes. Although it was originally set up to honor soldiers from the Civil War, the holiday was expanded after WWI to include soldiers of all wars. We must always be proud Americans, and we must never forget the men and women of our military.
To commemorate Memorial Day, I would like to share five of my favorite quotes surrounding the day.
1. "The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." Benjamin Disraeli
2. "Each man is a hero, and an oracle to somebody." Ralph Waldo Emerson.
3. "A hero is one who knows how to hang on one minute longer." Novalis
4. "The secret of Happiness is Freedom, and the secret of Freedom, Courage." Thucydides
5. "Heroism is latent in every human soul--However humble or unknown, they (the Veterans) have renounced what are accounted pleasures and cheerfully undertaken all the self-denials--privation, toils, dangers, sufferings, sicknesses, mutilations, life-long hurts and losses, death itself- for some great good, dimly seen, but dearly held." Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Thank you! Enjoy your day!
Dottie Pownall
So what are you doing on this glorious Memorial Day Holiday? Are you sunbathing by the pool? Enjoying a picnic with your family and friends? Getting caught up or your chores? Enjoying a vacation at the beach? Or simply chilling on this hot, Monday afternoon?
We are all grateful for the time to relax. But we must never forget the true reason for this special holiday. Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May. It is a federal holiday to honor the U.S. war heroes. Although it was originally set up to honor soldiers from the Civil War, the holiday was expanded after WWI to include soldiers of all wars. We must always be proud Americans, and we must never forget the men and women of our military.
To commemorate Memorial Day, I would like to share five of my favorite quotes surrounding the day.
1. "The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." Benjamin Disraeli
2. "Each man is a hero, and an oracle to somebody." Ralph Waldo Emerson.
3. "A hero is one who knows how to hang on one minute longer." Novalis
4. "The secret of Happiness is Freedom, and the secret of Freedom, Courage." Thucydides
5. "Heroism is latent in every human soul--However humble or unknown, they (the Veterans) have renounced what are accounted pleasures and cheerfully undertaken all the self-denials--privation, toils, dangers, sufferings, sicknesses, mutilations, life-long hurts and losses, death itself- for some great good, dimly seen, but dearly held." Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Thank you! Enjoy your day!
Dottie Pownall
Saturday, April 30, 2011
For the Love of Reading
Hello, Berkeley County!
The other day I came across a fabulous book by Danny Brassel entitled 75+ READING STRATEGIES. I had the fabulous opportunity at last year's summer institute to listen to this inspirational author. He often asks this question of educators across the world: "What good is it to teach a child to read if they never want to read?" That question is always in the back of my mind as I prepare my classroom environment and my lesson plans. We all have struggling readers who will never get much better if they do not find enjoyment in reading. It is our responsibility, at all grade levels, to inspire reading in all children. It is not an easy task, but it is a challenge that involves commitment and creativity. I would like to share my top ten favorite strategies that I enjoy in my classroom. Some of these ideas I have acquired through trial and error. Some strategies have been borrowed from my wonderful colleagues over the years. Lastly, some are found in Danny Brassell's book. I hope you enjoy the list, and I hope you can find at least one new idea you will choose to implement.
1. THE MYSTERY READER PROGRAM: Invite carefully selected members from the community to read short inspirational stories to your students. Be sure to invite a variety of guests like athletes, politicians, poets, parents, high school students, scientists, dentists, doctors, musicians, beauty queens, and anybody else that you think would relate to your students. It gives the message to your students that EVERYBODY READS and community members really do care. Require the students to write thank you notes to incorporate writing and proper etiquette as well. You will find that attendance will improve on those days. It is a fun day for all!
2. THE BOOK FAIRY: Encourage the community to donate books of all levels to your classroom. Keep them in a hidden stash. Once a month carefully choose a book to match the interests of each child. When the students are out of the room, put a note on your door from the book fairy. Leave the book with a personalized bookmark from the book fairy on each desk. The students are able to keep the books and many are excited to read. Don't forget to sprinkle fairy dust and occasionally leave your wings behind!
3. READERS THEATER SCRIPTS: This is a great way to allow the students to practice fluency and to read with expression. Everybody loves to act! It is just a great way to boost confidence and reading levels!
4. INTERNET WEB QUESTS; Don't forget that the computer allows ample opportunities to read. Our students may often view books as out dated and dull, but they will thrive when given meaningful projects on the computer.
5. READ WHILE STUDENTS READ: Provide at least thirty minutes a day to allow students to read. Many students will only read while they are at school. When the students are reading the teachers need to read as well. Teachers must model the excitement and the enjoyment for their students. It is not a time to get caught up on your paper work. You must enjoy the reading time as well.
5. BOOK BUDDIES: If you are at a school with several grades, allow the students to read to each other. You may also encourage students to read to the principal, retired people from the community or parent volunteers. Provide a fun place to read.
6. DIGITAL RETELLING: Allow students to work with groups to create PowerPoints and oral presentations of their favorite books. Video tape these and broadcast them on your school morning news.
7. PROVIDE A VARIETY OF READING MATERIAL: Don't forget about the value of magazines and newspapers. Share local news and display newsworthy articles your bulletin boards. The students will be learning about current events while they are enjoying reading.
8. FAMILY READING NIGHTS: Demi Lewin from Rosemont has made a tradition of S'More reading night. It is a fabulous way to involve the whole community into a night full of reading, fun and s'mores. It is an enjoyable night for all!
9. CHARACTER PARADES: Allow time for book talks and character parades. The students enjoy role playing the parts of their favorite characters.
10. POETRY, JOKES, and RIDDLES: Never underestimate the power of humor! Students of all levels will always enjoy a good laugh!
Well, that is all for now. Just remember: "LOVE YOUR JOB. LOVE YOUR KIDS. LOVE READING!"
Dottie Pownall
The other day I came across a fabulous book by Danny Brassel entitled 75+ READING STRATEGIES. I had the fabulous opportunity at last year's summer institute to listen to this inspirational author. He often asks this question of educators across the world: "What good is it to teach a child to read if they never want to read?" That question is always in the back of my mind as I prepare my classroom environment and my lesson plans. We all have struggling readers who will never get much better if they do not find enjoyment in reading. It is our responsibility, at all grade levels, to inspire reading in all children. It is not an easy task, but it is a challenge that involves commitment and creativity. I would like to share my top ten favorite strategies that I enjoy in my classroom. Some of these ideas I have acquired through trial and error. Some strategies have been borrowed from my wonderful colleagues over the years. Lastly, some are found in Danny Brassell's book. I hope you enjoy the list, and I hope you can find at least one new idea you will choose to implement.
1. THE MYSTERY READER PROGRAM: Invite carefully selected members from the community to read short inspirational stories to your students. Be sure to invite a variety of guests like athletes, politicians, poets, parents, high school students, scientists, dentists, doctors, musicians, beauty queens, and anybody else that you think would relate to your students. It gives the message to your students that EVERYBODY READS and community members really do care. Require the students to write thank you notes to incorporate writing and proper etiquette as well. You will find that attendance will improve on those days. It is a fun day for all!
2. THE BOOK FAIRY: Encourage the community to donate books of all levels to your classroom. Keep them in a hidden stash. Once a month carefully choose a book to match the interests of each child. When the students are out of the room, put a note on your door from the book fairy. Leave the book with a personalized bookmark from the book fairy on each desk. The students are able to keep the books and many are excited to read. Don't forget to sprinkle fairy dust and occasionally leave your wings behind!
3. READERS THEATER SCRIPTS: This is a great way to allow the students to practice fluency and to read with expression. Everybody loves to act! It is just a great way to boost confidence and reading levels!
4. INTERNET WEB QUESTS; Don't forget that the computer allows ample opportunities to read. Our students may often view books as out dated and dull, but they will thrive when given meaningful projects on the computer.
5. READ WHILE STUDENTS READ: Provide at least thirty minutes a day to allow students to read. Many students will only read while they are at school. When the students are reading the teachers need to read as well. Teachers must model the excitement and the enjoyment for their students. It is not a time to get caught up on your paper work. You must enjoy the reading time as well.
5. BOOK BUDDIES: If you are at a school with several grades, allow the students to read to each other. You may also encourage students to read to the principal, retired people from the community or parent volunteers. Provide a fun place to read.
6. DIGITAL RETELLING: Allow students to work with groups to create PowerPoints and oral presentations of their favorite books. Video tape these and broadcast them on your school morning news.
7. PROVIDE A VARIETY OF READING MATERIAL: Don't forget about the value of magazines and newspapers. Share local news and display newsworthy articles your bulletin boards. The students will be learning about current events while they are enjoying reading.
8. FAMILY READING NIGHTS: Demi Lewin from Rosemont has made a tradition of S'More reading night. It is a fabulous way to involve the whole community into a night full of reading, fun and s'mores. It is an enjoyable night for all!
9. CHARACTER PARADES: Allow time for book talks and character parades. The students enjoy role playing the parts of their favorite characters.
10. POETRY, JOKES, and RIDDLES: Never underestimate the power of humor! Students of all levels will always enjoy a good laugh!
Well, that is all for now. Just remember: "LOVE YOUR JOB. LOVE YOUR KIDS. LOVE READING!"
Dottie Pownall
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Take Time
This time of year can be very stressful for principals, teachers, parents and students. With the writing assessment and the preparation for the Westest, we all feel the need to be perfect. We plan our days accordingly, trying to teach everything to everybody. The students are easily distracted, and the teachers are easily frustrated. It is very important that we all take time for ourselves. Take time to relax. We must escape from our worries and most importantly, we must pray.
I find many ways to create my stress-free moments. I love to eat. I love to walk on the treadmill while watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and believe it or not, I like to write little poems. I would like to share a poem with you. Please realize that I am not a poet, nor do I pretend to be. Writing poetry is a great way to express your thoughts. So I hope you enjoy!
"To teach is to touch a life forever."
That's what some people say.
Please make it a positive touch, a loving touch
Oh Lord, I do pray.
As I greet my students daily,
Each one entering our room.
Please make it a day of happiness,
Never a day of gloom.
Each day is a day of adventure
Full of challenges galore.
Please give me wisdom, courage, and faith
So all of our dreams will soar!
Knowledge is the power.
With effort we will succeed.
Fill our lives with compassion.
With love, meet every need.
I will always count my blessings.
I will always do my best.
I know that even small rewards
Are measures of success.
I know that grades are not the answer.
Neither are standardized scores.
Please help me to stay focused,
To provide my students with so much more.
I am thankful for the journey,
For the opportunities to thrive.
Even on the bad days,
I know that I am alive!
So take a moment to reflect,
On your life and on your day.
Take a moment to relax!
Always take time to pray!
I hope you have a fabulous month!
Dottie Pownall
Sunday, February 13, 2011
"Loving What Is " A Few of My Favorite Quotes by Byron Katie
Hello, Berkeley County!
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful weather! I have great news to share. As many of you know, last July my daughter and I were in a very serious auto accident. Although it has been a horrible experience, I know that we have been truly blessed. My daughter is fine. She is attending Shepherd University, doing very well in her studies. Last Tuesday, I went to Morgantown to visit two of my specialists. I am very pleased to announce that my shoulder has healed and my back pain is manageable. Both doctors are very pleased with my progress. I am truly grateful for all of your prayers.
Today, I am relaxing at home, tending to the needs of two sick children who are battling the ailments of a monstrous flu. In between getting Ginger Ale and chicken soup, I came across a box of meditation cards that my sister Donna had given to me many years ago. Reading over these cards, I found them to be very inspirational. These quotes are the works of Byron Katie, LOVING WHAT IS. I would like to share some of my favorite quotes with you. I hope you enjoy!
1. "There are no physical problems-only mental ones."
2. "Until you look forward to criticism, your Work is not done."
3. "The world is my perception of it. I see and hear only through the filter of my story."
4. "When they attack you and you notice that you love them with all of your heart , your Work is done."
5. "Stress is an alarm clock that lets you know you've attached to something not true for you."
6. "There are no new stressful thoughts. They're all recycled."
7. "You can only see what you believe-nothing else is possible."
8. "We fear only what we haven't understood."
9. "Everything happens for me, not to me."
10. "The teacher you need is the person you're living with."
11. "I'm very clear that everyone in the world loves me. I just don't expect them to realize it yet."
12. "Seeking love keeps you from the awareness that you already have it --that you are it."
13. "If you want to see the love of your life, look in the mirror."
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful weather! I have great news to share. As many of you know, last July my daughter and I were in a very serious auto accident. Although it has been a horrible experience, I know that we have been truly blessed. My daughter is fine. She is attending Shepherd University, doing very well in her studies. Last Tuesday, I went to Morgantown to visit two of my specialists. I am very pleased to announce that my shoulder has healed and my back pain is manageable. Both doctors are very pleased with my progress. I am truly grateful for all of your prayers.
Today, I am relaxing at home, tending to the needs of two sick children who are battling the ailments of a monstrous flu. In between getting Ginger Ale and chicken soup, I came across a box of meditation cards that my sister Donna had given to me many years ago. Reading over these cards, I found them to be very inspirational. These quotes are the works of Byron Katie, LOVING WHAT IS. I would like to share some of my favorite quotes with you. I hope you enjoy!
1. "There are no physical problems-only mental ones."
2. "Until you look forward to criticism, your Work is not done."
3. "The world is my perception of it. I see and hear only through the filter of my story."
4. "When they attack you and you notice that you love them with all of your heart , your Work is done."
5. "Stress is an alarm clock that lets you know you've attached to something not true for you."
6. "There are no new stressful thoughts. They're all recycled."
7. "You can only see what you believe-nothing else is possible."
8. "We fear only what we haven't understood."
9. "Everything happens for me, not to me."
10. "The teacher you need is the person you're living with."
11. "I'm very clear that everyone in the world loves me. I just don't expect them to realize it yet."
12. "Seeking love keeps you from the awareness that you already have it --that you are it."
13. "If you want to see the love of your life, look in the mirror."
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Another Snow day?
As I am sitting here, looking out my window, I am observing yet another performance by Mother Nature. The sky is dark and gloomy. There is a light freezing rain falling silently from the sky. The plow trucks are roaring down the street in front of my house. Will tomorrow be yet another picture perfect snow day? There is a strong possibility.
As an educator and a parent, I am concerned about the loss of instructional time. However; my teenage daughter has so kindly reminded me that learning does not just happen in the classroom. Students can learn a lot of life's lessons on a snow day. Together, we have compiled a list of lessons learned.
1. Students learn to watch the news or to listen to weather reports. They understand that although predictions are based on research, not all predictions are accurate. They learn about probability. The higher the percentage of probability, the more likely the event will occur.
2. Students learn to observe the weather patterns and to identify the regions of the United States.
3. As they are sledding down those monstrous hills, our students apply the concepts of motion. They experiment with speed and acceleration. They quickly learn that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. They know that an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by another force. And of course, we must not underestimate the laws of gravity.
4. Younger students can practice making and observing three dimensional objects while making igloos and snowmen.
5. Students can learn the importance of survival kits and how to survive without electricity.
6. Students can practice entrepreneurship while shoveling driveways and making money.
7. Students can exhibit compassion and community pride as they care for elderly or needy neighbors.
8. Students can experiment with making snow cones with different flavors. They can survey their friends to find out which flavor is the most preferred.
9. Students can examine diversity as they observe that no two snowflakes are exactly alike.
10. Students, teachers, family, and friends can create and share memories that will last a lifetime!
So, sit back, relax and enjoy the winter season! Stay warm. stay happy, and always remain positive!
As an educator and a parent, I am concerned about the loss of instructional time. However; my teenage daughter has so kindly reminded me that learning does not just happen in the classroom. Students can learn a lot of life's lessons on a snow day. Together, we have compiled a list of lessons learned.
1. Students learn to watch the news or to listen to weather reports. They understand that although predictions are based on research, not all predictions are accurate. They learn about probability. The higher the percentage of probability, the more likely the event will occur.
2. Students learn to observe the weather patterns and to identify the regions of the United States.
3. As they are sledding down those monstrous hills, our students apply the concepts of motion. They experiment with speed and acceleration. They quickly learn that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. They know that an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by another force. And of course, we must not underestimate the laws of gravity.
4. Younger students can practice making and observing three dimensional objects while making igloos and snowmen.
5. Students can learn the importance of survival kits and how to survive without electricity.
6. Students can practice entrepreneurship while shoveling driveways and making money.
7. Students can exhibit compassion and community pride as they care for elderly or needy neighbors.
8. Students can experiment with making snow cones with different flavors. They can survey their friends to find out which flavor is the most preferred.
9. Students can examine diversity as they observe that no two snowflakes are exactly alike.
10. Students, teachers, family, and friends can create and share memories that will last a lifetime!
So, sit back, relax and enjoy the winter season! Stay warm. stay happy, and always remain positive!
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