Platte River Elementary Knights: December Excitement

The most interesting thing to me about elementary school-aged children is their excitement. They seem to always be excited about something: one day it's a toy, the next it's an assembly, a birthday or field trip... Not too long ago, it was Halloween. And then it was the snow falling outside. Next it'll be Christmas. Then it will be Valentine's Day... and so it will continue until we start all over again at the beginning of another school year.

I think we all enjoy that annual cycle. It's a part of what helps keep us going as teachers throughout the year. We look forward to our projects with students, long weekends, end-of-year field trips, staff get-togethers, conferences or seminars, and holiday and summer breaks. Those things are milestones that come around at the same time every year and which mark the seasons for us.

I've always looked forward to and anticipated dates and events that are off in either the near or distant future. What I have found this year though, is that I'm simply enjoying each day I'm in. Time always goes by so much faster when I'm actively involved in a project or activity all day long. Every day this year, I've found myself doing that which I love doing. I'm not sure if living in the moment like this is something that is a result of being so busy with the transition into a new school or working on something different each day with the great staff, families, and students at BVE, but I love it. I really can't believe it's December! Time is flying!

Here are some great things I noticed during the past week at Betsie Valley Elementary:

Lily and Devon led the Kindergarten class in a rousing dance to the Alphabet Rap Song Friday morning.

Kindergartners and 5th graders sang the praises of Mrs. Couturier and Mrs. Hathaway as they delivered rewards to them for being the lunchroom winners in the behavior competition.

Mr. Luebke's class was sitting on the floor clapping out all their spelling words Thursday morning.

3rd grader, Cody, turned his Monday around in a big way at the Community Meeting, where he was recognized for working extra diligently the week prior, and where he won a Betsie Valley t-shirt.

Ella, in Mr. Kelly's class, was experimenting with an iPad app and was so captivated by it that it was nearly impossible for me to get her attention, even as I knelt down in front of her and spoke her name a few times.

On the playground, Paige and Ms. Kitty have a nice game of cat and mouse going that has lasted several days so far.

5th graders have been caught being responsible a couple times as they read to each other in the hallway.

Red, Mr. Luebke's dog, paid us a visit on Thursday afternoon.

Mrs. Kessler once again did a fantastic job subbing at Betsie Valley, this time in 1st Grade at the end of the week.

Deer Beware: As of Friday morning, Ms. Herban has a beautiful new Toyota Camry in the parking lot.

Office Discipline Referrals Are Down!