Goals for the Summer

I'm truly shocked at how fast this school year went!  My 4th year is quickly coming to a close.  Our last day with students is June 21st.  It'll be a half day.  We teachers are contracted until Friday, June 24th at 11:30.  With the end of the year quickly approaching, I've been thinking about what my goals are for the summer.

Goal 1 - Relax and enjoy me time.  This is something that I don't often do.  I'm a teacher who's at work by 6:15 each morning and usually stay for an our or two after.

Goal 2 - Attend a few perfessional development workshops.  New York state says all professionally certified teachers must have 175 hours of professional development every five years.  My school does a wonderful job of providing us with professional development hours.

Goal 3 - Organize my classroom library.  When I took this position last year, the retiring teacher left most of her library.  I want to better organize this.  I'll use Scholastic's Book Wizard to help me with this task.  I've also found colored stickers to help differentiate each level, which will help students with eazy returns.

Goal 4 - Setup my classroom after construction.  My school is currently in the midst of a capital project.  The wing that my classroom is in has yet to be touched.  Starting June 25th, we are unable to access our classroom for who knows how long.  There's bound to be a lot of organization and unpacking that will have to happen.

Goal 5 - Have a successful summer theatre program.  A former co-teacher and I co-direct a summer theatre program for students going into grade 3 through grade 8.  We put together a musical in 5 short weeks.  We meet 4 days a week for three hours a day.  It's a great program, stressful at times, but it all comes together. 

Goal 6 - Go golfing!  Last summer I only hit the links once.  This can't happen.  I'd like to get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather New York has to offer during the summer.

Goal 7 - Finish the C25K program.  C25K is a program to help you run a 5k race after only 9 weeks of training.  I used to love to run.  I put on weight and stopped running/exercising in college, so I'm working to get back in shape.

Goal 8 - Get better at blogging.  I'd like to learn a whole bunch about how blogs work.  I'd also like to share with you what I'm doing to prepare for the 2011-2012 school year.

Goal 9 - Take a few day trips.  New York has the Adirondack Park, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and many other attractions.  I need to take advantage of these attractions to help me meet my first goal of relaxing and enjoying me time.

So, I ask you, what are your goals for the summer?  I'd love to hear!  Feel free to follow my blog!  I'd also love for you to recommend some great blogs for me to follow as well!

It can't be happening!

I've given in!  You could describe me as a 'blog stalker'.  It's great to read blogs of other teachers.  Over my first 3.5 years of teaching, these blogs have given me many tools, tricks, and tips.  I have decided that it's finally time to give back, or contribute my ideas with you all.

My 'stalking' has shown me that there really aren't many blogs meant for the upper intermediate grades.  Maybe there are and I'm looking in the wrong spot (that very well could be the case).  It is my hope to share some new ideas and even some of those old stand-by ideas!

I hope you'll give me a chance to show you just what I can contribute!