Stories with Sophie

It's been a week, hasn't it? And sometimes, during times like this, it's really hard to find things to celebrate. I had to be very intentional to find things that brought be JOY this week. But, because I paid attention, I found celebration all around me. Little things-- Double chocolate donuts brought as birthday treats Great conversations with kids after the election My College Prep Lit kids who discuss books better every day Starting a new speech season New improv team members who are rockin' it! Big things-- Our district became part of the Iowa Teacher Leadership grant this year, and as a result, we have three instructional coaches. While all of them came from the elementary building, they are great educators and have spent a great deal of time learning the ways of secondary ed.   They've all been in my room, but one in particular has become a regular in my College Prep Lit class. She loves sitting and discussing books, so whatever we r

Monday. I stood in the hallway, watching students racing off to their first hour class, wishing I had stopped at the local convenience store and bought myself a cappuccino to sip during my prep. I was going to head up to the lounge to grab a cup of coffee, but it wasn't the same thing. And then, from around the corner, came a wonderful sight. Mitchell, one of my senior speech kids, had two cups in his hand and handed one to me. "White Chocolate Caramel cappuccino. Your favorite." Monday saved. Tuesday was our first day of conferences. I woke up that morning preparing myself for a long day. After my shower, I sat down with a cup of coffee and to check Facebook and Twitter. Tuesday saved. Wednesday. Well, Wednesday was the Cubs. Enough said. Wednesday saved! But Thursday . Oh, my. It's the second day of conferences and I was up much past my bedtime on a school night watching those Cubs. Yikes. But it was OK. I certainly wasn't the only ti