It's Christmas Time!

I know we are all knee-deep in the food drive madness--what an awesome time of year to be part of Goodpasture!  My kids have loved bringing in cans every day and sitting on the throne each afternoon.  Yesterday, they joined Anna, Kristen, Jason, Conner, Jordan, Callie, and Taylor at KMart to shop for our family--loads of fun!  Now, my room looks like a bit of a disaster area and will probably continue to be that way till Friday, but that is okay.  I am always amazed at the positive attitudes people exhibit this time of year--how much kinder people can actually be.  Honestly, I just love Christmas!  I love the lights and the people and the fellowship and, of course, the music!  The picture of my kids above is our attempt at Jingle Bell Rock, one of my favorites.  As we wrap up the food drive this week and prepare for exams, my prayer for all of you is that you do your best to help as many people as you can--that you remember food drive is not about who wins (not really)--it's about reaching out to others and sharing God's love.

EXTRA CREDIT TIME:  Here we go!  I want you to think about your favorite Christmas song and tell me what it is and why.  Post your well-written comment no later than 3:00 on Wednesday, Dec. 14, to receive extra credit.  Remember, you have to write WELL!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I could hear it in the air today.  No, I'm not talking about the sneezes and sniffles, though I heard a lot of that.  Today, I could hear the excitement as we all anticipate being out of school for an entire glorious week!  My munchkins are counting down the days as I'm sure my students are.  I know some of you probably have plans to bask in the sunshine on a beach somewhere--make it known that I dislike each of you--JUST KIDDING!  If you are traveling, I pray you have safe journeys and wonderful memories.  If you're like me and just looking forward to hanging out in middle Tennessee, I pray you will have time to relax and enjoy the break.  We have some little trips planned for Chuck E Cheese, Monkey Joe's, and the movie theater (I know you're all jealous!).  I'm also really looking forward to spending time with some Beta members as we prepare meals for the people staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Nashville.  Then, my whole family will invade our house for Thanksgiving day before the spectacular Black Friday shopping!

As I prepare for the invasion of my large family, I want to do my best not to lose sight of the blessings God has given me.  It's so easy to think about the awesome food we'll eat (for me that is my grandmother's dressing and squash casserole), the football games we'll watch, and the deals we'll buy.  However, I want to challenge you to really spend some time thinking about what God has done for you.  Find some quiet time to take a walk, to meditate as you realize your life is more than food and shopping :)  I plan to spend some time with my children as I praise God for each of my babies, for my wonderful friends, for my health, for great books, for the beauty of the seasons, for my awesome students (sincerely), and for the joy of laughter.  Those are just a few of the things I want to reflect upon.

You knew it was coming, so here is the extra credit option for the upcoming week or so.  You're going to have to do a little bit of work for this one, though.  I want you to find a quote about blessings, thanksgiving, or thanks (You CANNOT use my two listed above).  Begin your comment with that quote.  Then, explain why you like that quote and how you will use it to help you to be more thankful this Thanksgiving.  Your ORIGINAL response should be 3-5 GOOD sentences.  Show me you are thinking :)  ALL comments must be posted no later than Thursday, Nov. 24--Thanksgiving Day!

Mrs. Boyd--MIA

As some of you have noticed, I have missed a few days the past two weeks.  Last week, I missed two days when I went to the pumpkin patch with Mallory on Tuesday and with Reece on Wednesday.  We had lots of fun with the beautiful weather and the Tennessee Tornado at Honeysuckle Hill.  Then, I missed part of the day to go to volleyball Thursday and Friday.  GREAT JOB, LADY COUGARS!  Then, this week Reece and Mallory ended up with a stomach bug which caused me to be out on Wednesday, which was NOT fun!  Today, I went to TPAC with the 5th grade today where we saw several short stories performed, including "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Monkey's Paw," and "The Necklace."    So, I sort of feel as if I've been out of the loop!  The good (or bad--depending on how you look at it) news is that I'm finished with field trips!  That means you all have to just put up with me!

It's your turn:  Do you remember your favorite field trip as an elementary or middle school student?  Tell me what it was and why you enjoyed it.  I DON'T want high school trips!  Reminisce about your childhood!  To get extra credit, post your 4-5 GOOD sentence response no later than Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4:00 p.m.  Yes, I will look at your actual writing, so don't just slap down anything!  Enjoy the memories...

Fall is in the Air!

WOW!  What a difference a couple of days make in the temperature.  Many of you were probably in shorts over the weekend, but you'd be crazy to do that today!  I must admit, though, this is my FAVORITE time of year--I especially love cold football games!  Nothing quite compares to piling on the layers and bundling up with friends and blankets as you cheer on your favorite team :)  I'm also very excited about fall because I love the colors--to me this time of year displays the handiwork of the Supreme Artist, our father God.  As I look at the vibrant colors and feel the crisp air, I am reminded how awesome God is and that my Father who created all of this did it just for me to enjoy (well, for scientific reasons, too).  I hope during this season you can find some time to enjoy nature--not just a haunted house!  Speaking of haunted houses, I also like fall because who doesn't like Halloween?  I love to take my kids trick-or-treating and to see what costumes everyone comes up with.  I'm really excited this year because, for once, the Boyd munchkins have decided to dress alike as. . . Darth Vader, a Clone Trooper, and Princess Leia--no, I had nothing to do with their choices, but I am thrilled!  The Force will definitely be with us!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:  Think about your favorite Halloween costume of all time.  What did you dress as?  Why was it so cool?  Post your comment in at least 3 GOOD, THOUGHTFUL sentences no later than Thursday, October 27, to receive extra credit. 

FALL BREAK--FINALLY!

You could hear the excitement today as fall break finally arrived!  I hope you all are able to enjoy the break and the beauty of the season.  English III students, we will finish The Crucible after the break, so be ready for that.  Dual Enrollment students, composition will begin our study of Hamlet shortly after the break while literature students will begin Macbeth.  So, get some rest, take a walk, and enjoy this time away.  Then, you can return recharged and ready to go!!

Another Week Down!

Who can believe we are one-and-a-half weeks closer to the end of the first nine weeks!  We have had such a good week with the pep rally and neon day yesterday topped with the incredible game last night.  I am even more excited about the weather change this weekend.  It just reminds me fall if here and the beautiful color change is just around the corner.  Fall is my favorite time of year as I am in awe of God's beautiful artistry that is evident in the trees and the cool, crisp air.  Even my children love this time of year.  I hope we have this beautiful weather next weekend as we gather for COUGAR DAY!  The Boyd kids can hardly wait for this fun-filled day!  I will be bugging the juniors this week to help out in the concession stands since the proceeds from those 2 concession areas go toward the spring junior/senior banquet.

Soooooo, one more chance for extra credit this nine weeks:


Tell me your favorite memory from Cougar Day.  Post a comment of at least 4 sentences explaining your favorite Cougar Day memory.  These must be posted by 3:00 pm on Thursday, September 29, in order to receive extra credit.  Be sure to include your name if your google name is something unrecognizable.  Happy reminiscing!

It's FLOAT TIME!

Being fairly new to Goodpasture, I am still truly amazed with all the detail and dedication to these incredible creations!  Being from White House, I had no idea that high school students and parents could make such amazing floats!  I worked my official time slot with the juniors on Sunday, with Mallory in tow.   What fun!  It was great to try to listen to the Titans (and to holler at Chad for an update when I couldn't hear), to bug Abby to help me (the not-so-artistic teacher) pick out colors for my fish, and to chat with parents.  I plan to spend a bit more time at the senior float site today and visit the juniors again on Thursday.  I told Brett how excited I was that he would be part of floats in just a few years.  He wondered what the big deal was.  So, how do you explain the big deal float week is?  

Drum roll, please.  Pretend you are talking to a 5th grader.  What do you say about floats to convince him he doesn't want to miss out on the experience when he is in 10th, 11th,  or 12th grade?  Why is float week such a memorable experience?  Write your thoughtful response in at least 3 complete sentences and post it by Monday, Sept. 20 at 11:00 pm for extra credit.

Another Boyd Birthday!

You all have to excuse my English teacher mode for a minute and let me be a mommy.  I am so excited that my Reece has a birthday this weekend!  He will turn 7 on Saturday and can hardly wait for his party (that I have to finish planning).  As my children get older, I am even more aware of the truth to the old saying about time flies.  I cannot believe my children are growing up so quickly.  I wish there were some way I could push a pause button to freeze time for a while!  I know you students are probably rolling your eyes, but you might understand that one of these days!  

So, in honor of Reece, here is another extra credit opportunity!  Post a well-written comment describing the best birthday party you had as a child.  Tell me about the party--who was there, what you did--what made it so memorable.  To receive credit, you MUST post your thoughtful comment of 5 or so sentences no later than Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6:00 pm.  Anything added after that time will be enjoyed but not awarded extra credit :)

Don't Forget!

Please be aware each class has a separate tab above to click on for specific assignments and announcements.  Don't forget to check that when you log in to this page :)

Ready...Set...Go!

I can hardly believe we are already back into the swing of things with a new school year!  My family and I had a fun-filled summer (as I hope all of you did) with little excursions here and there--including one to Kings Island where Mallory proved to be the dare-devil of the family.  I am very excited to be starting my second year at Goodpasture, a place my children and I truly love.  As we develop routines this year, I hope that all of my students and parents will utilize this blog to see what is going on in my English classes.  Bookmark it and check it each week.  You never know what you're going to find...

EXTRA CREDIT:  Tell me about your summer!  Type a 4-6 sentence response describing something fun or memorable you did this summer.  To receive extra credit, you must post your response no later than Friday, August 19, at 11:00 p.m.

Banquet Time!

I must admit I am SOOOOO excited about the junior/senior banquet tomorrow night!  I know some of you are a bit too cool to be excited, but you should be!  Mrs. Billingsley, Miss Brimm, and I (plus a few devoted juniors) have worked really hard to make this banquet memorable.  My room actually looks like a glitter bomb exploded in here!  I know I will be running around like a crazy woman tomorrow and may look frazzled when you see me (since we can't get into the room to decorate till 3:00), but I can hardly wait to see you guys all dressed up!  In fact, one of my favorite events as a teacher has always been going to banquet/prom.  Seeing students in a totally different environment where they have to use good manners is one of the greatest parts of teaching!  So, make sure you let me see you Friday night--I can always use a good laugh!

EXTRA CREDIT:  I cannot believe my seniors are about finished!  I've only got one more class with all of you--that makes me sad :(  So, seniors, you can post your advice to the underclassmen:  as you are about to leave GCS, what advice do you have for them to make the most of their experience at Goodpasture.  Juniors, tell me what you look forward to since it won't be long until you're a SENIOR!!  

To receive extra credit, you must post a thoughtful, well-written response no later than 4:00 on Tuesday, May 3.

Rain...AGAIN??

Maybe it's just me, but I'm wondering when the rain is going to stop.  My kids had to hunt Easter eggs in my grandmother's dark living room since it was pouring down rain and she had no power due to the wind that had knocked down a power line.  To top it off, I spent an hour helping my husband shovel rocks and debris that had washed down the hill and spilled over into our yard and driveway.  I had to neglect my much-desired Easter nap to shovel junk!  Needless to say the blisters and soreness didn't make me feel any better!

Now, the forecast looks like more problematic weather is to come on Wednesday--when I am supposed to go with Reece on the rescheduled Kentucky Down Under trip.  I'm afraid it won't happen this time either!  However, things are looking okay for Friday.  So, maybe--just maybe--everyone will get to be all dressed up and beautiful for the banquet without worrying about a monsoon!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Today, the rain messed up my plans!  I was going to accompany Reece on the fabulous first grade field trip to Kentucky Down Under--he was thrilled to be able to see real kangaroos.  However, the wise and cautious teachers decided to postpone the trip.  So that left me at school a bit unprepared since I left my big bag at home.  Fortunately, I did bring a few papers to grade on the bus ride to Kentucky, so my day wasn't totally wasted!  

I think I was disappointed because I just love field trips!  Earlier in the week, I went on the walking tour of Nashville with Brett and the 4th grade.  I loved hearing the stories about Nashville monuments!  We also saw Governor Haslam who took time out before entering the capitol to come speak to our group--pretty cool!  Today was going to be my special time with Reece.  Oh well, we'll try it again another day.

EXTRA CREDIT FLASH:  What has been your favorite field trip ever and why?  Give me the scoop!  Post your thoughtful, well-written comment by Tuesday, April 19, at noon.

Grand Day at Goodpasture!

Tomorrow (Friday) is Grand Day at Goodpasture. I know most of you all have been out of the loop this year since the high school is only participating as hosts/hostesses.  However, my three munchkins can hardly wait for Nanny and Pawpaw to come see their cool stuff!  To me, it's exciting to see them so eager to show off their classrooms and their work.  That leads me to my next point:  I have been busy helping find pictures to print for family trees and for drawings for all 3--it's been a little touch of madness!  However, I think I am most excited about the faculty/student softball game!  Although it's been a few years since I've officially played softball, I'm sure I haven't lost all of my skills (not that I had many to begin with).  I hope you all enjoy the sunshine, the music, and the awesome athletic prowess your GCS teachers will exhibit (tee-hee!).  It should be a wonderful way to end the week!!!

EXTRA CREDIT POST:  By the end of the day Monday, April 11, tell me your favorite part of the faculty/student softball game and why.  No, you cannot just give a phrase--Post your thoughtful, well-written response by the deadline to receive a few points of extra credit.  I hope there are many humorous events you guys can share with me!

It's Finally SPRING!

Although some of you may be like Brett and prefer a different season over spring because of the dreaded spring allergies, I must admit I LOVE spring!  This is another time when I am reminded of the fabulous artist who is our God.  How can you look around right now and not see evidence of His majesty?  Look at the flowers, the colors of the trees, and the clear skies as you feel the gentle breeze on your face--just awesome!  Another aspect of spring that we all love is the reminder that summer break is right around the corner!!!!

As we wind down the last few weeks, which are sure to fly by, let me get on my soap box for a minute.  If you can see the picture in the background of my blog, you should see that is is a dandelion.  I chose that picture to represent another favorite springtime activity at the Boyd house:  dandelion wishes.  You seniors are about to move on, and most of you juniors will not be in my class for much longer.  As I reflect on all of that, know that I wish for God's grace to be upon each of you.  I wish for you to live in the moment and soak up the experiences of these last few weeks.  I wish that you would NOT find yourself looking for the days ahead--live for today.  I wish you would take time to be still and know God and know that he has surrounded you with greatness.  I wish you would do your absolute best to finish out this school year with zeal, passion, and determination.  I wish you would remember that I love you and am praying for you.

Enough sappy stuff!  It's just that time of year.  So, if you're checking out the blog looking for extra credit, you've found it.  By Friday afternoon, April 1st (no, this is not going to be an April Fool's joke), post your favorite memory of this school year.  Your post must be in paragraph form and must be well-written (duh!).  Be sure it is posted by Friday :)

SPRING BREAK IS HERE!

I know we technically have one more day till spring break, but everyone is already in spring break mode.  I think we are all ready for a great break!  While some of you get to lounge on the beach or explore some fun new place, I'll be hanging out with the Boyd munchkins while I try to grade a few research papers in-between our activities (including doing a boring adult thing--our taxes).  Whether you are traveling or just being a bum, I pray you get some rest as you take a break from school.  May you come back to school rejuvenated--ready for the LAST NINE WEEKS!  I can't believe I just typed that phrase.  Seriously, we are almost finished with another school year!  As excited as I am, I also wonder where has that time gone?  How am I going to cram in all those great lessons I want to share?  I guess I'll just have to load you all down with lots and lots of homework. . . Just kidding!  I'll probably give you the same amount as usual.  Just a reminder, though, there is a tendency to return from spring break and expect to do very little work.  Well, that won't cut it with me--we still have work to do.  So, let's have a fun spring break and return ready to finish strong.  Summer will be here before we know it :)

There's No Place Like Home

What a fantastic day!  Even though it's been hectic, I loved starting off with The Wizard of Oz.  All I can say is WOW!  We have such tremendously talented students at Goodpasture!  When Mallory heard about the play, she wanted me to sit with her, so I had the best seat among a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds.  Every time the curtain closed, they wondered if the show was over and then wondered when Tessa was coming back out!  I really think Tessa was born to play the Wicked Witch!  I also loved Zach, Josh, and Austin as the lion, tin man, and scarecrow--who knew Lump could dance?  Kudos to our freshmen stars Sydney Mann and Lauren Sutherland--phenomenal job as Dorothy and Glenda.  As I reflect on the performance, I am reminded how blessed I am that God has led me to Goodpasture.  Watching everyone today gave me a tremendous feeling of being at home, among family.  Yes, I'm being emotional, but I LOVE MY JOB AND MY STUDENTS!  When Dorothy says,  "if I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard.  Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with," I am reminded that there is no place like Goodpasture.


It's your turn:  Who is your favorite Wizard of Oz character and what is your favorite line from the movie?  You might have to google it, but answer the two questions and explain why you like them.  Post your response by Tuesday, March 8.

Yikes!

Obviously, I'm behind updating the blog.  The last couple of weeks have been crazy with all this research paper stuff and snow days here and there.  To top it all off, Reece caught a horrible stomach bug last Thursday night and kept me up most of the night.  Then, he decided to share it with Mallory who was sick all day Sunday and part of Monday.  So, I'm still not caught up on grading and am just now getting to the blog.  Oh, yeah, who can forget the wicked storms that rumbled through Sumner County in the wee hours this morning?  I can't because I was awakened by a splitting headache, window-vibrating thunder, and "Mommy, can I get in bed with you?"  I hope you all stay safe tonight!

Extra Credit Post:  If you need a few little points of extra credit, add a comment to this question:

What do you do to deal with stressful situations?  Write a thoughtful comment (3-4 sentences) and post it no later than Saturday, Feb. 26.

Another Snow Day!

I'm beginning to think it might be spring before we get to complete a full week of school--not that I'm complaining that much!  The picture above is one I took on the way to school (I actually stopped on the road--I did not take it while driving) Thursday morning.  If you did not get much snow this time, you really missed out--it was absolutely breathtaking!  Every time I looked around, I was reminded how fabulous our creator is!  He GAVE us a beautiful scene to remind us even during cold and dreary times, He is with us and has something wonderful in store for us.  Next time it snows, rather than grumble about being cold or stuck at home, look around and spend some time with the most talented artist ever...our God.

More Snow?????

I knew it was coming--or at least guessed it was:  SNOW!  I jinxed us because I made lesson plans up until spring break.  Usually, when I do this Mother Nature messes up my plans--to remind me I'm not in control.  So, if you get a day off in the near future, you can thank me!  Just kidding (I really don't have that much power) :-)

Need some extra credit?  Post a comment to this topic no later than Tuesday, January 25, 2011:  write a thoughtful 2-5 sentences that explain why you do or do not like the snow.  Happy writing!

Welome Back!

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas break.  We had lots of fun at the Boyd house!  From Lego sets and a new DSi to a huge Barbie house, my kids raked in some cool stuff!  Now, though, it's time to get back to work.  I hope you each make a commitment to yourselves to do better than last semester.  Remember, there is always room for improvement :)