2007 ~ 2007 ~ 2007 ~ 2007 ~ 2007 ~ 2007 ~ 2007
Education Around the World
Effective Teaching and What That Looks Like
Presented by Bianca Elliott
Click HERE
Party Chatter...
Join the party! Get into comfy clothes, pour a favorite beverage, put on some special music, read through what has been posted here already, and use the form below to...
Greet your chapter colleagues!
|
How do you feel about Winter? Click for poll results. |
Replay the Party
Below are the archived posts:
| Name | Comment |
|---|---|
| Gay, testing... | Happy New Year, everybody! Wow, yet another year has gone by! |
| Gay Wiseman | If you bungle a post and don't want to leave it there, email me and I'll remove it ASAP ; ) (gwiseman[at symbol]waldenpdk[dot]org |
| David Kenneth Waldman | The start of a New Year can bring out the best in all of us. The new year is a time of reflection and It is a time for a dedicated new commitment to goals and dreams. A time for planning, looking back and forward and to the day for action, I will as of Jan 1 2007 will -------- fill in your own crusade. Some watch the celebration with quiet knowing and others celebrate with dance, song and watching the ball drop in Times Square. It is a New Year for some for others another day as New Year comes differently for different cultures and I celebrate and mark the Jewish New Year and watch with wonder at the Chinese New Year. How wonderful that we can mark the passage of time on different dates with equal anticipation and excitment. May 2007 bring you awareness, creativity, health, prosperity in whatever form you believe has significance, and may you take a step closer toward your dreams. To all of you that serve children and education in any form or area of participation within the educational sector, to all of you in different sectors supporting education, without you our bridges to tomorrow our children would have a bleaker new year. Each of you have the special gift this new year knowing that you are walking with a child to the future. I am proud and honored to enter the new year with each of you. Let the PARTY begin 2007 and celebrate and enjoy your work in 2007 is your reward, you deserve some time to mark another year of your growth and effort. Thank you all. |
| Jenny (Jennifer Pullman) | Amen, David! Very well said! It's a wonderful world full of many rich perspectives and traditions, each so beautiful in its own way--much like our students. Here in South Jersey it is NOT a winter wonderland by any stretch of the imagination! Forsythia is trying to bloom, it has been so mild--worrisome for all gardeners :-( Although I am a warm-weather fan when forced to choose, I do love the seasons we usually get here in our part of the world, and I'll be doing some snow dances for at least one big storm. I need to feel that extreme coziness and peace from being snowed in...I love it! Plus, no less crucial this year, I need to get my dissertation done!!! My normal hectic schedule leaves little opportunity for the huge blocks of time I crave in order to attack this thing with gusto!!! Today I am trying to keep away from my beloved "Twilight Zone Marathon", which absolutely transfixes me in front of the t.v. screen for hours before I even know what hit me. Michael & I will spend our traditional quiet New Year's Eve by the fire place with our furry clan so LATER I'll indulge in some Zoning out! :-) What's going on in everyone's lives for the New Year??? |
| Cheryl-Ann Henry | Hello to all: Just dropping in to say a quick hello and a haughty greeting for bright and prosperous new year.... Now, it's back to the books I go :-) Best regards Cheryl-Ann Henry |
| Gay, again | Hi David! Hi Jen! Hi everyone!
I am enjoying a very mild and mellow NY eve day with my 23 yo son, my 17 yo daughter, and my 15 yo son; we like to have game fests... in which we try out whatever new games have come our way at Christmas time. This year, a fascinating strategy game called "The Queen's Jewels" is a favorite. Also, a silly, way-funny card game that my sis turned up 2nd hand somewhere, called "We Wow Wang". It's dated 1940 and was apparently seldom played, if ever--instructions and score sheets hardly ever used. Beautiful cards, with dragon drawings and chinese characters... You "wang" to score, which has triggered lots of chuckles. My husband doesn't get into gaming--he's playing music all the while in the background though--that's one of his passions. Recently, it's been a lot of bossa nova, both guitar and piano; he's been learning some of the amazing songs written by Tom Jobim. Delightful stuff And then, there's the food. I have a huge pot of vegetable soup cooking. Very simple, nothing pretentious, just good stuff ; ) And, the teenagers made a run out to the store earlier for snacks to keep us munching through the evening. Anyway, that's a bit of what this holiday is like at my home! |
| Lianne Nahina Pfister | Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou (and a Happy New Year) to all (in Hawaiian)! Just came backfrom traveling through Texas, Alb.New Mexico and have seen and experienced a pure Winter Wonderland Blizzard. Glad to be back in sunny Southern CA (home), but wish I could be with my family on the North Shore, Hawaii. This is the next best thing....cyber chatting with my cyber chapter colleagues. Best Wishes to all! Lianne |
| Randy Freeman | It's been windy and cold around here the past few weeks. One of the last days of school, my kindergarten students were very excited to see some frost on the ground (they thought that it was snow, which they have never seen - not mush in Southern California at the 1,500 foot level.) I am enjoying my Christmas break (I don't care to be pc when I don't have to do so) working on my school lesson plans, my KAM (II) Application Component, and taking the triplets to Taekwondo just about every day. When I was in my 20's, I stayed up until 3-4am on New Year's. In my 30's, it was 12:30am. In my 40's, before kids, it was 12:01am. Now, at age 51, I'm in bed by 10:30pm. Couldn't care less about watching a recorded program at midnight. |
| Mary Morris | HELLO ALL!!!!! I'd like to introduce myself! I am Mary Morris, the new treasurer elect. I am a 32 year old mother of two and teacher of many! I have a son who is 6 and LOVES kindergarten! My daughter is 2 years old and wishes she was in kindergarten. She could probably get along in Kinder quite well! She is VERY advanced for her age and that's not a mom bragging. The doctor is so amazed when we go in for check ups. Her vocab. and fine motor skills are so advanced. I sometimes have to remind myself that she is only 2 years old when I give her expectations. My husband is a stay at home dad and does a great job as MR. MOM!!! We live in Delta, Colorado, the western slope of the state. And YES DO WE HAVE SNOW!!!!!! Santa had no problem sliding in this year at our house. We live in a very rural area of the state. Farming and mining is the main income around here. I am originally from a small town named Goshen in up state New York (near West Point). I went to college in San Antonio, Texas and taught in Houston. I lived there for almost 9 years (including College)before moving here with my husband three years ago. We love it here! I have been teaching 9 years in Kindergarten, fourth and fifth grade. While working on my intership for my master from Walden last year, I was hired as our school's curriculum coordinator. I am searching for a assistant principal postion at the moment. I miss Texas education system a lot! I love Colorado but our system has a lot to be desired in my eyes. Our family is spending the evening here at home. I have been battling a cold the last three days and a sinus headache, so it's a TV fest for me and Idamae (my daughter). My husband and son are watching a Styx concert. I miss spending New Year's eve in NY! What fun that was but like Randy, the older I get the less partying I do... We will stay up and watch the ball drop. We are eager for 2007 to arrive. We have many personal plans for the new year, including a possible new job for me and a new baby. We are currently trying for our third child. May God bless each of you with a wonderful new year with many adventures and exciting memories for your families! I am off to pull some cookies out of the oven and will check in again a bit later! I'm glad to be on board! |
| Marion Carpenter | We've had lots of rainy, grey, cold days in Oklahoma - a wonderful time to be indoors to read, visit, and rest mind, body, and spirit. We have been dining on turkey noodle soup made from the Thanksgiving turkey on these cold days, but tonight we dine on a ribeye roast beef, broccoli, and new potatoes, which my husband is preparing as I type. It sure smells good! Miss Atti, named due her little attitude, is a mutt cat we rescued from a shelter. She is surely the most loving and appreciative cat we have ever had, but stand out of the way when her supper is ready! She can almost knock the food out of your hand before you can set it down in her haste to inhale it. Snoopy has nothing over on this critter! One of her favorite spots is on top of my husband's computer desk, where she watches things move around with interest before she curls up in a ball to rest. She's fun to have around. My daughter & granddaughter are in a 4 day equestrian riding competition - most times, thanks to TV technology, I can watch them on a video cam screen. I love to watch them, but as they are racing like the wind on thundering hooves, I don't want to join them! I'll take my computer rolling chair, thanks! George and I will spend our usual New Year's Eve watching an old movie or a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and may make it until 12:01, and may not, but we always try. Life's good! |
| Theran Mugleston | A new year is upon us. I would like to wish each and everyone a very Happy New Year.
Marion, that is what I did, I watched Sherlock until 2 minutes before the Ball began to drop in Time's square, I watched the new year in, kissed the wife, and went to bed. Old men need their rest! With all of the bad weather I have been hearing and reading about, I feel very fortunate to live where we do. I have especially enjoyed the two weeks off for winter break, but tomorrow work starts up once again. I have enjoyed watching some movies here at home, and reading a couple of books. Sometimes a person just needs to relax and get away from the daily tedium/routines. I do want to say thanks to all of the officers, for keeping the dream of this chapter alive, for their effort, and desire to make it even better. Thanks! |
| Doris | Hello everyone and may all of you have a healthy, happy New Year full of all the good things that are possible. May we work towards peace and understanding around the globe. |
| Brenda Williams Elliott | Hello everyone. I’d like to introduce myself and thank you for your generous book-buying for my school, West Cape May Elementary, as part of the Project Literacy 2006 grant. I can’t wait to go back to school and see which new books arrived during holiday. I am Brenda Williams Elliott. I am the Instructional Technology Resource Teacher and recently took on the additional job of Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for my school. I loved reading all of your comments and look forward to being a more active participant of the cyberchapter this year. I have taught for some 30-something years, mostly in a combined 5th/6th grade classroom. This is my fourth year teaching technology and I love it! It is an exciting new challenge. I live in New Jersey (not too far from Jen) with my husband, two dogs (a Siberian Husky and a Malamute), and yes, Jen, are you ready for this…..a new kitten, named Bear. Bear is very sweet and loves to cuddle. Looks like I just might become a cat-person. I am looking forward to all of the possibilities that a new year brings and wish you all a very happy and healthy 2007. |
| Jenny again | What a wonderful gathering! And you are ALL registered in "the hat" for the door prize, by the way! Just had to congratulate Brenda on adopting a kitty at last. My Pooh is also called Bear(ie) and/or The Bear half the time! Jen |
| David Kenneth Waldman | I want to let all know of the upcoming anniversary of our Chapter on Jan 23 2007. We become seven years old as a chapter. As we get to know and work with each other this year we can reflect on this milestone in our history. With all the talk of cats and kittens and dogs it makes you want to adopt one. However, I think it best when a cat adopts you and finds their way into your home. Thank you all for your wonderful and interesting stories. |
| Andre Elliott | Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu! This is how happy new year is spoken in Japan. Habari gani? This expression comes from Kwanzaa. It means, what's happening. Hine Ma Tov is a song that I am teaching a choir to sing. This song, from the Hebrew tradition, means, "How good it is for brethren to dwell together in peace." It is fascinating how one idea gives birth to another idea. After reading Lianne Nahina Pfister's words, I was reminded of our great diversity. In December, I experienced an Hawaiian Christmas in the form of a program presented by native Hawaiians in the elementary school where I teach. I am fortunate to be able to teach my two boys about an Hawaiian Christmas, Kwanzaa, the meaning of Christmas, and Hine Ma Tov. Actually, I make it a point to broaden their knowledge base regularly. Our diversity is bedazzling. Mary Morris in Delta, Colorado. Randy Freeman in southern California. Cheryl-Ann Henry off to the books. Gay, Theran, Marion, Doris, and, Dr. Simon, Dr. Charles Smith, Sr., Dr. Arthur Ogden, and Jenny are names that are like constellations in the night sky. The seasons change, yet they shine brightly for all to see. We have been greatly served over the past 10 years by volunteers who deeply cared about our raison detre. As the founding president and current historian, I hope to work with all of you to piece together the protrait of our progression. David Kenneth Walden, thanks for the reminder that we celebrate 7 years on January 23, 2007. From the field of recreational mathematics in Wikipedia, I learned that 7 is a lucky number. However, all should know that we can also celebrate 10 years of history. In 1997, Walden PDK took its first breath of life on the campus of the University of Indiana, Bloomington, during a Walden University summer session. I believe that the next 10 years of our story will be as exhilirating as the Apollo landing on the moon in 1969. I believe that the scholars and passionate educators among us will combine their talents, visions, and passions to achieve what no other PDK chapter has ever achieved in the history of Phi Delta Kappa. Bianca Elliott has a special program for our winter 2007 meeting. Let us go boldly where no PDK chapter has never gone before as dreamers and doers! |
| Jenny again | HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to us ALL! And in the celebratory vibe, may I announce that the door prize will be a custom designed Gift Basket featuring our own Karine Clay's Melaeuca products for a healthy and fun start to the new year. The person whose name is drawn will influence the gifts received, so more info to come when that happens! (and many thanks to Karine :-) |
| Karine | Thank you Jenny, I hope everyone had a fabulous New Year Mine was quiet I was not well and had to postpone my 2 week trip to New York where I have lived previously for over 18 years then living in Korea for 2 years and then moving to California then now Atlanta. I'm originally from the wonderful island of Trinidad and Tobago and if all goes well I will be celebrating the completion of my PHd from walden in Education and would have completed it in 2 years in Trinidad for an the entire month. I have a 2 year old daughter and she is one energetic child that feels like I have 4 children and therefore I believe it is not my calling to me a mother of more than one. I am an educator at Mercer University and at a Middle School in Henry County. Therefore I find myself being a mentor and mother to other people's children as well. This maybe the real reason for not making the childbirth journey again haha. I miss the holidays in NY and Trinidad the most in all my travels because even though I do not party as much anymore either Barb I find that I sometime still crave the excitement of that period in my life. I do also love the snow as well as seasons and Atlanta does not really have that but the warm weather is better for my health. My Husband is also a Mr Mom part-time and we have a home based business as well Part-time and he is better at it than I. I am enjoying all the submissions so far and truly look forward to Biannca's program. Don't forget to visit the fundraising links on all the ways we are able to increase our chapter's scholarships and other programs as well as our health. |
| Gay, for Marion | Hi all,
I've just heard from Marion--she's away from her home (and computer) due to family necessity, and isn't sure she'll be able to participate in the meeting further. Unless we hear otherwise, let's continue the discussion of the items on the agenda, at least through Sunday, January 14th. |
| Jenny | AND THE WINNER OF THE DOOR PRIZE IS......... RANDY FREEMAN!!!!!!!!! Randy, please contact Karine at kclay001@waldenu.edu to receive your custom gift basket of goodies!!!! CONGRATULATIONS! |