Today is Linda Kugler Neely's birthday. She would have been 47. Funny how I never forget when her birthday is. And I will always remember the birthday parties she had when we were growing up. We met when she moved to the neighboring farm when we were 7 years old. We were pretty much inseparable for about the next 7 years. Such fond memories.
So Happy Birthday, Linda! May peace be with you.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Life Long Learners
I originally posted this blog on the Technology Integration site...
Shouldn't we all strive to be life-long learners regardless of what our title or formal educational background is? Clearly, what and how are students are taught should be an ever evolving process. The world is constantly changing around us so then, shouldn't the educational system? Yes, it is important for our students to learn from the past but it should not be "in the past." I must say that I am somewhat disappointed when I hear that teachers are resistant to learn new ways to educate. Yes, it may be out of their comfort zone but after all, isn't that what they ask of their students? They should be challenging their students and they should be challenging themselves. I applaud teachers who do go out of their way to challenge their students, especially using all of the amazing technology that is out there. To paraphrase a board member, we will find a way to pay for the new technology as long as it is used - often and appropriately. To spend so much money on technology to discover that some staff rarely use it much less check their e-mail a couple of times a year is disheartening.
I have seen the same issue with support staff. There are so many amazing tools that we have access to that we don't use to their full potential. And I will admit that I have been guilty of not taking advantage of training nearly as much as I should. I always seemed to be too busy to take a half or full day of training. However, I am trying to change. I recently went out of my comfort zone to learn much more of 2 applications that I rarely used. I was amazed at how well they worked together and how, in the end, saved me so much more time. Then, I needed help on another document and I got introduced to SharePoint. Again, something that I didn't think applied to me and I didn't have time to learn. Well, was I wrong. I am excited to think of all the things I can do once I obtain a little more training. I can only hope that my enthusiasm may spur others to come out of their comfort zone and learn new ways of doing our everyday business.
Shouldn't we all strive to be life-long learners regardless of what our title or formal educational background is? Clearly, what and how are students are taught should be an ever evolving process. The world is constantly changing around us so then, shouldn't the educational system? Yes, it is important for our students to learn from the past but it should not be "in the past." I must say that I am somewhat disappointed when I hear that teachers are resistant to learn new ways to educate. Yes, it may be out of their comfort zone but after all, isn't that what they ask of their students? They should be challenging their students and they should be challenging themselves. I applaud teachers who do go out of their way to challenge their students, especially using all of the amazing technology that is out there. To paraphrase a board member, we will find a way to pay for the new technology as long as it is used - often and appropriately. To spend so much money on technology to discover that some staff rarely use it much less check their e-mail a couple of times a year is disheartening.
I have seen the same issue with support staff. There are so many amazing tools that we have access to that we don't use to their full potential. And I will admit that I have been guilty of not taking advantage of training nearly as much as I should. I always seemed to be too busy to take a half or full day of training. However, I am trying to change. I recently went out of my comfort zone to learn much more of 2 applications that I rarely used. I was amazed at how well they worked together and how, in the end, saved me so much more time. Then, I needed help on another document and I got introduced to SharePoint. Again, something that I didn't think applied to me and I didn't have time to learn. Well, was I wrong. I am excited to think of all the things I can do once I obtain a little more training. I can only hope that my enthusiasm may spur others to come out of their comfort zone and learn new ways of doing our everyday business.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Presidents' Day Activities (or "Wooden't You?")
Yesterday was quite a busy day off. My son, Sparky (aka Aaron) picked up some great wood flooring for our family room at an auction in January. So in honor of President's day we installed our wood flooring. What, you ask does wood flooring have to do with Presidents' Day? Well, it had have a cherry finish!
(I know, that's really bad!)
It took 5 of us (my brother Bill, Sparky, Bill Babcock, Jeff and I) about 7 hours to rip up the carpeting and lay the new flooring. We had quite a system going! I think most of us were pretty tired by the end but I really like how it came out.
(I know, that's really bad!)
It took 5 of us (my brother Bill, Sparky, Bill Babcock, Jeff and I) about 7 hours to rip up the carpeting and lay the new flooring. We had quite a system going! I think most of us were pretty tired by the end but I really like how it came out.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Happy Birthday, Dad
So yesterday was my Dad's birthday. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see him between our schedules. Dad is a die-hard SU fan. They have had basketball season tickets since the mid-70's. It's kind of amazing to think of all the great basketball players that he has seen play at both Manley and the Dome.
But back to Dad. He is 78 years young. I say young because I don't think he will ever retire :-). He goes to work everyday.
When we were growing up, there were 9 of us around the table for every meal. Yes, I had 6 brothers and sisters. This would be a good time for me to mention that I am the baby of the family (my sisters would be so disappointed in me if I didn't state that fact.) Mealtimes were always interesting to say the least - it seemed that it would never fail, someone would always spill their glass of milk at every meal.
Many times after breakfast, Dad would challenge us to games. Such as categories, naming all the state capitals, and board games like trouble, checkers, chess and card games. I loved learning new games and it is something that I tried to pass on to my children. Our family still gets together every once in awhile to have a game night. We have such a great time and it takes me back to the simpler times.
So Dad, Happy Birthday and thanks for the great memories!! I love you.
But back to Dad. He is 78 years young. I say young because I don't think he will ever retire :-). He goes to work everyday.
When we were growing up, there were 9 of us around the table for every meal. Yes, I had 6 brothers and sisters. This would be a good time for me to mention that I am the baby of the family (my sisters would be so disappointed in me if I didn't state that fact.) Mealtimes were always interesting to say the least - it seemed that it would never fail, someone would always spill their glass of milk at every meal.
Many times after breakfast, Dad would challenge us to games. Such as categories, naming all the state capitals, and board games like trouble, checkers, chess and card games. I loved learning new games and it is something that I tried to pass on to my children. Our family still gets together every once in awhile to have a game night. We have such a great time and it takes me back to the simpler times.
So Dad, Happy Birthday and thanks for the great memories!! I love you.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Happy Groundhog's Day
So early this morning started the annual ritual of Punxsutawny Phil and his shadow. And once again he saw his shadow so we are in for another six weeks of winter. Of course he saw his shadow. They bring him out so early in the morning with dozens of bright camera lights around. Now, I was never great in science but it seems to me that he can't help but see his shadow! However, on Long Island it was a split decision, Malverne Mel predicted an early spring but Holtsville Hal said 6 more weeks. And over on Staten Island, Chuck said spring was right around the corner. As we all know, here in CNY, we are sure to have a lot more winter to endure. Just remember a year ago!
Groundhog's Day also happens to be the birthday of 2 special gentlemen. First is my father-in-law, Walt. This is his 75th birthday and he is doing very well . I may be biased, but he certainly doesn't act or look his age! We had a nice family gathering at our house.
This was also the birthday of Dr. David Stern, my first boss at BOCES who was such a positive influence on the whole Special Education department. My mom was his secretary and I started at BOCES as a part-time clerk assisting her with the student records. Dr. Stern had an excellent work ethic and he never forgot that the children always came first. Sadly, Dr. Stern lost his battle with cancer many years ago. His legacy lives on, not only in the building named after him but in the whole Special Education department's philosophy that it is always about the children, especially those that need the most help and understanding.
Groundhog's Day also happens to be the birthday of 2 special gentlemen. First is my father-in-law, Walt. This is his 75th birthday and he is doing very well . I may be biased, but he certainly doesn't act or look his age! We had a nice family gathering at our house.
This was also the birthday of Dr. David Stern, my first boss at BOCES who was such a positive influence on the whole Special Education department. My mom was his secretary and I started at BOCES as a part-time clerk assisting her with the student records. Dr. Stern had an excellent work ethic and he never forgot that the children always came first. Sadly, Dr. Stern lost his battle with cancer many years ago. His legacy lives on, not only in the building named after him but in the whole Special Education department's philosophy that it is always about the children, especially those that need the most help and understanding.
Friday, February 1, 2008
My First Post
I have been exposed to quite a bit of technology in the past year and have been inspired to try so many new things - both at work and personally. So this is my newest adventure inspired by a couple of colleagues. I am SO out of their league but I have had so much fun learning and challenging myself. Now that I have set up my own blog I certainly hope that I can come up with some funny, witty or at least moderately interesting posts.
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