greet 'n eat

Saturday night, we had a "Greet 'n Eat" event at Macee's. A good time was had by all! I have been transitioned into drinking from a can and introduced to 2 new games. These are my friends!

P.S. It was a bad camera night. Please do not judge my photography by this post. It was a fun night and these grainy, blurred images are memories! :)

all in a day's work

This week I had the opportunity to continue some work that I have been doing on the social studies framework for grades K-1 in Texas (commonly known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or TEKS). This portion of the process was to present a general summary of the suggestions that we have made thus far to the State Board of Education and receive their feedback. The meeting began at 9:00 am in Austin, but I did not begin speaking until approximately 2:45pm. It had been a long and sometimes dramatic day up to this point. I was a little nervous to be put in this spotlight essentially in front of the whole state of Texas! I knew that it was being broadcast via the web and recorded. Mulitple media representatives had been in attendance throughout the morning and a few remained after lunch. There was a lot of pressure. We were limited to an approximately 3 minute speech prior to the questioning, which I had prepared and continued to refine throughout the day. I was pleased with the flow of my time to defend our thinking and goals, despite the intensity at times!

However, I have been completely overwhelmed by the response from others. Before I could return to my seat, I had texts from my friends and colleagues in Denton who had watched all 35 minutes online. Within an hour, I had an e-mail from a stranger offering resources related to the suggestions that I had been given from the Board who also watched it online. Then at the break is when I was taken back...people I didn't know, acquaintances, colleagues, and friends gushed and freely flowed with compliments. It was all still a blur to me since my adrenaline had been flowing. I found it interesting to hear their perspectives and at what points they became defensive. My ears had not heard the same things from behind the podium! They were informing me of things I hadn't even noticed or was unaware of during the "grilling" I was under. I did not understand the big deal they were making about the event. This made me very anxious to watch it online later in the evening to see what all the fuss was about!!! I was excited and giggly, but confused.

Unfortunately, the recorded versions were not posted until Friday, so I had to wait until I returned home to reflect and take it all in from the other side. Upon arriving back home I received flowers that had been delivered to the school during the day!! The card simply reads, "You did wonderful at the SBOE meeting!!! Way to go! Many were watching and all of us are proud of you!!" It was unsigned. Based on a conversation with my coordinator, I believe they are from at least one other coordinator--who I don't think I know!

Then I was really surprised! I watched the video of the meeting. Yes, it went well...I smiled, graciously accepted their feedback, and took the opportunity to politely defend former and current mislead accusations about the proprosals for change. However, it was all in a day's work.

I feel like I have a "fan club". It is a pleasant overwhelming feeling to be supported so strongly from so many people. Thank you! I'm in awe.