Sunday, August 11, 2024

Welcome the children back to school with a smile!

School begins this week in some school districts with the majority starting after Labor Day. I wanted to repost a few articles from the past that are so relevant now since the Covid Pandemic continues to affect our school aged children, especially the younger ones. Our education system is broken and under attack by many who do not have the children's best interest at heart, especially the younger ones.

In 2015 I started working as an educational team leader for grades K-2. I chose those grade levels because it provides me the opportunity to help mold and create young students as they begin their educational journeys.  I have found how important and “simple” it is to start their day out with a smile/greeting. 

K-2 Educational Team Leader Credo
I believe it is very important to greet students with a smile and kind word first thing in the morning in the grade school cafeteria (This is where they get dropped off for school before the bell rings) as they start their school day. In many situations it might be the only greeting/smile they receive all day. Students appreciate and respond to settings where they feel welcome. Students who feel more welcome are more likely to seek out my help or others when needed (In today’s dysfunctional families this happens frequently). 

By greeting students (Added plus – learn their names) at the door as they enter school or classroom, you can see and prevent potential problems. Correcting potential problems in the cafeteria (school provided meals) before school starts may help a student enter their first class free of stress or take out frustrated energy in the gym or even carry it all day to their home. Recognizing a potential problem and preventing it is critical to the overall success of the student, their teachers, fellow classmates and the school.

I was very fortunate to have worked with some truly remarkable teachers. Their dedication and passion for what they did was outstanding. 
Note: To a “Systems Thinker” this is building/designing quality upfront in the process. It is where the potential for failure and defects are their most dangerous (If unchecked continue to grow) but they are almost always the easiest (Cheapest) way to prevent/fix problems.
Also...
Over the years I always try and observe and learn what makes a good teacher. One of the measures by which I make my conclusion is how well the class learns and just as important how well it behaves and respects all (Teacher, Students) within the room.

If I find that 95% of the students follow this conclusion, I know there is a good teacher at the helm. I know when I have found a “Great” teacher when there is a substitute teacher and 90% of the students follow my conclusion because their regular teacher has instilled the pride and learning so that whoever is in the room, they give their attention out of respect for their regular teacher.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

"The Wisdom to be Remembered" - Updated 12/1/24 - Nebraska 2024 Thanksgiving

April 2013

 "The Wisdom to be Remembered"

Born - Honolulu, Hawaii 2013

"Knowledge is for sharing.
It is not about the amount of knowledge you obtain or have.
It is about the amount of knowledge you freely share and give."
by: qualityg
If I was to pick one song that would represent this post it is "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart. When I think of my Family, Friends and those that mean the most to me I always remember them when They/We were young. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwG6g5boyF4

2/1/16 - Hawaii Visit



Updated 7/21/13

What a bundle of joy. Three months old now and such a good baby for her first visit to Michigan. Logged many miles from Hawaii to Washington DC to Arkansas to Michigan and back to Hawaii with a stop in Seattle to see her uncle.




MICHIGAN - Great Grandma (GG) and Nana 

Seattle - Uncle Greg

HAWAII



Updated 9/11/15

9/11 is truly a special day because it is my daughter's birthday. Yes, it will always be interwoven with the attacks on the twin towers but it's also a day about rebirth.

MICHIGAN - July 2015 - Elizabeth Park

Visiting "GG"


MARYLAND - August 2015

The Ballerina and Gymnast



She Brightens up my day!

October 2015


So Thankful
November 2015


My Favorites

January 2016

October 2016
Good Job Papa for winning me a trophy (Age Group Winner - LOL) and medal at the Monster Mash Run!



October 2016

Born - Annapolis, Maryland

Welcome to "Julian Grant Hutchison" born on 11/30/2016

March 2017

Cherry Blossoms

  



August 2017 - Groton, Connecticut

Oh Yes! Ice Cream Lovers - Just Like Papa!!





October 2017 - Michigan - Pumpkin Patch!


December - 2017 - MICHIGAN - Great Grandma (GG)

April 2018 - Washington State - New Home


July 2018 - Michigan - Climbing to New Heights

January 2019 Washington State - You Got Mail!


July 2019 Michigan - We love our Ice Cream - 6 weeks with Nana and Papa

Where are our Chocolate Shakes Big Boy!!

September 2019 - Washington State - Picking Blueberries! and Exploring Mountains!


October
2019 Washington State - A Special Post and Tribute

Every year from Lorelai’s age until the Christmas after Andrew and I got married, I baked cookies and made fudge with one of my most favorite women on the planet, my grandma. I loved how much she allowed me to help by measuring and adding the ingredients. As her body weakened, mine strengthened, us now switching places with me stirring the fudge. It was seamless. Well, since then, every batch of fudge I’ve made was a flop. Fortunately, when she moved out of her apt, I inherited the famous “fudge pan.” With an unexpected move came an electric coil range, just like my grandma’s. This year, I am so proud to say the fudge curse is over and this batch was so incredibly yummy!! Here’s to the tastiest of family traditions being passed on. 

February 2020 - Disneyland - Where Dreams and Hopes Really Do Come True!!


April 16, 2020 - RIP - Mom 2021 and Dad 1974
Mike and The Mechanics - "In the Living Years" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hr64MxYpgk

June/July 2021 - Summer Vacation - Michigan



July 4th 2021 
                                                                    Slip N Slide!

Detroit Zoo - 2021

Polar Bear Plaque honoring WWI Soldiers from Michigan who were sent to Northern Russia. My Grandfather was one who went are were known as Detroit's own Polar Bears. 
July 2021 - Hawaii - School (3rd and Pre-K)

October 2021, after 33 Years it's time to move on...

So many memories
December 2021 - New Beginnings

 New Home 


            Updated 3/12/22

     New Friend - "Mango"        
 
Updated 6/12/22 - Summer of 2022 in Michigan

  
Now that the Pandemic is behind us for now many get together with family and friends.
      Tiger Game with Jr.
Grandparents
Sliding Around
Hot Rodding
Ice Skating in July when it's 93 degrees outside.


Flying a Kite

All Scream for Ice Cream - Summer is Over

Updated 9/20/22 - New Beginnings - New School Year - Virginia
Birthday Visit April 2023

Fall 2023 - Virginia
          Thanksgiving - 2023                    


Grads - 2024 Virginia


Summer 2024




Moving to Nebraska
1st day of school 2024

Commissioning September 2024 - USS New Jersey

Thanksgiving - 2024