Book Help

I am an avid reader, because I love books. Books are amazing and allow me to escape to "another world." However, sometimes I have difficulty deciding what to read next. The other day I came across a website that can recommend what to read next
http://bookseer.com . Also, I found one that is good for students http://www.plcmc.org/bookhive/ . Have fun reading!!

Freedom

I recently voted in NJ, because it is important to vote. So often people take opportunity for granted, such as voting. Voting is just one of the many things that make America great. Check out the video below (it was actually sent to me by a student--thanks A.M!)

Cool & Fun Website

I was just surfing the internet when I found this fun website called, "Spell with Flickr."  Flickr is a database of pictures taken by individuals.  The site allows you to type in any word and will compile a list of pictures to create the word.  Visit the site Spell with Flickr.  I've a sample below.

Rewarding & Fun Weekend

This weekend my wife and I along with some friends went into the city for a fun evening.  We all started by going to a fantastic rodizio; rodizio is a Brazilian style restaurant that is all you can eat meat.  It was awesome!  I had some delicious flank steak, lamb, ribs, etc...  Then we went to see West Side Story on Broadway; the show was fantastic and featured my sister's close friend.  Afterwards, we went to an amazing dessert place called Max Brenners; the chocolate is so delicious.
Then on Sunday morning my wife & I did a breast cancer walk in Parsippany.  We walked with my brother-in-law's company and raised a lot of money for research.  I recommend you visit the website and support the cause (Making Strides Against Breast Cancer).

Mr. Dictionary

So, the school year has started and is off to a fantastic start. I've been inspired already by one of my students. Mr. Dictionary is now his moniker; one of the reasons is because he walks around with a dictionary and tries to learn a word a day. One cool website I found that could help him and other "wordsmiths" is a site called podictionary.com .
Another reason why I really enjoy having this student in my class is because the first day I asked him why he was so quite; he replied, "My dad taught me that it is better to say something that has quality rather than stuff in quantity."

Back to School

Summer has come and gone. Now it is time to start the school year, and I can't wait. I always enjoy the beginning of the year, because I get to meet a whole new group of great kids. I thoroughly look forward to creating new memories with the students and sharing knowledge.

On a side note- the first student from my homeroom, and the first from Mrs. Pitzer's homeroom to comment on my blog will receive extra credit in English! (I can't wait to start blogging with both classes!)

End of the School Year

Wow! I can't believe the school year is over after today. It always goes so fast, and I never get to everything I planned. Each year I revamp my lessons and activities in order to create a better classroom environment. It will be sad to see this group of students leave; they've all become important people in my life. That is probably the best part of being a teacher; being able to create memories with so many different kids. I hope that some will remember me and come back to visit.
The other day one of my students from the past came back to say hello. She decided after her 8th grade graduation she wanted to stop by to say hi. I could not believe how much this student grew and matured. It was absolutely wonderful being able to see her again and wish her luck in the big leagues (high school). She told me she really enjoyed 5th grade and being in my class (things like this make teaching worthwhile).
I know I'll miss the kids, but summer will be a much needed rest. Also, I know next year I'll meet a whole new crop of students and create new memories.