Did Ya See, Leah?

Our own Leah appeared on national television, today. Yep, she fiddled her way into our lives by playing her rendition of the National Anthem, on the violin.

Scranton Boy Nearly Ruined It
I was in Middleburg, still reeling from the sudden loss of my brother-in-law, when I asked my family to tune in ABC. Leah was slated to play about 3:20, but, Joe Biden came on as a special report to say in an extremely long-winded way, "Yep, I'll run with Obama." My family laughed as I growled, mumbling they will probably pre-empt, Leah. Sure enough, eventually, Biden stopped talking and ABC ended their post-speech analysis. Finally, it was back to Little League. AND, there she was, on pitcher's mound, clad in some kind of sports-oriented tee-shirt and jeans. Just last month, Leah played her violin on the Great Wall of China, today, the world.

What a great kid. Thank you, Leah for including me in your fascinating summer and thanks for alerting me to today's game.

I fired-off a quick e-mail to Leah, telling her, I could not have been more proud of her as I would my own daughter. My sister's house erupted with me, screaming - "That's one of my kids!!!!"

See y'all on Tuesday.

Hey, There, Mousketeers!!!

I hope all my incoming cherubs are eager to start a new school year. I know I am ready. Not only did I meet a great bunch of kids during orientation, earlier this week, but, our "Meet the Teacher" turnout was terrific.

I do have to apologize, however. One of my brothers-in-law passed away over the past weekend in North Carolina, and the red tape to ship the body back here was horrendous. Anyhow, Thursday and Friday was a time for funeral and I was flip-flopping back and forth between here and Middleburg, in Snyder County. I did make it back for our meet the teacher night and I am pleased with the outcome.

Yesterday was bad as the family gathered, cried, moarned and hugged at the viewing, but, we also shared funny stories and events prompted by this departed family member. Yes, yesterday was long, but, today, was worse. Today, was a very long day that started about 5:30 this morning, and here I am at 9:30 at night finally loosening my tie, kicking off my shoes and journaling in this blog.

If you want a harrowing experience, be a part of a 14-car funeral procession from Selinsgrove to Williamsport at 2 p.m. on a Little League Week Friday!! Despite the fact we used warning flashers on our cars, other motorists disregarded that fact and broke our line, scooted in front of us, in our line, made illegal turns through our line and greeted us with shouts and obscene gestures -- only in Pennsylvania, home of the meanest critters in America.

I am planning to make-up some lost time on Sunday, by working on my classroom. Miss Porter, our substitute for the substitute for the substitute for Mrs. Fry, indicated she would like to come in also, on Sunday, to work on her room. Yeah, I know, dedicated. It's easy for her, she's my son's age. Us old geezers find it tough to make it through a Monday to Friday gig, much less, come on weekends.

Okay, let's wrap-it-up. My incoming kiddoes are really super. Their parents were so nice and some even smiled at my dumb jokes. I think it's gonna be a great year.

I will see YOU on Tuesday. Have a super weekend, folks.

Second day of orientation

Another group of new middle-schoolers came to the building, today. Looks like a nice group of sixth graders coming to our school, next week.

High School Orientation
The new ninth graders toured the high school, today. It was funny how they looked at my incoming sixth graders remarking how tiny, cute, or whatnot. It worked, until a couple of older high school kids came into the building and remarked about the incoming ninth graders as tiny, cute, and whatnot.

Still need a sub for the sub for the sub for Mrs. Fry
Poor Mr. Fausnaught is still searching.

Have a great night, folks.

Hi-Dee Ho!!! I'm baaaaccckkk!

SUMMER IS OVER!!!!!!!
Back to the grind. Orientation, today, with a really neat looking group of incoming sixth graders. They are oh-so polite and tiny.
Mr. Fausnaught, Mrs. Preisch, Miss Massetti, Mr Saville-Andre, and PTO President Mrs. Bogacyzk, gave a great presentation. Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Pulizzi, and I, stood on the side.

'Puters and Tables
Some good news. Mr. Gee connected all six of my new, old computers in my classroom, and my long awaited tables arrived and were "set-up" in my room upon my arrival, today.
It felt funny being back in the classroom. Mrs. Antonacci and Mrs. Pulizzi working in their classrooms as we ready for the first day of school, next Tuesday.
I am still waiting for the rest of my supplies, and my scissors disappeared from my room.

Mystery Teacher
We were 'posed to have Mr. Forney sub for Mrs. Fry, this year, but, he accepted a full-time teaching position at Curtin Middle School. The rat, but, he is a good teacher and I knew someone would snatch him from our clutches. Anyway, Mr. Fausnaught found a replacement for Mrs. Fry's replacement -- Mrs. Albaugh. Mrs. Albaugh was a long-term sixth grade sub 15 years ago. I have not worked with her, since. I was so excited to learn she was coming in for Mr. Forney. But, alas, I learned, this morning, Mrs. Albaugh has accepted a position, elsewhere -- go figure. Poor Mr. Fausnaught is now interviewing, again, for that one-year position. This guy has the patience of a saint. He took it all in stride as we greeted parents and students, this morning.

Thanks Ling-Ling and Ryan
It was a nice summer. I heard from these kiddoes over the summer and was privvy to be invited to view Ling-Ling's China visit blog. Her father took many pictures and posted them during their trip. I really enjoyed the daily blog.

Have a great night, folks.