Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Journey Begins...

Risk more than others think is safe.
Care more than others think is wise.
Dream more than others think is practical.
Expect more than others think is possible.

This is not necessarily a new quote but I can promise you it will be our mantra as we enter this next decade of leading and learning together at Chets Creek. More than ever it will be important to remember that those four verbs are what started this all to begin with and they are the catalysts for what has made our incredible work with children a reality. We are so very close to leaving no child behind ladies and gentlemen - it is time to stretch ourselves and find out how to save those last few. It is time to take all we know about quality standards based education and infuse it with all the new tools available to us through technology. We are going to go beyond the borders of our classrooms and cross the digital divide into the future - together. We are in for the journey of our lives - the adventure begins...

Where will the journey take you?

Risk...Care...Dream...Expect...

30 comments:

Michelle Ellis & Debby Cothern said...

what a great day. We can't wait to get started on this wonderful journey
Debby and Michelle

dayle timmons said...

So many possibilities... so little time...

Anonymous said...

Deborah & Kathryn say let the adventure begin....Awesome job! Oh and...thank you for letting us stay together in 3rd grade. :)

Anonymous said...

Truly this year holds great promise for our students. I expect to learn great things alongside my little learners. Thank you for providing me with such an incredible learning experience!
~rachel bridges

Anonymous said...

Down a path I have never been NTLB..Gidgey

Anonymous said...

We are very excited to get our hands wet with all this new technology! It will be an adventure in learning for our students as well as us. We can virtually take them anywhere!!

Anonymous said...

We have truly become a "school without walls" and are ready for the challenge! Thank you for preparing the way.

Teri and Dee Dee

Anonymous said...

As a team Denise and I are so very excited to grow through technology, in order to reach all of our children and parents. Thank you for giving us this wonderful opportunity to learn and grow!
Denise and Cindy

Anonymous said...

We are excited for this new adventure! We look forward to finding and using new technology tools to reach our all our student in a more creative outlet... Lori and Karen may even start a blog! (I'm ready to help them!) lol

Beth Y., Lori M., and Karen M.

Anonymous said...

You are correct, but the gloves really need to come off. As the gentleman said today, worrying about security makes little sense when kids are going to enter their world at 03:30 anyway. We must learn to trust, if we want real growth and usefulness!

Peace,

T-Cubed
K-Shan
Kay-T

Anonymous said...

It's a year for new adventures and new challenges. We are ready to face them all head on!

Wanda and JJ

Anonymous said...

Today was great...we are really excited about learning new technology skills...we cant wait to get started! (Liz needs a lot of help but is organizationally ready and willing!) (Rick knows it all and says he will tutor anyone after school every day from 8:00-12:00) thanks,liz and rick

Anonymous said...

We got the message of the importance of collaboration and we are dedicated to work together to build stronger relationships and grow from each other strengths.

First Grade Team

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tour around the world--and all just on our very first day back. Thank you for for all that you do. I am eager for an exciting journey with our young learners and wonderful school-wide team.

-Lourdes Santiago

Anonymous said...

What a remarkable and inspiring day! You are the DREAM Leader!! Am I ready for this new challenge? YES... Am I afraid of the technology challenge? YES, YES!

But...I want to thank you for pushing MY limits and taking me on the adventure of my life!

Patti

Anonymous said...

Susan,
Today was awesome and exciting!! We look forward to the technology journey this year! See you there.
Love, Danielle & Julie J.

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to a wonderful adventure this year of learning, laughing, and risk taking! Jessica

Sherrie Rabe said...

Susan,
We are so excited to begin this journey with you. Christy believes the journey will take her to far far away places where she does not know the language. She will be depending on me. I love all of this tech stuff. I have lots of ideas and questions as well. Thank you for making this such an exciting first day back.

Sherrie and Christy

Anonymous said...

We are excited to become technology experts!

Love,
Lipsky and Scarola

Anonymous said...

Totally technical! Karen hopes to learn how to use her webcam and Rachel hopes to learn how to make/manage a blog!

Anonymous said...

We are so excited for this technological year to begin! We have finally created our own blog and look forward to addding to it and sharing these new ideas with our class.

Brooke & Vicky

Anonymous said...

Technology... it can be an amazing tool as well as frustrating. Thankfully, I'm not frightened by it. My biggest frustration has been in having the hardware and/or software available and able to do what I want and/or need WHEN I want and/or need it. NTLB!

~ Patricia

Anonymous said...

Our adventure this year will include working diligently to encourage our students and their families to take more risks and experience the 21st century technology. We will commit ourselves to care for and expect all of our students, high and low, to grow.
Ashley, Jenny, and (joe..but not really)

ps- We are going to steal Joe's iPod.

Anonymous said...

My mind is spinning with ideas! I am so excited about all of the endless possibilities that technology offers. The dynamic
4th grade team will work together to provide our students with exciting adventures as we set off to explore Europe.

Eager to begin,
Shea

Anonymous said...

Cynthia and Cheryl have this to say about the first day of pre-planning...

We loved the fact that we opened with J.Utech! What an inspiration.

We cant wait to start using more technology in the classroom.

Melissa Ross said...

My goal this year is to use several different tech tools to challenge all learners. I am very excited to work with Melanie and Carrie to accomplish this goal this year. I have my list of products to try to get free :) (I guess I can cross the Flip off of it. I can't wait to use it!)

KK Cherney said...

Today was one of our greatest moments in the Chets Creek Story. Perhaps one of the most "stretching" days for our minds. I salute you for continuing to grow even when we could sit back and enjoy our success.
You make me a better person.
Leaving no one behind,
KK

Melanie Holtsman said...

Susan- Thank you for embracing the vision of taking us to the cutting edge with digital literacy. I can't wait to see what the year brings. Your wish is my command... :)

Anonymous said...

We are so excited to use technology to enhance the learning in our classroom this year. Thank you for such an informational day.
Julia and Laurie

Anonymous said...

Lindsay and Lynn don't even know how to spell conpewter and can't wait to join Rick's tutoring program that is being offered each night from 8-12...we will bring snacks!!!

p.s. We are seriously excited for school 2.0 and are dreaming up the perfect blog name right now...:0)