The 4th of July, in my family, has always been a big celebration. My whole family, which sometimes included 50 people or more, would gather at my grandmother’s house in Blue Island. The day started with breakfast on the driveway. My great uncles would fry bacon in a large pan on the grill and then fry eggs in the grease. Inside the great aunts would be making German potato salad, scrambled eggs and toast. It was a flurry of activity and energy with almost everything being don

I love May Day! When I was a kid, my family would decorate baskets, roll paper doilies, or paint ceramic pots and fill them with flowers. Then we would drive around to neighbors and grandparents and try to drop them off without getting caught. I’m not sure what was more fun, making the May Day bundles or sneaking around to deliver them. I think the best part was just the pure joy and excitement of giving to others. I’ve carried on this tradition throughout my life. In my clas

Play and fun are tools that open students to learning. Don’t be an April fool, add a little to play to your routine!

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can make you grow!

It’s a winter wonderland. Ice covers the trees from head to toe. Rain falls. Water freezes encasing the branches in a thick, shimmering block of ice . A crunching sound fills the air. I look, trying to locate the source of the sound. A tree once solid and strong lays split on the ground. Another crunch and another tree falls to the ground. I stand in awe trying to embrace the beauty of the crystal forest in contrast to the slow, nearly silent destruction of the mighty trees s

My dad has given my mom the same Valentine card for the last twelve years. Some may think this isn’t very flattering, but I can assure you this is a gift of pure devotion. Have you ever tried to save a card for an entire year and remember where you put it? This card has become more than just a card, it’s a reminder of their love and a sort of time capsule of their years together. As my dad resurrects this card each year, they enjoy reading over past quotes and remembering tho

I love Christmas lights. I love how the dark nights are made just a little brighter with the lights from a house or a tree. I especially love white lights. Just a simple row of white lights around a tree or framing a house sends a warm glow through my heart. Just as magical for me is the simple glow of a candle. I’m amazed at how such a small light can often seem to warm a whole room or even create a sense of calm and peace. This concept of lighting up a room really hit home

Creating miracles in students requires unwavering belief and extraordinary effort.