The Secret is Out! and Link-up Day!

Last Friday I got a phone call from the Manitoba Coordinator for the Marsville Program. He informed me that one of my students had won the national writing contest to have a small planet named after them. All the Marsville participants had the opportunity to participate in the contest. I had all my students write a 300 or less word entry but they had the choice to enter or not, most of my students did. Of course I had to keep this information as secret as possible (although a few people needed to be told in order for the mom of this student to be there, plus I had a hard time containing my excitement!). I must say that I was a pretty proud teacher!

The announcement took place today, at Link-Up Day! Not only was it announced in the gym we were in but it was announced across the country in all the Marsville sites. I was so excited to see the reaction of this student. Surprises are so fun!

The student was pretty surprised! The media was there and there were interviews and conversations. It was pretty crazy for a bit! Congrats Sarah!

Of course Link—Up day was not just for the winning student but all my students, who worked hard on their Marsville projects. We set up huge bubbles and presented our projects. It was a crazy, busy day! At times a little unorganized but the end result was that we complete the Marsville Program. Time always becomes a factor when dealing with so many kids, and we didn’t have enough time for everything we wanted to get done. The morning was more productive than the afternoon. Time just flew by! The kids haven’t received their feedback for the galactic visitors but I have seen it and it was pretty positive. They get to read it tomorrow. I was really proud of how all of my students created their bubbles, presented their projects, and their behaviour. I was happy with the day!

We brought a bubble home with us and will be setting it up on Thursday evening at the school for parents and the community to see. Students will also be presenting their projects. This will give us all a chance to celebrate the great learning that has taken place.

About Time For An Update

No excuses but i haven't blogged in awhile! So here is an update (finally!)
Last week I enjoyed a wonderful Spring Break, it was busy, but not too busy! I enjoyed a day in the city with Jay (complete with the purchase of pink rubber boots and pink and black soccer cleats), I went cross-sountry skiing at Hecla by myself on Tuesday. I skied over 15km and afterwards my legs felt a little like jello! At about 10km I would have loved to stop, but it was either 10km back or 5 km ahead, I kept going forward! My dad came out for a couple of days to play in a curling bonspiel with Jay, and then Blake (my youngest brother-in-law) came out for a couple of days. Other than loosing (badly) at a game of Risk it was a good week!
Now back at work my students and I are grearing up for our Link-Up day and preparing for our "trip to Mars". After a week of panic we are on track and I am very much looking forward to seeing my students in a new setting!
Soccer season is gearing up so Jay will become super busy with painting lines, coaching and referee clincs, and organizing coaches and schedules. Next week he has a meeting every day of the week except Sunday! A little crazy if you ask me, but this too shall pass! :)
Of course Jay just bought me a new toy so next week, while he is at meetings I can move files from my old computer to my new laptop! I have wanted on for years now and my computer is dieing so it was time for a new one! LOVE IT!
That is life in a nutshell!