...and I've adopted Flora Vista Elementary School, too...

Sadly for me, I have no children of my own.  Instead,  I enjoy children as a teacher/mentor/coach.  At Flora Vista Elementary in particular, I've volunteered since 2007, after treatments for breast cancer caused me to take a leave of absence from teaching in elementary schools in University City in San Diego Unified School District.  Currently at Flora Vista, I am a Playground Partner and co-leader of Kids Helping Kids lunchtime club.  

Volunteering at Flora Vista prepared me to open my business, Teaching UP: Unlimited Potential.  This April will be the fourth year I'm coaching children to compete at the San Diego County Fair Oratorical Competition.  One remarkable Flora Vista boy I've coached, Tristan Siljander, has taken the podium at the fair in 2009, 2010, and 2011.  Several other of my Flora Vista students have competed and won awards.   I can't wait to watch them move me to tears again this year on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at the San Diego County Fair.

From my home on Hill Top Lane I teach all kinds of language arts, always in my heart hoping to point the way to positive leadership for our children.

The Little Tree That Could

Here's the story of our avocado tree that will be officially adopted by our neighborhood elementary school this Arbor Day...
I especially like the fact that I grew it from the seed of an avocado I ate 2-3 years ago.  It was an exceptionally delicious avocado, so I decided to see what would happen if I planted it.  Well... it grew!  And then I realized it would probably be way too big for our backyard, and undoubtedly happier in another place.  Then I thought, Where could any living thing be happier than surrounded by children's voices and loving hands?

So, I'm thrilled that the 'little seed that could' will be part of the celebrations at Flora Vista Elementary's Arbor Day program.

Interactive Education is here now... or should be.

http://www.apple.com/education/#video-textbooks

Highest quality storytelling in this video helps us see the future of "textbook learning" for all of us. Sorry that it's a bit of a promo for Apple, but I think it's worth the time to really get the broader message about interactive education in the future. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Anya video

My Animoto Video

Our "faux" niece, Anya, is the sweet pea in this video who will bring tears to your eyes. Enjoy.