Sheila Amato

The last line … it’s up to you to write

August 30, 2008 By Sheila Amato

Thank you all for allowing me to share some thoughts with you on this teacher blog during the month of August. Many of you are already back at school; my new school year will start on Tuesday, September 2nd.

So, what’s been running through my head as I approach this new school year? Well, the first thing I have to overcome is the night before the first day of school. Thus (and with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore), I submit my efforts at sharing my reality — tinged with humor.

However, you already know that I give homework… and this is your task. After you have read the poem, YOU finish the last line!

(If any of you are so inclined to add a verse or two, I would be delighted!)

My best wishes for a school year that fulfills most of your dreams… always leave room for serendipity!

And… here it comes:

‘Twas the night before school
and all through the house
the cats were all sleeping
and so was my spouse.

My Dirty Dozen

August 12, 2008 By Sheila Amato

Aha… I thought that might catch your attention.

Hi, all — I’ve started to compile a list of helpful hints for new (or veteran) teachers. Please help me add to my list. This could be very helpful for many of us, as well as the rookies entering our profession. I’m starting all of us off with my fave dozen … and trusting you all to add to this important list. Thanks! Sheila

1. Introduce yourself to the building principal, assistant principal, counselor, and nurse at the first opportunity in the new school year. Find out the names of the building secretaries, custodians, and food-service workers. They will be counted among your best friends.

[Read more…] about My Dirty Dozen

What’s in your toolbox?

August 3, 2008 By Sheila Amato

As I’ve mentioned, I have been honored to receive CEC’s highest award given to a teacher, the Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award, for 2008. I’d like to share with you some of the comments that I gave at the TOY luncheon, and ask you… WHAT IS IN YOUR TOOLBOX? And then, what tools do you help your students obtain for THEIR toolbox… and why have you chosen these particular items?

If it’s still summer, then why am I here?

July 28, 2008 By Sheila Amato

Hello, all!

I’m not really supposed to be here yet. My official start date is August 1, but I’m the kind of person who needs to check things out in advance to be sure they work – or at least to be sure that I understand what I need to do to help them work. So my first official post is born a few days prematurely.

I’m honored to have been asked to be the blog mom for August. August is a wonderful month. We can still enjoy the lazy days of the summer and travel or visit with family and friends … we can wrap up a successful summer school session… and we start to think about returning to the classroom as we nurture and develop those new ideas and thoughts of things “we should really try to do someday.”

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share some time with you in cyberspace. But, who am I?