In the course of writing an email the other day I found myself questing for a word. I am sure you have been there... you know exactly what it is you mean to say and think you have the proper word but wonder if the word truly has the same meaning. That word for me was serendipity (which serendipitously is the name of the blog software we use too ). So to satisfy myself that I was not going to look like a doofus using this very specific, mouth full of consonants word I was going to check it out on dictionary.com but thought instead I would put it into google for a change. In google, on the right hand top of the search results, you will find the word you searched for with a [definition] link. I had never tried clicking that link before and when I did I not only found out that serendipity was indeed the word I needed - I found a great resource on words in general. Google's definition link is to a website called Answers.com which on some level I knew existed but did not realize the wealth of information the site aggregated for a single word. This struck me as a very excellent resource for material to use when incorporating expanded vocabulary in lessons. Serendipity seemed to be the theme of the day!

Answers.com

Serendipity on Answers.com

I hate the cold but still love this time of year - food, family and festivities are right around the corner! Yes it is getting close to time to dig out all the Christmas decorations and when your kids come back from break you just might find them sporting a new gadget. Rather than just a new distraction like a cell phone or mp3 player this new gadget has real educational potential - a brand new category of extremely affordable personal computers known as Netbooks. Now I could delve into all the technical goodness of these machines but Doug Johnson a columnist for Education World beat me to the punch plus offers more of a teacher's viewpoint. (Alas I am but only a technology specialist ) So click the following to read Doug's very informative article...

Netbooks and Computing In the Clouds

We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.”
--William Glasser

This time of year can be overwhelming with thoughts of grading, testing, field trips, end of the year activities. The weather is changing but you can't count on it to support any outside activities. This fast-paced world seems to be speeding-up with competition rising on every side. But we, the people in charge of our own destiny, can slow down the pace by taking time to focus on the needs of others as well as our own. It sounds counter-productive, yet it is a simple decision that can make a miraculous difference in our life.

We can drive ourselves to a goal, or we can drive ourselves to distraction! The choice is ours to make. Driving without a purpose creates a drain on passion and enthusiasm.

Spend time reviewing the things that drive you. Are you driving, or are you driven by outside influences? Are you headed to a specific destination, or are you just spinning your wheels?

Benjamin Franklin was quotes as saying, "Take care of the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves." The pennies are the small yet very important things in our lives that can be overlooked or considered of little value. When added together these pennies make our life rich and provide an inheritance that can be enjoyed by those that follow us. The choice is yours.

I hope your Spring is filled with power, energy, and fun.

Google has a great feature called Google Docs & Spreadsheets! What could that be you ask?! Well just a free online word processor and spreadsheet program! Even better these programs you can use from any internet connected computer and have access to the files you have saved there as well. Not only that you can share your files - just check this out - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhcgdf33_34.

An absolutely fantastic free service from the folks at Google. Just apply a bit of creativity and I bet you could be using Docs & Spreadsheets for all sorts of things!

Check it out at http://docs.google.com!

Dear Friends,

We all search for fresh ideas and connections to curriculum, standards, and those 17 GE practices. Please check out the following website for just such information.

www.PowerMovesKids.com


Laurette Willis has created a nice package for any school, teacher, or parent to use to develop character and body tone. It includes literature, enriched vocabulary, Life Principles, and much, much more.

Remember: "If we become satisfied with little, we will always have it." -Author Unknown

Have a Blessed Christmas Season, Kim

Today, I conferenced with a principal/teacher/facilitator/leader/co-worker. This person is all of these titles and more. She is to be commended for keeping Great Expectations at the forefront at each faculty meeting. This role model places Great Expectations as number one priority in the school. This was evident as classrooms were observed. Students were actively involved in a climate filled with of mutual respect.

Dear GE Implementers,
I had a recent visit with five principals from a school in Kansas. One of their questions was a request for information on how Great Expectations works with Special Ed students.
If you have any data to report or if you can relay experiences and observations on this topic, please respond to this blog. Your information will be most helpful in answering the principals' question.
Thanks.

As I read my devotional this morning the text said "Lists are everywhere. The publishing world has its best-seller list, the music world its gold and platinum album lists, the financial world its Fortune 500 list." We have our TO DO LISTS --and believe me if I get behind, the list grows.
But God has just three things on His list for us. What does he require?
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Which of the lists will really count?

Our booth at the National Middle School Conference was a great success. We gave information to teachers and administrators from many states in the US and also from Canada.

Thanks to NMSA for their support .

Jerry Savage

I am reading a new book entitled "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. It seems to be a good resource for cultural overviews."

Shelley Wilson from Ponca City, Lincoln Elementary had 12 teaches attend the October 28 Saturday Session in Ponca. She reports that the teachers all said it was GREAT!!! She wanted me to be sure to pass on their postive feedback!

Way to go, Ponca City Presenter Mentor Partner!!!!!

Hello Friends,
How are things going for all you GE Advocates! I bet things are really going well! As I am in the schools each day, I am reminded of the many benefits of the GE Way of Life. Implementing each of the 17 practices assures the success of the students.
Great things are happening in the schools! Students are happy, teachers are encouraged, and parents are greatful!
Remember, each student we reach is our future.
ReGina

November is Peanut Butter Lovers' Month. It is a great time to integrate peanuts into lessons... and to eat extra peanut butter sandwiches. Check out the website wwwpeanutbutterlovers.com for more ideas for celebrating while educating.

Welcome to the brand new GE Talk Blog!

Here you will find posting from GE Mentors and Administration. I will be posting technology related items that might help educators in and out of the classroom. Thank you for visiting our blog!

More Coming Soon!

Greg Boyles
GE Technical Specialist