Monday, December 17, 2012

December 21st, 2012

Huge Kudos to Mark and Michelle today for that amazing concert.  As I sat in the auditorium watching the show, I was really moved by our students!  We have some really talented kids who are passionate about their art!  I saw some of my students up there who appear to not care much about my class, but it was so nice to see them so into their performance.  And boy did they ROCK!  WOW!!!

And those trash cans?!?!  What?  SO cool! 

December 20th, 2012

Let's try this again...

Today the English department and the science department got together to share lunch, holiday traditions, and exchange gifts in a secret Santa game.  It was so nice to share a meal with my colleagues.  Lots of good food and conversation.  When we got to the secret Santa, one of the "rules" was that you could steal the gift someone else had already gotten.  No one stole anyone else's gift!  I have never liked that "rule" in the secret Santa game, and today I thought that it was awesome that no one did it.  We are so polite and kind to each other! 

Thanks for the chocolates, secret Santa and all the yummy, yummy food to all! 

December 19, 2012

A big GIANT thank you to our PTSA who provided lunch for us.  At this busy, busy time of year, it was great to not hav to pack a lunch today.  I don't often eat pizza, and it was a nice treat.  Thanks so much! 

December 18th, 2012

I had some very cool students experiences today. 

One young lady partnered up with another student for our research presentation, and it was not a friendship I had noticed and anticipated for this project.  I asked her about how the two ended up as partners.  She commented that other students thought that ------ was kind of "weird," and she wanted to be his partner so that he would be left out.  So mature and thoughtful of her.  Very cool. 

After school, a former student stopped by to visit.  I look at that as a testament to the relationship that I was fortunate enough to build with this young man.

While he was visiting, I also had a visit from a co-worker, and then a current student walked in to give me some work.  When he saw that there were other people in the room, he stopped at the door to politely wait for his turn to meet with me. 

Sometimes, my students just amaze and impress me with their thoughtfulness, kindness, goodness, and manners.  Way to go SVHS community! 

December 17th, 2012

When I walked into the mailroom this morning, I saw gifts in mailboxes.  That was pretty cool.  I think it's kind of awesome to work in a place where people think enough of others to give them a gift.  I also found a gift in my mailbox from an anonymous giver.  To the giver:  please know how touched I am by your thoughtfulness.  The gift was perfect for me, and while I don't know who you are, I am so grateful for your kindness!  Thank you! 

Monday, December 10, 2012

December 14th, 2012

I have a evening and weekend full of social events with colleagues.  That is awesome.  I work with people that I willingly choose to hang out with because they are really good people.  For this, I am fortunate. 

December 13th, 2012

December 12th, 2012

Today I am reminded of how thankful I am for my colleagues.  They are more than just classroom or professional support.  They help us with "life stuff," too.  Thank you Barbara G. for being my friend, for helping me to see things in a different light, for reminding me of important things, and for being a model in so, so many ways. 

December 11th, 2012

We have some great kids!  I stand at my door, doing my hallway duty between classes, and I constantly hear, "Hi, Ms. Runyon!" from current and past students.  I reflected today on how cool that really is... WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! 

December 10th, 2012

So much positive today... 

I returned from my three day IB training in Florida.  My co-teacher took care of it all while I was gone!  You rock, Tom! 

My students seemed happy to see me, wishing me a belated birthday (also proving to me that they do listen!) 

I had a birthday gift left from a co-worker.  I LOVE it!  So thoughtful! 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

December 7th, 2012


It's my birthday... and I'm in Florida on MCPS's dime.  Now that's something to be thankful for!

December 6th, 2012

December 5th, 2012

December 4th, 2012

I was going over the definitions of the words from my SAT warm up today.  One word was ebullient, defined as cheerful and full of energy.  In order for my students to "own" a word, I try to get them to make connections.  I asked them what teachers they know who are ebullient.  I got several answers, but the voice I heard above all others said, "I love Mrs. McCormick!  She's such a good teacher!"  You are loved, Mrs. McCormick! 

December 3rd, 2012

Today, I have a big THANK YOU for a co-worker who helps me to plan and analyze student data.  In addition, she shares lessons and is a great sounding board for ideas.  I appreciate working with you, Kathryn P.