I Got A Promotion

It was all a dream....

This will be filed under: Black women belong everywhere. I've been selected as the next Elementary School Principal of Achievement First North Brooklyn Prep. 

*hits the dougie*

This promotion comes after 10+ years in the game as a school leader and as a school teacher. After years and years of helping kids fall in love with learning by making school fun and magical and exciting for them. 

After years and years of leading teams with top test scores in the entire state (some years in the top 20, some years in the top 10, and some years in the top 5 for various tests). Where this led to my schools being in the top 1% of the entire state. 

After years and years of transforming different staff cultures across various networks, leading to teachers feeling more happy and valued at work. 

After years and years of transforming the student experience so that FUN is front and center of our school. Because that matters. A lot.

After three years at my current network. After I spearheaded turning around my K-2 team at one school in my network by taking us from essentially the bottom of the network to the top while making school fun for our kids. Because that matters. A lot. 

After leading the charge on revamping the lower school math curriculum. Not just my current school, but for our entire network of schools (across three states). And leading math professional development days for all the lower school leaders in the entire network.

After not even blinking when the powers that be asked me to go to another school in our network that was also in turnaround. And after taking another team to the top of the network.

Again. 

Another again.

During a whole pandemic. 

While making school fun for kids and teachers. Because that matters. A lot. 

But, as they say, some seasons are for sowing seeds and some seasons are for reaping. I'm grateful that I get to be in a season of reaping what I've sown.

One day I'm gonna write a full post about the "twice as good to get half as far" phenomenon. Because: racism. 

And about how white supremacy is one helluva drug that leads to internalized racism and self-hatred. And how it caused another Black woman in a position of power to make slanderous remarks about me and cause harm to me because she was scared and threatened and probably felt as though there was only room at the top for one of us. 

And how it almost cost me the promotion. 

Almost. 

But my work speaks for itself. And my work ethic is unmatched. And people just ended up regretting underestimating me. 

If you don't know, now you know...

(He never said the weapons wouldn't form; He said they wouldn't prosper.)

Not to mention that trashy people are just that: trash. And the amount of women (including Black women and other women of color) who rallied around me and wrapped me in love and light? Those are my people. 

One day, I'll write about it. 

But today? We celebrate.

when your whole school plans a surprise engagement for you...

Now we sip champagne when we thirsty...

I'm humbled by God's grace, honored by this opportunity, and excited to do the damn thing! 

I can't wait to hire more staff that look like the kids and families we'll serve.

I can't wait to create a school where Black and brown kids feel safe to take up space and walk in their fullness. 

I can't wait to create a school that's joyful and engaging and academically captivating... where our Black and brown babies feel loved and cared for. 

I can't wait to create a school that I'd send my own kids to... a school that I needed when I was a kid. 

Listen... they ain't even ready for all this #BlackGirlMagic that's about to takeover.

But I am.

Matter of fact: I been ready.

Nivelli's War at The New Victory Theater

It's been a long time since Aiden, August, and I have gotten out of the house during the weekend. And we've been having a bit of weekend cabin fever, so to speak. But with the weather warming up and making me more happy to be out and about, last weekend was the perfect time to head out into the city.

Enter The New Victory Theater.

We've been there so many times and I absolutely love it. The live performances, exposure, and cultural experiences always ensures that we'll have a good time and equally good discussions afterwards.

This time we saw Nivelli's War, a play set at the end of World War II in which a young evacuee from Fankfurt, Ernst, meets Mr. H while he is far away from home. Mr. H is magician and, while on an adventurous and uncertain journey to try to get Ernst back home, Mr. H teaches Ernst a trick or two.

The best part of the show is that it's inspired by a true story, which made for a great conversation and rich discussion afterwards. I especially love how Mr. H and Ernst become each other's ally and protector, and that Aiden and I were not only able to talk about the historical context behind the show, but also about the power of friendship and mentorship.

The best part of the experience, though, is that the customer service at The New Victory Theater continues to be unmatched. There are several times throughout the show where there are loud noises to depict the bombing that occurred during the Holocaust, etc. When August started crying and I made a quick exit, the staff members were very helpful and kind. August and I sat on the bench outside of the auditorium and watch the show from the screens. It can be really uneasy or uncomfortable dealing with a crying toddler during a performance, but the staff was just... amazing! As always.

Thank you.

Nivelli's War is running from now until May 7th at The New Victory. The show runs for approximately 65 minutes with no intermission and tickets start at $16. Visit the New Victory Theater website for more information.

{Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary tickets to the show in order to facilitate this review.} 

Lessons From An Eight-Year Old

"It's not about lucky bats; It's not about lucky helmets; it's about hard work."

This is what Aiden said to me a few days ago as I was helping him complete his homework. He was working on this "fast math" worksheet where he had to complete 24 math facts within one minute or less. The idea behind it is to develop automaticity with numbers and math facts. He's been doing really well with the worksheets since the beginning of the school year, even getting 24 out of 24 on pretty much all of them.

But on this particular day, the worksheet was assessing new math facts. Which he hadn't studied yet. So when he saw that he left five questions blank by the time one minute was up, he was feeling pretty down and was pretty hard on himself. To help the kid out, I wrote the new math facts out on flashcards (the equations on the front of the flashcard, the answer on the back of the flashcard). I also helped him notice any patterns that might help him with memorizing the facts.

We practiced for about two days. On the train ride to school. At home before bed. While running errands. Anywhere, really.

The next time he completed the worksheet, he got all 24 math facts correct. With 12 seconds to spare. He was so proud of himself. (And he's been keeping up the momentum and getting all 24 facts correct each time he does the worksheet.)

"Wow, Aiden... you've been working really hard at studying your math facts and I see it's paying off," was my response to his efforts. 

His response? "Yeah... it's like that book I read a few days ago, Strike Out, when the boy said, 'It's not about lucky bats; it's not about lucky helmets; it's about hard work.'" 

(Back story: he recently read a book about a little boy who thought he needed lucky bats and lucky helmets in order to be good at baseball. But, as it turned out, he only needed to work. Hard.)

Truth be told, I didn't even remember the book or the lesson that it tried to teach. But Aiden did. It stuck with him. And he shared that lesson with me.

And, in that one instant, Aiden reminded me what hard work, grit, and resilience can get you -- success. Good success. 

I hope he holds on to that lesson for the rest of his life. I know I will.

Gearing Up for Back-to-School with Netflix

Summer's quickly winding down and the start of the school year is quickly approaching, if it hasn't done so already. (We welcomed our students back from Summer break two weeks ago, and other schools here in NYC are close behind us.)

But before you have one last hurrah and plan a boat-load of extracurricular after school activities for your littles, let's make sure that their minds are right and ready to go! With the help of Netflix.com, it's easier than ever to stream educational programs that'll help your kids get back into the swing of things. Here are a few faves to add to your back-to-school must watch list:

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
When gooey green aliens kidnap all the adults in Retroville, it's up to 11-year-old Jimmy Neutron to figure out a plan to rescue them. Funny, adventurous, and totally badass, this is not only a great way to get this kids geared up for back-to-school, but also a great way to get them to think creatively and outside the box.

How the States Got Their Shapes 
Brian Unger is the host of this clever road documentary series, which blends history, politics, and geography to show how America's states got their borders. It's super fun and educational, and a great show for kids interested in all things geography!

The Magic School Bus
Does this show ever go out of style?! Aiden and I have so many books in this series and we absolutely love them! All of them! The TV show just brings the books to life as wacky Ms. Fizzle takes her class to outer space, under the sea, through an anthill, and inside the human body in educational and fun adventures!

What are you streaming on Netflix to get your kids ready for the back-to-school season?!

{Disclaimer: As a member of the Netflix Stream Team Blogger Ambassador Program, this post is sponsored by Netflix. Thank you for supporting Mommy Delicious.}

Persevering As A Student-Parent

It was three weeks before graduation and I had a 25-page paper due by 1 p.m. the next day for my Family As A Context For Child Development class. I absolutely loved this class and learned so much in it. But I was done. Overdone. And I was tired. Over tired. And I just wanted to graduate.

But first I'd have to get through this paper and a few other long assignments, presentations, and finals. That night, after I tucked Aiden in bed at 8 p.m., I cried. No scratch that. I sobbed. A lot. Uncontrollably.  The overwhelming workload and overall stress of being a student momma had gotten to me.

I did the only thing that I knew to do in order to keep my sanity when working out and eating well and staying hydrated with lots of water didn't work. I meditated.... on success and hard work and how far I'd come up until that point.

I graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Psychology in 2006 and was pretty well employed. But I decided to go to grad school because I wanted more. More opportunities. More career choices. More money. The things you can do with a Bachelor degree are great, but the things you can do with a Masters degree are phenomenal. At least that's what I thought. And still think.

When I applied for grad school, I made a commitment to Aiden and myself that I was going to see it through come heck or high water. I adopted a "whatever it takes" mentality, and believe you me, it took a lot. 

Head over to The Young Mommy Life to read the rest of this post, particularly how this busy single momma embraced the beauty of perseverance. 

This post was originally published on July 28, 2011. And it still gives me shivers every time I read it. Whew... I can't believe I did it. 

Tunnel Vision

When I tell ya'll that I was stubbornly and unapologetically focused on starting grad school in order to start making a better life for Aiden and me, I mean it. Wholeheartedly.

Like, I sent in my deposit check to New York University before I received an acceptance letter from Columbia University because I didn't want to miss the NYU deadline while potentially holding out for a Columbia acceptance that could never come. It did come though.

Then, I sent in my deposit check to Columbia before I figured out the daycare, childcare, and/or babysitting situation for Aiden. Because I was going to grad school. And I was going to figure everything else out. Come heck or high water.

I had tunnel vision. Still do! To go get my dreams. To chase after them. With endurance and resilience and grit. And, like I've said before, conquering this is 90% of the battle.

When I tell you that I was stubbornly and unapologetically focused on finishing grad school in order to start my career and start making a better life for Aiden and me, I mean it. Wholeheartedly.

You see, there were times -- many times -- that I had to bring Aiden to class with me because plans for a babysitter fell through. There were times when I had to pull all-nighters to do research and complete reading assignments and write papers because I had to go to class, my part-time job, my internship, or be with Aiden during the day.

You see, there were times -- many times -- when I had to sit Aiden down next to me and give him a shiny toy (or five!) to distract him while I put my head in my books and attempted get some work done.

I had tunnel vision. Still do! And I unapologetically shared that tunnel vision with Aiden. I always say this -- he grinds with me. He works with me. We're in this thing together. We work. Hard. (And we play too. Harder.)

When I tell you that as soon as I decided to leave the toxic relationship and do this single mom thing, I put systems in place to make sure that Aiden (still) gets to experiences all the great things that life has to offer, I mean it. Wholeheartedly.

From cultural events to kid-friendly activities to playing tourists in different countries, states, and cities, to afternoon and weekend extracurricular activities, he's being exposed to many, many different things. Unapologetically.

I had tunnel vision. Still do! To make sure that Aiden can learn how to make lemonade with the lemons that life throws at him. And play the cards that he's been dealt the best way he knows how.

I have tunnel vision. To go get my dreams and fulfill my goals and be the best single mother that I can be. I have tunnel vision. To walk by faith and do the damn thing. Unapologetically.

Create A Reading Champ for Life

Aiden: Mommy, how'd you learn to read so fast all the time?
Me: How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
Aiden: Practice.
Me: There you have it!

(Can we pause for a second and talk about Aiden's response?! I mean... he's so my child!) What he was actually trying to ask was "How am I able to read so fluently all of the time?" And what I was trying to respond to him was that he'll have to put in some real work -- ie: practice -- in order read like he speaks.

You see, the kid's in the first grade right now, which means we're right in the thick of learning to read fluently, like we speak. He's got the sight words down pat, he's got the blends down, he's got the sounds of the consonants and vowels down, and he knows how to have discussions about what he's reading.

But he's working on tracking the words without using his fingers and reading fluently. Which means we're working on reading fluently.

And if you've ever listened to a kindergartner or first grader read a book for the first time, you know how choppy their sentences can sometimes be and how you sometimes feel like pulling your hair out because of how slowly they can sometimes read. 

Enter Reading Champs, by Rita M. Wirtz, MA.

Rita Wirtz is a literacy expert and her book, Reading Champs is all kinds of dope, particularly because it has time-tested, at-home support tools for elementary-aged children. The book is 213 pages, but it's a pretty easy -- and solid -- read.

From recognizing words to building vocabulary to self-correcting to boasting confidence, there are so many mini-lessons that anyone can do with their children (read: you do not have to be a teacher or work in education in order to maximize on the book's potential). The mini-lessons are as short as 20 minutes, but help you target a specific skill.

Of course, I went to the table of contents to search for the lessons on fluency. Not only did the introduction help me understand the meaning of fluency much better, but the mini lessons have really helped Aiden work towards building his fluency. It's not perfect, but it's improved exponentially.

At times, he's still reading by using his fingers to under each word, but his reading is much more smooth, automatic, and filled with expression. And I don't feel like pulling my hair out while he's reading aloud to me.

Because he's reading more fluently now, he's able to sustain a single reading session for up to 25 minutes at a time, which is like a miracle amazing since Aiden is very rambunctious and full of energy, and will almost always choose to be active over sitting still.

Needless to say, I'm pleased with the tips and tricks that I got from reading Reading Champs. Be sure to visit the Reading Champs website in order to learn more about the book and how you can buy your copy.

{Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed herein are my own. Thanks for supporting Mommy Delicious.}

Knights and Princesses and A Slumber Party to Remember

Last weekend, Aiden and I were lucky enough to participate in the slumber parties of all slumber parties! We traveled to The Cathedral of St. John the Divine on the Upper West Side to attend The Knightwatch Medieval overnight children's event. As soon as we stepped into the cathedral, we were transported centuries back in time into Medieval splendor where kings, queens, knights, and princesses were commonplace.

Once we received our noble title and coat of arms, we joined our group in the front of the cathedral where, in Act 1, we learned that the princess was placed under a spell by a magician and everyone needs to participant in a scavenger hunt led by the Court Jester in order to find clues throughout the cathedral... that'll lead us to the key... that'll reverse the spell on the princess so that she can marry the knight.

And so began the most epic and interactive play Aiden and I have ever taken part in.

From using their own personal map of the cathedral to figuring out which part of the cathedral to run to next to seeking and finding clues to using those clues to help figure out where the next clue will be... everyone -- kids and adults alike -- was engaged and excited to be apart of the mission.

The best part? As we found clues and got one step closer to solving the mystery and helping reverse the magical spell placed on the princess, we got to watch another scene of the play. And that scene revealed so much information about the characters in the play, their motives, their potential next steps, and their true feelings.

Even better? The children and audience members were so excited to learn more about the characters as the plot thickened and even more excited to use their new-found knowledge to help them find more clues.

I won't spoil it by telling how the interactive play ends, but as soon as the mystery is solved, we all gathered in the nave to celebrate with traditional medieval dances and music, which we learned throughout the course of the evening.

This review wouldn't be legit if I didn't say something about the child-safe broadsword fighting workshop that all the kids were able to participate in. My sword-loving son loved, loved, loved this part of the event. He's still asking if we can go back so that he can practice sword fighting.

After the celebration was complete, we all got into our pajamas, set up our cots, and gathered around in the nave for story-telling time. (Be sure to bring an extra sweater and/or blanket with you because the nave gets drafty at night.) Both the children and adults were able to share a story, which was really special. I tell ya, kids tell the most funny and animated stories! Ever!

Before getting into bed, the children were able to use their flashlights to explore the cathedral, but, naturally, that turned in to a game of hide-and-go-seek. There were giggles, there was whispering, there was the sound of little feet running to and fro. It was, in a nutshell, glorious. And exactly what childhood is made of! 

For more information about the Knightwatch Medieval, visit the website. There will be three more chance this season for you to participate in all this amazingness: October 17th, May 29th, and June 5th. Tickets are $135.00 per person and discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

Based on Aiden's experience -- and that of all the other children -- it'll be worth every penny!

{Disclaimer: Aiden and I were guests of the Knightwatch Medieval. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Fall Activities at The Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium

The air's beginning to feel crisp and cool, the leaves are starting to change colors, the school year is in full swing, and candy corns are selling out in every store! That could only mean one thing: fall is upon us! 

As the season changes, the Wildlife Conservation Society's zoos and aquarium has so many fun and educational events and activities that'll be sure to keep the kids busy and engaged! Check out the list below and get your planners ready because you won't want to miss this!

The Bronx Zoo 

Zoo Play: Toddlers (ages 2-3 with adults) and Kinders (ages 4-5)

Fall 2014If your little one is curious to know how animals change throughout the seasons, then you'll want to sign them up to participate in these 6-session "caregiver-and-me" programs where they will use dramatic play, sensory bins, and games to connect to nature in a very hands-on way. Each session includes live animals and loads of fun! Visit The Bronx Zoo registration website for more information. 

Prospect Park Zoo
Breakfast in the Outback
Sunday September 28 from 9:30am -- 11:30am 

Bring your appetite -- and the entire family -- as you all enjoy breakfast at the zoo with the dingoes. Everyone will eat special treats on the Discovery Trail, take a tour of the animal kitchen, meet an animal close up, and learn how the zoo feeds about 800 animals in one day! I know, I know... that's a lot to take in. But the kids'll love it. And they'll be so full -- with knowledge and food -- afterwards! Visit the website for more information. 

Central Park Zoo 
Fall Fiesta 
Sunday, October 12th from 11am -- 3pm

Grab the whole family and get ready for games, themed crafts, scavenger hunts, meet-a-keeper, animal encounters, live performances, and so much more! Visit the website for more information. 

Queens Zoo

Fall on the Farm

Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th from 11am -- 4pm 

Head to the Queens Zoo and meet the barnyard bunch! This year’s Moo at the Zoo event celebrates the season and all things domestic, from the Flemish Giant rabbits to the massive Texas Longhorns. Check out animal keeper chats, cheese making demos, hands-on butter making, a cow milking simulator, farm-themed crafts, and and so much more! Visit the website for more information. 

NY Aquarium

Sea Stars – Spineless Wonders
Saturday, October 4th from 11:30am -- 12:30pm and 2pm -- 3pm

Head to the aquarium to create your very own sea star as you discover fun and interesting facts about these amazing marine invertebrates. Visit the website for more information. 

{Disclaimer: I am an Ambassador for the Zoo Crew and this post is part of a sponsored series. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Teaching Kindness with Netflix.com

One of the biggest things that I encourage the teachers in my school to do is to not only teach our students content and curriculum, but character and social skills as well. I love that I can give them tips and tricks that'll help our students to not only be intelligent little people, but also caring and loving and kind.

Because, you know, that's just as important as any academic learning.

And I definitely try to teach Aiden these traits as well. Through planting seeds and being an example and, quite simply, just letting him know when he's made a wrong move and needs to be checked for it.

It's working. So far. And that's a pretty good feeling.

But I can always use more help and hope and resources in that department.

Luckily for me (and you!), Netflix.com has a slew of child-friendly flicks that'll help parents instill the core value of kindness into the little ones. Aiden's old-time favorites like Arthur and Super WHY! are great options with tons of lessons that kids will pick up on quickly.

There are a couple new flicks on Netflx.com that I know Aiden will love to learn from.

Rudy, a feel-good movie about a boy who dreams of playing football at Notre Dame, is a great example of just how anyone -- big or small -- can make a difference. It's perfect for school-aged kids (especially those interested in sports!) and makes for a great conversation starter.

A Mile in His Shoes, a very inspirational movie where the talented pitcher suffers from Asperger's syndrome, teaches the powerful lesson of love and acceptance. And, let's not forget that it's also sports related. (Somehow sports movies are choke full of inspiration and feel-good moments.)

What movies do you stream on Netflix.com to start conversations about love and life, kindness and acceptance, and how to be a caring friend?

{Disclaimer: As a member of the Netflix Stream Team Ambassador Program, this post is being sponsored by Netflix. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Walking With Dinosaurs at Barclays Center

If you've got a kid remotely interested in dinosaurs or animals or live shows, then I've got a treat for you!

This week, Aiden and I attended Walking with Dinosaurs -- The Arena Spectacular at Barclays Center, a show that's thrilling, entertaining, and educational. I've said this many times on this place and space, Aiden is a huge fan of dinosaurs (particularly Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, and the amazing T-Rex), and to be able to see the show on opening night was extra special!

Excitement abounds...

The show travels back in time to 65 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the land. While it is the narrator who takes us through the Cretaceous Period, Jurassic Period, and the Triassic Period, explaining phenomenons and interesting facts about the dinosaurs, it is the dinosaurs themselves that are the main attractions.

We hear them roar, we see them defend their young, and we watch as they fight for survival. While all of this is taking place, the lighting and special effects adds to the drama of the entire production. Needless to say, there will be times where your child will be sitting at the edge of their seat, holding their breath, and wondering what will happen next. Oh, and please believe that this behavior is not just limited to the kids at the show. I may or may not have jumped a few times during battles.

(You've been warned.)

Stegosaurus. [Photo via Walking With Dinosaurs website]

Throughout the show, the audience will also have the chance to see the immense amount of love that parent dinosaurs have for their offsprings and the incredible bond between them. We get caught up and wrapped up in the Mama T-Rex being fierce and strong while protecting her young, but sweet and tender when nurturing her baby. It's a most delicate moment in the show and also one of the sweetest moments.

Mama T-Rex and her young. [Photo via Walking With Dinosaurs website]

That being said, if you have a toddler who scares easily, you may want to get a seat that's further up in the arena. Aiden and I had seats that were practically thisclose to the front row, which was perfect for a dinosaur lover like Aiden. But I can certainly see how a smaller child would have been scared of the life-sized creatures, battles, and/or special effects.

The show is approximately 90 minutes with an additional 20 minutes for intermission, which is a perfect amount of time for trips to the bathroom or the concession stand. I also used it as a time to kinda debrief with Aiden what we just learned in the first half of the show. (Leave it up to me to make it a teachable moment. The educator in me never sleeps.)

Brachiosaurus. [Photo via Walking With Dinosaurs website]

Walking With Dinosaurs -- The Arena Spectacular runs from now until July 20th at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. The show is fun for the entire family and the perfect memory-making experience. Visit the website for more information or to purchase your tickets.

{Disclaimer: I received tickets to Walking With Dinosaurs -- The Arena Spectacular in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

Pay It Forward

When I was in the fifth grade, I was reading below grade level. But my teacher helped me. She tutored me before school, after school, and sometimes during lunch in order to help me get up to speed.

A few months later, I couldn't afford to pay for the senior class trip because my foster mother wouldn't give me the money for it. She helped me again by paying my way for the trip.

When I was in eight grade, I was in this club called Show Choir, where we'd sing and dance, and travel to different states to compete against other performance groups. I couldn't afford to go to our competition in Hershey's Park, but my Show Choir director helped me raise the money to go.

A few months later when we had our end-of-year banquet and performance, no one came to pick me up at the end of the night. But my Show Choir director helped me. She had me spend the night at her apartment.

I didn't have a dress for my eight grade prom or graduation, but my guidance counselor and Show Choir director bought me two brand-new dresses, one for each occasion. Once again, they helped me.

I'm still in touch with my Show Choir direction and we sometimes have lunch or coffee together. Only now, I call her by her first name instead of her last.

When I was in high school, my guidance counselor and college advisor told me about this scholarship. I was hesitant to apply for it because I didn't think I'd get it. But they encouraged me to apply anyway. They helped me. And I invited both of them to the New York Times College Scholarship Awards Ceremony as soon as I found out that I got the scholarship.

I'm still in touch with them, and already have plans to have dinner with my high school guidance counselor when she moves back to NYC later this year.

In college, my scholarship program provided me with a peer mentor as well as an adult mentor (who was former faculty member of Columbia). They also provided me with a summer job in the field of my interest. They helped me. A lot. 

During one college summer break and some weekends, I stayed at my Pastor's home because I didn't have any other place to go. There were times when I also stayed at a friend's house. That friend is now one of Aiden's Godmothers. Her mom and her, they helped me.

For the latter part of my college experience, someone took me under her wings, and invited me into her house and family. She was the first person I told when I found out I was pregnant. She helped me muster up the courage to share the news with other people. Since then, Aiden and I have spent weekends and holidays with her. We've been on vacation with her as well. I now tell people we're relatives -- blood couldn't make us any closer. She's helped me. A lot. 

I was helped. And that's how I made it through.

Throughout my entire life, I was helped. And so I pay it forward. By blogging. By writing. By mentoring. By showing up to work everyday and giving 100% to my students and parents and teachers.

If you were helped, then pay it forward. Someone will be blessed by you.

A Weekend to Remember

This month started out with a bang. I spent the first weekend of the month hanging out with The American Dairy Association for the Dairy Council's Fall Dairy Tour and Food & Wine Festival. The getaway took place upstate New York, in part at Geneva on the Lake, a cozy hotel with staff members that are just as lovely as the grounds of the hotel.

Seriously. The sights we so serene and breathtaking, especially with Fall's colorful background.

 

The first part of the weekend was a dairy tour and it led me to a farm where I was talking all things cows. My outfit wasn't at all prepared for dairy farm life so I covered my Aldo riding boots in plastic and held on to my Philip Lim for Target bag for dear life! I refused to get them all muddy!

Before we got to the dairy farm, we headed to Cornell University to learn all about their dairy plant at which point we got to eat homemade frozen yogurt. At 10am. On a Saturday morning. Score! We also attended a session that was particularly exciting for me -- Creating a Smarter Lunchroom. Stay tuned for a more in-depth post on this session since I think there were so many great takeaways, tips, and tricks in order to get our kids to eat healthier -- even when we're not around. In the meantime, check out their website or follow Smarter Lunchrooms on Twitter. 

The evening called for a wine and cheese pairings/tasting. A huge shout-out to Anthony Road Winery and Muranda Cheese Company for the getting me good and tipsy and ready for the 4-course gourmet meal that followed. Which included more wine, naturally.

It was such an informative weekend and I walked away from it all so full. Literally and Figuratively. I have so many ideas and strategies that I've already implemented for getting Aiden (as well as the students at my school) to make healthier eating choices. Look out for Part Two of this post where I'll be sharing the wealth.

{photo by American Dairy Association and Dairy Council via Hightail.com}

From meeting and chatting with some amazing women and bloggers (shout outs to Colleen, Jeannine, Serena, Lauren, and Kimberly) to touring the grounds of Geneva on the Lake to talking all things dairy, the weekend was pretty epic. Thanks so much to BML Public Relations and the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council for a fantastic weekend!

{Disclaimer: Food, lodging, and travel expenses were provided by ADADC and BML Public Relations. All opinions expressed herein are my own.}

This School Year, I Wish...

That Aiden's teachers will be kind, caring, loving, and understanding.

That Aiden will grow academically, his love for reading will increase exponentially, he'll get a great grasp of number sense, he'll enjoy science and history and writing. (Writing is always a tough one for him because he doesn't enjoy it as much and he's got lots of work to do with his handwriting.)

That he continue to be curious and ask lots of meaningful questions.

That he'll continue to explore and think critically.

That he'll think for himself and have the courage to speak up for what he believes in.

This year, I wish that Aiden's teachers will encourage him to be curious and think critically and explore and ask questions. Lots of them.

That his teachers won't get annoyed when he wants to know why things are the way that they are. Instead they'll give him a thumbs up and tell him to keep asking questions and keep growing his brain.

This year, I wish that Aiden will continue to be sweet and kind and caring to all of his friends. That he'll be understanding and flexible and contagiously optimistic.

That he'll make friends. And want to schedule play dates. And want to go to birthday parties.

That he'll continue to be resilient and push forward to achieve his goals.

That he'll learn to deal with his frustrations in an effective way. (You see, he's a perfectionist -- like his mama -- and when he can't get something right away, it frustrates him. A lot. But, we're working on it.)

That he'll continue to hone his skills in swimming and soccer and maybe even begin to love a new sport (I'm thinking karate or baseball.)

Above all, this year, I wish that Aiden will be happy. And come into his own even more.

It's going to be a great school year. I'm claiming it! He may be in a single parent household, but he's got me in his corner and I'd do the impossible for him. Twice.

Can't wait to watch him grow...

They Don't Teach This in Grad School

I've been hit on at work before. Plenty of times. (Just stating facts here, not trying to say I'm all that or anything.)

I've always been able to maintain my integrity and professionalism, and decline any offers with some level of poise. But last week, something bizarre happened that almost threw me off my A-game...

[photo via]

I'm sitting in my office and my blackberry vibrates. It's a text message from a father of one of my students.

This is a student whose father I've been in contact with a lot recently because he's been going through a phase where he's struggling behaviorally. Basically, homeboy has not been following the rules or trying his best, and me being who I am, I've been working diligently to develop a plan with his teachers and father to get him back on track.

A week prior, the boy (who is in the 4th grade, by the way) is suspended for repeatedly hitting another student. (This is after he was given several reminders to keep his hands to himself.) His father and I have a meeting afterwards and during the meeting, Father Dude mentions that he, "like(s) the way I sound."

A day after the kid returns to school from his one-day suspension, he hits another child in his class. This time, I call Father Dude to speak with him so that we can get him back on track and set him up for success. Father Dude's response? "Well, I can talk to you all day, Ms. Harper, but if you want me to speak with ---,I guess I will."

Umm. Okay.

I ignore this comment and concentrate on the issue at hand. (It's the adult thing to do, no?)

After Father Dude speaks with his son, I take the phone back and let him know that I will call him at the end of the day to give him an update on how the remainder of the day goes.

That evening, when I call Father Dude's phone (as I promised I would), his wife picks up. (Yep, you read that right. Father dude is married.) She tells me that her husband is not around, but that she'll have him reach out to me when he returns from the store. He calls me back and we have a cordial conversation regarding the rest of his son's day. (Presumably the wife was within ear shot.)

Fast forward to the following morning.

I'm sitting in my office and my blackberry vibrates. It's a text message from Father Dude. And it reads thus: "You know I like you Ms. Harper. I was mad she picked up my phone."

Wait. There's more. The plot thickens.

"At the risk of being just a little inappropriate, can I ask you to a dinner for conversation? I would like to know more about you. Please reply."

Umm... a little inappropriate?! Is this what the world is coming to?!

The issue at hand has now shifted from the son's behavior to Father Dude's behavior. This needs to be addressed. Immediately.

I reply, but I leave my attitude out of it. "I appreciate the offer, but it would be unprofessional for me to maintain a relationship with any parent that is outside of the typical academic one. I will continue to support --- academically in any way possible."

I want to say something totally different though. Believe me. But I have to see Father Dude for the remainder of the school year, until his kid graduates and goes off to the middle school.

[photo via]

They surely don't teach how to respond to these things in undergrad or grad school or any type of professional development session I've been to...

What would you have done?