WeLcOmE ScHoOl 2011!

I wish I could say I'm totally ready for school, but I'm not. AAAHHH!

There are some bits and bobs completed, but I've got a long way to go... Plus, we are still waiting on the carpet cleaners. I guess our school is last on the list this year and our Orientation is this Thursday night. Nothing like waiting till the last minute!

Anywhoo! I did make little welcome gifts for my new team. I'm still the team leader "Grade Chair" so I feel compelled to spoil my girls. Plus, we've gone from a team of 5 to a team of 7 (maybe 8) first grade teachers! Yikes, our school is getting HUGE! Gifts can get a little expensive when you have such a large team of teachers, so I tried to come up with something nice yet affordable.

These baskets I found at the Dollar Store. I tried to find some nice colors that will hopefully match their rooms. Then, I used my Cricut and some self adhesive vinyl to make it look cute. I added their last names to both sides of the basket, some polka dots, and matching ribbon.

Inside the baskets are some pens, pencils, note pads, reading rods, a little Sponge Bob, and some sugar-free mints. {One of my team mates is diabetic, and I wanted the treats to be friendly for everyone.}

That's all. Just a little something. I hope they like it!!!

\ * * \ * * \ * * \ * * \* * \ * * \

Pinterest has been both a curse and a blessing. Honestly, it's really only a curse because I spend so much dang time on it! But, oh-my-word, there are just so many great ideas to be found lurking on the inter webs! Mrs. Larremore over at Chalk Talk found this bulletin board on Pinterest and posted it on her blog.

{source}

 I loved it instantly. Looking around my classroom, there's plenty of wall space dedicated to reading and math but nothing for writing. Gotta change that, for sure! Today, I made some space and tried to recreate the Writer's Eye Glasses for my kiddos.

I really like it and I hope my kids will find it useful when they are writing.

Ta ta for now. First day of school for teachers is tomorrow! :)