You know it's getting close to the end of the year when folks start talking about "field days." When you've got six grade levels to cover and 1352 students, it truly takes "days" to git-r-done!
This year's field day experience was by far, one of the best ever! Coach Estrella Bailey and her team did a fantastic job of planning, organizing and delivering one of the most fun-filled events of the year. We are extremely grateful for the folks from the Mayport Naval Base who came out every day to assist. They were a huge help to us and we wouldn't have survived the experience without them.
On a personal note, I headed up the line-dancing station under the pavillion. Over a three-day period in 98-degree weather, we did the "Cha Cha Slide," the "Limbo," the "Macarena," the "Chicken Dance" and the "Hokey Pokey" forty-nine times!
Until next time...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Flag Retirement 2011
Memorial Day is a day we honor those who have fallen in battle while protecting our freedom. It is a day of sadness for many and a day of hope for many others. I will never again be able to listen to the "Navy Hymn" without tearing up. My father was a Navy veteran who served in WWII. He passed away 11 years ago and his memory lives on in my mind and heart, especially while standing at attention and honoring our country's flag.
At Chets Creek, we retire the flags that have flown over our school in a ceremony prior to Memorial Day. With 200 patrols, honored guests, our entire learning community and parents lining the bus loop, it is a sight to behold. It is heart-warming and educational for our students. It is handled with dignity and honor by my principal. It provides us with a "moment of silence" in our hurried lives to reflect on the flag and the people it represents.
This year, I invited a trumpet player from the Fletcher High School Band to perform "TAPS" and one of my fourth graders to sing the "Star Spangled Banner." Both students performed exceptionally well and it was an honor to have them take part in the ceremony.
At Chets Creek, we retire the flags that have flown over our school in a ceremony prior to Memorial Day. With 200 patrols, honored guests, our entire learning community and parents lining the bus loop, it is a sight to behold. It is heart-warming and educational for our students. It is handled with dignity and honor by my principal. It provides us with a "moment of silence" in our hurried lives to reflect on the flag and the people it represents.
This year, I invited a trumpet player from the Fletcher High School Band to perform "TAPS" and one of my fourth graders to sing the "Star Spangled Banner." Both students performed exceptionally well and it was an honor to have them take part in the ceremony.
Jacob playing "TAPS"
"TAPS" is a bugle call that beckons us to remember patriots who served our country with honor and valor. Most people do not know that there is an actual lyric to this song, because it is always played by a brass player.
The lyrics are as follows:
"Day is done, gone the sun
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest
God is nigh"
Katie sang the "Star Spangled Banner"
Katie represented Chets Creek Elementary at the Florida Elementary Music Educators' Association conference in Tampa last January. She was part of a 114-voice choir that performed during our clinic and it was a pleasure to welcome her back to the podium to perform for us.
May they never be forgotten...
Until next time...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Year of Discovery
In February, I turned fifty. Something happens to you when you turn fifty. You realize you've lived a half-century on the planet and you thank God for every breath He has allowed up to this point. You also realize that there are things on your "bucket list" that need your attention. This year, I decided to reinvent myself and do things I've wanted to do for many years but could never find the time, the money nor the energy to do.
In March, I took a trip to Holland to see a friend I hadn't seen in 14 years. She and I were missionaries in 1988 and 1989. We traveled the globe together singing and sharing our faith. Even though we currently live on separate continents, our hearts are and always will be knit together. We are kindred spirits in the truest sense of the word. My heart was to have my photo taken in a field of blooming tulips, but I was a little early this year. She had a back-up plan and made certain I had my "tulip experience" while there.
In March, I took a trip to Holland to see a friend I hadn't seen in 14 years. She and I were missionaries in 1988 and 1989. We traveled the globe together singing and sharing our faith. Even though we currently live on separate continents, our hearts are and always will be knit together. We are kindred spirits in the truest sense of the word. My heart was to have my photo taken in a field of blooming tulips, but I was a little early this year. She had a back-up plan and made certain I had my "tulip experience" while there.
Eleonora and I in Amsterdam
Holland - Land of Windmills and Wooden Shoes
Keukenhoff Flower Park
My "Field of Tulips" at the Keukenhoff Flower Park
In April, I bit the bullet and completed a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor's course at UNF. This is something I have wanted to do for many years. It was a nine-day intensive course that worked me both physically and mentally. I am happy to report that I am now coaching six-year-olds and helping them get ready for their first swim meet on June 4th. I will also be teaching swim lessons this summer at the Aquatics Center at the University of North Florida.
In May, my neice invited me to share her birthday celebration with her in Orlando. She said she was going to "swim with the dolphins" and wanted me to join her. Last weekend, I had the experience of a lifetime at Discovery Cove in Orlando. As a kid, I wanted to be a marine scientist but I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to pass organic chemistry, I gave up the dream in high school. (Mathematics and Mrs. Tamburrino don't get along very well!) The dolphin experience at Discovery Cove was the next best thing.
Wetsuit Babes
"Paradise Found" in Orlando
February....March....April....May....Can't wait for June!!
Until next time...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Little Buddy, Kevin
Today was a first! My little buddy, Kevin, won the privilege of spending the morning with me. His mom bid on me during our Relay-For-Life fundraiser last month and today was the day he came to collect his reward. Kevin is a second-grader and I thought it would be fun for him to experience music class with my intermediate students.
Our day began with Kevin serving as scorekeeper in a game called "Daffy Duck Passes the Buck." I use this game to review for the MAP test (a district-mandated diagnostic which is given to all second and fifth graders to measure learning gains over the course of the year in Music, Art and PE). Kevin was a great help to me during this session of our morning together.
After fifth grade exited the classroom, third grade filed in and we spent the next 50 minutes rehearsing for their upcoming musical entitled, "A Better You, A Better Me." Kevin was the official sound tech for our rehearsal. He was in charge of operating the CD player while I played the piano and conducted the musical rehearsal.
Once third grade left, my fourth grade recorder class came in for their final class of the year. Again, Kevin assisted me with the CD player and passed out "karate belts" when the students successfully tested out of the blue belt song.
Until next time...
Our day began with Kevin serving as scorekeeper in a game called "Daffy Duck Passes the Buck." I use this game to review for the MAP test (a district-mandated diagnostic which is given to all second and fifth graders to measure learning gains over the course of the year in Music, Art and PE). Kevin was a great help to me during this session of our morning together.
"Daffy Duck Passes the Buck" - Scorekeeper
Sound Technician
Third Grade Rehearsal
Recorder Testing
At the conclusion of our morning together, his Mom appeared with lunch for both of us and we had a picnic in the back of my classroom. 
Picnic with Mrs. Tamburrino
Kevin shared a joke with me that I will pass along to you. "What kind of insects do secret agents like best?" "Spy-ders." And thus ended my time with my little buddy, Kevin.Until next time...
Friday, May 13, 2011
Cultural Arts Week 2011
Cultural Arts Week is one of the ways we celebrate the Arts and Arts Education here at Chets Creek Elementary! Our theme this year was "Home Grown," in keeping with our school's theme of "Cultivating a Community of Excellence."
We brought back former Chets Creek students who are now playing in performing ensembles at the secondary level. We showcased student art work, enjoyed "live" performances and culminated the week with Arts Extravaganza - our family night where folks can come and "do art" together.
The Fletcher Middle Band and the Sandalwood Chorus shared their talents with us. The Duval Recorder Ensemble performed Renaissance music and the students were fascinated by the sound of the instruments. Miss Kristy "grew" a garden of sunflowers created in the style of Dale Chahuly (a world-reknowned glass blower whose work hangs in the lobby at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville). These beautiful flowers were made from recycled water bottles. Our community piece was a mosaic of a farm nestled among rolling hills that was completed during the evening on Friday. A Panamanian dance ensemble delighted us with their colorful costumes and footwork. It was absolutely spectacular!
Until next time...
Sunday, May 8, 2011
To Teachers - Past and Present
A Profound Answer
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Order of Canada.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an
iPod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?
His jaw dropped, he went silent.
A truly profound answer!!!
Teaching is...the profession that makes all other professions possible!
Until next time...
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Order of Canada.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an
iPod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?
His jaw dropped, he went silent.
A truly profound answer!!!
Teaching is...the profession that makes all other professions possible!
Until next time...
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Crying Shame
I'm a positive person most of the time, except when things are completely out of my control.
With a $91 million dollar budget shortfall predicted this year, my school district has had to make some very difficult choices. The School Board along with our Superintendent have had to prioritize cuts that will be made based upon projected cuts to educational funding by the Florida Legislature. They've tossed around several ideas this year...cutting elementary art, music and PE, furloughs for teachers, a four-day work week, cutting after school sports in middle and high school, delaying the purchase of new textbooks (although by law, they are to be purchased every 5 years), making administrative cuts, demoting full-fledged teachers to "associate teachers" and paying them less, asking employees to contribute both to the pension plan and health insurance - the list goes on and on...
Every year it's the same story. I hope that one day, our leaders will wake up and realize that cuts to education are robbing our children of something that is critical to their success as an adult - the right to a quality education. Our students are currently being funded at the same level I was funded in 1976 as a 10th grader here in Duval County. It is now 2011. We are doing a great disservice to the very ones who will be the decision-makers, the lawmakers, the caregivers and those in authority over us in our elder years. Will they be equipped to handle the job?
With a $91 million dollar budget shortfall predicted this year, my school district has had to make some very difficult choices. The School Board along with our Superintendent have had to prioritize cuts that will be made based upon projected cuts to educational funding by the Florida Legislature. They've tossed around several ideas this year...cutting elementary art, music and PE, furloughs for teachers, a four-day work week, cutting after school sports in middle and high school, delaying the purchase of new textbooks (although by law, they are to be purchased every 5 years), making administrative cuts, demoting full-fledged teachers to "associate teachers" and paying them less, asking employees to contribute both to the pension plan and health insurance - the list goes on and on...
Every year it's the same story. I hope that one day, our leaders will wake up and realize that cuts to education are robbing our children of something that is critical to their success as an adult - the right to a quality education. Our students are currently being funded at the same level I was funded in 1976 as a 10th grader here in Duval County. It is now 2011. We are doing a great disservice to the very ones who will be the decision-makers, the lawmakers, the caregivers and those in authority over us in our elder years. Will they be equipped to handle the job?
Elementary Music Class - First Grade
Until next time...
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