Headmistress Blog

Resilience and Confidence

Wed, 29 May 2013 05:30:48 EST

My efforts as a professional educator over the years have always been focused on ensuring that our students gain and maintain resilience and confidence, as they move from grade to grade, and as our eighth graders will soon, on to high school, and eventually into college and adult life. However, when I read articles like the one linked below from Psychology Today, I become even more committed to partner with you in preparing them for the challenges that lie ahead. Please read the article and email me - pvolker@warren-walker.com - with your thoughts.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/em/21819

Changes in Our Testing Program

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:18:16 EST

It's time to change! Online standardized testing is becoming the norm, and Warren-Walker School is embracing the change a few steps at a time.

We have chosen three grades to start online testing this year – first, fifth, and eighth. First graders will be switched to taking the Educational Records Bureau's Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) online, whereas in the last few years they were taking the Stanford 10 which was not adequately aligned to our program. Most likely, next year we will need to incorporate second grade in the online testing program, and we thought it wise to introduce the process this year in first. As I say each year at the Coffees with the Heads of School, much of the point of standardized testing every year is teaching the students how to take tests. Our first graders are used to computer programs where they must choose answers, much like they will be doing when taking the CTP. It makes sense to make the move now.

Our fifth graders are very tech savvy, and should make the switch to online testing quite effortlessly. The content standards of the CTP will not change, so our students should perform well, much like they have in the past. They will also take the Otis Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) online.

As for eighth grade, they will soon be taking high stakes tests, like the college entrance examinations (SAT, ACT, etc.). All of these tests will be administered online, so it's best for the students to gain experience in the comfort and familiarity of the new computer lab at the Middle School.

We have attended conferences and workshops, purchased testing rights, downloaded the necessary browsers and sample tests, checked and double-checked for adequate bandwidth, and we are as ready as can be for this change on all three campuses. As always, we ask parents to support our efforts to make the testing experience as low stress as possible for our students, by reinforcing that testing is important (but not earth-shattering!), ensuring they get plenty of rest, and eat a good breakfast. In addition, plan ahead and make every effort to avoid scheduling off-campus appointments during school hours from May 13 through 31. Remember, the best state to be in while testing is to have a relaxed body and an alert mind!

The faculty works tirelessly each year to teach the necessary academic skills and test-taking strategies. Come mid-May, let the testing begin!

Miss Representation"Take-Aways"

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:51:19 EST

Miss Representation packed a powerful punch. I was in high school in the '60s and college in the '70s, a time of great social change, particularly for women. The documentary does a great job of reviewing what happened during that time, but it's the aftermath that is so perplexing. How could we have gained so much, yet not see the positive results in the workforce, in leadership, and in our society overall that we so desired? In Miss Representation, it is the media that is largely pointed to as the culprit. This again underscores how parents and educators must make sure that children learn strong values about respect and responsibility and the good judgment and willpower needed to withstand social pressure. Here are some of the responses of Warren-Walker School parents who attended the viewing and panel discussion. Hopefully, their "take-aways" will encourage you to note and counteract the negative forces while raising your children to act throughout their lives in a much more constructive way.

The U.S. percentage of women in elected government ranks 94^th among the world's nations.
The 5 corporations that control most media are controlled by boards that have less than 1 woman among 5 men (and one is even worse, 1/16)
Our sons and daughters both need to be shown women leading, or we will never have the women leaders we need. "You can't be what you can't see."
It (Miss Representation) really increased my awareness of the pervasiveness of both gender inequality and objectification of women and girls in our society.
The media's negative messages are intertwined with the positive. This can be very confusing for young girls who are figuring out how to express their femininity.
It was both disturbing and affirming for me. I am more convinced than ever of the toxicity of our contemporary culture, for girls and boys, and the need to create our children in a better way.
Parents must be vigilant and remember that it is our job to help kids navigate their world.
Like most parents, I agree that TV viewing and programs that we allow our children to watch should be properly evaluated and limited.
In a democratic society the roles of women should be viewed as equal to men, and we should help instill the understanding of this from early on.
The moderator made an excellent point about voting with our dollars and choices.
Overall, I feel bringing noted speakers and showing documentaries like this brings awareness to parents and thus better education to our children, forming a better society and better future for us all.

Warren-Walker School has taken on the cause, not only by hosting the Miss Representation viewing for WeCare, but by taking our Character Education and Life Skills programs very seriously and embracing both the Middle School "Sisterhood" and the Point Loma Lower School "Lil' Sisters" programs. One parent emailed me afterward to say, "I was so impressed that this would be a topic acknowledged and addressed by Warren-Walker for the parents and the students. I feel strongly that this is a societal message that should be shared, and admire the group that brought it." As a working parent, she had missed the presentation and panel discussion. Mr. Volker and I are happy to host another viewing in the evening to ensure that this essential message is appropriately shared. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 619-223-0805, ext. 306.

Take a Deep Breath

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:11:19 EST

Here it is already February, the Super Bowl is upon us, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day are around the corner, and if you are like me, you are still finding remnants of the holidays in your house! Now, Warren-Walker School has added to it all by mailing both our second quarter Report Cards and our 2013-2014 Enrollment Agreements for current students on the same day. I don't remember that ever happening in the past, but it seems to me to be a sign that life, in general, is pretty busy!

So, let's all take a collective deep breath! In this way, we take control of what we can...ourselves. We can also focus on the moment we are experiencing...hopefully a moment of calm and an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant pause. Your children can learn to do this, too. It helps them soothe themselves, and relax. This day and age, being able to do that is a gift you give yourself.

We look forward to the second half of this school year with lots of enthusiasm and a sense of wonder at what has already been accomplished. Having just met in Grade Level meetings with the teachers, the current theme is that those special "A-ha!" moments are happening in every classroom. Students are accomplishing the uniquely human feat of "getting it" - making sense of what just a bit ago was muddle.

It's good to get un-muddled! It releases our creative energy and allows us to look at the world with fresh eyes, feel imaginative or inventive, and embrace what the world has to offer.

I hope your New Year is off to a great start, and that many enlightened moments are yours to enjoy going forward!

Focus Forward

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:09:30 EST

I am thrilled to be looking ahead into 2013 and seeing lots of enthusiasm for learning and growing, as is one of the benefits of being surrounded by children. Our students always manage to keep us moving forward by their very natures. They are eager to develop new skills, run faster, make new friends, overcome challenges. After all, they have already learned to walk and talk and use their imaginations, which in and of themselves are remarkable feats. They put their energy into focusing forward and growing up! This energy fosters curiosity, persistence, courage, creativity and other traits that drive success.

In welcoming a new class of prekindergarten students to the Point Loma campus today, I noted how quickly:

they connected with their classmates and teacher - Mrs. Loftus
they figured out where to find the new toys
they manipulated them to make them work or build something anew
they listened to and followed directions
they played wholeheartedly on the playground
and how they slept soundly at naptime, because they wore themselves out!

I think the lesson in all this for adults is...focus forward!

Happy Holidays!

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 06:37:47 EST

The Holiday Teas always put me in the spirit of Christmas - peace, love, joy, and celebration! Regardless of your religious beliefs, I do hope you feel the spirit, as well.

The teas demonstrate what a wonderful community of people we have gathered at all three Warren-Walker School campuses. The students shine like stars, the parents find joy in how their children perform, all of us feel safe, cared for, and loved! Best of all, we get to celebrate all that is good in our lives!

In my heart of hearts, I wish you a wonderfully happy holiday!

Mrs. V.

WeCare "Take Aways"

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 16:24:56 EST

Dr. Michele Borba's WeCare presentation was one of the best ever. She took the results of a survey of member-school students and designed a talk that addressed their concerns about stress, time-management, problem-solving, etc. She used recent research about the characteristics of college freshman to ensure that her message was riveting and relevant, and her points were well-honed to an audience that assumes their children will not only go on to fine colleges, but will do well.

I have gotten feedback from WWS parents who attended the talk, and would appreciate getting more. So far, these points are some of the "take aways" that parents have given me:

Establish "Family Rules to Live By"
Praise EFFORT not intelligence
Delay gratification
Teach coping skills (i.e. 1. Remain calm; 2. Take 3 deep breaths; 3. Count to ten)
Use calendars, timers, and alarms to teach time management
Have children complete the hardest tasks first (i.e. homework, chores, etc.)
Nurture the nature; in choosing extra-curricular activities, make sure you take the time to learn what your child enjoys doing and encourage it
Limit time on computers, video-games, etc.
Take time to communicate effectively (i.e. 1. Speak at eye-level with your child 2. Listen (really listen) 3. Respond with empathy and understanding
Love your children unconditionally

I'll follow up with more "take aways" as I get more feedback from you. Thanks for doing what it takes to be great parents in the 21^st Century!

What's Next?

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:18:01 EST

Next up are the Coffees with the Heads! These parent and administration gatherings provide an opportunity for Mr. Volker and me to address your specific questions, concerns, and requested topics. Mrs. Pettigrew joins us for the Middle School Coffee. Typically, we discuss child-development issues, test results, parenting ideas, educational philosophy, etc.

However, what we really want to do is address what concerns YOU THE MOST! Please RSVP on the website and respond accordingly. Also, your answers to the SURVEY that you received via email, will give us great information about what you feel is important. This will help us make sure the presentations at the Coffees are timely, informative, and helpful.

Thanks for sending us super kids and participating in all our kick-off events. It's great to see the students settled in and engaged happily in the educational process at Warren-Walker School.

The Parent - School Connector

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 08:38:55 EST

The importance of Back-to-School Night as a community-building event cannot be overstated. This adults-only event focuses on developing relationships amongst our adult constituencies, just as Orientation and the first few weeks of school focused on building relationships with our students.

As parents arrive, our Lower School specialist faculty will be ready to share information about their programs and expectations. Parents are encouraged to take this opportunity to get to know each of these teachers who instruct your children year-after-year in Spanish, physical education, art, music, drama, and information literacy and technology. Most likely, you chose Warren-Walker for its well-rounded and highly integrated program, for which the specialists' roles are essential.

Thereafter, there will be a short program to welcome you, introduce the goals of our WWPA, and honor a few faculty members for marked years of service. Following this, parents will go to the classrooms for presentations by the teachers.

Our faculty makes the most of this time. They will share information about their programs, clarify expectations, describe ways for you to partner with them to best benefit your child(ren), and introduce their WWPA Room Parents. Our teachers are our most valuable asset, and we are proud to spotlight them this week at Back-to-School Night.

The Importance of Orientation Day

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 16:31:05 EST

If "Daydreaming is the sweet wonder of Summer" then "Awakening is the joy of Orientation!" *

We have softened the transition into the school year with Orientation for more than 20 years. Children need to awaken to the voice of their teacher, the faces of their classmates, and the expectations of what the first day of school may bring.

The excitement and joy of the coming together of our communities on each campus is a lot of fun. Eager children are ready to go and want to get a hold on what lies ahead. Shy children want to feel welcomed and appreciated for their quiet, sensitve ways. Parents want to see their children happy and connected to their teachers and classmates. Teachers focus on their new students, invite them into their new classrooms, and ensure them that all is well for the start of the new year.

In just forty-five minutes, we can accomplish all of the above and more. With Orientation, we can ease into a first day that informs, inspires, and initiates a fruitful and successful year of learning for our students. All we ask of parents on Orientation Day is for them to show their children that they have confidence in the school that they have chosen for them.

Orientation may end summer daydreams, but it awakens all of us to the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead.

* Quote by Janet Potter Metzelaar

Summertime Update

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:23:42 EST

Hopefully, our students and families are enjoying the summer change of pace. The Summer Reading Lists are designed to encourage recreational reading, as well as maintain and develop necessary skills. Parents may "read to, read with, or read side-by-side" as these reinforce that reading is a wonderful pastime and an important endeavor for a lifetime.

Yes, we relax a bit at school in the summer. However, we have much to do to prepare for the school year ahead. Thanks to the WWPA support on each campus, we are able to not only order the usual classroom resources and supplies, but lots of enrichment tools, as well; document readers, Mimeo's, laptops, projectors and screens - all will enhance what we already do well very nicely! Thank you, parents!

Additionally, there is always need for maintenance and repair of our facilities, so that everything is fresh and inviting when the students return. The Point Loma campus has some construction going on, trying to better support our faculty and staff needs for access to technology, more work space, and a quiet place to eat lunch, collaborate, relax, and plan.

Administrative tasks, such as creating class schedules and lists, rearranging classrooms, updating the website, records, and School Handbooks, and preparing for new and returning students, assure that the transition into and course of the year run smoothly. Each task that is accomplished adds to the anticipation of another exciting and successful school year. Once achieved, we celebrate! This ongoing cycle is part of what makes being an educator so rewarding!

So, we look forward to seeing you all, as follows:

Orientation Day, Tuesday, September 4

Parents and students attend for about 45 minutes to meet the teachers, the WWPA President, and new families, see the classrooms, and reunite with friends.

Middle School; Returning 7^th & 8^th Graders; 7:45 - 8:15 a.m.; The Cove

Middle School; 6^th & All New MS Students; 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.; The Cove

Point Loma; PK, JK, K; 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.; Playground

La Mesa; PK, JK, K; 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.; Family Center

Point Loma; 1^st– 5^th; 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.; Playground

La Mesa; 1^st– 5^th; 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.; Family Center

1^st Day of School (Full Day) , Wednesday, September 5

Middle School; 7:40 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

La Mesa Campus; 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.(Half Day Prekindergarten; 8:15 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)

Point Loma Campus; 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Half Day Prekindergarten; 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)

In the meantime, play, relax, rejuvenate, and READ!

Celebrating a Wonderfully Creative Year

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:47:34 EST

We have so much for which to be thankful. Our dedicated teachers continue to create interesting lessons and activities to ensure that their students accomplish all that is necessary and beyond. Our enthusiastic students continue to attend to the many tasks at hand, knowing that summer is soon to be here.

Our volunteers were thanked wholeheartedly on Thursday morning for doing their parts - small and large - to help make it a most successful year. The theme of the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast was GOGH GULLS! We honored the creative spirit of Vincent van Gogh by surrounding the room with art from first and second grade at the Point Loma campus and third grade at the La Mesa campus. The art depicted student interpretations of van Gogh's Sunflowers and Starry, Starry Night. Christine Haddaway, Art Specialist at the La Mesa and Middle School campuses talked to us about inspiration - what inspired van Gogh, what inspires her, and what inspires her students. She also made a point that the volunteers at Warren-Walker School also are a source of inspiration for her and others.

Both Lower School Parent Parties - Denim and Diamonds and Viva Gaviotas - were wonderful celebrations. The creative spirit of the Committee Chairs - for the parties and the auctions - was astounding. The student art was exceptional and helped to raise a lot of money that will support Arts Enrichment and other upcoming creative endeavours.

It strikes me that volunteering and creativity go hand-in-hand. People volunteer because they want to make a positive difference, which in itself is a creative act. Vincent van Gogh said, "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

Certainly our Parent Parties fit that description. Much effort went into planning and completing the many tasks and attending to every detail. With each volunteer doing his/her part - small or large - great events were enjoyed! The same will be applied to our All School end-of-the year event hosted by the Middle School, Day on the Bay!

Van Gogh also said, "I dream my painting and then I paint my dream."

We thank all of the Warren-Walker School community for helping us encourage the children we share to "paint their dreams!"

Instilling a Desire for Lifetime Learning

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:39:57 EST

Keeping children positively engaged in learning and instilling in them a desire to learn throughout their lives are promises we make to you. Achieving such lofty goals requires understanding, commitment, creativity, and experience.

We could not accomplish what we do with our students without engaging them in the learning process. Is every minute of every day fun and exciting? Well, no. However, every minute of instructional time is considered important and pertinent. For example, most classes have a morning routine that helps children transition from the morning rush to get to school into a learning mindset. When the morning bell rings, teachers and students connect in ways that establish and maintain that mindset throughout the day.

Our most important academic standards are that our day-to-day lessons are rigorous, relevant, and relationship building. You know that our program is rigorous in that it is accelerated, requires in-depth study, and looks at topics of study from multiple perspectives. As professional educators, we call this depth and complexity.

Relevance is addressed throughout the program. Saxon math introduces new concepts very incrementally and directly, so each lesson ties into the "big idea" that is forthcoming. The students learn right away that everything they are learning in math is pertinent, important, and useful for upcoming lessons. This is true in all the subject areas. Kindergartners' imaginary trip to Asia is highlighted by a Japanese Tea with the seventh grade students. Our five- or six-year-olds understand that what they are learning in class today will help them when they are twelve or thirteen at the Middle School.

Relationship building is looked at two ways. First, the students build relationships with their teachers and fellow students throughout the learning process. The teachers often say, "We are a community of learners." Secondly, they are taught about the relationships between subject areas, and are often engaged in interdisciplinary studies. There are examples of this at every grade level, starting in prekindergarten with theme units about transportation, animals, the ocean, etc. Connecting learning across disciplines reinforces the information gained and establishes a "memory bank" that can be drawn from and built on forever. New learning takes hold when it can be associated with prior learning, and the "memory bank" builds.

Rigor, relevance, and relationships inspire engagement and reinforce the learning mindset. When this happens everyday, engagement becomes habitual and a part of the culture of the school. These same qualities that nurture engagement also instill a desire for ongoing learning. Our alumni continually assure us that the foundation they gained at WWS has been an underlying impetus for continued success. Administrators at the schools our graduates go to assure us that our students arrive prepared and eager to learn, more so than most. It is no accident that many of our students have become Valedictorians, Salutorians, or National Merit Scholars at their respective high schools.

Beyond these assurances, neuroscience and research about the experiences and attitudes that lead to success have proven that rigor, relevance, and relationship building make a positive and significant difference towards the persistence of a desire to learn for a lifetime. Warren-Walker School has a proven record of success in this regard, and is absolutely committed to the cause.

Lots More to Do while Maintaining Enthusiasm!

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:21 EST

Our students have lots of challenges ahead in each of their respective grades, yet we need to maintain the energy and enthusiasm required to ensure that they succeed in achieving our high standards. One document that keeps us on the high road is our list of Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLR's). This important document is the result of a collaborative effort by our teachers that clarifies our Mission and prioritizes and synthesizes our many goals and objectives. I think it helps parents understand that what we ask our students to do has direction and purpose, as it states clearly what we expect them to accomplish by the end of eighth grade. Please take a look. It's important for you to understand, "be on board" in support of our ESLR's, and commit to our shared responsibility for each child's progress.

Warren-Walker School

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results

By the end of eighth grade, Warren-Walker School Students Will Be Prepared To Be:

Respectful and Responsible Citizens Who:

Possess empathy and the ability to work well with others
Are dependable and take responsibility for their own actions
Demonstrate integrity and a commitment to moral values and community service
Independently produce quality work
Are able to self-assess accurately, set personal goals, monitor progress, and be role models for others
Believe in their self-worth and maintain a positive view of self

Successful Scholars Who:

Demonstrate fluency in oral and written language
Apply critical thinking and comprehension skills
Consistently practice the transfer of cognitive skills to individual and/or varied learning experiences
Communicate effectively
Use numbers competently
Demonstrate understanding of mathematical principles
Apply problem solving strategies to real-life situations
Approach mathematics confidently
Incorporate technology for organizing, learning, and creating
Integrate skill, knowledge, and creativity across the disciplines
Are dedicated to a lifetime of multi-faceted learning

Self-Directed and Independent Thinkers Who:

Gather and comprehend information and apply it to new situations
Approach new situations willing to think, adjust, create, and find varied solutions
Analyze data and experiences in order to synthesize parts into a new whole
Clarify, organize, and express individual thoughts and ideas
Express creativity through art, music, drama, etc.
Evaluate information and experiences
Formulate supported opinions

My next BLOG will be about how we keep children positively engaged in learning and instill in them a desire to learn throughout their lives.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:02:39 EST

As the New Year is upon us, there are high hopes for what 2012 will bring. In my mind, we celebrate how fortunate we are and do what we can to make it the best possible year for our families, friends, and school community.

The school will soon engage in ways to honor our 80-year legacy. At each Lower School, we'll create a human timeline, complete with vignettes, reenactments, and historic cameos. In this way, we'll bring to life for the students the school's history, and the wonderful mission and spirit of our founder, Nellie Walker. What the Middle School will do to signify this notable anniversary has yet to be determined, but will certainly be lively and fun for the students, as well.

Mrs. Walker was known as a "Woman of Dedication," a highly esteemed honor in San Diego society. She was touted to be wise, sincere, and committed to creating a learning environment beyond reproach. The program was thought to be progressive and motivating. The strong performance of her students and the longevity of the institution she founded attest to her success. Her legacy thrives day-to-day on all three campuses!

May 2012 be a year of many successes - for each of our students, our faculty and staff, and our community of families - past and present!

Reflecting on the Building Resilience Model

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:47:31 EST

As a follow up to Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg's WeCare presentation and our Coffees with the Heads, I decided to highlight the keys to building resilience that seemed to resonate with the Warren-Walker community. At each of the Coffees, Mr. Volker asked those who had heard Dr. Ginsburg's talk to tell me one of the 'take-aways' that you remember and have found helpful. These were the most frequent responses:

maintain high expectations
encourage effort and avoid telling children that they are so "smart"
focus on progress and growth, not perfection
accept that everyone has strengths and weaknesses; focus on the strengths
listen to children more than you talk to them
reduce stress through positive coping strategies like play, exercise, and problem-solving
remember that the bumps and bruises along the way help to make children stronger and more resilient

Thank you for the input and for helping us make the Coffees more relevant and wothwhile. We will make sure Dr. Ginsburg's book is availabe at the upcoming Lower School Book Fairs. More information from his talk and book can be found on his website:

www.fosteringresilience.com

Off to a Great Start; Now the Partnership Begins!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:17:14 EST

Our goals for Orientation, the first few weeks of school, and Back-to-School Night are to build relationships, welcome new families, and communicate expectations to all our constituents. Now begins the actual journey of growth and development for each child, in each class, on each campus for the year. We promise that we will do our part, and we ask that parents become our partners in creating the path to success for their child.

At Back-to-School Night, you may have received a sheet in your packet from your child's teacher entitled..."You Can Expect This from Us. We Expect This from You." The two columns - one for the school, and the other for parents - was carefully crafted to make it clear what this partnership entails. For instance, we will do all it takes to fulfill our Mission - as rigorous and all-encompassing as it is - and we expect that parents agree with our Mission and will support these efforts. The list goes on.

The focus of this BLOG will be on one point and its reciprocal: You can expect individualized and personal attention paid to your child. We have gotten to know your child at school as he/she strives to operate in a group, engage in learning processes, build relationships, and maintain autonomy. The teachers work hard at the beginning of the year to closely observe each child and discern the special talents, interests, learning styles, and friendship-building skills that each exhibits. In this way, the teachers formulate ideas for the strategies they will use to support, approach, teach, and counsel each student through the challenges ahead.

The reciprocity lies in your understanding that your child most likely operates differently at school than he/she does at home. When a teacher tells parents that their child has difficulty focusing on in-class assignments, often the parents' response is, "Well at home he can build Legos for hours...or play a favorite video game all day." Please recognize that creating Lego structures or playing video games in your own room at home is very different from focusing in a group setting and following the directions for a complex academic task. Accept that the teacher knows your child best in the school setting, just as you know your child best at home. Listen to the teacher and collaborate on ways to help the child improve...that's the kind of partnership we want to build - one based on trust that seeks solutions and focuses forward.

We are fortunate to be educating the wonderful children we share, and always eager to work in partnership with supportive parents. As a result, our students achieve amazing things!

WORDS!

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:36:59 EST

I love words. I was the youngest in a family of five children, and I needed words to help me contribute to the family conversations and influence my loved ones. However, when I started school, I struggled to learn to read and write. Not until third grade did my cousin Shirley, a nun who taught in a Catholic school, sit down to read with me and recognize that I couldn't see very well – maybe I was squinting, or tilting my head, or avoiding the task-at-hand; I don't know, but sure enough her observations were confirmed by an Optometrist. Obviously, once I got glasses to correct my 20/400 vision, learning to read and write became much more doable tasks!

Then I really learned the power of WORDS! To this day, I work hard to listen, develop thoughts, and to put my thoughts very carefully into words! I am not sure I am a natural BLOGGER! I am concerned that I'll be more thoughtful than spontaneous to be a very good BLOGGER, but I'll do my best. Let me know what you think...