Doppelganger

I just have to say that Tyler is a doppelganger for Jensen Ackles. If any of you watch Supernatural - not only does Tyler resemble him (now - I know this probably isn't the best example of a doppelganger because of the age difference) but, their mannerisms are sooooo similar!!!

Now - compare that to Tyler's pic on the right. I guess you'd have to know Tyler's personality, too.

45 hours (and still counting)

Well, I've spent 4 hours working on emailing. I am having the hardest time with the Homeroom Parent Coordinating. This is a really big job. But, once it is all said and done - it takes care of itself. So, I'm really bummed I couldn't get anyone to step up and take the lead on this. As of right now - I only have parents coordinating the Halloween party for one - yes, ONE - classroom. This is bordering on the edge of failure. I am half tempted to give the lists of volunteers back to the teachers and say, 'Sorry. I can't do it all by myself. You are going to have to find your own people to plan your classroom party.' But, since I've already gotten started I'd like to see it through. There is only one other party, the winter party (in lieu of calling it a Christmas party - but as cynical as that may sound - I'm really okay with it being called a winter party.). I may have to ask the teachers to reach out to the parents of kids in their classrooms then because by that time - we'll be in full swing of Family Fun Night planning. _______________________________I have to say that if I were to get paid for this job I'd probably opt to do it full-time and be completely okay with having to do most things myself. But, because it is volunteer and no other people are opting to help - I am very saddened and disappointed. Plus, if this year becomes a flop - I feel that people will look to me and consider me a failure at being a leader. Right now, the biggest thing I am failing at is finding a team for next year. I did reach out to a new parent via email - but, guess what? I haven't heard from her. I probably scared her. LOL! ___________________________Anyway, it's Saturday and I'm not supposed to even be blogging about any PTO stuff. No PTO on weekends! Family time. Now - for something funny: Justin and Tyler just came to me asking if they cleaned house today can I allow them a lazy day tomorrow watching movies and eating popcorn. I said yes. Justin contines: Okay, we will clean your kitchen and do some laundry, what else do you want us to do? Me: You can sweep the stairs, dust the edges, sweep the main floor, and vaccuum. Justin: Okay, and I can mop if you'll let me. As I peak around the corner Tyler is standing there looking as Justin, hands up in the air - exasperated, like 'dude. Shut up.' LOL! They crack me up!

Oneida Apple Fest

We had a great time! See......

Cross Country meet in Pulaski

It was raining. It was windy. It was 58 degrees. Ugh! But he's so worth it!!!

Chore Game

I usually clean up the main floor well enough for visitors - but the upstairs is a disaster zone. It was so bad I decided I'd have the kids chores be all upstairs cleaning today. So, I made a list for each kid. Then, I thought 'this is going to drag on all night if I don't find a way to make them want to stay busy.' (The chores would only have occupied 40 minutes to one hour of time depending on how well they stayed focus and didn't interrupt one another.) So, I decided I'd reward them with a whole candy bar. This is so not a common practice in my house - like - ever. I wrote down the name of three candy bars and drew slashes between letters. I had grouping of letters occupying 6 cards. (Remember that board game that went something like - Wil lu mar rym e = Will you marry me?) So, I stashed the cards in places they had to look if they were doing their chores correctly. For example, one chore was to empty the bathroom trash - there was an index card under the trash can. Well, after dinner I had the two older boys bring their cards to the living room. Me and Sky were totally amused watching them try to put the words together correctly to figure out what their prize was. Now - they didn't know it was a candy bar. And, each kid got something different. It was fun - they really enjoyed it. ___________________ Now, Joshua was more concerned about finding the clues than doing the chores. All of his chores consisted of steps to get his room clean. So, he spent a lot of his time moping. And, of course, he didn't get his room clean or find all 6 cards. So, he didn't get his candy bar nor did he get to partake in the fun. ____________ We did decide he could do some chores tomorrow to earn his candy bar but I won't make it a game. That's going to be a special treat when I have a big jobs for them. But, anyway - it was fun and I wanted to share.

41 hours. . .

Yesterday was real enjoyable. I met with our Reading Program coordinator at LaJava (and had the most wonderful chai pumpkin latte) and had a real enjoyable time discussing a revision of the program, and other things. Plus, it was nice getting some of that stuff out of my closet. Does anyone else feel as if they have to have a space for PTO 'stuff' in their home??? I went home for a little while before meeting a group at Pine Tree Grill for lunch to discuss plans for the upcoming and future Family Nights - not for profit, fun for the families. I'm so excited about this! We have a plan for a Math night that we all have our parts in preparing. It will be a lot of fun to see this committee take off. _________________Then, that evening I went to play Bunko/Bunco with the ladies in my neighborhood - and boy did we have a blast last night! I won $25 for bieng the 'biggest loser.' Haha - if you haven't played the game, I recommend it - it's a lot of fun! But, it was also a late night. So, I'm tired this morning (but sometimes it's worth it not to get your full 8 hours.)

I'm now at 38 hours, and I know I'm being generous. . .

Okay so my plan of no PTO on Saturday and Sunday is working well. Even though there have been times when I've had nothing else to do and thought I could totally get on the computer to blog about the latest PTO business - I've held my ground exhibited control - because I know during the week I'll be busy and will have wished I'd had a few boring days. :) So, on Thursday I attended a Scholastic Book Fair Workshop. Being that it was in Appleton the 2 hour WS was, in fact, a 3 hour and 20 minute affair (and I did take in account my time in line at Starbucks). Honestly, it wasn't bad. It was kind of fun and gave me some confidence in getting our book fair off the ground this fall. Plus, they had freebies (folks - don't pass up going to a workshop - they always have freebies!!). I got a plastic travel mug, a button/pin, materials, and there was food. I did pick up some good tips. I came home with a lot of questions for my rep. Sometimes when you take over something that you either have no experience in or have not worked behind the scenes on - you don't know what questions to ask. Fortunately, I had all my materials ready for the PTO meeting at 4 that day. So, I was able to come home from the WS and look over my agenda. I did, I will admit, verbally say many of the things I planned to during the meeting. This is actually a really good tip I learned in my comm arts class which was a pre-req to the nursing program. Do I feel stupid doing it? Yes. Am I glad I did it? You bet! It pays off. But, I did leave early to go over a few things I was unsure of with someone who might know better. I didn't have that opportunity because when I got there I found out our principal was subbing for kindergarten. I was also informed our superintendent wanted to speak at the very - VERY - top of the agenda. (But, that's okay - it put me off the hook and gave me the opportunity to feel comfortable sitting in front of the crowd.) Prior to the beginning of the meeting though I had to make some copies, get the water and cookies to the library, etc. I had asked the librarian if I could go ahead and start moving books off the tables and setting up for the meeting. It was 3pm and she informed me they had another class coming in. About that time I looked up and saw that red folding chairs had been delivered to the library. I don't know why I asked, but something told me those chairs had been set up already. Sure enough! She said they came in and found the chairs up but took them ALL down because they had classes coming in. Though I didn't make it known - I was extremely peaved. First of all, I hadn't ordered the chairs. But, Dr. Lightner was speaking on the upcoming referrendum and we did expect more than usual in attendence. Secondly, I don't mean to belittle library time - they actually give lessons to the children, but the kids sit on the floor. ??? So, I'm confused as to why they couldn't have just moved a few chairs or even let the kiddos use them. Ultimately, I had to put them all back out. Well, I could have asked our custodian to set them all up again - remember I knew nothing about the chairs until I got there. But, I felt bad that he set up the chairs as directed and someone, without investigating, decided to take them down. That just seemed rude. I think the librarians may have felt a little ticked because their space is often invaded. But, I didn't think what they did was necessary. So, I set them back out when the class that was there left, I set up my cookies, water bottles, sign in sheet, and copies of the agenda and minutes. On to the PTO meeting. It was really good. We discussed things as they came about and made plans. I got some more volunteers. And, we voted on and approved three special requests for funds. All in all, I think I did very well. The actual meeting only took up 1 hour. I was home by 6 and the family went to eat at Doc's Timeline BBQ. It was my opportunity to pat myself on the back and relax. Whew! One down - four more to go (since we decided last year to have bi-monthly meetings). Point-of-fact, just for the fun of it, bi-monthly refers to every other month. Semi-monthly refers to twice in one month.

Standing up for Education. . .

Where I live we are facing a school referendum to update 7 facilities, build an athletic complex, and bring in a lot of technology. The village board where I live has blatantly expressed their opposition to this referendum, as written. In other words - they are just pissed about the athletic complex. Below is the letter I wrote to our village president, who acoording to two newspapers (and was quoted) stated that if the referendum passes he'd consider our little parcel of land (where I reside)being absorbed into another school district. Let me first tell you that the school district in which I reside is ranked 18th in our state. ______________________________________________For some reason - Blogger will not let me do paragraphs - so that is what the lines are for _______________________________ Hello Mr. Heidel,__ My name is Stacie Bryant and I am a resident of Hobart and a mother to three boys in the Pulaski School District. I am writing to you in regards to comments you made stating that you will look into having Hillcrest Elementary absorbed into another school district, and to share my thoughts in regards to the referendum. __ With all due respect, you do not represent the families of Hillcrest Elementary School. __ I can tell you what a true representative would take into account if his interests were truly those of the young people attending Hillcrest, and their families:__ First, the academic content provided at this school as part of a district-wide curriculum far exceeds that of many other school districts in the area, in all of Northeast Wisconsin. I can say this with fact and conviction as my children have been a part of the Manitowoc, Wrightstown, and Green Bay school districts. From experience, the PCSD has the best, most effective, academic program that reaches out to actively include parents in their children's education at all grade levels. Parents feel they're a part of the entire district as opposed to one school and thereby - they are the community! I'm sorry you don't feel the same pride.__ Secondly, you balk at the idea of an athletic complex. As a parent, the feeling of having such great amenities is eye-popping and exciting! To think that as my children climb the ladder grade by grade and will one day be playing a sport for one of the best schools in the state - encourages my feelings of elation, equated to PRIDE! All the schools will want to play at our facilities. And, just think what our kids can accomplish socially. But, then again - social accomplishments don't seem to matter to you. Sadly, you don't care about polishing a great academic program with a great athletic program - leading to extremely well-rounded children who will go on to accomplish greater things. And, today's children will, in the future, come back to their hometown, bringing with them the means to 'return the favor' of having been given the most complete education a person can receive. What you don't know is that education isn't just what is in the books. This is a new world and thanks to the PCSD for having the foresight to see beyond what was - to what will be. You, sir, are holding us all back!__ Finally, I get a little irritated hearing from folks like you and even some who send their kids to private schools - that you all don't have kids in the district, so why should you have to pay to make the public school district better? Well, I will tell you why. It doesn't matter who you are or at what address you reside - you will be in a public school district. All public school districts put forth referendums - when needed - to enhance the education of their schools. Whether it is by building new facilities, updating old ones, adding to existing buildings, implementing new curriculums, bringing in new technology for use in the classroom or elsewhere, or by any other means - all people want to be able to call their school district the best. So, where ever you live - you will most likely be faced with a referendum to a public school district - which will not directly affect you. So, whether it is Pulaski, or somewhere in Timbuktu, you face agreeing to or fighting against a school referendum. Pulaski Community School District is where you are now - so why not be supportive? Sometimes you have to give a little - to gain a lot. Think of the future of others - not just your own.__ I've said all I have to say and I sincerely hope you let a little steam out of your opposition. You may be the president of the Village of Hobart - but you do not represent me or my opinions.__ Sincerely, Stacie Bryant

Pallet solution

We will see how well this works out. It really only works well for adult bikes. But I saw this on Pinterest while trying to find something to do with my pallets. (I had wanted to recreate other projects I saw but they require hanging them in the wall. They are extremely heavy!). So, when I saw this idea I looked outside and all three if the boys' bikes were lying in the grass - and I thought, "ah ha!". Now it's just a matter of them putting them up where they belong after each use.

Up to 33 hours (I'm being generous)

This was the first week of school and just when I thought I could take a break - I realize there is more to be done. But in my effort to make this job non-stressful I am doing just a little at a time. And knowing that I have gotten started early on this latest task, I feel like I can prioritize, stay organized, and best of all - get up and walk away and come back later. So far I'm on the right track - not doing any PTO work over the weekend. :)____________________________________________________So, what is this latest task? Parents were able to sign up online for activities and events they'd like to help with. Before school started I got that list and transferred names, email addy's, and phone #'s to the forms I have that are broken down by activity/event. For example, everyone who signed up to help with Family Nights is all on one page. I was able to also set the forms out at Open House and our Welcome Back Breakfast. Now, the job is to email the groups (Family Nights, Homeroom Parents, Reading Program, Multicultural Committee, etc.). For the ones who have a chairperson - I just email the list to the chairperson. For the groups that don't have chairperson I have to email the whole group and hope one stands out and is willing to host a planning meeting and take charge. Otherwise, I end up doing it or we end up not having that group. So, if no one from the Health & Wellness group is interested in hosting a meeting to talk about the goals for the group at our school then either I have to do it - or choose that we're not going to have a H&W committee or any H&W activities this year.___________________________________________Now, if no one steps up (with the H&W committee, for example) I could choose to be mad and feel like I have no choice but to take it on - then gripe about it left and right. My plate is full already. But, I can also choose to let it go: physically and emotionally. Physically - so what if we don't have a H&W committee this year. It gives next year's president something to 'bring back' and really focus on (again, like recycling toys). We've been without that committee for almost 2 years now. Emotionally - I'm eager that my reign as PTO President will be a successful one and that means I have participants in every committee that work hard to bring H&W activities full-circle. So, when it looks like it might not happen I have, in the past, felt the stress of impending failure. BUT, I do have Family Nights coming back! So, I look at it as a trade-off. Besides, I am more excited about Family Nights anyway. :) Of course, I shouldn't overlook the most important reason not to let things-not-going-my-way stress me out. . . and that is my family. This is JUST a volunteer job. I will do the best I can but I will not string myself out so I can't be there for my kids and my husband or my friends just because I have PTO stuff to do and get done. ____________________________Blogging is really helping me keep track of the work I've put in and to keep accurate records for the next years president. But, it's also helping me keep perscpective. I highly recommend all PTO President's keep a journal of some kind. ______________________________Good luck to all you other PTO parents out there!

Kresley Cole

One of my favorite authors is Kresley Cole. I always recommend her Immortals After Dark series to friends who just haven't found that perfect book yet. She is the most imaginative and creative writer I have come across. The IAD series is well-written - it just flows - so well, in fact, between that and the compelling stories - it's just very difficult to put down! That means be prepared to have your laundry build up! You know, it got so bad my husband stole one of the books I was reading and hid it! I told him I was setting a good example for the kids (um - the reading, not the whole not-doing-chores part!). LOL! NOW - she's got a new series for teens (and I've really been digging the teen books lately!). It's called Poison Princess and is the first in The Arcana Chronicles. I can't wait for it to come out on October 2nd! Between me, my sister (who lives with me - she's 20), and my oldest son (who is a book lover - of all kinds) - I'm going to have to glue it to me until I finish it!

28, 29, and 30! Whew!

Today was the first day of school and the annual Welcome Back Breakfast! Unfortunately, we didn't have that many people attend but we did have a great group of attendees, both new and old! I gave my little one minute speech with the typical welcome, "we need volunteers," etc., schpiel. But, I think the best part was when I said, "If you see someone you don't know please introduce yourself. I'd like for you to leave here having met at least one person you didn't know before." So, I see that as assigning a task. And, though I don't have a degree in a field involving public speaking I think that is a component that encourages active participation with a touch of comfort. I guess it's kind of like giving people permission to be bold. It is so hard sometimes to walk up to a complete stranger and start a conversation. That will be my bragging right of the day. :)I did meet Five women I hadn't met before. I hope I made a good impression on them! I know I got a few more volunteers signed up for various events, too! ___________________________________________________________________My ladies who coordinated the event did a really nice job. I thank them a lot for bringing food and drinks, and helping to make the morning a success! The Hansen's rep was there with great samples. I hope this fundraiser turns out well. We haven't had a food fundraiser in a while. I compare it to recycling toys. When your babies get bored with a few toys put them up in a closet. You can take them back down in 6 months, maybe a year, and it's like a brand new toy - without spending any money! Anyway, our left over food went to the teacher's lounge. I'm sure they appreciate it. ___________________________________My three hours included getting to the school early to let the Hansen's rep in and help her get set up, helping set up, attending the activity, and helping clean up. Next up - I have to finish the PTO newsletter with the Spotlight segment. . . .

hours 26 and 27

I spent 2 hours the day after open house putting up things I got out, used, moved around getting set up for open house. Thankfully, I had my young man with me. He was such a help! Now, tomorrow is the first day of school and the Welcome Back Breakfast. We have the Hansen's rep coming with samples that will hopefully get the parents who show up tomorrow eager to purchase from that fundraiser in October. I have two parents who have coordinated the morning which I'm sure will turn out to be a success. But, I will have to say some words. I wrote them down on my Notes app on my iPhone - and, yes. . .I will probably refer to my iPhone instead of notecards. Odd. But, what's the difference between peeking at your phone, or paper cards? Anyway, it's another sure sign of the times. I just hope that I don't sound too nervous. I am keeping it extremely short, probably no more than a minute. I will welcome all, ask them to look at the volunteer opportunities we have, beg someone to become the VP, and ask them to introduce themselves to someone they don't know before departing. Then, I guess - the toughest part will be - mingling!

First day of school. . .

. . . is tomorrow! Woohoo! :) But, it will be a busy morning. I must have my 7th grader to the middle school for cross country practice at 6:30am. Then, I need to be at the elementary school an hour later to help the Hansen's rep get set up for our welcome breakfast. I will have to run home and watch my 2nd grader get on the bus, then run back to the school. Whew! But, after the welcome breakfast . . . I'm FREEEEEEE! Okay - I don't mean to make it sound like I'm thrilled to be rid of my kids. Truth is - we are ALL ready for the school routine. I actually asked my kids how they'd feel about year-round school and they liked the idea! When we lived in TN they had about 8 weeks of summer. It went by fast. What I didn't like was the 4 weeks off at Christmas. But, if the kids were off 6 to 8 weeks in the summer, around 3 weeks at Christmas, had a two-week spring break, and maybe a one week fall break - how perfect would that be!? A full 3 months is just way too long. So, what to do tomorrow when I'M ALL ALONE????? I honestly think I will sit in my living room and listen to the sound of . . . . . nothing. Hmm. Sounds so peaceful!