LIV-A-DAnce Salsa Benefit! VIVA-EL-BAILE!

I was speaking with a friend today who has taken it upon herself to host a benefit that aids Romanian orphans. The organization it goes to is Livada. Best of all, it looks like it's going to be a great party!

Here is some information about this benefit:

LIV-A-DAnce Salsa Benefit! VIVA-EL-BAILE!

Join us for an evening of great fun! We will have a great blend of international music. (Salsa, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Bachata, Merengue) Don't worry if you don't know how to dance salsa, we will all be learning together!

Tickets will be sold ahead of time $10.00 and Tickets sold at the door will be $12.00. Get your ticket now because there is a limit on the number of tickets. You can purchase a ticket with any one of the officers listed on the event.

It's not only going to be great fun, it's for an AMAZING cause. If you would like to learn more about the organization go to www.livada.org. Also if you would like to be a volunteer for this dance let me know! We will need lots of help and donations!

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Te invitamos a que vengas a disfrutar una tarde de baile! Habrá música latina como Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaetón y Hip Hop. Vente a divertir con nosotros. Es para una muy buena causa. Livada Cuidado de Huérfanos! Si quieres saber más sobre esta organización visita www.livada.org. Gracias! Ahí te esperamos!!

Los boletos cuestan $10.00 en adelantado y $12.00 en la puerta.

También, si te interesa ser voluntario para ayudar durante la fiesta por favor mandame un mensaje! Necesitamos toda la ayuda posible!

Contact Information

Host:	Bertha Medina
Type:	Causes - Fundraiser
Network:	Global

Date:	Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time:	6:30pm - 10:30pm
Location:	Whitmire Activity Building (El Kanuga)
Street:	301 Lily Pond Rd.

Phone:

8286987094

So I was watching the Bonnie Hunt show this morning...

That was dedicated to teachers!

There is a music teacher, Greg Breinberg, who had kids doing some pretty amazing things with singing and writing their own lyrics to songs. He made an excellent point by saying that not all kids are "good" at tradtional education-- such as math or science-- and that is why exploring the arts is so important for those kids. It makes them feel worth something.

This reminds me of the idea of multiple intelligences. This website reminded me that even though I could read at age three, I still can't play a violin after 10 years of lessons and I use my cell phone for simple math.

Anyway, you can view Greg Breinberg's site here. Prepare to be wowed.

Heather

Project

Today I am not really willing to talk about how I have three exams this week. So... I will talk about my summer project instead:The people at the vet hurt Buddy's feelings when they nicknamed him Tubs-- dogs have feelings too. He was pretty upset when I bought him special diet dog food. He said he'll lose the weight when he's ready and that his low rise jeans still fit. We're not talking.

No, he does not have a tiny head-- he's just spent too much time staying up and studying with me this year. Doritos are written all over his little tummy and thighs.

He's become rather disgruntled as the chips have disappeared from our study sessions. He's taken to chewing on his squeaky ball, alone, eying me from across the room.Buddy's friend Buckley is mad at me too. This healthy dog project has brought on special dog food diet for him as well. Perhaps they can form some sort of support group this summer that involves more walks at the park.

Heather

Teaching Elementary School-- Japan

This week's blog will be especially short due to the prep time it is taking me to get ready for open house tomorrow. I found this video on youtube about elementary schools in Japan that is very interesting. Enjoy!



Heather

L.A. Teacher Layoffs

First and foremost, I would like to note that Melinda is safe and well in Chile! We have linked Melinda's blog to ours for anyone who is interested-- I'm interested in the food she is evidently feasting on. *Sigh*

Anyway, I was catching up on news this morning when I found this article about how Los Angeles school district officials moved forward with plans to lay off more than 5,000 teachers, counselors, custodians, clerks and other employees.

Most of the teachers being laid off are new teachers who are not protected by tenure. How does this relate to new teachers in the state of North Carolina? According to this article from January that discusses possible layoffs, the same thing might very well be in the works for teachers in North Carolina. However, in the case of NC teachers it is not only length of service that is being considered in the possible layoff. Factors such as performance ratings, the status of a teacher's license, service in extra duty positions, and a possible recommendation by a superintendent will be considered.

The most concerning part of the article is that it is stated that N.C. teacher layoffs are a possibility if the economy continues to decline.

Were the L.A. layoffs a sign that the economy is continuing to decline? Is it a good idea to layoff teachers to make budget when students could be facing learning in a classroom with 40-50 students per class? Is teaching still going to be effective for both the teacher and the students if that happens? Could this happen in North Carolina?

Unfortunately only time will tell.

Heather

Melinda C. Bullen, GSE Team Member to Chile!

Teacher Recruitment's Melinda Bullen is a GSE Team Member to Chile! She will be leaving tomorrow, April 14, 2009, for a month. You can follow Melinda's blogging here.

Here is Melinda tying up some loose ends in the TRO office. Have fun, Melinda!

Midterms

It's that time again for midterm exams... Yay... Going to bed at 3 am in the morning, waking up at 7 am to be at school on time, classes until 3 pm, and work until 10 pm. Unfortunately this is a very common schedule for most college students.

Before you skip your sleep though, you may want to take a look at this article.

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1690

Heather