Memories can pop up out of nowhere. This morning’s annual Grayson Day parade sent a wave of memories flooding in on the sounds of the Marching Band. For years, we sent our kids up the street to step in line with their friends. One kept the beat on percussion and the other provided the brass power that all good parade tunes require.
The article pictured above was printed about the annual event by my fledgling little paper in the year 2000. Simpler times for sure. Busy though.
Enjoy this little bit of history in Grayson, GA and keep an eye out for more to come.
Teacher Appreciation Week is always a special time, filled with moments that remind me why I do what I do. But this year, one particular gift truly took my breath away and filled my heart to overflowing.
I have the immense privilege of teaching so many bright and wonderful students in my language arts classes. Among them is a student who not only excels in weaving words but also possesses a remarkable talent with a paintbrush. This student, whose beautiful personality shines through in their kindness and dedication to both their studies and their peers, chose to honor me in the most incredible way: with an original portrait.
Knowing my student is also a gifted artist, I was already touched by the thought. But to see the finished piece was something else entirely. They captured something truly special, and with a few deliberate, thoughtful choices, they made it even more personal. The addition of purple highlights – a color I adore – and the way they brightened my smile in the portrait were such sweet, insightful touches. It’s clear they didn’t just see a teacher; they saw me.
To be pictured alongside the portrait, with the artist herself beaming beside her work, is a memory I will cherish forever. It’s a powerful reminder of the connections we build in the classroom and the profound impact students have on our lives as educators.
This portrait is more than just a beautiful piece of art; it’s a symbol of hard work, dedication, creativity, and the incredibly thoughtful heart of a truly special student. It serves as a vibrant reminder of why I love teaching and the amazing young people I get to learn from every single day.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this incredible gift. You have made this Teacher Appreciation Week unforgettable.
On a cold February Friday, American Literature students in Mrs. Johansen’s class had the opportunity to express themselves in a creative manner in response to reading, “How To Build A Fire” by Jack London. The class had spent the week putting research skills into play by checking out background information on Jack London, Realism, and The Klondike Gold Rush. Students voted for a “story-time” with Mrs. J. (that’s me) and actually listened intently to the tale that London told as they annotated their own copies of the story. Aside from learning a great deal about how setting can drive the plot of a story, students were reminded that collaboration on projects and processes are important. Lack of cooperation can, quite literally, get you “burned”.
The response-to-literature project culminated with a “how-to” assignment. Among the topics for student-driven “how-to” guides were important things such as: making a sandwich, brushing your teeth, brushing your toddler sibling’s teeth (they can bite!), making crepes, changing oil (in English and Spanish), and how to apply henna.
Pictured is a group who chose to “report” on the Henna How-to with a digital medium, photos, and verbal play-by-play. Uses for and applications of henna were explored and with four separate cultures represented in the group, each student described the inspiration behind their chosen design. Little did they realize – until they did – that they had been presenting the elements of “setting” to their peers.
Comets – Rams – Eagles – US Navy – and now, Longhorns!
It was a beautiful and sunny southern autumnal day in Buford, GA for the 2024 GA Marching Band Classic – Buford Edition. You could say we had seen this movie before. The marching band, the hot sun, high school, my parents sitting in the stands for at least the thousandth time. First, they watched my brother and me as we marched with the MIghty Comets of South Gwinnett back in the 1980’s. Then, it was the two eldest grandsons who began their marching band careers at Grayson High School in the mid-twentyteens – just a few miles from mom’s alma mater. The eldest moved on to GA Southern and competed internationally with drum corps. The second eldest marched into the Navy and played his own Pass-in-Review (graduation). One has to wonder what is in store for their cousin who is marching with the Lanier Longhorns Bands, but that will have to wait. In standing with family tradition, the freshman has scored another role – basketball. And for the grandparents from Indiana, basketball is among the OG family traditions – this proud aunt is gonna need some new swag so she can be mad lit and not skibidi Ohio!
The first fella pictured wearing an AWESOME DINOS ROCK shirt, clutching a BIG TRUCKS book, and dreaming of rock stardom is the 2024 recipient of a magic toy drum. The middle photo is my son at about the same age with the look of absolute joy on his face with the same drum a “few” years ago. The last photo is of that same son, Drew, as a professional drummer in a variety of projects. One of his bands, @florencecardigan hails from The University of Georgia in Athens, GA. They have played throughout the southeast and will be featured at AthFest 2024! Another one of Drew’s other projects is The While – also out of Athens – as much outstanding music is… And, it all started with a toy drum. There is much more to come from my drummer son – including some solo creativity and multi-genre collaborations. With that kind of magic packed into one toy drum, one has to wonder what is in store for the little fella wearing yellow. I hope he finds a love of learning music and with that love and a magic toy drum – the beat goes on. To hear more from Florence Cardigan, check them out on Spotify!
One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is to hand-write letters to the senior class. I mostly stick to the students I have known personally but make sure to add to the pile of generic letters meant for kids who didn’t get a letter. That happens a lot at our school. Language barriers are the biggest issue. Lots of parents don’t always think to send a letter to the school for a student to open. They mostly opt for cards at a home celebration. But, all that aside, I love to write these letters. It is a reminder that what we do is important even if some parts of society want to blame teachers for all of the ills that plague our education system. Writing notes of praise, of caring, of joy, and of celebration provides the kind soul-lifting that is sorely needed at the end of any school year. When the seniors return to school for one last time – for breakfast, fellowship, and to practice lining up – they will receive their letters. It is fun to watch them laugh and cry over the memories and feelings conveyed. Soon, Senior Season will pass and the Juniors will take their places starting a whole new year of school. In the meantime – summertime and the living’ is easy!
FreelanceBeth 