Five for Fri/Saturday {April 25th}

I'm linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching for

This has been a very special week.  The South Carolina State Teacher of the Year Banquet was on Wednesday and it was such an honor to stand up with all of the District Teachers of the Year to be honored.  I am so proud of the winner, our new South Carolina State Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Ainsworth.  All of the pictures below are from that event.

This is the bus that we took to the event.  We had a police escort and EVERYTHING.  I think we giggled the whole way to the convention center.

When we arrived at the convention center, we were greeted by a cheering crowd.  Then, we walked a red carpet into the convention center.  My husband snapped this picture of me as I was passing by my entire family.

That's my mother's hand looking like she's about to give me a high-five.

It was a selfie kind of night.  This was about the cutest thing ever!  So, when I saw it, I knew I needed a selfie with my entire family.  My in-laws also came all the way from Oklahoma to attend!

my son, my daughter, my dad, my mom, my husband, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law

Matt Johnson, Jed Dearybury, me, Tracy Dunn, Jennifer Ainsworth

Here I am pictured with several District Teachers of the Year and two Honor Court Members.  The lady on the right is Jennifer Ainsworth, the winner!

This picture was taken on the steps of the State House.  We are kinda gathered in the shape of South Carolina.  It was like herding cats.  That's me in the very back in a coral top.  You can just.make.me.out. ;)

This is a week that I will never forget.  It was such an honor to represent my county.  I am proud to be a teacher in South Carolina!
Have you linked up this week with Doodle Bugs Teaching?

Happy Weekend!!

Bathroom Sign Out Procedures: A Bright Idea :)

I am excited to be a part of this link up!  Are you ready for some...

BRIGHT IDEAS? 

My tip this time...

How do you know who leaves the room to go to the restroom?  I've tried numerous ideas over the years.  I've had my students put a cup or other item on their desk, I've used hall passes (which to me is kinda gross considering where it is going), and I've had students sign out on a clip board.

Last year, I found these cute little melamine plates on sale at Hobby Lobby and decided that they would be the perfect "sign out" signs to hang in the room.

Do you see the Expo marker hanging on the door frame (by magnet, of course)?  My boys sign out on the blue plate and my girls sign out on the pink plate using this Expo marker.

This way, at a quick glance, I can see who has left the room to go to the bathroom.  My students also know not to ask to go to the bathroom if there is a name on the plate.  So, when students return, they erase their name from the plate (which is why there is a pom pom hot glued to the cap of the Expo marker) and then another student is free to ask.

Short and simple tip, but it works for me!  I hope you found it helpful!

If you are new to my blog and enjoyed this bright idea, please consider joining me on Facebook, Instagram or at Teachers Pay Teachers for more great ideas!

For more bright ideas from 150 different bloggers, please browse through the link-up below and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks for visiting! 

What are you waiting for?  Have a great time checking out the links to find more
 BRIGHT IDEAS!

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm Loving My Tieks!

For several months, I have been spotting several blog and Instagram friends sporting their Tieks by Gavrieli and I wanted to check them out.  I am so glad I did!

I loved the personal touch added to my package!

The packaging alone made me happy.

The beautiful boxes are too pretty not to keep.

Check out the two pair that I decided to get:

I've worn both pair several times and I am in LOVE!

I wanted to test them out a few weeks before I shared my experience with you.  For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you have already seen this picture:

And you all asked for a follow up on my opinion.

Honestly, I didn't want to like them as much as I do since they are so pricey.  But, I do love them and know I will be buying more in the future.  Why?

My legs don't hurt at the end of the day the way they did in other flats!  One day last week, I didn't even take them off until after I had cooked dinner.  {I usually throw off my shoes as soon as I walk in the house!}

Have you tried out Tieks ballet shoes yet?  If you haven't, I do have a few tips based on other reviews and from my experience:

1) Since they don't come in half-sizes, order up.  Luckily, I am a size 8 and they fit perfectly.  I have read other reviews where they didn't fit properly and I think that is due to being a half-size.

2) I have read that they do stretch a little, but so far, mine are perfect.

3) Customer service is AMAZING!  If you have any questions or concerns, they are quick to respond to all email.  They even offer free shipping and returns on all US orders.  That is a always a plus for me!

Now, what color should I choose next?  What is your favorite pair?

Common Core Website to Know About

Hey all!

I only have 3 more days until Spring Break!  Oh yeah!  I'm looking forward to some time off with my family.  Have you had a break yet?

If not, here's a little tip that might give you a break in a pinch like it does for me quite often.  {Honestly, I've used it for years, so I might have already shared it...but if not, then here you go!}

Have you heard of Common Core Sheets?  I know, I know...worksheets, yuck!  But, it is a necessary evil sometimes, especially when you are planning for a sub.  This happens to be the case for me this week.

Take a look at what you can get:

That one of a bajillion sheets that you can choose from in a pinch.

If you are in a pinch at times like me, check it out {here}.