The Mailbox Blog

Library Lovers’ Month

Sherry McGregor — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:30:26 +0000

I’m not sure how I missed it, but did you know that February is Library Lovers’ Month? The library---any library---is my favorite place to be! I love the feeling that settles over me the minute I walk in. The rows of bookshelves lined with books are filled with opportunity.

Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers?

Jen Bragg — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:36:41 +0000

On the shelf behind my desk is a gallon-size plastic bag. In it are crayons, markers, and colored pencils representing every color of the rainbow. A few of the colored pencils need to be sharpened, and I’m sure I could retire more than a few of the markers. But I keep the supplies handy because different tasks require different tools.

What’s on Your Mind?

Hope Spencer — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:12:39 +0000

As I drove to work this morning, my thoughts were spinning. Truthfully, they usually are. My brain seems to always be filled! There are small, nagging concerns, such as the pile of laundry that always seems to be waiting and the demanding grocery list in my purse. There are medium-size concerns, such as thank-you notes that should be written and craft projects I want to make.

Snowbound

Kim Murphy — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:45:46 +0000

Is it spring yet? I’ve reached the point where I’m tired of pulling on ten layers to go outdoors. I don’t want any more warm beverages. And those boots that I so love to step into in November? Well, let’s just say they aren’t looking as cute as the sandals I saw in a store the other day.

Due Dates

Diane Badden — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:24:02 +0000

Two nights ago, while I was measuring and mixing punch ingredients for a baby shower, I started thinking about due dates. I’ll admit I got a little carried away because, before I knew it, I was categorizing due dates. How strange is that? Anyway, here’s what I came up with. See what you think! Joyful due dates, like a baby’s due date, are the best! (That’s where I started.)

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Day!

Sharon M. Tresino — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:26:51 +0000

I’ve always enjoyed Valentine’s Day! Each year my students would make cute cardholders, and we’d put them in alphabetical order on the window ledge. The kids could hardly wait to deliver their valentines. But what they enjoyed even more was opening all their cards.

Setting the Scene

Hope Spencer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:26:39 +0000

One of the things I miss most about my classroom is the wonderful routine of decorating it to match the current season or holiday. I had so much fun creating the colorful bulletin boards, displays, and window decorations that gave my classroom a timely feel as well as an energizing face-lift.

Dear Parents…

Amy Erickson — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:14:57 +0000

Recently I visited several classrooms without even leaving my office. How did I manage that? By using my computer! I found some great teacher blogs and class Web sites, and I had a wonderful time getting a glimpse of what some teachers and kids are doing in their classrooms.

What’s in Your Inbox?

Hope Spencer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:36:38 +0000

I remember when I got my first email account. I was so excited to open the inbox and find a message! Then I discovered that I could sign up for newsletters and coupons from my favorite companies. I really felt like I was on the cutting edge of technology. When I started receiving photo updates from faraway family and friends, well, I thought email was about the best invention ever!

It’s Groundhog Day!

Sherry McGregor — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:24:45 +0000

So what’s the word where you are? Are you facing six more weeks of winter, or is spring just around the corner? Growing up in the West, I had never heard of the celebrated groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.