Tomorrow is the Last Day!!! and a favor to ask...

Tomorrow is our last day of school.  I'm going to miss my cute, sweet little kiddos, but I am also so looking forward to this summer!  Our school's last day tradition is to have a picnic day.  Our PTO rents inflatables for the kids to jump on and play in and we always have something brought in for lunch (tomorrow is McDonald's).  There is also an awards ceremony for students.  It is a nice way to end the year.  


So, I told you about the grant I won last week from Peabody Energy.  Now, Peabody Energy is now going to name one individual from each region as Educator of the Year.  That person will win $5,000 from Peabody.  The number of votes in the Facebook poll will comprise one third of the decision.  I need your votes, please!

  

To vote:  *You must vote from a regular computer- they do not have a mobile site.

Go to www.facebook.com/PeabodyEnergyLeaders

You must "Like" their Facebook page.  At the top of their page you will see a red box that says, "Vote here" and click on the vote button that says Illinois/Indiana Region under the photo.  Click on the button next to my name and then click VOTE at the bottom.  It may ask to you Login through Facebook to voting app.  Please click on the "Login through Facebook" button.  If you have successfully voted it will show you my ranking.  If you haven't voted the screen will still look the same and you should check the button by my name and hit VOTE again.  

As a thank you for voting, please visit my TpT account and download my Daily 5 Posters for FREE!  I will leave them as Free until June 1.  Thanks so much! :)

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Exciting News!

Yesterday, we were informed that we would have an assembly at 9:30 this morning.  No big deal, I thought, we will just push back our center time a little and it will work out.  I asked what the assembly was about and my secretary told me it was on Summer Safety.  When we all got to the gym our Assistant Principal (and one of my BBFs) told us that the presenter was running late and we just needed to sit tight for a few minutes.  It felt a little like torture, but we managed to keep it together pretty well.  When the presenter finally arrived it was obvious that we weren't learning about Summer Safety because she was carrying a giant check!  We all knew that someone was winning something.  I haven't written any grants since mid-year, so I was excited to see who was winning something.  

When the presenter started talking she said her company made energy - and then said she was from Peabody Energy.  I then realized that I had been nominated for that grant by my superintendent earlier in the year.  I also knew that a friend of mine was also nominated, so I was really excited that one of us was going to be honored.  

When she said my name, I was sooooo excited and happy!  So, long story short, I was awarded $1000 for my classroom!  I am so pumped and trying to decide exactly how I want to spend it.  I think I'm going to purchase two more iPads for our classroom.  My students were so cute during the assembly.  They kept hugging each other and jumping up and down.  One students told me afterwards that I should buy a new house now! haha  Love my little ones so, so much. 

(Please ignore the unflattering picture- it's the only one there is!)

What would you do if you received $1,000 for your classroom????

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iPads and iPods- How I Got Them For My Classroom

A couple of people have mentioned how they would love to have iPads or iPods in the classroom.  I am lucky enough to have 1 iPad and 3 iPods in my classroom.  I got these items a couple of different ways.

The iPad was purchased with grant money.  Our local United Way and The Insurance Store have sponsored a classroom grant contest the past two years in our community.  This year, each applicant had to make a classroom video showing how students are Living United.  Then, we had to rally our supporters and have them vote for our video.  The prize was $400.  Our class received a grant for $400 and I asked our PTO for the other $100, which they generously gave me.  However, I was prepared to use my own money to finish funding if they did not.  So, be sure to check out local resources and grant contests.  We have several community grants each year- our electric company, Chamber of Commerce, and several others.  Walmart is a good place to check, too, they have Foundation grants and volunteer donations.

Our iPods came from Donors Choose donations.  If you have not heard of this you should really check it out.  You can choose items from their sponsored stores (or once you have successfully completed a campaign you have a little more freedom) and ask for donations.  All of my donations came from friends, my family and students' families.  People can give small or large amounts.  I posted my campaign on our school's PTO Facebook page, as well as my own.  I have also donated small amounts to other teachers- it's a great way to help each other.

My third iPod came from my mom.  I know... she's awesome!  She had an iPod Touch and when she got her iPhone, so donated the touch to my classroom.  She is always doing great stuff like this for my classroom.  Love my mama!

Does anyone else have any creative ways to find extra money for your classroom?

Since my giveaway item wasn't claimed, I'm going to draw again.  So..... 

Congratulations to Amber from Classy Confessions!  

You won the personalized cup.  

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