Do you know why the topic of evaluating teachers brings to mind the waiter at my favorite restaurant? Because each time he brings my food, he says, “Careful, hot plate.”

The topic of teacher evaluations is a hot topic, that’s for sure. In fact, it sizzles! So let me ask you. If you were in charge of teacher evaluations, what changes would you make? In your opinion, what works? In your opinion, what is broken and needs to be fixed? I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Thoughtfully,
Diane

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Happy Monday, y’all! I hope you’re chillin’! You deserve it! I was chillin’ Friday night with some teacher pals of mine when the conversation turned to the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Trust me, we didn’t stay on the topic for long—these teachers are on vacation, for Pete’s sake! What I did learn is the local school district recently posted revised pacing guides for the upcoming school year in support of the CCSS. No one seemed extremely concerned about the curriculum changes. Of course, a lot of chips and salsa had been consumed by then, so who knows! I have a hunch some members of the group were so busy wrapping up the school year they hadn’t yet checked out the changes.

What about your school district? Do you know if your teaching curriculum is being revised for the upcoming year? I’d love to hear what you know or have heard!

Cheerfully,
Diane

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Happy Friday, y’all! I have a funny to share from the past week that I think you’ll enjoy. I’m still grinning over it! Before work on Wednesday, I dropped off Lexie, my pooch, for her yearly checkup. The drop off went smooth as silk. However, at 10 o’clock, one of the docs called. “Oh, yes,” he explained. “Everything is fine. I just need a little extra info.” Our conversation was brief and quite revealing (to a former teacher). “Lexie is such a strong dog!” came first. Then he added, “She leaps just like a deer!” And finally, “Lexie will be ready at lunchtime if you’d like to pick her up early.”

Okay, teachers! You know what just happened here, don’t you? In the nicest way possible, I was told that my pup was being a pill! I laughed and laughed. Yes, I picked up Lexie at lunchtime. Yes, she leaped (just like a deer) into the back of the car. And yes, she grinned all the way home. If only dogs could talk…

Have a great weekend!

Diane

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I consider myself to be a lucky lady. I have a great job, and part of my job is chatting with y’all. Yes, I am a lucky lady! However this morning, I have another lucky lady in mind. Her name is Louise Kadingo, and she is the winner of our $250 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Facebook! Gadzooks, zowie, and holy catfish! I’d like to get $250 worth of products from The Mailbox for free, wouldn’t you? Congratulations, Louise!

Now before you head over to The Mailbox Facebook page to check out the latest and greatest happenings, I have some more grand news to share. The Mailbox just released 17 brand-new books for back-to-school! I know it’s a little early to be thinking about back-to-school. And yet I’m a firm believer that all great deals should be checked out. So I encourage you to head over to themailbox.com and check out the awesome free-shipping deal that’s available through June 26.

Okay, that’s all for today. Louise, your gift certificate is on its way. And remember, I’m here in case you need some help spending your moola from The Mailbox!

Smiles,
Diane

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Okay, I admit it. I’m envious that y’all have the summer off. The thought of sleeping in late, reading, gardening, watching late-night television, and spending quality time with family and friends…words just can’t describe how wonderful it sounds. And yet I remember that summer vacation isn’t all fun and games. When I was teaching, I always had a summer job of some sort. There were usually a few summer classes or workshops to attend. And I always had an endless list of summer projects that I had put off doing during the past school year. But I can’t lie: I loved my summers! How do you plan to spend your much-deserved summer vacation? Smiles, Diane

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Have you had the chance to slow down and smell the roses since school let out? I’m guessing everyone’s transition into summer happens differently. When I take a vacation, it usually takes a few days for me to shift into vacation gear. But that’s not always the case. For example, a friend and I took a jaunt to the mountains last summer. I was exhausted when we arrived and decided to take a short nap before we headed out to dinner. I awoke at 7:00 the following morning! I clearly had no trouble slowing down that time!

How’s your shift into summer going? Do you have a fun story to share?

Thinking of you,
Diane

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Back-to-school? Yep, you read that right. Hang with me! This is great back-to-school fun! You see, the back-to-school issues of The Mailbox magazine are on their way to mailboxes, in-boxes, and dealer stores right now. And every reader of The Mailbox magazine, no matter what grade level, is in for a fun surprise!

Guess what? The Mailbox magazine has been given a makeover! A face-lift was first—you’re going to love the new cover. A few cosmetic touch-ups were also completed. These include new page designs and web icons. (There’s more; however I’ll leave it up to you to discover them!) New departments, such as “Good to Know” and “Problem Solved!”, were added. (Hmmmm, I’ll pass on linking this to my makeover theme. ) And because no nips or tucks were needed, you’ll still find all the wonderful activities, tips, patterns, worksheets, and pull-out activities and posters you’ve been getting!

You know what happens when I get totally jazzed about good news, right? I gotta have a giveaway! Tell me what new things you discover in your August/September magazine issue (and what you think of them) before the first official day of summer—June 21—and your name will be entered in a drawing for a “sum-sum-summertime” surprise from The Mailbox! Have fun!

Smiles!
Diane

Congratulations to Gina! Her name was selected in the drawing for the surprise.

PS If you aren’t a subscriber, click here for a free trial issue of The Mailbox magazine!

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Okay, teachers. It’s time to spill the beans. What type of swag did you tote home on the last day of school? I certainly don’t mean to imply that teachers expect end-of-the-year gifts from their students. But let’s be real. Teachers work very, very hard. So if a parent wishes to express his or her gratitude with a token of appreciation, well, what’s wrong with that? (Of course, care does need to be taken to assure that everyone’s gifts, from flowers to high fives, receive equal and private recognition.)

I’d love to learn about a favorite gift, a unique gift, a useful gift, a surprising gift, an endearing gift, or any kind of gift you received. Just think of the ideas each of us will have for future gift-giving occasions!

Congratulations to each of you!
Diane

PS Check back next week for a giveaway! We’re going to have some FUN this summer!

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Yesterday in the mail, I received a colorful pack of address labels from an organization seeking a donation. The labels are adorable! And yet, I already have several similar packs in my mail basket. How can I possibly use all these labels? (I know; I could toss them. Sigh. That just feels so wasteful!)

At work, I use the labels to identify my personal copies of books and magazines. I have an address label on my stapler, my tape dispenser, and anything else that I might leave lying about. I’ve considered slapping an address label on my reading glasses too, but most of my colleagues recognize my “lost” spectacles right away.

At home, I use the labels on correspondence, and that’s about it.

What do you do with the address labels you receive in the mail? Does anyone use the labels (or pictures from the labels) at a center or for an art project? I have plenty, and I’ll share!

Cheerfully,

Diane

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Have you heard? The food pyramid is out and the food plate is in! Last week, the USDA unveiled a brand-new food icon called MyPlate. If you haven’t yet seen it, take a look. Personally, I love the new icon because it’s supereasy to understand. It’s also very relatable. Hey, wouldn’t it be awesome if school lunch trays got replaced with school lunch plates (designed to mimic MyPlate)?

I’d love to know what you think of the new icon and how you plan to use it in your classroom next year.

Happily,
Diane

PS I did notice there isn’t a space for dessert. What’s up with that?

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