What a pleasant surprise.  I never go in my front door, but as I was pulling out of the garage this morning I noticed I had a package. My cap and gown! It feels really close now that I have received it!

As I sit here still at school at 6:30pm, I know I have probably lost my mind.  Believe it or not, I'm not even tired simply because of the great research and discussions my students and I had during today's practice.  I think I learned as much as they did about Christopher Columbus...His son was one of the 1st slave traders starting back in 1505. He and his men cut off body parts of small children just to check the sharpness of their blades, yet we have streets, schools,  and holidays after this man.  Part of our state capital is named after him....I'll stop here, but I could go on and on.   One of my students said it best, "If he were alive today, he would be in jail or definitely on trial for the many murders he committed.  Instead we celebrate him like a hero."

I am still on cloud 9 after my time with them.  I am so excited to see and hear them debate this topic.  I hope to see you there on Thursday!

Now it's time for me to get this 2 mile day completed, get some dinner,  go to bed, and start all over again tomorrow.

Check back for footage from the October 27th Debate Day!

WOW!!! I feel totally overjoyed when I see my dreams coming to reality.  Today's meeting with Ms. Sandoz(Vanderbilt's Director of Debate) was amazing and very productive.  Just in case you are wondering, our first debate will be against Kirkpatrick Elementary School on January 28 2012, and Vanderbilt will be hosting it!  Yep...you are invited. If you would like more details, feel free to contact me on my contact page for details. Vanderbilt will be providing the awards and trophies, and I am hoping my children will be getting plenty of them.  They have also agreed to send volunteers from their debate team to work with my students on their practice days.

October 27, 2011 will be our first in house debate day.  They will be debating two resolutions 1.) The United States should not celebrate Christopher Columbus Day. This one should be really good!  2.) Students should be able to buy as many snacks from the lunchroom as they choose, as long as they have enough money. Let's just say this will be quite hilarious.  Look for pictures and video footage to come.

Now I'm off to enjoy my last day of Fall Break. Come back and see me again sometime.  I'll be sure to fill you in on how the October 27th debate goes....pray for us.

By the way, if you are interested in supporting our team in any way, contact me for details on how YOU can help.

We just finalized our meeting with the  head of the debate team at Vanderbilt University.  Hopefully we will have the opportunity to plan some workshops with members of their debate team.  We will see and I'll keep you posted!

Finally started the much anticipated 4th Grade Debate Team! Well it has been in my heart to do such a thing since 2009.  Look for more info about us...The Debate Warriors!