People have been asking for ways they can help with the debate team.  Above is a form that tells how you can help.

First Step: Read the form.
Second Step: Decide how you want to help the debate team.
Third Step:  If you choose to donate funds, please make check or money order payable to Cole Elementary.  Please attach a note stating that all proceeds go to Cole Elementary's Debate Team.  The address is below...

5060 Colemont Drive
Antioch, TN 37013

If you prefer to donate your time, feel free to contact me by sending a message through the contact page for ways your expertise could be beneficial to us.

Thank you for choosing to donate to this great group of children!

Two years ago, I was in bed just thinking about what I wanted to do and would enjoy doing for the rest of my life, of course children and education is in the top 5.  However, I want to
do something that I simply could not do without, and that I couldn't wait to
wake up in the morning to do.  I love a good conversation, and even a good
arguement at times.  I had just watched The Great Debaters, and
thought...Wow! I would love to do that. I instantly thought about all the
comprehension skills they worked on while training for a debate, as I also
thought about how many students I have had that can't hold a conversation, much
less stay on topic...I thought..."I'm going to start a debate team!"  So I
did!  Let me remind you I have never formally debated...lol...BUT God
always provides provision for the vision, and He did just that.  I now have
22 amazing 4th graders getting ready to compete in their first ever debate at
Vanderbilt today, and they are GOOD too!  The first 4th graders to debate
in Metro Public School history might I add.  My goal is to see other
schools take on this endeavor. In saying all of this, whatever God places in
your heart, step out on it.   He has already ordered the people in
place to make it come to pass.  Team God!!!

Big Shout Out to Addrienne Neal, Shewanna Buchanan, Mykah Wyman(Mrs. S), M.L. Sandoz...these ladies are amazing and without them this would have still been a vision.

Look for footage soon!

Today I write this with a sense of accomplishment.  My 4th team has had their first debate and they did an excellent job!  I am so happy with the progress I am seeing with the team from the beginning of the year to date.  At this point they have no place to go but UP.  They are such positive students and are always so open to feedback on how to become better.  A huge thank you to my line sister, Tisa Beard for coming out tonight to be a guest judge! Oh, how I love DST!

Now time to prepare for our big meet on January 28th at Vanderbilt against Kirkpatrick.  I'm claiming a WIN for the Debate Warriors!  I'll look for you in the crowd.

Be sure to checkout the Visual Walk page for footage.

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.