8/16/11(original post was on August 11, 2010)
Hello Paisano students and parents,
In case I don't have time to tell students a little bit about myself and don't get to do so at Back to School Night on August 30, 2010, I thought I'd give you a snapshot view of me.
I am from Dallas, born and raised, but got to south central Texas as soon as I could, when I was 25 years old---first to San Marcos for school for a few years and then to Austin when I was about 28 years old. I'm the oldest of four in my family of origin; I have a younger sister and two younger brothers. My Mom resides in Dallas. My Dad passed away in December of 2002.
I graduated from Southwest Texas State University(Yes, it'll always be SWTSU to me) in December of 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I'm certified to teach Physical Education, Biology, and Health. I've taught all grade levels 4th through 12th grade at some point in my 23 year career. This year begins my 18th year at MMS, my 24th year in the teaching field.
I have various teaching awards and achievements but I will not bore you with them on this page at this time. :)
When I am not in the classroom teaching 7th graders, I enjoy being with my family. My husband, Craig, and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary this September. He and I have two children, Clair, who is 20 and a junior at UT Arlington, and a son, Ben, 16, who is an 11th grader at Connally High School in PISD. Craig has two daughters, Kelly, 33 and Natalie, 30, who live in Boston and Brooklyn. Our dog, Tucker, is the most important member of our family. Just ask him and he'll tell you. :)
Craig and I, along with Craig's sister, are in the direct care of my mother-in-law. She is 91 years old and had a stroke in July of 2008. The stroke affected the speech/communication part of her brain and she has had amazing successes with rehab and therapy and is even back to being able to read a little and speaking more and more. She resides with Craig's sister and attends adult daycare during the working hours of the weekdays and is with us and Craig's sister on alternating weekends and evenings.
*******UPDATE in December 2010: Craig's Mom moved into an assisted living facility about a month ago. She is very excited about this, at 92 years old, she has regained some of her independance back and seems to love it.
I enjoy movies, books, really good, strong coffee, intelligent conversation, movies, scrapbooking, and just hanging out with my family and friends.
I place high values on education and therefore expect students to come to class to learn. Please know I do enjoy this grade level of students and that's why I continue to stay teaching at this level.
I'm looking forward to another great year at Murchison! GO MATADORS!
