Hello everyone! I hope this blog finds you well rested and enjoying the remaining days of our summer vacation! My summer was very enjoyable. I spent most of my time working on a research paper and a 21st century learning project for two of my classes up at KSU. FYI, if anyone wants to know how a year-round educational calendar impacts student performance on standardized tests, I'll be sure to forward you the thrilling conclusion! But if you're sitting on pins and needles with anticipation and need the cliff notes version (SPOILER ALERT), it doesn't make a significant impact. I had to stretch that out into 17 pages, but if you haven't already noticed, I have no trouble fillling in the lines when it comes to writing. Now that was just a little off the subject, but in between classes I played golf and softball, ran the Peachtree with Sam (1 hour and 6 minutes, I had to ask her to slow down around mile 5 because I was beginning to hallucinate), went to Hilton Head, SC last week, and turned Kennesaw State University into a powerhouse football dynasty on my Xbox. Sam is the least impressed with the Xbox accomplishment, which she refers to as my "delusions of grandeur". Even though the summer was a blast, I need to get back into the classroom, I've got a little cabin fever. I cannot remember a previous year that I was anticipating more than this one. I really feel fortunate and blessed to be able to loop with this wonderful group of students, as well as welcome a few new classmates to our learning community! There are many similarities and a few differences from last year, so I'll give you the "411" as the hipsters like to say. Varner's Meet and Greet is this Thursday, August 9th. Our classroom is the same place it was last year, 2nd hallway on the right, 2nd to last classroom on the right, next to Ms. Towne. The furniture is rearranged a little bit, but I'm sure the kids will know where to go. When you arrive, you will be greeted by TWO teachers, myself and Melissa Sisk. At the end of last year, Mrs. Whalen approached me about the possibility of co-teaching for this year. She told me the other teacher would be Melissa and I gladly accepted. Knowing that our class population would increase in 2nd grade, I thought the co-teaching format would be a tremendous support for the students. With this, we have also expanded our allotted space, using the class that is next to ours as well. The co-teaching format will allow Mrs. Sisk and I to meet with students in smaller groups and with higher frequency, meeting the learning needs of each child. Technically, the students have already met her, as she came in for a couple of activities at the end of the school year in May. I also had the privelege of working with her in the classroom two years ago when I was teaching 4th grade. This is her 9th year in education, teaching students across grades K-5 during that span. She is really excited about meeting all of you at Meet and Greet! We also have new administators at Varner. Mrs. Crommett is our new principal, and Mrs. Howard is our new assistant principal. I have only had the opportunity to speak with them a couple of times, but they are very sweet and are both excited about coming to Varner! Everything else can wait until Open House, which I'm sure will be in just a couple of weeks! Thank you again for allowing me to teach your child for a consecutive year, I am really enthused about all the things the students will accomplish this year! Enjoy what's left of the summer, and I'll see you Thursday! Kendall Foster
