#NCTE23 Day 3 blew my mind! Finally got to meet my teacher idol Kelly Gallagher, learned in multiple sessions with @pennykittle, reunited with Dave Stuart Jr., had the pleasure of hearing Kylene Beers and Bob Probst…and then there was this guy Tom Hanks. Inspired on all levels.

And to top off a great day at #ncte23, in the final minutes of my last session, I run into the education leader that first saw something in me and hired me as a new teacher out of college 13 years ago, Kadee Anstadt!

Arguably the most important lesson I do every year! We watch SoulPancake’s video on how gratitude creates happiness, followed by writing and delivering thank you cards to staff in the building before they break for the holiday. There is more to teaching than curriculum…

Had our first Socratic Seminar today after closely reading O. Henry’s “Gift of the Magi!” Love seeing the students take ownership of the discussion.

Garrett is a diehard Jags fan. That’s why when he showed up in my room on Friday with his diy Jags vs Browns poster, we made a deal: whoever loses has to wear the other team’s hat on Victory Monday! I offered him an out but he put the hat on with pride - he’s such a good sport!!

Acting out Charles Dickens classic play “A Christmas Carol” using the random props Mr. Bally has in his closet and Spotify sound effects before we go see the live production at Playhouse Square next week!

Today NMS 8th graders attended a live production of A Christmas Carol at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square! So fun seeing it after reading/acting it out in class the last two weeks!

Mr. Bally’s Advisory class won this year’s “Selfie with the Elfie” for our “Learning to Drive Elf!” Shout out to Ashley Turner for putting in the extra work to build a positive culture in our building with small things like this!

Cheering on the 8th grade Lady Knights at North Royalton!

8th grade boy Knights fought hard against North Royalton tonight! Loved getting to cheer them on!

The Bally Family loved seeing my students perform in the NMS musical tonight!!

LAST CALL: Are you a high school senior looking for a scholarship?! We are offering a $5,000 scholarship to a student pursuing the arts or entrepreneurship in honor of our late friend. Check it out here: patroutamemorial.org/scholarship

Today we had a lively debate on whether insects could be a staple in the American diet! At the end of class, I put on a plastic glove, opened a concealed bag, and told them I brought in some edible bugs to try. It was hilarious seeing which kids were brave enough before knowing!

Brought in a little snack for students to try today…

Team Gemini 2-0 in pep assembly competitions this year!!

Daisy does it again! Another 1st place finish (87 writers!); she’ll represent NMS at Ashland University for the state tournament. I’m so proud of this group— what they’re asked to do is incredibly difficult. I have a feeling we have a few future authors here… #knightsthatwrite

Ay Ziggy Zumba!!

Student council members are writing thank you notes and preparing treat bags for all staff members of NMS. Go Knights!!

Organized a March Madness basketball tournament this week for NMS students! Great way to burn some energy after the state test and get ready for spring break!

Decided to bring Joe Clark’s book on vacay last week to refocus my teacher mind on what really matters before the new school year. Nervous about teaching a new curriculum, I am reminded that good teaching “goes back to three things: relationships, relationships, relationships”