Congratulations to Heather Pelletier, our 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ms. Pelletier for being selected by her peers as the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year for JYJ. Ms. Pelletier is Nationally Board Certified and is a demonstration teacher for the Project Bright IDEA Program, a program that is designed to increase the number of students, particularly from underrepresented groups, to be placed into gifted and higher level programs. Ms. Pelletier currently teaches our 1st/2nd Grade split class and serves as the second grade chairperson. Ms. Pelletier is known for her curiosity and for developing curiosity in her students as well. This is Ms. Pelletier's third year at Joyner. Join me in congratulating one of our finest!!!

Not on the Test!!!

Click the link below, then click play to view "Not on The Test", by Tom Chapin. This is a hilarious, yet sad song about Standardized Testing.

http://www.notonthetest.com/

Catching Up or Leading the Way!!!

Click the link below, then click the play button to view Dr. Yong Zhao's commentary on the "global competitiveness movement", America, and China.

I presented after Dr. Zhao at Worldview and got to spend some time with him and I left very impressed.

http://zhao.educ.msu.edu/2009/08/07/no-child-left-behind-and-global-competitiveness/

A Must Read Important Book!!!

Greg Mortenson's new book, Stones into Schools, will be released in bookstores, Dec. 1st. It is the second book by Mr. Mortenson, the first, Three Cups of Tea, was a #1 Best Seller.

This is such a compelling story of how education is changing the lives of women and their children in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Below I have linked a recent story about Greg and his mission to bring education to girls in Pakistan and Afghanstan.

http://www.parade.com/news/2009/11/22-fighting-terrorism-with-schools.html

JYJ PTA Holiday Market coming Dec. 2nd!!!