What ever it takes.

It's been a day, let me tell you. One of those days that echo Murphy's law, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong". EVERYTHING indeed went wrong. 

Two days ago we had a storm which knocked down our internet tower. Easy fix, I'll use my T-mobile hot-spot. It worked. I felt invincible. I marked off plenty on my To-Do list, right on time for my jammed packed workday filled with workshops and trainings scheduled 8:30a.m. to 4p.m... and one for spiritual kicks at 4:30p.m. 

 I had pledged to my students back in January that I  would start FCA on campus by the end of this year. As many of you know it has been quite a year, but fortunately, I was given permission to introduce an FCA Virtual Meeting for my school. I created an invitation, sent it to teachers and coaches to share. With much prayer and anticipation, the day finally came. 

I woke up, logged on to work, just like any other day, worked a little online finishing just in time for the first training. One problem the internet would not connect, I tried my hot spot, y nada. I  became anxious, this was an online mandatory training, without the internet I would have to drive to work. I changed into my dressy pants because pajama pants are not appropriate work attire and headed out the door. Just then I bumped into my sweet friend Holly and asked her, "Hey, by any chance is your internet working?" she said yes go right on in, and left for the day.  I was so grateful, easy peasy. 

Then my second training began. and all of a sudden midway into the training all the lights came off and with that, you guessed it the internet. 

I called work and told them, I'm driving to the office what room can I use, only to be told that unfortunately, they start closing at 4:30p.m that's when my FCA meeting begins. I chose not to cancel it and rushed home to my parent's home with precious internet. 

I logged on,  its 4:25 p.m. and all of a sudden I hear a static echo from my computer. I could not make out anything anyone was saying. I saw students in my zoom waiting room, but I had to do it. I had to restart my computer in hopes that the sound would be fixed. By God's Grace, it was. 

My heart was beating fast, my voice was shaking and all I could think of was, "you're free, you're free to pray!" And so  I did, I prayed with my students, coaches, principal, administration.

After a long day filled with never-ending hurdles, there was peace, and I was reminded to take courage. I almost gave in to the lies that maybe I'm not supposed to do this. Believer, sharing the Gospel is always the call no matter what lie you want to give into.  

I'm overwhelmed that I have this opportunity with my students, their parents, and my co-workers.  I get to serve this community, and God literally brought me home to remind me that He is in control.

  

It's not just a classroom

This summer I was fortunate enough to be hired a month and a half prior to staff development week. The month of July began with daily cheer practice. Every morning I would commute 45 minutes to school,  went to cheer practice and right after I would carry shelves, books, etc into my new classroom. It was a joyful transition, but it was also exhausting. In addition to being in a new district I was also moving to a  new city and renting the cutest little cottage on a farm.  All these transitions did overwhelm me in the moment, but I had complete peace knowing, this is exactly where I was supposed to be.  I was going to be doing what I love and have been equipped to do it.

On June 28, 2019 after being offered 7th grade ELAR position I was taken to my classroom. I looked around took a deep breath and turned Mrs. Grijalva and said, this is mine, it's perfect.

Snap, snap, snap I began to take pictures in order to plan the decor and my minds visual wish list. You see, I had already created a vision for this room long before being offered the position. I trusted God and knew He'd be faithful in providing a place for me to teach.
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I began looking for deals on offer up, and let go. I bought $8 dollar desks which I spray painted. I bought shelves that would other wise cost between $70 - $100 for $15 and $20. I waited for Hobby Lobby to offer 50% off certain items. I planned and collected.  After receiving almost $400 from the teacher shower I began to purchase supplies, and brick bulletin board  paper.

I knew what I wanted my room too look like from the start.
I wanted my room to encourage my future students, I desired for them to feel safe.

The following pictures are the result of weeks of creating, glue gun burns, painting, cutting, taping, hanging, living on a tall ladder and having wonderful friends that provided more than I had asked for.

Welcome to Ms. Lopez Classroom 

 because tree branches are my favorite 

 Do it yourself canvases $10 for the set at Hobby Lobby  

 Yes you can!

Remember to keep track of time and choose joy 

As other colleagues have been visiting my classroom I have been humbled by their comments, from "My daughter loved your room", to "your students will feel safe",  and my favorite, "your classroom makes me want to pick up a book!"  

It's very important to me that my students feel welcomed and are provided with a safe learning environment. About two months ago some of them lost their homes due to an unexpected flood. It is my first year of teaching in a public district, but it feels like I have been preparing for a lifetime. I am truly blessed. 

Teachers, I hope that you have a wonderful school year. Ultimately it is not the aesthetic of your classroom that will promote student learning, but rather the atmosphere you have created for your students. May joy pour out as you teach your lessons, may peace surround you, and may care abound. 

Blessings

-Ms Lopez 

Teachers Help Teachers

   
 Creating an atmosphere is one of my favorite things to do. This summer during cheer camp I received a message from my friend Serge De Leon. Serge is a 4th grade Reading, Grammar and writing teacher. This past year he was awarded Region Teacher of the year for his charter school. That's quite the accomplishment. He is a busy bee, he pours all of his heart and energy to his students and works hard all through the summer.  He had seen me post pictures of my classroom. He asked "Can I pay you to work on my classroom? I said yes. I asked, what is your theme? Serge's response, "Harry Potter / Coffee House. OKAY!  Done! It was a pleasure and a blessing getting to create Harry Potter Props for his students. Only downside is that I won't be there to see his students reactions.

The following pictures were sent a day before prior to going into his classroom. 

Shelves, bulletin boards, vintage pieces, oh my. 

TWO DAYS LATER

Forbidden Forest 

You're class is invited to Hogwarts 

Owlstanding Work inside the owlery 

They must have a word wall 

Reflecting Mood Wall 

A must have 

Reading Corner 

DIY Projects 

House Banners 

Quidditch Goals 

Ta-daaaaa 

Check out the floating candles hung under his standing desk 

Thank you Serge for trusting me with your room. 

I very much hope he enjoyed this make over. I hope his students are encouraged and motivated when entering this room. Blessings to all teachers trying to juggle all things before school starts.  

Teacher Shower

Fun Fact: I am a Certified Event and Wedding Planner

Upon receiving the news that I had been offered a teaching position naturally my mind went to YAY! Let's Celebrate!

My job is a little far from my current home. I decided to take courage and make the move. New Teacher, new school, new home...PEACE of CAKE.

 I wanted to say goodbye to my community, but  I also wanted to be intentional in celebrating my new job. I know let's have a teacher shower!

People have parties all the time for example baby showers, bridal showers, baby reveal parties, anniversaries, auctions... and the list goes on. Why not have a party that celebrates a teacher with all gifts geared towards his or her classroom?

When my dear friend Ann said, "I'll host it! I'll take care of the grub and you take care of the rest." I began to plan.

What would a teacher shower entail?

The following pictures demonstrate all the work put into my Teacher Shower.

DIY Welcome Wreath 

Instructions for the guest  I love words...saving these notes placed on the board  for a rainy day

What's a party without a crafternoon. 

Guest were guided to create bookmarks for future students.

 Decorations were simple Mrs. Ann had bookes... All kinds of books :)

Pictures of my previous work experiences were placed in different areas of the room. 

 Guess what I sponsor

Goodies were sold to fundraise for another teacher building up her personal student library.

Have a seasoned teacher teach a lesson based on your subject. 

We had a  lovely time creating our Black -Out Poems. 

Ms. Cristina had us present our poems in front of the classroom. 

      This small students desk was an $8 find. I spray painted it and turned it into a photo booth prop.

What's a party without proof 

Can you spot our gold star student? She rapped her poem!

So very grateful for giving friends. 

I created thank you booklets 

They take a while to make. Ms. Cristina was kind enough to be my glue gun helper. 

Prayer from Teachers and for teachers was such a blessing

Overall it was a successful night. I was blessed with $400.00 worth of gift cards towards Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Dollar Tree, Amazon, Target, Michaels and Lake Shore. 

Including supplies and books for my classroom. 

I am so grateful for each and every one of my sweet friends who most are Teachers themselves. 

My future students will blessed! 

Teachers support teachers. 

Friends lighten the load.