This is our entire class (from left to right): Lucy, Izaiah, Eric, Kayla, Ms. Malcom, Lexi, Tradarius, and Tyrisha!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
A New Class Picture!
This is our entire class (from left to right): Lucy, Izaiah, Eric, Kayla, Ms. Malcom, Lexi, Tradarius, and Tyrisha!
'Ss' Stands for Snake!
Lucy loved "Spot". She couldn't wait to get home and tell her mommy and big brothers about what she saw today at school!
Izaiah was also, surprisingly, very eager to pet "Spot"! Ms. Malcom HELD "Spot"! This was her first time EVER holding a snake! Her face isn't red from fear. She is actually sun-burned. Ms. Malcom enjoyed holding "Spot" until he began wrapping himself around her wrists. Then, she was very happy to give him back to Ms. Mallard!Thanks so much Ms. Mallard for bringing "Spot" to visit our class!
Friday, April 11, 2008
My Tribute to Nashika Rogers (1986-2006)
Although Nashika never spoke a word, she made a tremendous impact on my life. Growing up with her, she taught me determination and unconditional love. I will forever cherish the moments that we spent together. Nashika passed away on June 6th 2006. It was the hardest time in my life and I was unsure of how myself and my family would function without her. However, I have made the decision to live out her legacy by giving my all to the students that I teach. I will cherish every moment that I spend with them and show them the same unconditional love that she showed me. I will be determined to teach them to the best of my ability so that they will leave my classroom with a postive attitude, knowing that I care about them, and knowing that I gave them my all. I am a true believer that people are placed in our lives for a certain purpose or reason. Nashika changed my life and because of her I will strive to be a better person altogether!
The picture below is of my mom and Nashika the year that they met at Ficquett Elementary.
The following is the tribute that my mom wrote and read a Nashika's funeral service:
When I think of Nashika I am reminded of when we would call her the great pianist. She would sit at the piano, her tiny hands would pick one key and keep a beat that sounded like a beautiful song. She was also a great hair stylist. She was constantly trying to braid and unbraid her hair with those tiny fingers. You could fix her hair and she would pull it out before you could turn around. Last but not least, she was a big kidder. She would try to trick you by just sitting at the table until you fed her with a spoon but when she thought you weren't looking she would shovel it in spoon fulls at a time. We all knew she had limitations but when she was determined she would get it done.
Nashika never spoke a word but she definitely knew how to communicate with you. If she needed something, you would either get a big pinch on the arm or a slap on the backside. On the weekends when she came to our house I knew the pantry better be stocked with a big bag of Cheetos, sliced cheese, and a bag of cookies.
I always said that even though Nashika was non-verbal she touched more people than we will ever know. Her family, friends, teachers, those that knew her through Special Olympics, and people we would meet on the street will forever be touched by her.
To Melinda, Bernard, Desmon, Ieshia, Nay, Granny, Pop, and all of her family I just thank you for sharing Nashika with us. Kent, Kim, Kelli, Cassandra, and myself will forever be grateful for the times we spent with her. We know that we all share memories of her that will forever be in our hearts.
In closing I would like to share a part of a poem by an unknown author that Nashika would probably say to us all today:
"If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see. If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart. For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart."
Special Olympics Award Ceremony!
This is a picture of our class at the Award Ceremony! Thanks to Ms. Stowe and Ms. Ford for taking care of things while Ms. Malcom was at home sick!
Special Olympics Opening Ceremony!
This picture is of our class and some of Ms. Henderson's class at the Opening Ceremony!
We also got to visit with old friends! Ms. Stowe saw and got to visit with Jessica, one of her good friends who has now moved on to middle school!
Ms. Malcom was so happy that she got to see the triplets (Avia, Kyla, and Tamya). We have greatly missed having them in our class this year but are so happy that they are doing so well in middle school! They were so happy to see our class and ran off of the bus to give us all big hugs!
After the Opening Ceremony, all of the students, teachers, and helpers were fed a great lunch of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks! This crew had a great time playing with one another while Ms. Malcom waited in line for the lunches!
The Special Olympics Opening Ceremony was a very fun and exciting time despite the inclement weather! We are so proud of our athletes!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Our Miracle League Stars!
Hmmm... I wonder what Tradarius enjoyed more, the game or the big plate of nachos that Mr. John, Ms. Stowe's husband, bought him! Tradarius is such a great friend to Lexi and Eric. He always asks Ms. Malcom to pick him up so that he can go cheer them on at their games!
After the game, Lexi, Eric, and Tradarius pose for a picture!!
GO DIAMONDBACKS!!!
Our Special Olympics Banner!
Uh-Oh! The banner fell on our heads!! Ms. Stowe, just had to take this picture! Priceless!
Ms. Henderson's class with the finished product!
Thanks to Ms. Ford for the wonderful, creative "bus" idea! Thanks to Ms. Smallwood, our art teacher, that assisted us by drawing the Eagle (our school mascot). Thanks to all of Ms. Malcom's Class and Ms. Henderson's Class who helped to create such a beautiful work of art!
The theme stands true: TOGETHER WE SHINE!!!
Fun in the Gym!
Eric and Lexi hung out together in the gym! Eric loved the cups that you walk on and Lexi loved playing with the jump rope!
Ms. Stowe and Tyrisha take time to play a game of catch with a basketball! They had a great time together!! Check out Izaiah playing basketball in the background!
Izaiah took time to relax on the mats!! He loved the mats!! Tyrisha plays basketball with one of the 2nd grade students!! She had a lot of fun!Thanks so much to Ms. Wands' 2nd grade class for being so kind and inviting our class to share in your reward!! You are all such great friends!