April 5, 2008

• Experiment

  I’m taking a new course called Technology for Teachers I.  One assignment was to write a “newsletter”.  I couldn’t think of anything to write about school so I did a silly little thing about “my family”…  I’m going to try and post it here.

  Spring 2008

  
  

  Gerrie Goes to School Again!
   
   
  The job teaching ASL at South Hills High School requires a single subject credential.  Gerrie’s credential is in mild/moderate special education.  This credential is preliminary level and expires in 2009.  So Gerrie went back to school.  At first she took only one class at a time at Azusa Pacific University.  But then in the spring she realized if she did that, she would be going to school all summer taking classes at University of San Diego.

      So she decided to enroll at USD to take the online courses required for all teachers: Health for educators, and Technology for Educators 1, and Technology for Educators II.  These classes are simultaneous with the APU classes during Spring 1 and Spring II sessions.

      It’s hard, but worth it.  She decided that the extra stress was worth being able to finish by middle of June.  So when the High School year ends, her college year will end, too!  And by Fall 2008 she will have two clear credentials: a mild/moderate special education and a single subject credential.
   

   
  Tyler Leimbach Reads at Fourth Grade Level
  

  Grandson of Gerrie, Tyler, loves to read.  He goes to Bradoaks Elementary School in the city of Monrovia, and is in second grade. He is also into sports, plays video games, plays with his dogs, goes 3-wheeling in the desert with his parents, and participates in many other physical activities with family and friends.Page 1

  You’d think with his love of physical activity, that he’d stick to books that have lots of pictures or are easy to read.  But, surprise!  He loves to read story books, and even some chapter books.  His teacher reads to the class and some of those she has read are part of a series. Tyler has fallen in love with some of those, too.
  And here is the best part:  Tyler reads at the fourth grade level!  That means he is two years ahead of what is normal for his age.  We are very proud of him – Go Tyler!

  It Took 60 Years, But Better Late Than Never

   
  Gerrie’s kitchen is being remodeled.  It was very ugly and old-fashioned looking, with original cabinets and plumbing from the 1947 building of the house.  It’s a small room, only ten feet square.  Without knocking out walls and moving plumbing, there can’t be many drastic changes.  But with custom-built cabinets, new granite countertops and tile flooring, it’s surprising how different you can get it to look.

  First came getting a drawing from Home Depot.  Then finding someone who could build cabinets (just “happened” to meet someone at Panda Express).  This person then brought together a team of professionals who do drywall, painting, countertop, and tile floors.  Gerrie already had a plumber and her son is an electrician.

      Coordinating the team was the challenge.  Availability of the plumber became the fulcrum around which everything else was scheduled.  It’s working!

  The prices were right and the workmanship good.  We’re not done yet, but we’re almost there!
   
                      
            Before                              After

  
  
  Love to all, Gerrie

  • 1:08 am
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