Penny Thoughtful: All Things Books and Running
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Connotation versus Denotation
As an English teacher and an author, words are my area of expertise, my happy place. My love for words goes way back. I often revel in the rich texture and complexity of words, the layers of connotation added by culture and personal experience. Recently, I once again delved into discussions of connotation and denotation…
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Words Have Power
The night before the first day of school I had my second brilliant eureka moment concerning this school year. The idea turned into a monologue that set the stage for what will no doubt be my best school year yet. During our last teacher workday my principal held up a handful of pencils and told…
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Race 13.1 Greenville Race Recap
Race #133 Half Marathon #41 South Carolina Half Marathon #30 2017 Race #16 2017 Half Marathon #6 Race 13.1 Greenville Half Marathon #1 I went into this race with the goal of making this a test race for Chicago training. At almost exactly a month out, this race fit perfectly into the schedule. Of course,…
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Statistical Manipulation
On August 28, 2017, the Greenville News published an article on the salaries of many administrators in the Greenville County School District, my employer. I do not, however subscribe to the Greenville News and thus discovered the article two days later. I will start this entry with a disclaimer. I hold no personal grudge against…
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When Funding Falters
I teach in a Title 1 middle school. Those in education know the lingo. Others likely have little understanding of the label and its ramifications. Certain subjects hog the spotlight. Poverty, especially in a region of growing affluence, is not one of them. Title 1 provides additional funding for schools with significant populations of students…
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Back to School
Today marks the first day of my fourth year of teaching or year two of my teaching career reboot. I am excited for what this year will bring. For the first time I feel confident. This time around I know the curriculum and the school. Every positive lesson I documented in my reflection provides incredible…
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When Reality Intrudes – Homelessness
Every time I travel to San Francisco for the marathon, I encounter homelessness on a scale that I have not encountered any where else in my travels. Obviously, San Francisco is not the only city in the United States with a significant homeless population or even the city with the highest population. However, I see…
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Loss Examined
On Sunday, July 9th, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly. According to the doctors, she suffered a silent heart attack the day before. Her body simply could not recover. Obviously, I am not the first person to write on the subject of loss, nor will I share any unique or profound insights. However, I feel compelled…
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Julie Valentine Run2Overcome 10k – 2017 Race Recap
Race #132 10k #11 2017 Race #15 2017 10k #2 Julie Valentine Run2Overcome 10k #4 I had absolutely no time goals for this race. The only thing I kept in my mind was a thought about restraining myself because I had nearly 10 miles to run afterwards. Fall marathon training for the win. Even though…
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A Toe into the High Stakes Waters
I am by no means an expert on the topic of high stakes standardized testing. However, as an educator, I have on the ground experience and an opinion based both on that experience, my own education and solid-research based theory. This post, as evidenced by the title, will barely scratch the surface of the topic…
Got any book recommendations?