Thursday, January 12, 2017

Fall Down 7 Times, Get up 8: Week 1


Fall Down 7 Times, GET UP 8 - Teaching Kids to Succeed

Welcome to our 2017 Alternative Education Spring Book Study! We are looking forward to reading and discussing Debbie Silver's book, Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8 - Teaching Kids to Succeed. The audio, digital, hardback, or paperback version of this book can be purchased online from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Here are some particulars to help you as you participate in the book study:
  • To register for the book study please complete this registration form. 
  • A prompt or question will be posted here on the blog every Monday morning.
  • The reading assignment will always accompany the prompt/question.
  • To receive notifications when posts are made, click Join this site or Follow by email in the bar to the right.
  • This book study will last for eleven weeks. Respond to one of the three prompts each week - then feel free to make comments regarding comments left by other members in our book study. The more interaction there is between participants, the richer and more beneficial the conversation will be.
  • In addition to the amazing connections and powerful learning of being in the book study, participants who make a meaningful contribution to every week's discussion will be awarded 20 PGPs.
  • Your first week's assignment is to introduce yourself in a comment to this blog post. Just click the comments link below this post and enter your comment in the text box. You will need to be logged in using a Google account. In your introduction be sure to include your name, school and/or corporation, and what your role there is.
  • If you have any problems commenting, please email Julia Johns at jjohns@doe.in.gov
  • Your reading assignment for next week is the Preface and Chapter 1, Self-Motivation -What Is It and How Do We Use It to Empower Children?




127 comments:

  1. Hello, I am Laura Stout. I currently facilitate/teach in the Trojan Opportunity Academy at West Central High School in Francesville, IN. I absolutely LOVE my teaching position! It is the best fit for me in my teaching career. I have great students and am building positive relationships with them. I am looking forward to the book study.

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    1. Pretty much on hour north of Lafayette.

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    2. Good Morning Laura!
      So glad you are joining our book study!

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  2. Greetings from East Side Elementary School in Edinburgh, Indiana. My name is James Todor and I am a third grade teacher at East Side Elementary School. I'm looking forward to reading the book!

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    1. Good Morning James...welcome to our book study!

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  3. Hi, I am Jennifer Garrett. I teach third grade at East Side Elementary in Edinburgh, Indiana. I have taught for 25 years, most of that time in third grade.

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    1. Good Morning Jennifer...glad to see you have colleagues joining you in our book study!

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  4. Greetings, my name is Carolyn McKinney. I am finishing my first year as a teacher at The Excel Center - Anderson. We are a high school for adults with students from 16 to 80. I love being a part of my students changing not only their lives, but in many cases, their children's lives by completing their high school diplomas.

    My prior teaching experience includes middle school and freshmen math at a Christian school for 5.5 years, 3 years of teaching math at an alternative high school and 13 years of teaching a wide variety of subjects to adults who were either employed or retired from a General Motors facility.

    I received the book last week and read 3/4 of it over the weekend. I anticipate great conversations and opportunities to improve my interactions with students.

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    1. WE have an Excel Center in Lafayette, too. What a great need for the community! If the title of this book is true to its focus, it will be a wonderful resource.

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    2. Good Morning Carolyn...I have heard great things about the Excel Centers and the many ways you are serving our students...so glad you are joining our book study!

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    3. Hello Carolyn. Are you related to Dr. McKinney from Ball State University? Also, I would like to learn more about Excel curriculum and what are the criteria for admission!
      Thanks.

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  5. My name is Casey Cox. I teach 2nd grade at Batesville Primary School. I've taught for 14 years (preschool, first and second grade). I love second grade and feel that I've found my calling in my career with this grade! I'm excited to read the book and be a part of this book study.

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    1. Casey ~ I feel like I have found my calling teaching Alternative Education too! It gives purpose when you know you are where you need to be.

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    2. Welcome to our book study Casey!!

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  6. Hello, my name is Michelle Janiga. I currently teach special education at Willowcreek Middle School. I teach students in 6-8th grade and I teach all subjects. I have taught for special education for 13 years. I have had the privilege to work with students with all types of disabilities from k-12 grade. I'm looking forward to reading the book.

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    1. Good Morning Michelle...so glad you are joining our book study...looking forward to your input from a special education perspective!

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  7. My name is Luke Hackett. I also work at Willowcreek Middle School, where I teach Japanese to 6th-8th graders. This is my second year teaching full-time. My students cover the full range of motivation in types and amount. This is a great opportunity for me.

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    1. Good Morning Luke...welcome to our book study!

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  8. Good evening all! My name is Greg Scudder. I am a 5th grade teacher at Greensburg Elementary School. I am looking forward to this book study!

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    1. Hi Greg,
      I love visiting Greensburg. I have family in the area and went to Greensburg High School. I attended the First Baptist Church while I lived there. Good to meet you.

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    2. Good Morning Greg Scudder...my all time favorite former student...so glad you decided to join our book study...looking forward to your input!

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    3. Hi, Greg, I graduated from Greensburg in 1984.

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    4. Nice meeting you, Cindy and Carolyn. I graduated from GCHS in 1997.

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  9. Hello! My name is Brianna Storms. I am a first year teacher at Suncrest Elementary School in Frankfort, Indiana. I am currently a 5th grade high ability teacher.

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    1. Good Morning Brianna...congrats on your first year of teaching!!! Welcome to our book study...I look forward to your input.

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  10. Good morning from Edinburgh, IN! My name is Holly Miller and I am the PE teacher at East Side Elementary as well as a RTI Response to Intervention specialist! I have been an educator for 16 years---teaching only 8 of those years! I look forward to this study!

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    1. Welcome to our book study Holly...so glad you have you joining us!

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  11. Hi, my name is Stacie Fansler. I am a permanent building substitute teacher at Frances Slocum Elementary in Marion, IN. I work with students from kindergarten through fourth grade. Before working here, I taught special education and fourth grade.

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    1. Good Morning Stacie :)
      Welcome to our book study!

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  12. Good morning, my name is Emma Sabinske, and I teach fifth grade in Portage, IN. This is my third year in fifth grade; previously I taught fourth. I am excited to begin this study.

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    1. Good Morning Emma,

      So very glad you decided to join our book study. I look forward to your input.

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  13. Good Morning!

    My name is Mary Six and I am the Title I Literacy Coach at Coquillard Traditional School in South Bend, Indiana. Reading is my thing!!! I am excited about this book study

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    1. Good Morning Mary....reading is my thing too..so glad you are joining our book study!!!

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  14. Good morning! My name is Lori Wolf and I teach at the Educational Opportunity Center in Angola, IN. We are an alternative school for students who are struggling to succeed in the traditional classroom setting, as well as providing a place for young mothers to complete their courses.
    My previous experience includes 2 years of teaching various grades and levels of high school English, 5 years of teaching freshmen English, 1 year of teaching middle school computer class and 1 1/2 years at the alternative school. Additionally, I have completed many home bound tutoring positions with special needs students.
    I'm looking forward to connecting with fellow educators and engaging in meaningful conversations about our students.

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    1. Good Morning Lori...looking forward to all of your input into our discussion...thank you so very much for all you do for our students!!

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  15. Happy Friday! My name is Haidee Temme. I am a Special Education, middle school teacher at Culver Middle/High School, in Culver Indiana. I am trying this book study for the first time, not sure what I am getting myself into, but the book so far is very interesting. I deal with unmotivated students and challenges everyday and thought this might be another way to reach some of my students, or my own children.

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    1. Good Morning Haidee...welcome to our book study!

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    2. Hi Haidee. My name is Jennifer Epley Garrett. I'm also in the book study. I'm a CCHS graduate, class of 1987!

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  16. My name is Andrew Meng, and I am the lead teacher for the Credit Acceleration Program, the alternative school for Crown Point School Corp. I enjoyed our last book study and am looking forward to the discussions ahead!

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    1. Good Morning Andrew...welcome back to another book study...looking forward to all of your input!!

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  17. My name is Amanda Sattler and I work at Southridge High School in Huntingburg. I have been a teacher in our Alternative School for 5 years and I love it.

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    1. Hi Amanda...welcome back to another book study!!!

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  18. Hello! My name is Kristin Shimer and I am a Special Education teacher at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage, IN. I work with all 3 grade levels, providing both direct services ad team-taught instruction. Previously I worked as a Para, got my Masters, and taught Special Ed in Memphis, TN. This is my second year in Indiana, and I love it.
    I am excited about the book and our conversations here. So much of what we can do for students lies in our attitude and delivery - getting new insights, motivation and support is always a good thing!

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    1. Good Morning Kristin...I am excited too...welcome to our study..looking forward to all the awesome discussion that takes place here!!

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    2. I started as a para and then went to the transportation department while taking college courses. I also teach at a middle school providing both direct services and co-teach a math class at all 3 grade levels. I am excited to hear what works for you and to share what I have found helpful.

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  19. Hi! My name is Liz Pitera. I am currently teaching 8th and 9th grade language arts at Culver Community Middle/High School. I have over 20 years teaching experience and am excited to continue learning through this book study. (I have tried posting several times... Sorry if you are seeing this for a fourth time)!

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    1. Good Morning Liz...so sorry you were having difficulty with trying to post on Blogger...glad you were finally able to post!!! Welcome to our study :)

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    2. Hi Liz. My name is Jennifer Epley Garrett. I'm also in this book study. I'm a CCHS graduate, class of 1987!

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  20. Hello all! My name is Bonnie Osborn and I am in my first year as a special education teacher at North Putnam Middle School. Before becoming a license teacher I worked for 5 years as an instructional assistant at our high school and for 3 years as the transportation secretary. I am one of 3 special education teachers in our building. My focus is on the math classes. I work with grades 6-8. I am excited to read this book and to learn from all of you!

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    1. Good Morning Bonnie...so glad you are joining our book study...looking forward to learning from your special education perspective :)

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  21. Hi. My name is Lianna Walter. I'm an 8th grade science teacher at Crestview Middle School in Huntington, IN. I'm excited about this book study and ready to get started!

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    1. I was born in Huntington, but I moved away when I was 12!

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    2. Good Morning Lianna...welcome to our book study!

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  22. Hello everyone! I Susie Cooke. I teach third grade at Henryville Elementary/West Clark Schools Corp. I love reading and learning how to be a better teacher. I am looking forward to this book study so I can get some encouragement and new ideas.

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    1. Good Morning Susie..welcome to our book study!

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  23. Hi, I am Denise Pruden. I teach English at La Porte High School in La Porte, Indiana.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi Denise...welcome to our book study..looking forward to your input!

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  24. Hello! My name is Stephanie Pilcher and I teach K-5 music at East Side Elementary in Edinburgh. This year I also began working with students who need RTI. I love the opportunity to work with so many students and am really looking forward to the new insights and ideas this book will bring.

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    1. Good Morning Stephanie...welcome to our book study!

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  25. Hello, I am Jenn Harris and I teach at RISE Learning Center on the south side of Indianapolis. I teach high school students with emotional and behavior disabilities that can not be at their home schools.

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    1. Good Morning Jenn...so glad you are joining our study...looking forward to all of your input!

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  26. Hi Everyone,
    My name is Jeanie Prenkert. I am a Reading Intervention teacher at LaSalle Elementary for School City of Mishawaka. This is my 18th year teaching for Mishawaka.

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    1. Good Morning Jeanie...welcome to our book study!!

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  27. Hello all! My name is Kaylee Craney and I am currently in my second year as Director of Alternative Education at Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar. We reach the student population that has slipped through the cracks of the traditional education. These are the "fish" that are required to climb the tree and essentially cannot. They have failed, are discouraged and need hope to cling to. It is definitely a full-time job which I love very much! Can't wait to learn knew ways to help them rise after they have fallen.

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    1. Good Morning Kaylee...welcome back to another book study...looking forward to all your awesome input!!!

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  28. Hi, My name is Susan Pence and I teach third grade at East Side Elementary in Edinburgh, Indiana. I am looking forward to this book study.

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    1. Good Morning Susan...welcome to our book study!

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  29. Hello Everyone! So many people from so many places. I've already skimmed the book a bit and I'm really excited to part of this book study. I've never done one before. My name is Cheryl Williams. I teach kindergarten at Highland Elementary in Evansville, Indiana. I'm always looking for new ways to motivate my students!!!

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    1. Good Morning Cheryl...welcome to our book study...looking forward to your input from a Kindergarten perspective!!

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  30. Hi!
    I am Karen Butler, the director/teacher of the Warrior Academy at Winamac High School. this is my second year working with alternative education and I truly believe I have found my calling. I am looking forward to reading this book and seeing how it can help my students.

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    1. Isn't it great to feel like you have met your calling? I feel the same way. I had a student that purchased a Keurig for our classroom because she is so thankful for the opportunity to earn the credits she needs to graduate. She sent the most endearing message to me about how she has grown while in my classroom that I cried for 30 minutes.

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    2. HI KAREN....welcome back to another book study...looking forward to all your awesome input!!!

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  31. Hi,
    My name is Christine Thompson and I teach Special Education at Culver Elementary. I have been teaching Special Education for 15 years. I am always looking for new ideas for my students and I am very excited about this book.

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    1. Good Morning Chris...welcome to our book study!

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    2. Hi Christine. My name is Jennifer Epley Garrett. I'm also in this book study. I'm a CCHS graduate, class of 1987, and know a few of your elementary school colleagues!

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  32. Greetings All!
    I am Nancy Holsapple, Director at Old National Trail Special Services Inter-Local. I look forward to conversing with everyone over the book. We are always trying to new ways to motivate our students and hopefully will learn from the book! Happy Reading to all.

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    1. Good Morning Nancy...welcome to our book study!

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  33. My name is Robb Lukasik. I teach 8th grade social studies at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage. Looking forward to this opportunity.

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    1. Good Morning Robb...welcome to our book study!

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  34. Well I am glad to see that I am ahead one week already! I thought we had to respond to chapter 1 today. Go me!

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    1. Good job, I was stressed because I thought the same thing. I on the other hand was going to be behind. Go you!

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    2. lol @ Laura...you're and overachiever...you rock the house!!!

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  35. My name is Cindy Taylor. I am a teacher for students with blind/ low vision and/ or deaf/ hard of hearing.
    I am currently working for IPS as an itinerant teacher. I cover the north and east part of the city to support students and teachers with instruction and/ or accommodations.
    I'm looking forward to reading the book and participating in the discussions.

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    1. Good Morning Cindy...welcome to our book study!!!

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  36. Good Afternoon! My name is Laura Geiger, and I am a special education teacher at Mintonye Elementary in Lafayette, IN. I co-teach the majority of my day, and love it! The most challenging part of my job is to get my students to believe in themselves/develop self-determination/growth mind sets, so I am really looking forward to reading and discussing!
    Off to another class!

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    1. Good Morning Laura...welcome to our book study!!!

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  37. My name is Annastasia Hampton. I teach second grade at Coquillard Traditional School for South Bend Community School Corporation. I am looking forward to this book study.

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    1. Good Morning Annastasia...welcome to our book study!

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  38. Hello! My name is Stefanie Ross and I am a 6th grade teacher at Granville Wells Elementary School. I teach Reading, Math, and Social Studies. I am looking forward to seeing how this book and participating in this book discussion will help me grow as a teacher and motivator to students.

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    1. Good Morning Stefanie...welcome to our book study...looking forward to all your input!

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  39. I'm Michele Mathews. I'm an instructional aide at Hammons Off-Campus School, an alternative high school, in Martinsville, IN. I have taught English for a couple of years in the past, but I let my license expire and decided to renew it so that it's current. I'm hoping this book will help me to motivate our students, some of whom aren't very motivated to finish the credits they need to graduate.

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    1. Good Morning Michele...welcome to our book study!!

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  40. Hello,
    My name is Stacy Pollard. I am a fourth grade teacher at Mintonye Elementary (Lafayette, IN). I look forward to being inspired and inspiring my students through this book study! Happy reading!

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  41. I'm Pamela Lovegrove, a fourth grade teacher at Scipio Elementary School. Over the span of my 18 years of teaching, I have taught 2nd, 3rd, and of course 4th grade. I was able to work with our staff as an Instructional Data Coach also. I am looking forward to learning new strategies to motivate students as responsible learners.

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    1. Good Morning Pamelal...welcome to our book study!

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  42. I am Shannon Furr, alternative school teacher for the three Montgomery County high schools. I was registered for a seminar to go hear a speaker in regards to this book, and I had to cancel for a family emergency, so I am very excited to read it and share it with colleagues all across the state.

    I'd like to also give Miss Julia a giant shout out for offering these book groups to help us earn our PGP without spending a ton of money.

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    1. Good Morning Shannon...welcome back for another awesome book study...looking forward to all your input!!!

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  43. Good evening, my name is Carrie Edlen and I am an Alternative School Teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Valparaiso, IN. This is my first blogging experience, so I hope that I am doing it right:) I am really looking forward to reading the book!

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    1. Good Afternoon Carrie....welcome to our book study! I hope you find Blogger a piece of cake to use...looking forward to all your input!!

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  44. Good morning. I am Yolanda Goodpaster, alternative school director and attendance officer for the district. I am excited for another book study and especially this one as the title is my saying and was my saying/beliefs when I was middle school principal.

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  45. Good Afternoon Yolanda...so glad you are joining us for another book study...looking forward to all your input!!

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  46. Hello Everyone, I am Christine Hernandez working in a New Tech district. I'm excited about the focus of this book and look forward to the discussion!

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    1. Welcome to our book study Christine - looking forward to your input :)

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  47. Good morning, my name is Marcella Haupt, and I am currently teaching 7th and 8th graders PLTW -DM and AR (Project Lead the Way), which is an engineering course covering CAD design and robotics and automation. I formerly taught 8th grade science. I am in my 19th year teaching.

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    1. I forgot to include that I teach at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage Indiana.

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  48. Hello! I am Rhastina Blessing. I teach 4th grade at Greensburg Elementary School. I am excited for the book story and the conversation that will take place!

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  49. Hi everyone! I'm Nancy Strange and teach at Madison Consolidated High School working with the emotionally disabled students. A few students remain on the self contained schedule and the others I support through a mix of resource, general education and online classes. I love these book studies for the shared ideas as well as PGP points. Putting to use several ideas from the other book studies but looking still for new ideas for some especially challenging students.

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    1. Nancy, your last name sound familiar. Are you from Marion, Indiana? Hope Mr. Smedley isn't treating you right.

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  50. My name is Idowu Ikudabo. I'm the Principal at McKinley Alternative School, Kokomo, Indiana. I would like to continue to learn how well student are performing in other region in Indiana and how we can all better serve our stakeholders. I enjoy book study because of other educators new idea most importantly for our kind of students. I'm very excited to learn from you all.

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    1. Welcome back to our book study Ikudabo! Looking forward to learning more from all your input to our discussion!

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  51. Hello, I'm Martha Hasek. I currently teach at Step Ahead Academy in Indianapolis. The program was created to move middle school students who are behind their same age peers two academic years in one school year. I teach fifth and sixth grade language and math to one group of students. I have taught for nearly thirty years. I have experience in grades K through eight, and in California, Oregon, Colorado,Florida, and Indiana.

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  52. My name is Darrick Cox and I teach at Batesville High School. I currently teach Political Science, US History, and World Civilizations. I have been teaching for 10 years at both the middle school and high school levels.

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  53. Welcome to our book study Darrick!

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  54. My name is Lindsey Schugars. I currently teach 8th grade Science. This is my 12th year teaching. I have taught grades 7th-12th. I have taught in Indiana, Florida, and Alabama, but I'm originally from Michigan.

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    1. I forgot to include I teach at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage, Indiana.

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  55. Hello!

    I am Tresa Hammond. I am the Special Education Case Conference Chair for John Glenn Schools. I am joining this week because I was out sick last week. So this is my first comment.

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  57. Hello,

    My name is Shawn Ramsey. I am an 8th grade teacher at Willowcreek Middle School in Portage, IN. I have been teaching for 6 years at the middle school level. This is my first comment, but look forward to future comments.

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  58. Welcome to our book study Shawn!

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  59. My name is Misty Woehler. I am the alternative teacher at Crestview Midddle School, Huntington IN. I have been teaching for 5 years at the middle school level.

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  60. For Suzanne Zybert - because Blogger is not working for her at this time...

    Hi-My name is Suzanne Zybert. I work in Washington Township Schools. This is my third year in Alternative Education and my 28th year as an educator. I spent eleven years in the classroom and the others in Administration. I am so excited about this book study as I am loving this book. Please forgive my late reply-I was having technology challenges.

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