Our thanks to everyone "mad" enough to be involved in our first indoor fitness event! Some thought we were "mad" for even suggesting a week-long event, but every night of March Madness was well attended and full of fun.

Thank you to the parents, teachers and administrators who helped make this event a success. Special thanks to our event sponsors and raffle item donors Benefitness, Brookline Recreation, Inner Space, Paris Creperie, Pierce Enrichment, Prudential Unlimited Realty and SarahBDesign. And thank you to the parents and children who came out, some almost every night, to support this event.

We would like to recognize the following individuals for their tireless efforts that, for many, began months before the actual event: Anna Asphar and Nicole Lapidus for coordinating t-shirt and raffle sales. Sarah Bishins for a fabulous logo and marketing, Annette Hughes for helping to secure the buildings, Amanda Grindstaff and Mike Micelli for collaborating to create the obstacle course, Billy Harris for overseeing the games almost every night, Charlie Walsh for coordinating 7/8 and adult basketball, the custodians at Pierce and Pipier Smith-Mumford and John Badger for their continued support. We had many, many parent volunteers step forward to sell, play and support the games....WE THANK YOU ALL!

Pierce School 2010 March Madness from Charlie Walsh on Vimeo.

Ginny Carroll’s Speech, Recipient of the Goldin Foundation Award for Educational Excellence

Two questions I do not care for which come my way with some frequency these days are “When do you think you will retire?” and “Are you still teaching?” I don’t like them because I don’t feel any where near ready to retire and I am still teaching because I love what I do! Recently I have had several former students visit me at school. Former students in grades 4-8 visit regularly but the students to whom I am now referring are ones I taught very early in my career.

Fortunately, not one of them asked me the questions I mentioned earlier but rather exclaimed that they were in fact thrilled to see a familiar face still at Pierce. They also graciously lied and told me that I look the same. They came for different reasons which have allowed me to think more deeply about what I do, why it’s important, and what really matters.

Korey, now a teacher coach for the Boston Public Schools knows that I also teach graduate interns and that I have mentored first year teachers as well. He was interested to know what was most important for teachers to know or be aware of in order to have the most success with their students. From my perspective the answer is simple though the reality can be challenging. Building a classroom community and establishing strong relationships with your students is one of the most crucial aspects of being a successful teacher. Knowing the curriculum and being passionate about what you teach clearly matters but if you don’t make strong connections with your students it won’t matter that you’re a math genius teaching algebra. You have to know your students well, not just what they can do in school but you have to learn about what matters to them outside of school as well. You have to go to the soccer games, piano recitals, keep current on what they are doing and playing, see the movies they see, and learn about, and in some cases buy, whatever it is that happens to be “in” at your grade level-I myself am now the proud owner of a take-apart eraser collection-the latest craze in 2008-2009, I know how to play a wii, I watched a Hannah Montana episode, listened to the Jonas Brothers and according to one of my students from last year I actually have a valuable Pokémon card collection. I told Korey to tell the teachers with whom he works that they are in the wrong profession if they think you work from 8-3. There is so much to do beyond planning, correcting, and staying current with all that is important to the students you teach. You also have to help level the playing field for those children who do not have the means and support from home to do as well as those who do. Looking for the scholarship money, doing the paperwork, making the calls, finding the supplies, providing the snacks, making the home visits and anything else that will boost the child who doesn’t come with everything you wish he or she had takes a lot of extra time and effort and it matters. The job is 24/7. You are never done.

Ronald, a student from long ago came to show-off his new daughter. Becoming a parent has reminded him of his early school years and he was curious to know what I tell parents in order to help their child do well in school. That was easy since I repeat my thoughts on that to every parent as often as possible …READ every day to your child. Play games with them that reinforce math concepts, spend time with them, turn the television and video games off, don’t be afraid to say ”NO!” and talk to your child’s teacher-help him or her know your child well. Find the teacher who listens well and the one who is eager to know everything about her.

Next came Jules who was finishing her last year in college. She is trying to decide if she should pursue a teaching career. “Why do you love it anyway?” she asked. My first response was playful as I pointed out the perks of an elementary school teacher…”Look at the jewelry you get to wear- necklaces that light up, socks that jingle, not to mention the art work and homemade gifts. What other job can offer such things? Eventually, I answered her question over the course of several days as she volunteered to spend time with me in the classroom. She saw that I value everything they say and do even the unacceptable behaviors because all of it helps me know them better and that makes me a better teacher. I love the way they think and make sense of their world and I love the ways they learn to care for each other. I love the questions they ask that force me to be more explicit in my teaching. My world is one of exploration, discovery, learning, and caring-what could be better?

Lastly, I want to mention my current students whose reflections regarding our service-learning project have had a profound affect on me. Their work this year with a homeless shelter, known as Hope Found, has enabled me to see that Dr. Martin Luther King was right when he said, “Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.” The reflections my students wrote after completing our service-learning project indicate just how great they did feel. They recognized that doing something good makes you feel good. One child wrote, “Helping others made me feel like I was changing their lives and I think I was” Working collaboratively to help solve a problem allows children to not only feel great they also learn to depend on each other and care for each other. Service learning is a powerful experience for children. They have the energy and desire to make a difference. They only need to have the opportunity.

So, if you hear anyone ask if Ginny is still at Pierce the answer is yes and she doesn’t know when she will retire and she definitely LOVES what she does.

Thank you to those who nominated me Dr. Smith-Mumford , David Weinstein, Jenna Goodearl, Joe Luongo, Charlie Walsh, Julie Leitner, Naomi Liss and finally to the Goldin Foundation for recognizing me in this way.

• January 2008
• February 2008
• April 2008
• May 2008
• November 2008
• January and February 2009
• February and March 2009
• March 2009 & another March 2009

In addition to the amazing 5th graders, the adult teams were also awesome. The winner of the Best Costume award went to "The Kookoo Birds & The Bees" represented proudly with lots of hairspray -- Elie Dunford, Marie Green and Karin Weldon.

The congressman made the reading very lively as he gave students some historical perspective about the president and the role of women during the time of his presidency. Students asked some very good questions. One girl asked if Alice joined the Suffragettes, the women activists at the turn of the 20th century. Rep. Frank said that was a great question and wasn't sure if she had but that Alice Roosevelt was a great model for the cause of women during that time. Overall he was impressed with our students and their thoughtful questions. The students were also impressed with the congressman, particularly that he had taken time out of his busy schedule to visit Pierce.

Thanks goes to Joan Hamilton, our librarian, for assisting Rep. Frank while at Pierce, kindergarten teacher, Eowyn Daly for helping with the Read Across America program, and to the teacher's union president, Jody Curran for escorting the congressman to Pierce.

Tuesday, May 27 2pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 28 7:30am-7:30pm
Thursday, May 29th 7:30am - 6:30pm
Pierce Auditorium

Don’t go to a book store; buy your books at The Pierce Book Fair and support Pierce at the same time!

• Once again the Book Fair will offer new books from the Book Fair Company. They will give Pierce 20% of these sales.
• New & Used books include a variety of titles for all ages.
• Book Lists for entering 2nd -9th grade required summer reading will be available and these books are featured at the Book Fair.
• Faculty Wish Lists: Purchase a book selected by your Pierce teachers and faculty – we will deliver it wrapped with a book plate.
• Also on sale will be Used Books; the majority for sale at $1.

Of course, whether or not you are interested in purchasing anything, your Used Books are always welcome. Please donate books by dropping them in the barrels: near the main office or near the auditorium doors.

Please volunteer to help during this worthwhile event, contact: Cherie - adams_gaehde@hotmail.com - 617-738-8269

PIERCE BOOK FAIR EVENTS

• Grades PreK, K & 1 PAJAMA NIGHT--Tuesday, May 27^th- 6:30 pm
  Guest reader: Mr. David Weinstein
• Grade 2, 3, 4 PAJAMA NIGHT – Wednesday, May 28^th 6:30 pm
  Guest reader: Ms. Ginny Carroll