August | 2017 | Where My Kindergarten Grows

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Dear Readers of this website,

Foggy Bottom
2006-2017

For me, this summer has felt more like a year. I’ve had some real ups and downs. Starting with the loss of my beloved kitty (and interviewer of me on the About the Teacher page), Foggy Bottom, at the beginning of July. Losing Foggy was very difficult because she was with me all through my 20s and every class I taught at the Johnson school knew her. However, I know she is looking down from Cat Heaven wishing everyone a great school year.

Ms. Purdin at Fenway! Go Sox!

I also had some great times with friends and family, as well as in my teacher advocacy life. I saw Levar Burton speak in person (any Reading Rainbow fans out there like me?) when he accepted the National Educational Association Friend of Education Award for 2017. And I toured Fenway Park for the first time ever!

My best friend, Lauren, got married in July, and you don’t have to ask Ms. Purdin twice to get on the dance floor! I still can’t get over how good her band was! So much fun!

Then I had an expected health issue, but luckily everything has worked out and I am feeling healthier and more energetic than I have in a long time. (My PSA is listen to your body! It’s the only one you got!) I am looking forward to getting back into the routine of school again.

Mika (left) and Joe (right) They both have white tips on their tails!

The summer has ended with some new additions to my life – two beautiful and frisky 11 week old kitties I named Joe and Mika. If you are not a political junkie like me, Joe and Mika are named for my two favorite political reporters and hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe. They have brought a lot of joy to my life and I know Foggy would be happy that my love for her allowed me to adopt again!

As I think about starting another school year, I am reminded by what my mentor teacher told me when I left for my first kindergarten teaching job. She said, “Blythe, remember they are only five! Enjoy them!” I can’t wait to meet all my new students, continue to improve my practice with our whole school using Responsive Classroom and watching another group of Nahant students grow and learn. I have a good feeling this is going to be a great year!