Pirates win it all, mateys!

Our trip to Joe Wheeler Lodge for Camp Black Bear was energizing and gave me so many ideas about how to make my classes the best ever. My team, "The Pirates," won the points competition for the camp.  We answered trivia questions, dominated the scavenger hunt, and placed in several "Minute to Win It" competitions.  Overall, it was a great time.

We spent some time going over The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  Students in Decatur City Schools start learning about these habits in elementary school, but we haven't been doing much with them in the high school.  That is all going to change.  So many principles of the program will fill the needs we have for students at Austin to plan ahead (BE PROACTIVE) and listen better (SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD).

We also learned about our new format at Austin which will include a 30 minute class that meets everyday called "Connect Time."  Small groups of students will meet with a teacher daily for mentoring and team building.  My connect group consists of 14 seniors who will be called "Mrs. Haughaboo's Crew."  I hope my classroom will be a place where they can feel at home.