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Happy Wednesday Friends! I am hooking up with two linky parties today since I just couldn't choose between the two! The first is Back to School Jitters hosted by A Turn to Learn! 

It is pretty much explains itself but I must admit that I am OBSESSED with downloading new fonts! Dafont has some really cute ones and I just realized how easy it is on my Mac (I just recently got my Mac and I've spent all summer learning and exploring)! Then I found another amazing program that was recommended through Tech Tip Tuesday called Gimp! I just started playing with it and have learned VERY basic usage but it is what I used to create my new banner, what do you think? Pretty jazzy?

My second linky party or blog hop (still not sure the difference) is with Blog Hoppin'. I had such a blast reading all of the Technology Tips on Tuesday that I wanted to finish out the week participating. 

Today is Where I Teach Wednesday! Since I've already shared so many of my pictures here, here and here I thought I would tell you a little bit about my school since it is a unique place! I teach a traditional school which can also be called a school of choice. There are two of them in our county and students must apply to attend. You might be saying, "Oh it's a private school." Nope, it is public, anyone in our county can attend. You might be saying, "Oh, sounds like a charter school." Nope, wrong again. It is definitely a public school. Completed applications earn a ticket in the lottery system which fairly pulls the new students. We have larger classes (26-27) and your best bet at getting in to our school is in first grade. If you have a sibling that already attends Porter upon entering 1st grade your name is automatically pulled.

We wear uniforms (red, white, blue, black collared shirts and khaki, black or navy bottoms). While we are not traditional AT ALL in our teaching we have many traditions that are consistent from first grade through eighth grade. Yup, you read that right we don't have a Kindergarten either . Some of our traditions include Star Qualities (10 character traits), the use of Thinking Maps, Give Me 5 (attention getting strategy), uniforms with tucked in shirts, greeters in every class that welcome an adult and explain what is going on in the classroom, etc. Parents must complete 10 volunteers per child enrolled in our school and students must also complete 10 hours of service. We are VERY lucky to have *mostly* involved parents who care about education. We are also very fortunate to work for a fearless leader who believes in what is best for kids and leading the way in 21st century education. We have more technology in our building than most know what to do with (SMART Boards in every classroom, 5-8 computers per room, SMART Clickers per grade level, document cameras, Flip Cameras, iPads (at least one per class), iPod cart  of 30 per grade level, two iPod carts for additional check out and 3 stationary computer labs and several carts)! Now you might see why I am a little nervous about not knowing what to do with all this fun stuff! 

There is so much more to share about where I teach but one of the best things is that it really feels like my second home and a second family. I work with some of the most dedicated, hard-working, creative, intelligent, caring and amazing individuals I have ever met. I am so lucky to work alongside of these educators everyday!