Until we meet again...

As the night is coming to an end, I want to say congratulations to each and every one for making it this far. Although this was our final class day, I am sure that we will make the effort to keep in touch. I hope to get well this week and have the energy I need for my 5th grade promotion next Wednesday. I am eagerly awaiting for summer to come when I can relax and take a moment to breathe. This was one of the most challenging years at work and it will indeed prepare me for the following year. I just want to say that you were a great team. I am confident and truly believe that you will all succeed in whatever path you choose in your lives. Let us embrace the accomplishments and celebrate our success! Take care Team MAGEC.

Image courtesy of http://marishadyson.info/

Wishing you time for quiet reflection

Let's take a moment to just quietly pause--click on the embedded video below.  We're almost there, Team MAGEC!

from http://healthspaguru.com/Images/Spas/indigo-bay-island-resort-and-spa-relaxation.jpg

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection.  From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action." --Peter F. Drucker (from http://thinkexist.com/quotations/reflection/)


I wish we could treat ourselves to a relaxing massage.  We certainly deserve it, and I hope you'll be able to take advantage of the summer and chillax!  It's not that we would be being lazy or resting on our laurels--Drucker tells us that it's quite productive to quietly reflect.  So let's recharge, refresh, and return BETTER THAN EVER.  Have a happy summer, Team MAGEC!  Be seeing you!


**I dedicate this post especially to Annette.  Feel better soon!

A "MAGECAL" Journey to Success!

Let's all give ourselves a big round of applause for finally reaching our destination of success in reading! Erik mentioned earlier today at our Celebration Day session that we all worked hard in our seemingly endless assessments, implementing strategies on our students, and finally conducting assessments one last time to complete our ending report which was the addendum to the diagnostic report. Yes, it really was the toughest semester yet for me, but I feel it was the most meaningful, because the knowledge that I gained from this course was applied to a student with literacy needs. On the job training can't be beat, for it's the real deal; you apply what you learn on the spot. I'm just so thankful for the fact that I couldn't have chosen a better candidate than my student for tutoring. I will never forget the drive and the ambition that he had for wanting to improve his reading skills. This is one course that will forever be etched in my memories!

Finally, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Rivera for her guidance, encouragement, compassion, and friendship. Without her being there every step of the way, we would not have come this far. And, to Mar, Annette, Erik, and Christine, the "magec" wouldn't have happened without us all working, laughing, sharing, and supporting one another. It truly was a magical experience knowing all of you. I know that I have made a life-long friend in each one of you. Thanks for the memories. Good luck, Team MAGEC!!!

Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.

Wolfgang Von Goethe

quote: http://www.lexiyoga.com/magic-quotes

image: http://www.marketingunscrambled.blogspot.com/

"Something to be happy about..."

With just a week left, there is so much to reflect on. We have gained a lot from this course and one another as well. It took total commitment to complete our goals and now we can finally say that we have made it this far. I guess what makes this course different from the others is that we had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. The experience that we have acquired will better prepare us for our future endeavors. Now all we have to think about is what to do after we receive our diplomas. I thank you all once again for the support and encouragement. Like Geri had mentioned today, let's all continue to keep in touch after our final session next week. "Happy Mother's Day" to Geri, Mar, and Dr. Rivera.

Image courtesy of: http://bipolarblast.files.wordpress.com/

Full Circle

"Time, don't let it slip away.  Raise your drinking glass, here's to yesterday...Come full circle" 
     --Aerosmith (http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Full_Circle/)

And here we are, once again!  Thank you, Team MAGEC!  These past semesters have been such a treat to be with you.  It's been a magical SYNERGY!  I truly believe we were better together.  I value all the lessons learned and all the memories created.

It was so great to see the families and get to celebrate and highlight all of the things we've accomplished.  Our students might be out of our lives, but our experiences will always be in our hearts.  We were able to see on a miniature scale how much impact we can have as Reading Specialists.  The future looks bright!  Let's keep this in focus when we get overwhelmed--we can and we HAVE fostered success.

For my part, it was great to finally share just how much my student has grown.  He has so much potential, and I hope he and his family continue to build on it.

We Did It!!

Thank you Dr. Rivera and Team MAGEC for all your support and guidance! Because of you, giving up was NOT an option! We encouraged each other during the tough times and gave each other a pat on the back when we reached target. I'm grateful for all your support. It was truly a MAGECal experience!

http://photobucket.com/images/Inspirational%20Quotes/

Yyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

"It ain't over till it's over."
-- Yogi Berra

Well, I thought I was done, but alas, there is more work to be done. Gah!! No worries, I will be in contact with the parent tomorrow to meet with her, hopefully sometime next week, or if I'm lucky, tomorrow afternoon. We shall see. I must be diligent. I am so grateful to all of you, my classmates, for getting the food, creating the powerpoint and brochure, and decorating! I am impressed, and honestly, these are my weaknesses, so I thank you for covering those. :) I hope all of you have a great time completing your Livetext portfolios and finishing your final self reflection. Soon enough, we'll be reflecting in the rearview mirror rather than the bedroom mirror.

Image and Quote Citation:

http://www.quotedb.com/authors/yogi-berra