A glimpse of summer....part 2

a picture here, a picture there....

I finally hung up a few pieces of art around the condo...here's a few pics for those who were interested....

Here's a hand-made cross my friend Sasha gave to me on the night of her Confirmation.

In the kitchen are some small paintings of the Willow Tree Angels....

a little decor for the living room walls...

...and the bedroom and bathroom...

First Days of School

Mom, this one's for you. My picture on the first day of school!


Hello family and friends! I had intended on writing to you in more detail about my first days of school, however, as a first year teacher, school becomes your life. I have been putting in ten to twelve hour days, but fortunately they have not phased me. However, I do intend on maintaining a more regular schedule and not being at school so long...you know...live out a little virtue of balance!

I have to say that the start of the year started out without a hitch. I was not nervous until about 10 minutes before class started last Wednesday. Though the nervousness passed once the bell rang and the school day began. It is now Wednesday, August 22nd, and a week from the first day of school. I cannot believe how fast it has flown by. Just think...it's nearly Friday!

Anyways, as I have said before, I am right where I am supposed to be. I am supported by the greatest colleagues in the math department. The student body, overall, is great...I have even had students help me carry my things from the first floor to the second as I travel from class to class.

Being part of a 14 member math department has been great as well. We have every personality in the spectrum, yet we all work well together and collaboration has been a life saver. My colleague (who serves as my mentor) and other colleagues have been amazing. They grant advice when asked and provide ample resources to create lesson plans.

The kids are great. I am sure we are nearly finishing the honeymoon period of the start of school year, so I am sure the true personalities and behaviors will emerge shortly, but thus far my 100+ students are great!

Technology has been a key factor in the Park Hill School District this year. I have been issued an individual laptop that I take with me class to class. My teaching then can include PowerPoints, access to resources online, and even short video clips applicable to math of course! I have really enjoyed implementing activities with the technology because it can change the pace of the class and the expectations of the students. It's also amazing how communication takes place within a school building just through email and other programs. The best part of the technology is that the other new teacher and I, who are called the kiddos by the members in our department, help them with their technology questions in repayment for all they have done for us to have a great start to the year.

Well, just when I think I am starting to get a swing of things, there is always something new or small to take care of. On Friday I am headed to my IEP meetings to find out how to help my students who have special needs. Though this may mean more work for me, I am anxious to see how I can help those who are struggling.

I am tired, so I can't think of all I had hoped to share, but I am sure there will be more to come, stories to share, and hardships and laughter! Until next time, I hope you are all doing well and are in good health. I think of you all often and miss those of you I do not get to see regularly!

Signing off,
Love, Lauren
a.k.a. Ms. Dirnberger, Ms. D, or the best....D-Money!

Up and coming...

I promise to have an update to you by the end of the weekend...it's currently a piece in progress...but you are all on my mind as you have all been praying, calling, and supporting me! Thank you, you have made my first days a success...more to come...till then, God Bless!

Miss Dirnberger (officially)

Park Hill High School (Riverside, MO)

Hello Friends and Family, now that I have changed my residency from Missouri to Kansas and changed my teaching certification from Kansas to Missouri (all backwards I know), it's official! I am now a teacher!

I have now put in 4 of 9 days of orientation, training, classroom policy/procedure preparing, and lesson planning. I truly believe that I am blessed to be part of an awesome district. The Park Hill administration shows sincere care for its staff and students. I could not have asked for more generous and considerate colleagues. Simply, I believe I have been blessed with the best placement for my first year of teaching. I am confident I will still be able to say the same once the students arrive and I am teaching in the classroom.

The front view of the school.

Due to the increasing enrollment, there are not enough classrooms for all of the teachers, so I will be traveling from room to room each block, however no complaints on my end...I mean, that's money and time I do not have spend right now to decorate a room!

Here is a view of Kansas City from the front of school just on the other side of the river.

I will be teaching three 1 1/2 hour blocks each day. I am also fortunate to have a block of plan. I will be teaching the same course all three blocks, primarily to freshman. Park Hill South has semester math courses, therefore I will be teaching Algebra first semester and then switch to Geometry second semester.

Go Panthers!

Though the days have been a bit long and draining, I am getting more and more excited for the first day of school. I can't wait to meet my students and have funny anecdotes to share with you! Until then....I love ya and good luck to all those entering the beginning of another academic year, no matter which end of the system you are on!