# data[].attributes.body
My word for this year is TOMORROW.
This word wasn't even one I was considering. I kept going back and forth between FORGIVE and HEALING. I learned this last year that we are not promised TOMORROW. I have been angry at God and others this last year and I have come to realize that in order to see TOMORROW more clearly I must forgive so I can begin to heal.

In the blink of an eye everything can change. So forgive often and love with all your heart. You never know when you may not have that chance again.

# data[].attributes.body
My word for this year would be TIME.

To enjoy time with my loved ones. This past year has had some rough times and it sure made me realize how time flies by and we don’t always stop and enjoy what time we do have with those we love. Not just during the holidays but every single day - i want to make it count because there may not always be tomorrow to have as a MAKE-UP day.

# data[].attributes.body
My word is Simplify......to make simpler or easy to do, to reduce to essentials.
"The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don't."  Joshua Becker
Less Is the New More!!

# data[].attributes.headline
Roxie Barnes                                                          My one word is TRUST. This past year I faced some circumstances in my life that left me broken hearted, and asking God why.  I struggled with trusting God. Though I don’t understand some things God allows, I know Ultimately He is in control!

# data[].attributes.subject
Roxie Barnes                                                          My one word is TRUST. This past year I faced some circumstances in my life that left me broken hearted, and asking God why.  I struggled with trusting God. Though I don’t understand some things God allows, I know Ultimately He is in control!

# data[].attributes.body
Proverbs 3:5 TRUST in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
I pray God will help me to Trust Him and believe His promises.♥️

# data[].attributes.body
My one word is EVOLVE. I want to evolve in all ways all my life, especially as a para. I want to explore all avenues of learning with myself and with working with students. I want to evolve especially with social situations and be able to break out of my introverted ways.

# data[].attributes.body
The word I have chosen is purposeful. I don't want to waste my time. I want to accomplish more in my personal life by making lists of "specific tasks" I can do to help others feel loved and important as well as improving on my own physical, mental and spiritual well being.

# data[].attributes.body
It has taken me a while to figure this out but I finally decided on BALANCE! I really need to work on Balance in all areas of my life. At school, I often will focus on one thing for a while and the rest fall to the wayside. I need to make sure that I'm giving everything it's time. My husband and kids get short changed at times because I spend time working on school stuff while I'm home with them. Time, money, food are just a few more areas in which I need to get better at making sure I'm BALANCED!

# data[].attributes.body
My word is wisdom. This is a word that reflects both the current me in my job, and the necessity to make good, common sense, personal decisions in the near future. The word wisdom is representative of what is proper and reasonable in making some of those decisions. Having a good sense of judgement of my abilities, or inabilities is of the utmost importance in doing my job effectively.

I want to have the wisdom to deal with all challenges set before me efficiently, while making good, wise judgements personally and professionally. We gain wisdom through life’s experiences, picking our battles carefully, and learning from our successes and mistakes.

# data[].attributes.body
My word for 2019 would be WISDOM. I want the wisdom to know his will for me. Wisdom to help my students and anyone. Wisdom to make decisions that I will have to make this year. Wisdom to find a new church home. I noticed most of our posts said in one way or another that we all look to God for guidance. That's why Carver is an AMAZING place to be a part of! We're God's Family1

# data[].attributes.body
My word is Challenge. I want to challenge myself to be a person others enjoy to be around. As a personal goal I want to challenge myself to always be active.

# data[].attributes.body
My word for this year is Encourage.
Encourage is to inspire with courage, spirit or confidence. It has always been my passion to make a difference in a child's life and this year I finally have the courage to work towards what I believe is Gods plan for me.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing." 1THES 5:11

# data[].attributes.body
For me the word would be Present. I am a planner by nature and I'm always thinking ahead. I'm thinking about what needs to be done and going through my checklist mentally all the time. I love my to-do lists! But I realized, that in always thinking ahead and trying to get things done that I could be missing great things that are right in front of me personally and professionally. I need to be Present for my family. Present for my friends and coworkers. Present for my students. I know we need to have goals but we also need to be in the moment wherever we are.

# data[].attributes.body
I guess the word I need to use is Brave.  2018 was one of the worse years I have ever had in my personal life.  I was married for 42 years and that ended.  I said goodbye to my home where I have lived for 30 years.  2019 will be a year to be brave.  In 2019 I will retire and seek employment in another state.  In 2019 I will reinvent myself into a new person with a new life.  2019 will be the time to be brave and embrace the changes.

# data[].attributes.body
My word is memories, because as I drove through the streets of my hometown, I was struck by how some things had changed, yet still were the same. I left home aged 18 and never lived there again. Had a great time talking to my best friend Patty of 50 years (we were in kindergarten together) and was sad to learn of some classmates passing, teachers we had in school. thoughts of my Dad. Saw Santa sitting on the front porch of a family that has done that for 40+ years. I don't have my own children, and would like to build good memories for my students.

# data[].attributes.body
A word that I would like to focus on this year is OPENNESS.  Thinking about this made me realize all the new and exciting things going on in my personal and professional life.  The ability to be open to the changes, opportunities, and challenges that are ahead will allow me to grow in what comes my way.

# data[].attributes.body
I, like many others have thought of several words, but the one that keeps coming into my mind is "Watchful". When I looked up the definition it said, "observing, alert, vigilant, attentive, aware, heedful." I know that may sound odd, but I want to be watching for those I can help, and tell them about Jesus. Sometimes I get so busy that I don't take the time or I get frustrated to stop what is on MY agenda to help someone else. Or I miss out on the moments that I could have shared Jesus with someone. Matthew 24:42 says to be watchful for we do not know when our Lord will return. I want to share Christ with others before His return. 1 Corithians 16:13 says "Be watchful, stand firm in the Faith..." I want  stand strong in the Lord and be watchful and embrace whatever comes my way in 2019.

# data[].attributes.body
My word for this year is OPPORTUNITY. I want to be more aware and not miss those little opportunities that God blesses us with everyday.

# data[].attributes.body
My word is EMBRACE. I have a lot of changes happening this year, both personally (welcoming Briggs and being excited for Berkley to become a big sister) and professionally (completing my LPC certification)! I am excited for the changes but also nervous about balancing my family time with work and school. My goal is to welcome the changes happening and the adjustments by embracing everything in a positive manner that is coming my way! 💙

# data[].attributes.body
My one word is PEACE.  If I am not careful I can feel overwhelmed with the high demands of teaching, business, and family.  I must remind myself to breathe and know God is in control.  He is the only One that can give me the peace or freedom in my heart when life is crazy.  One of my favorite verses: Phil 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  If I have this kind of peace,
I will be a better wife, mother, friend, and teacher and hopefully impact lives along the way.

# data[].attributes.body
My one word is patience.  I get anxious in doing and getting done. I forget things take time. I get in a hurry and then that puts my students being in a hurry also. I get focused on certain things and forget to praise, reward etc. I get caught up in the moment and forget a lot of the little things that also make a big difference.

# data[].attributes.body
My one word for 2019 is perseverance.  There have been many obstacles in the past few years and perseverance has brought me through. Perseverance in my faith, perseverance in the face of change, perseverance when other things demanded my focus, and perseverance when I have felt forgotten. The coming year will bring further change and additional demands, but my passion and perseverance will keep me on track. I think it is important to model for students/others that even when things get tough you keep pushing forward towards your goals and don't just give up.

# data[].attributes.headline
Stephanie                                                            My word is growth. 2018 has brought me many lessons, personally , spiritually, and professionally. I want to grow as a individual,  a professional and as a child God. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Stephanie                                                            My word is growth. 2018 has brought me many lessons, personally , spiritually, and professionally. I want to grow as a individual,  a professional and as a child God. 

# data[].attributes.body
My word for this year is patience.  Patience isn’t just about waiting, it’s about how you act while you’re waiting. Having patience changes your attitude about everything. It can easily turn frustration into hope. This year I want to focus on teaching my students and myself to be more patient with all the different obstacles we will face together.

# data[].attributes.body
CONTENTMENT..... I've thought about several words, and wanted to chhose something different, but 1 Timothy 6:6 keeps coming to my mind, "But godliness with contentment is great gain.". I can't shake this verse. I'm often
So busy and I find myself wishing i could be more, do more, have more, etc......when in reality I am blessed abundantly in so many ways, yet I fail miserably when it comes to keeping God first. I know that if I will learn to put God first and be thankful and content with all he's blessed me with that I will ultimately accomplish more in every area of my life.  I want to be a better wife, mother, teacher, friend, employee, and the
list goes on, but ultimately that all starts with being a better Christian. This has been a difficult thing to put in writing because now I'm accountable! May 2019 be a year of growth and blessing for all of us! I'm so thankful to be working at Carver!

# data[].attributes.body
My word is GRATITUDE. I have so much to be thankful for and I always am but I need to be better at expressing that gratitude. I have the most amazing people who surround me daily and I need to show more gratitude. Being thankful through words and by the things I do. My everyday life is super busy and I
couldn’t be successful with it all without all of the help and suppport I get. I also want to be the one that people think of as their support system.

# data[].attributes.body
Focus. My word for 2019 is focus. I have chosen this word because there have been many changes for me in the past few years - career change, school building and grade level changes - some of these changes were definitely more challenging than others. I set a goal a few years ago to get my teaching certification and now that I have reached that goal - I have set new goals to focus on - personal goals, family goals, and career goals. I am ready to focus on working towards them!

# data[].attributes.body
My word is going to be “DEEP.” Sounds kind of silly, I know. I chose deep because of a status on Facebook. Someone had posted “pick a word for your 2019 year, but it must start with the first letter from your name”. So I searched a million D words. I read each definition carefully to see how I would apply it to myself. How it would affect me. Then I found “Deep”. Deep: having great importance or meaning, large in size, intense, strong, extending far.
This tugged on my heart. This is how I want my relationship with God to be. If I allow myself to grow deeper in Gods love, that alone will affect all my other relationships as well. The relationship with my husband, my kids, other family and friends, and my wonderful coworkers. I’m so ready for what this new year has in store!

# data[].attributes.body
My one word for 2019 is BE! I always seem to have a LOT of irons in the fire and this year, with just one class left in grad school I want to just be what someone else needs. Spend less time feeling obligated and more time just being free to help others and do things I ENJOY. I plan to BE present, influential, the one. Be the best granddaughter, daughter, dog mom, friend, teammate, teacher, coach and whatever else the people in my life need the most, be the person God sent to help someone out when they need it.

# data[].attributes.body
Simplicity. Sometimes life gets so busy at school and home. I want to focus on getting back to the basics. Having quality over quantity. Simplifying things will help me become a better listener - be quick to listen & slow to speak. It will allow me to focus on my students and their needs, on my own kids, my friendships, and my relationship with God.

# data[].attributes.body
My word for 2019 is present. One of the fish philosophy that has always stuck out to me is “be there”. I want to make sure wherever my feet are that my mind is there also. There are so many things that can disctract us from being present from where we actually are located. You must be present to win! #2019winner

# data[].attributes.body
JOY is the word that has popped into my brain again and again ever since we were asked to reflect on one word for 2019. Being a teacher, mommy, wife, friend...etc...can be so overwhelming and stressful.  Satan is constantly looking for ways to steal my JOY.  This year I want to find joy, get joy, give joy, and just be joyful every day in all the small things.
"Always be joyful."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16

# data[].attributes.body
FAITH is the basic ingredient to begin a relationship with God. It be defined as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is the understanding, deep down within, that things will turn out all right for us no matter what the situation might be. Whether you acknowledge it or not, faith is an important part of life. If we didn’t have faith, life would cease to have meaning.

We would not be able to move from one moment to the next without doubting every last thing that we did. Life can get tough at times. When things get remarkably difficult, it’s faith that keeps us going. It gives us strength in times of weakness and illuminates the pathway in times of darkness.

The reason why having faith is so important is that it powerfully convinces and reminds you that everything will go according to His plan and His timing not our own.

# data[].attributes.body
My word for 2019 is BALANCE. I want to focus on balancing my home and school life. Most days I come home so exhausted that I feel terrible because Lizzie doesn't get the best part of me. I tend to bring a ton of school work home on the weekends too. I need to prioritize and work harder to balance my time in order to get things done.

At school I want to BALANCE rigor and engagement. I am looking forward to revamping my small group instruction. I want to find the perfect balance between whole group and small group instruction.

# data[].attributes.body
Gratitude is my word. I am grateful for every person that I work with. The environment we create for these students is so fun and exciting. I am excited to come everyday. I am grateful for our school community.

# data[].attributes.body
G R A C E
That is my word for 2019.  "Unmerited favor."  We do not always understand what others are thinking and experiencing, and we often respond critically or harshly out of frustration with their behaviors.  I am choosing this year to slow down my reactions, take a deep breath, and extend grace.  "Unmerited favor" = unearned.  Usually, I'm the one who needs it, too!

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

# data[].attributes.body
My word is OBSERVANT. I've always been considered a "people watcher." I love to watch people, not to judge, just observe. In 2019, my goal is to put my observations to good use. I want to observe other classrooms, master teachers, and administrators to make me a better me. I want to gather ideas to better serve my students. I want to observe teaching styles, strategies, and organizational methods. I want to observe administrators to note the best way to deal with parents and the community. Most of all, I want to better observe my students to discover exactly what they need from me in order to be successful. So beware....I 'll be watching!!!😜

# data[].attributes.body
My word for 2019 is MEANINGFUL!!!
I came to a realization yesterday while standing in the checkout line at Walmart. I was several people behind a former student and her mother. The mother was clearly frustrated and repeatedly put down this little girl to her other children and the cashier. It broke my heart for this former student as she kept her head down. I began to question my own words when I get frustrated to my own children.
Since Satotha gave us this word challenge, I tossed around several words. I chose my word because I want to be MEANINGFUL in the words and prayers over my children.
I want to be MEANINGFUL in the time I spend with God everyday! I don’t just want to give him 5 minutes but let Him move in my time with Him! I want to prepare MEANINGFUL lessons that will help my students continue to grow! I desire to continue to research new ideas and ways to teach! Last but not least, I want to be MEANINGFUL in my relationships as I am a wife, Mom, and teacher!
I don’t want to just go through each day but to live in every moment! I want my life to have meaning and for those around me to know how much they are loved!

# data[].attributes.body
Mine is honestly just the simple four letter word, LOVE. I just want to be able to pour more of my heart to Jesus, myself, my family, friends, and my students. I can do this first by believing in myself every morning and getting the day started with God’s word. This will help me spread love through the eyes of old and young. I’m looking forward to a fresh start and I can’t wait to just L O V E more! 💛

# data[].attributes.body
My word is going to be GROWTH. I have learned so much in my first few years of teaching that have transformed my class. I never want to stop growing...not in my education, not in my walk with Jesus, not in my career, not in my relationships. I remember Laura or Renee (possibly both) last year this time could have just coasted to retirement but instead they were continuing to learn and change to be the best they could. That’s what I want to do. When we stop growing we start dying and I ain’t ready for that!

# data[].attributes.body
My word this year is CHANGE. Wil will graduate high school and start college. He is our youngest, and I am having a hard time letting him go out on his own knowing so many of life’s hard lessons await him. I know those lessons will build him into a stronger better person. Gene and I have raised him to be the great young man he is, but it doesn’t prevent the tough times. Plus, I retire from Missouri. Not sure where the good Lord will put me, but I know it will be where I need to be.  It is going to be tough leaving my Carver family. I have grown close to so many and can’t imagine not doing school life with you . I have a feeling a lot of tears are going to be shed, but so many great memories will be cherished! Zaplon

# data[].attributes.body
Compassion
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
My word for 2019 is COMPASSION. I will show more compassion to each of my students. I will build relationships with people I work with by being compassionate about what is going on with them outside of school. I will also work on my compassion with the James/foster care situation. Compassion is the word for me, for God forgives me daily.

# data[].attributes.body
Encouragement
My goal is to focus on encouragement. I have been reading more third grade level books over break to be able to offer students encouragement on a variety of genres to get them passionate about reading. I also hope to encourage my colleagues!

# data[].attributes.body
Good morning, friends!

My word for 2019 is SERVING. I would like to continue to add more service projects to my personal and professional endeavors. I have found that my heart feels joyful anytime I can find a way to help someone else . I have really appreciated  the way my church has given me so many opportunities to participate in outreach programs and roles such as daycare. I loved all the project based learning projects that were posted by several of you over the holiday.I want to broaden my reach with an impactful project based learning project for my classroom. I am willing to join another grade level on their PBL activity as well! I would like to empower others w a new trade or skill that would benefit them in their journey, like when Mrs.Leaf teaches kids how to sew! What an amazing life skill that can benefit so many.(I would love to be taught how to sew, myself!)

Have a blessed New Year!
Michelle

# data[].attributes.body
My ONE WORD this year will be EXCEED. My first semester in the classroom was full of lots of experiences--some great others not so much . . . BUT I learned from everything single one of them. For this next semester and new year, I want to exceed in my teaching and providing bigger and better opportunities for my kiddos.
Sometimes, it is easy to do "what gets you by," but I'm excited to start getting away from the basics and advancing my lessons and teaching for my students and not with the minimum. This year, I want to exceed those expectations!

# data[].attributes.body
After thinking about what I desire for my life in the new year, the word that it comes down to is SEEK. I need to seek the Lord much more. He is the foundation of everything I am and do, yet I often try to go it alone. I need His guidance in making future plans, how I spend my time/money, noticing people who need love, and when to BE STILL and let Him work! It may surprise you, but I'm a bit of a control freak. 🤦‍♀️
I'm tired...and I know that when I truly make an effort to SEEK Him it will change my life for the better.
"You will SEEK Me and find Me, when you SEEK me with all of your heart." Jeremiah 29:13.

# data[].attributes.body
It’s so easy to get frustrated with students undoing the work that I just did that it can become a negative daily rut. I want to choose to stay positive for the kids, keep a smile, and make them laugh. I will also do my best to save a little bit of that positivity for home for my husband and boys so they don’t get stuck with the remaining negativity. 😊

# data[].attributes.body
The one word I have chosen is DETERMINED. I chose this word because there have been many changes for me this past year. I’ve never been the kind of person to become complacent. Instead, I enjoy new challenges. With that said, I am determined to accomplish small goals in many areas of my life. When speaking of school, I am determined to become more knowledgeable about 2nd grade standards, reflecting on lessons, and giving my students what they need to be successful.

# data[].attributes.body
My ONE WORD this year will be MINDFULNESS. My first semester back in the classroom, I felt uninformed, unprepared, and I felt like I was always playing catch up. (There was so much truth for me in that silly Lucy video that I posted in our fb group.)
I found myself not having a opinion and not engaging in collaboration. Teaching became a check off list of things that I had to cover and had to get done.
Now that I have a better understanding of 2nd grade curriculum and standard based grading, I want to be more mindful (more present and actively involved) in my teaching and the planning /decision process of collaboration.
So....watch out 2nd Grade! 😉

# data[].attributes.body
My ONE WORD this year will be INTENTIONAL. I will work on being intentional in everything I do. I plan to be intentional with relationships; personal, professional and spiritual.  I will be intentional with who I surround myself with and what I spend my time doing. I want to be more INTENTIONAL about the "who, what, & why" that I dedicate my time! Balance requires being "INTENTIONAL."

# data[].attributes.body
The word I chose is PURPOSE. My purpose as teacher is to develop students who can create their own image. I will do this by expanding on their social skills and helping them determine their interests. I will set a foundation of skills that my students will continue to expand on throughout their educational career and hopefully their lives.

# data[].attributes.body
Heather
My ONE WORD this year will be ATTAIN.  I will set goals for myself that I will TRY to ATTAIN.  I will set both personal and professional goals.  I will try to ATTAIN a better relationship with God and Family.  I will work on ATTAINING more ideas and knowledge that will benefit my students.  I will ATTAIN new habits that will hopefully improve my health and well being.  Finally, I will ATTAIN new friendships and strive to show kindness an encouragement to the new blessings in my life.