Day 18

2 weeks from today....the first day of the academy will have come to an end. Hard to believe how quickly this has all come together....yet, there is still much to do!

We finally have a logo!! I will post that by the end of the week.....not sure if I can share it just yet! With a finalized logo, means the brochure will be printed and given to all students by the end of the week -hopefully, tomorrow!!

A finalized logo means we were able to print enrollment forms....speaking of printing....I have decided that a copy machine is similar to a football game....countdown on the printer says 15 minutes....but then it stops...stabilizes....jams (which led to what seemed like a tackle between myself and the printer)....15 minutes later was more like 30 minutes later....but all is good because as you can see below....the enrollment forms have all been printed!!

I made a stop at Wegmans, this evening....picked up a few banana boxes to transport the supplies from Mercyhurst to the site locations for the academy. I have a feeling that my car is going to smell like bananas tomorrow morning....but it's ok....if a smelly banana car is what it takes to begin to change the world than that is fine by me! By the way....all empty banana boxes at Wegmans, from now until Friday, are mine!

That is all that I can recall from the day!

Carpe Diem!

-Amy

Day 17

WOW! Hard to believe that 2 weeks from today is Christmas Eve.....time certainly flies when you're enjoying what you do......

Oh wait....did I say Christmas Eve??? I meant CDA Eve!!! The academy is just as exciting as Christmas....it's very easy to get the two mixed up!!!

Two weeks from today we will be finalizing everything for the Carpe Diem Academy....the night will be a sleepless one....and then the first day of the Academy will begin!!  By finalizing, I do not mean everything will be set in stone....this is all a learning process....we will eventually work all the "kinks" out....but not right in the beginning. One of the first things you learn as a teacher is the importance of being flexible....and we are!

Today I had the opportunity to meet Sheila C. We have had several conversations via phone and email but it was nice to finally meet her in person. Sheila was instrumental in the grant writing process. She certainly deserves a great big THANK YOU!!!

Carpe Diem!!

-Amy

Day 16

Today flew by....when I was leaving work, it felt as if I had just arrived. Time needs to slow down a bit......or maybe I just need to speed up A LOT.......there is much to do.....

Today was the day that I knew was approaching.....creating the schedule....eh...let's make that plural....creating the schedules. I was actually waiting for this day....I saw it as a challenge.....I like challenges....perhaps that is why I was able to leave my previous job so easily......I wasn't being challenged and I was becoming stagnant.

Back to the schedule....at first, the task wasn't as difficult as I imagines....I outlined the schedule on 4 large white boards (pictures below) and then I started to type it....after I was half-way done with typing Schedule #1 I realized it wasn't going to work out as I had planned it in my mind....so back to the drawing board, I went.....

Imagine 4 large blank white boards..........now look below......

The schedule is coming together.....it's a work in progress....but there always has to be a starting point.....

.....I am just hoping there was room in the budget to buy a guard dog to stand guard so no one erases the boards!!!!

I love my job!!!!!!

Carpe Diem!

-Amy

Carpe Diem Academy Start Day!!

Day 14

Today's blog is going to be similar to a picture book....thought it was about time to share some pictures with you...

This is the desk where the majority of the blogging takes place. If you look closely you can see the samples from Wegmans. Please stop by for a taste testing!

This is the note that was give to me on my last day of teaching. Throughout my blog, I will often refer to "changing the world" and this is how it came to be!

Supplies for the academy....This was my office on Monday.....

.........my office on Thursday ( I am supposed to have two tables for GA's to work at....good thing they haven't been delivered yet!)

Gotta get back to work....too much to do....the first day of the Carpe Diem Academy is quickly approaching!!!!!!

Carpe Diem!

- Amy

Special Edition

As I was driving home from work, I started thinking about all the members of the Erie community who are going to help, "change the world"......

 ....without them, the Academy would not be what it is going to be....after Leanne (the superintendent of the Carpe Diem Academy) and I meet with each of the partners, we realize more and more how amazing this is going to be......

Thank you to.....

Jenny K. and JumpBunch -who will be engaging the students in a variety of physical
                                              activities.

Holly N. and ArtsErie - who will be engaging the students in puppetry, digital media,

                                       dance, music, etc. through the Arts in Residence program.

Stacey K. and Spotlight Studio - who will be engaging the students in break dancing,

                                                     hip hop, jazz, etc.

Kelly A. and The Erie Art Museum - who will be opening their doors to our students

                                                             on special field trip days.

Carl K. and CORE - who will be collecting and organizing our data.

Metz Food Services - who will be preparing and delivering nutritious dinners to our

                                    students.

Wegmans - who will be making sure the daily snack is healthy and enjoyed by the

                   students.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Carpe Diem

- Amy

Day 13

I have a headache….but a good headache…..any ailment that goes along with this job is a good one! A hurting head means that it must have been a productive day….or a thinking day…..Yes! Today was a thinking day!

A few great things happened today…but you will have to wait….not sure if I can spill the beans yet! (Don’t moan….I waited 3 months to hear about the grant…..seemed like 3 years…..went through several pairs of shoes due to the pacing….so I think you can wait a couple days, weeks, months)

The thinking part of the day started and ended with the discussion of DATA….Data and I have a love/hate relationship…originally I thought that I hate data…but the more I thought I realized….I live data….but…..data hates me! Makes me think back to when I took statistics…not good!

More supplies came today…I found the mailroom very quickly…..didn’t get a chance to take a good look at the supplies…more on that later!

I think that is all….need to go teach…..

Many are reading this blog....but no one is commenting......first one to comment gets a tour of my office!

Carpe Diem!

-Amy

Day 12

I am trying to think about what to Blog about....I have 25 minutes before I have to give a final.....

Today, I met with the frontend manager at Wegmans. Josh is going to be our main contact person. He provided the Academy with a great list of healthy snacks for the children to enjoy. My desk currently looks like a shelf in the pantry...if you are hungry, stop by...I have a variety of Wegmans foods to sample.

 Many more items have been purchased....if you are in need of a single subject notebook you may want to refrain from going to Staples....I bought them ALL!!!!  Construction paper and stickers have been ordered and hopefully tomorrow I will be able to pick up the individual dry erase boards for the students.

I was also informed that I have 3 boxes waiting to be picked up at the mailroom....it's looking like another 3 hour tour is on the agenda tomorrow to find the mailroom...I think it's the physical activity equipment...I have a feeling that pretty soon there will only be a walking path in my office........but that is ok....no complaints.....it just proves that this is all really happening...

........it's really, really, happening....how cool is that?!?!

Carpe Diem!

-Amy

Day 11

Week 3......It's finals week here at Mercyhurst.......I know this because the sofa that I normally take a nap on is constantly occupied by students cramming for exams...just kidding!

........No time to sleep....no need to sleep....no wanting to sleep....excitement is in the air! Today has been a great day....actually let's make that a super day!

The day began with touring another one of the schools that will be one of the sites for the academy. Great school....great administrator...great anticipation!

The day continued with meeting Holly N. from Arts Erie......I am amazed at the number of talented artists that will work with the students during the Artist in Residence component of the Academy....from puppetry to dancing to animation....the opportunities for the children are endless!

We then met with 2 enthusiastic graduate students who are in the process of writing a grant that will supplement the grant received for the Carpe Diem Academy. Keep your fingers crossed!

Other than a few more meetings scheduled, more supplies ordered, and the newly gained knowledge that there is a Starbucks on campus, that pretty much sums up the day!

One more thing....today, it hit me while I was ordering supplies over the phone...when speaking about the Carpe Diem Academy, I act as if everyone knows about it...like if someone was ordering supplies for Harvard....I thought for a moment and then realized......everyone should know....so make sure you pass it on...

Carpe Diem!

- Amy

Day10

I am writing about the end of my day first because it is way cool....to my surprise....the supplies that I ordered on Wednesday.....arrived......folks....THE SUPPLIES HAS ARRIVED!!!  I am not sure if I can wait until Monday to go through the boxes....I did a little before I left but am thinking I may just need to go in tomorrow to sort through all of it!

End of week two.....as I reflect back, it doesn't really seem so much like a week but rather one really looonggg day....not long in a negative way because in case you haven't realized, I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

This week I have noticed that I am not one to make decisions....I like to discuss with others.....because if I just went ahead and made the decisions then it would be like my decisions were right.....guess it could be seen as both a strength and weakness...

I have had many visitors this week.....mainly to request a paper clip or stapler.....I think I may start charging and all income will go towards the Academy....

......speaking of visitors....I had a great assistant, today! Gracie K. spent her day off school labeling items, counting supplies, and keeping me company! At one point I was going to help her get some supplies off the book shelf...she quickly replied, "No, don't get up....you have work to do....I will get it."  Thanks for the help and the company, Grace!

Hard to believe it's Friday......Friday's will be used for planning...where we will discuss the successes and failures from the week and strategize for the following week....collaboration is a wonderful way to share ideas and learn from one another.

Happy Friday!

Carpe Diem

- Amy

Day 9

Day 9

It's 1:30....I need to regain focus....trying to figure out how to save a bundle on storage cabinets (starting to sound like that auto insurance commercial)......there has to be a way....there will be a way.....just need to ponder a little....but I am determined!

You know it is going to be a successful day when you have showered, got dressed, picked up a donation, stopped at Panera.....and...then... while heading to work your alarm goes off......first time that has ever happened.......

.....by 9:30 this morning I already made 1 change to the schedule....I am starting to tally how many changes are made..........

 .....it is now 3:00.....guess I got side tracked! But I did find cheaper cabinets....and then I found cabinets that were even cheaper!!!

Drum roll please......I am pleased to announce that we will be purchasing our snacks through Wegmans. They have been EXTREMELY helpful in making sure that the snacks we will be providing are nutritious, yet will be considered "scrumptious" by the children. After our first initial meeting with Wegmans, I walked away in awe.....Thank You Wegmans!

 Ok....so now it is 4:15.....today has been another successful day....not only have the cabinets been figured out but physical activity equipment has been purchased...and....the schedule that was mapped out on the white board has now been transferred to a word document...not a finalized document....but a document! Oh....and how could I forget....possible polo shirts with the Carpe Diem Academy logo along with lanyards are being considered!

Carpe Diem

- Amy

Day 8

I blog at all different times of the day....usually late afternoon/early evening.....all depends when I start talking to myself....which thinking back....I should be blogging all day long....

When I wrote my first entry, I stated that I would include all the triumphs and tribulations....well....today....it happened.....our first tribulation....the white board that was purchased for my office was bent....guess what....that wasn't the real tribulation....the real tribulation was that I had to drive a mini van to return it!!! .....All in good fun! I am most appreciative of my boss for taking time out of her busy schedule to purchase it!

........Now that there is a board....we have a schedule....not a final schedule...a working schedule! Have you ever had to schedule? They can be crazy....this schedule makes me think of the time I worked on scheduling K-8 specials for the school I previously taught at....we had color coded post-it notes all over the board.....that were moved several times a day.....for many days....

.......like schedules, all things are a work in progress....if everything we did was done right the first time then we would never have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes we make.....

Today, I submitted my first huge purchase order.....who would of thought ordering markers and crayons and scissors and folders would be so stressful....I remember many times ordering supplies for my own classroom....from 20 students to 416 students.....thank goodness I have my Zen Relaxation CD on hand!

Carpe Diem!

- Amy

Day 7

I currently have a stack of papers on the left side of my desk, a stack on the right side of my desk, a stack towards the front of my desk and a stack on the floor....perhaps if I made one big stack, my desk would look a little more organized....but.....each stack serves it's own purpose.....just as each one of us serves a purpose..........

.............As Support Teacher applications begin to roll in, there are many reasons why applicants are applying.......each reason is different.....but different is good....different is great......different is what we want.......the more reasons there are, the more dynamic the Academy will be.

There is still a lot to do.....yet....looking back on the past week....a lot as been accomplished!

That's all for today!

Carpe Diem!

Amy

Day 6

Day 6.....AKA.....Week 2

There is something about Monday's and this new job.....last Monday, I tried sushi for the first time and then today I stepped foot into 3 local elementary schools for the first time. Maybe next week I will win $1 million for the first time.....if you don't see a blog post from me next Monday, that is most likely the case.....just kidding....my brain is going 'round in circles thinking about the endless possibilities the Academy could do with $1 million...well...maybe $990,000....there is this amazing conference for educators in Hawaii that I have been wanting to attend!

 While touring the elementary schools, reality finally hit and it was a great feeling....The Carpe Diem Academy is a real thing!!  The administrators from all three buildings were very supportive! Today, we confirmed space for student use and storage, at 3 of the 7 sites....only 4 more sites to go!!  As I sit here and reflect on the short time I spent in the buildings, I wonder how many children have walked the halls....the past students were once the future....the current students are the future...and the future students will be the future....the future is in our hands......

 Touring the schools also confirmed what many have been telling me for years......I am directionally challenged....If you see someone walking around one of the schools with a GPS....no need to be alarmed....it's just me! This is one thing that I don't think will change...but that's ok....there are many other important things that just will!

Carpe Diem!

 - Amy

Day 5

Yesterday, I was reminded that College life never sleeps. When I was teaching first grade, and dismissal was over, the school would all of the sudden be "quiet"......not because teachers would run out the door....trust me when I say the teachers I worked with are truly dedicated and spend countless hours to provide their students with engaging opportunities to succeed both in and out of the classroom......the silence came because the students were gone....but yesterday, I didn't realize what time it was until I looked at the clock...I didn't realize how late it was because of the constant activity. I think if my contacts weren't glued to my eyes I could have worked later into the night just because of the constant motion throughout the building ....

Thinking about dedicated teachers reminds me of the dedicated educators I have had the privilege of working for  throughout my career. These wonderful people have helped me get to where I am today...

Marilyn R. - My first official boss - it's how I became a first grade teacher - she hired me - she was one heck of an administrator -truly dedicated - spent endless hours at school (even after being an administrator for many decades)- ran a tight ship (every day when I pulled into the lot I always looked for her car) - but she challenged you....a challenge that I will never forget....she retired after my first year of teaching.....I don't think it had anything to do with me! To her, I say thank you!

Cindy C. - or as she likes to be called "Saint C". She established a summer program at the grade school I attended....I also had her as my 7/8 grade English teacher......she taught me that the word "stuff" does not exist and that "alot" is two words! As a veteran teacher, she went along with the enthusiasm of the novices that she hired to be part of the summer program staff. She proved that standing in knee high seaweed infested water just so children can cool off on a hot day can be entertaining.....she showed me that riding on a bus with 40+ screaming children never gets old....even though I never touched the "Tag and Relay" book that she so diligently put together, she supported my decisions....she trusted me to handle things when she would leave for the afternoon. I still consider her my boss! To her, I say thank you!

Robin Q.- She listened to me .....first as a college student and then as her Graduate Assistant.....She provided me with opportunities to guest speak in her classes....she provided me with opportunities to present at conferences...she never doubted me....she encouraged me....she taught me how to make a presentation last longer than 15 minutes....I learned a great deal from her and still do, today....including her love of plastic clapping hands! To her, I say thank you!

Janice W.- She was one of the first devoted educators that I encountered during my college career. I did not come to really know her until I was student teaching. As the director of student teaching, she set forth strong requirements....but not to make our lives miserable, but rather to make us see what we can really do! Once I graduated and returned to work on my Masters, I had the opportunity to have her as one of my professors. If she taught more courses, I would have taken every one.....she is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to education. As I continued through graduate school we would have many chats...and still do to this day....her dedication has been a true motivator. Last year, I had the opportunity to teach my first college course...I am not sure how she new of my interest...perhaps it was my constant hints!  From teaching first grade to then teaching college students....not a problem....because I knew she would be there to guide me every step of the way! To her, I say thank you!

Leanne R.- My present boss (not sure if she has realized yet what she got her self into by hiring me!). I am where I am today, because of her....for the Carpe Diem Academy is her dream....her vision....I am just here to support her in this quest to change the world! She has encouraged me to not give up...to not quit...she has supported me throughout many difficult times....she has also opened many doors for me.....including teaching at the university level. I am honored to be working for such a dedicated educator. To her, I say thank you!

As you can see, it's not just one person that makes an impact on who you become...one person will not change the world, either. I am certain many people are skeptical .....many naysayers....and it is because of that, that I end the week with this quote...."Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."-Mark Twain......Seize the Day!!!!

Happy Friday!

Carpe Diem!

Amy

Day 4

Day 4

Can anyone else agree that this work week is going by way to fast? Good Grief!

I moved a few more things into my office....mainly resource books and a few manipulative/activity type items. I think I only have about 8 or 9 more storage containers to bring in.....it's amazing how much I have accumulated over the past 6 1/2 years.

Just as I think I am adjusting to the quiet, my phone rang and I jumped! Don't get me wrong...I am not complaining about the quiet....just need time to get use to it.....the quiet allows me to think....

.....Speaking of thinking....I made great progress in ordering equipment for students to use during physical activity time.....there is so much to choose from and I want the material to be different from the day to day gym class equipment. I want....I want...I want...sounds greedy....but it's all because I want the students to "seize the day"!

Support Teacher Applications have been printed!!!  Several undergrad students have stopped by my office inquiring about the Academy and how they can apply...encouraging to see such an interest.....it was exciting to have visitors, too!!!

That sums up the day.....for now...still have a few hours to go....enough time to do a little change!

Carpe Diem!

Amy

Day 3

Day 3

Hard to believe Day 3 is coming to a close. Today, was a great day! I am getting use to the office life. Didn't leave the building once! Yesterday, I left several times....all started off with a 3-hour tour around campus to find Police and Safety...had to get my parking pass....the novelty of parking tickets on my car windshield was starting to wear off! Plus, I was starting to feel like I was following in my eldest brother's footsteps...He was once in the Guiness Book of World Records for the most accumulated parking tickets! I then needed a box of tissues....not sure if I really needed them...but I just had to leave for a few minutes...but today was much better....

Perhaps it was much better because I am finally hooked up to a printer! It's great to have a document done...but to actually have it printed feels like such an accomplishment! My day continued with searching for supplies for the soon to be Carpe Diem Academy students. If you saw someone sitting at a desk with a tape measure...it was just me....there was much thought put into whether I should purchase 4-in. bean bags or 5-in. bean bags....I think I will leave the parachute size for another day!

If you also saw someone sitting at their desk talking to their reflection in the window...well that was me too....still getting use to the silence! Teachers talk to themselves a lot so I could get away with it at my previous school....but I don't think college students think it's normal.....

Meetings are continuing to be scheduled....I am looking forward to meeting everyone who will be working with the Academy. What a great opportunity to bring the community together....all for one purpose....to enrich the lives of our young!

Well....better get back to work....change is fast approaching!

Carpe Diem!

- Amy

Day 2

Day 2

Today was a quiet day....I guess I am still adjusting to not hearing, "Miss Bauschard" being yelled out 100 times a day. I would often tell my first graders that Miss Bauschard left, in hopes they could go a minute or two without saying my name....however, they would just smile and simply continue on with, "Miss Bauschard......". They knew I was kidding....hearing my name was never an annoyance, it just reminded me how important teacher's are to their students, especially when they would say, "Mom" or "Grandma"...well...I will be honest...hearing them call me "Grandma" would make me cringe!!

 Now let's get back to "quiet". Sound wise, it was a quiet day....but not work wise...well.... I am sure as time goes by I will look back and consider this a quiet day of work. Busier today (no time to stop for sushi), than I was yesterday, but still not busy enough! Meetings are being scheduled, documents are being designed, the sense of change is in the air.

 It's the start to something new....something exciting....slow and steady for now....wouldn't want to miss anything while on the quest to change the world.

Carpe Diem!

Amy

Day 1

So....this blog has been created to follow the development of the Carpe Diem Academy. When people hear, "Academy" they often think of a school. Well, to some extent it is, but let's make it plural. The Carpe Diem Academy is 7 schools in 1!

Now, this blog will focus on the triumphs and tribulations of the  day to day happenings of the Academy. I proudly say tribulations, because if we didn't experience such difficulties, we would never face challenges which in return help us to grow.

Today's entry will provide you with a little background on how this all came to be.

A couple weeks ago, I was offered an amazing opportunity. An opportunity that still doesn't seem real...every time I think about it, it's seems too good to be true. Last Friday, I was a first grade teacher and today, I am Project Manager of the Carpe Diem Academy.

I must first thank, Leanne Roberts. If it wasn't for her, the opportunity I speak of would not exist. The Carpe Diem Academy is her vision. A vision that supports the development of the whole child. A vision that provides children with nutrition, physical activity, and intellectual growth. What better gift can one give the community, than a vision such as this!

Today, was the first day on the job. What a difference it has been...from teaching first grade for 6 1/2 years to then all of a sudden being in an office and making huge decisions....decisions not quite like "how long should we stay out for recess" or " do students need to take glue to art".

As I read through the good-bye cards from students I had over the years, one stood out. It stated, "Miss Bauschard I will miss you so so so so much, but I have to let you go because you are going to change the world."

As you follow this blog, join with me in watching the world change!

Carpe Diem!

    - Amy