Class Meeting, December 6

Our homeroom holds a class meeting once per week. Each homeroom class at St. Paul does this so we can give our students leadership opportunities, discuss issues at St. Paul, and set goals for ourselves to improve. The class meetings are completely student run and I sit back to observe while once in a while adding my opinion. My students had some good ideas that I wanted to share ...

Things we are doing well:

• Respecting each other
• Recognizing and stopping bullying
• Improving behavior in special classes (gym, art, music, computers, Spanish)
  

Things we could work on:

• Helping each other
• Including all our peers
• Less talking out of turn
• Stop saying pass ... volunteer more!

Goals for this week:

• Respecting all teachers and students (even substitute teachers)
• Boost our creativity and humor
• Recycle
• Be more productive
• Watch our conduct (behavior) at all times

After reading over the classroom notes, I realized that these ideas and goals not only apply to 6th graders but also adults. Just some things to think about and to work on as we journey through our days.

xo

Kait

p.s. 16 days until Christmas Vacation (not like I am counting or anything)

Marriage Prep

Bill and I went to our first marriage prep workshop yesterday. I was giddy and so thrilled to be at our first workshop to prepare for our marriage. The most comforting feeling was knowing I was there with my best friend. There was no moment where I was nervous or hesitant or second guessing myself. Yesterday's workshop fulfilled even more the feelings I have for Bill and knowing we are supposed to marry one another.

However, the workshop did raise new questions and new thoughts to ponder ...

What do we do for holidays? How do we trek across the state to see both of our families? When do we set up our Christmas tree? How much will the Tooth Fairy pay?

How do we operate our finances? How do I make sure that I am paying off my student loans and not Bill? How do we begin saving for our future children so they may go to college? How do we control our love for concerts, vinyls, and book sales?

Bill and I are very used to spending time together but we also need our independence. How do make sure we correctly balance our need to be together and our need to have "me" time? Will we ever be "sick" of one another?

How do we want to raise our children? What type of school will they go to? How will we discipline them? Are they allowed to go downstairs on Christmas morning before they wake up their parents?

Bill and I need to spend time with our families. We both depend on our families for so much. How do we ensure that we are both seeing our families equally? Even more so, how do we bring both of our families together?

Do we buy Detroit Tiger's select package season tickets? Do we buy MSU football young Alumni season tickets? Do we decide between the two or just go for both? (seriously, suggestions?)

When we move in together, how will we organize all of our things? Where will put ALL of the books?! Or ... a better question before we worry about books ... WHERE are going to LIVE?

These are questions that I am consumed in when I am not lesson planning, trying to make new friends, laughing with 6th graders, or wishing I was with my loved ones. They seem overwhelming but also exciting. I feel that everything right now with Bill is "so right". I am completely comfortable thinking about all of these big new steps and I know that I am supposed to be thinking all of these things over with him. We just have to jump into the abyss together.

xo
Kait

"A-Ha!" Moments

As a teacher, I have the incredible privilege of teaching students something for the first time. This comes with many challenging moments but it also comes with some of the most joyful moments in my career. Seeing students finally understand something makes my heart sing. Simply seeing the "A-ha! I get it!" expression on their faces makes all the long nights and busy weekends well worth it.

When I was told I would be teaching 6th grade Math, I was terrified to say the least. As time goes on, I am getting the hang of it and I am not disliking Math as much as I thought I would. Math comes with so many opportunities for students to understand a concept for the first time. The reaction is always the same. The student will sit up a little straighter, then take in a deep breath, their eyes will widen, and they gasp, "OOOH!!! I GET IT!!!!" This moment is thrilling and it is a highlight of my career. It happened today multiple times as we studied "solving algebraic equations".

Today I was able to teach one of my favorite Social Studies facts of the year. I told my students that Christopher Columbus did not discover the United States of America. At first, the students are always taken aback. They often look like I told them the Tooth Fairy was actually their parents (Maggie actually told me the Tooth Fairy wasn't real in 5th grade. Sad day.). This initial reaction then slowly turns to anger. The students are offended that they have been "lied" to their whole lives and they want to set out on a mission to discover who really discovered the United States. Today, one of my little 6th graders was walking out the door at the end of the period. She stopped and looked at me with purpose and asked, "Ms. Koperski, next year can we celebrate Native People's Day instead of Christopher Columbus Day?" She doesn't know it, but she gained a load of brownie points.

Teaching "firsts" also comes with difficult moments. 6th graders (and, hey, sometimes adults!) are young and experiencing things for the first time. They do not know that "funny" jokes are sometimes not so funny but actually hurtful. 6th graders do no know that ruining their friendship over a boy will end up as a regret. 6th graders do not know that wearing a certain pair of shoes does not make them more popular but actually causes you to exclude friends that cannot afford them. All of these lessons, I have had to teach my students. They have been what we call in the teaching field, "a teachable moment". Sometimes I have to stop class to address a "teachable moment" or I will have to interrupt children at recess to discuss an important issue. Either way, I am helping students learn something for the first time. Whether it's a tough or easy lesson to teach, it is exciting to be one of the firsts to help my students work their way through this crazy world.

"What we have loved, others will love, and we will teach them how."

- St. Catherine of Siena

xo

Kait

Falling in Love with Fall

Usually I have a hard time getting into Fall. Summer is by far my favorite season (sorry skiing fans). I love the feel of a Michigan summer, going to farmer's markets, running in 90 degree heat, and actually having the time to read a book. This year, however, Fall has been an easier adjustment. I don't know if it's the extra crunchy leaves, my new love affair with pumpkin puree, or the success of the Lions and Tigs, but I am digging this season.

Part of my new love affair with Fall goes hand in hand with the many firsts brought on by September and October ...

• Bill and I registered for our wedding at Macy's and Kohl's (it will go live soon!). Gift registry might be one of the cooler parts about getting married. I mean, getting to marry my best friend is awesome and all but going on a shopping spree that I do not have to pay for is excellent. ;) It is a thrill to be able to plan our future home and our future lives together. We even registered for a set of 101 cookie cutters just because we know there will be future mini-Popielarz's running around (but NOT for awhile!).
• Bill and I took our engagement photos. It was a blast! Ashley Umstead, one of my best friend's younger sister's, took our photos. She is a senior at GVSU and she is talented!!! I have been in love with her photos for years and I was beside myself when she said she would do our wedding photography. Bill and I will make sure you all see the photos soon!
• I found out that I am coaching 6th grade girl's basketball for St. Paul this year. Practice is 2 days a week and we have our games on Saturday mornings so it won't be time consuming. Basketball at St. Paul is a BIG deal and my 6th grade students were pretty excited I was coaching. I miss coaching softball at East Kentwood so I am anxious to get back into the role of a coach again.
• Lately I have been obsessed with pumpkin puree. I add it into my oatmeal, my pancakes, and my frozen yogurt. Just a little bit will go a long way so a can of puree should last you awhile. I make sure to add ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to give it that pumpkin pie spice taste. Yum ... tastes like Fall!

In other happy news ...

• Bill and I are going to the playoff game this Thursday at Comerica!!! I am so anxious, so excited, and so giddy. My Brandon Inge jersey will be worn with pride as a drink a Summer Shandy, eat a hot dog, and watch the sun set on my favorite baseball team.
• I went home on Sunday for a family dinner. Going home is such fuel to my soul. I love East Grand Rapids and I love spending time with my family. Being able to come home for a home made dinner is such a blessing and a joy ... especially when Tracey makes apple pie!
• If any of you use Pandora, I created a playlist that makes me feel like I am walking on clouds. Mix Josh Ritter, The Avett Brothers, and Paul Simon together to create the most epic sounding playlist. Enjoy!

I hope you are all well!

xo

Kait

Running Down a Dream

It's been a couple of weeks and I have quite a few updates.

This past Sunday I ran the Capital City River Run Half Marathon in Lansing. I ran the half in 2:02:18, about a 9:21 pace. It was SO much fun and I was on such an adrenaline high the entire time. The 2 hours flew by and the run was absolutely beautiful. I could feel a huge smile on my face throughout the run and I could not shake the thought, "Wow! Look at what I am doing!"

Here I am crossing the finish line!!!

http://timeframephoto.exposuremanager.com/p/11ccrr-hm_9-930/11ccrr-hmfinish-1144_11_126_7_6

I am so grateful for all of the support I have had from family and friends throughout the training for the half. I absolutely could not have done it without all of you. On Sunday night after the race, I was already looking for my next race. I'm thinking the 5/3 River Bank Run 25k in May ... anyone up for it?!

As of today, I am almost finished with my third week of school at St. Paul. September is flying by and my 6th/7th grade students make each day unique. I'm not going to lie and say that everything has been a piece of cake. I have definitely shed a tear or two out of stress and anxiety but overall I am having a blast. The key is to remember to take it one day at a time. And as my favorite assistant principal says, "always choose family and sleep." I love teaching middle school (for some crazy reason) and I could not be more fortunate to be teaching at St. Paul.

The wedding plans for Bill and I are coming along. In less than 9 months, I will be a Mrs. and I will be happily moving in with my husband. Knowing this is down the road gives me so much joy. Bill and I have been blessed with our mothers who have now turned into our wedding planners. The four of us had lunch last Sunday to go through wedding plans, ideas, and inspiration. All I can say is it's coming together beautifully and you all better be ready for the party of your life.

If you find yourself bored and next to a computer, here are a few things to keep you occupied ...

1. Our principal at St. Paul writes a blog (http://spcs2011.blogspot.com/). The blog shares her thoughts but it also has all the valuable information about our school. Check it out if you want to get to know St. Paul a little bit more.
2. I have been obsessed with this website for new recipes (http://foodgawker.com/). There are literally thousands and they have a lot of variety.
3. This is one of my new favorite songs and music videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHEOF_rcND8&ob=av2n) that makes me very happy to have great family, friends, and Bill.
4. I have been reading Bright's Passage by one of my favorite musicians, Josh Ritter. His first novel came out this summer but thanks to a gift card from a lovely cousin, I could finally buy the book! Check out the review and I am hoping you check out the book! (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/books/review/book-review-brights-passage-by-josh-ritter.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=bookreviews)
5. If you like pretty things and you like dreaming about pretty weddings ... this one's for you. Enjoy (http://www.kissthegroom.com/).

That's all for now. I hope you are well. Be in touch!

xo

Kait

Back to School!

Well, it finally came. The first day of my career as a teacher and my first day of teaching at St. Paul. It was exciting, fast paced, and busy. I am just now coming down from my adrenaline high! Here are some exciting highlights from my first day:

• One of my students gave me a red apple. I can officially call myself a teacher.
• When my students found out I was getting married next summer, that kicked off 15 minutes of questions. "What color is your dress?" "Who are your bridesmaids?" "What's his name?" "How did Bill engage you?"
• While making our classroom social contract, one of my students suggested that we limit our "spasm attacks". "Trust me, Ms. K, I am spaztastic."
• I had forgotten the 6th graders are very (and I mean very) into Michigan State vs. U of M
• I have learned one thing about teaching. No shoes will ever be comfortable or worn in quite enough.
• My 6th graders are very similar to my class of 25 sophomore boys I had while student teaching at EK. I feel well prepared.
• My colleagues at St. Paul are supportive and inspiring. It is an incredible community.

I cannot wait for tomorrow. It will be the first full day of school and I will meet all of my new students. I know this year will be challenging but I cannot wait to see what adventures I will come across. I still cannot believe that God has entrusted me with this career. How awesome!

“I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.”
- John Steinbeck

xo

Kait

Lately

The past two weeks have been busy! Very busy! I have finally finished setting up my classroom, my apartment is feeling a little bit like home, I am getting to know Royal Oak, went to a Tigers game with Bill, saw a beautiful friend take his first profession to enter the priesthood, had an adventure in the kitchen, and found the best ice cream store in Detroit (well, at least I think it is).

It's incredibly surreal having my own classroom and being able to set it up in my own style. We start our in service days next week for St. Paul and then school shortly follows on September 6th! It's coming up and I could not be more anxious/scared/happy/excited/all of the above. The staff at St. Paul has been welcoming and comforting. They have been far more than helpful with all of my questions and needs as a new teacher. A lot of the staff is very young and there is a decent amount of MSU graduates so that is exciting. I feel so at home and part of the community already.

In other news ...

• I am continuing the 1/2 marathon training. I just ran 8 miles today with my cousin, Kim. It was a great run on a sunny Saturday morning. I actually ran 20 miles this week for the first time ever!
• Kim, Thommy (cousins), and I checked out the Royal Oak farmer's market this morning as well. I cannot wait to do my grocery shopping there. They have everything you need for a meal and then some.
• Lesson planning consumes my life (as usual).
• Last week, Bill and I went to Treat Dreams in Ferndale. They make their own ice cream and I tried the Raspberry Lemon Bar. Real raspberries and real lemon bars. In ice cream. There is a God.
• Last night, I made gazpacho and homemade pizza. I made whole wheat flatbread and loaded it with fresh veggies. For the flatbread, I did the following:

Ingredients

3 cups (710 mL) whole wheat pastry flour (or 1.5 cups white flour and 1.5 cups whole wheat flour)
1/4 cup (60 mL) Olive oil
2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (180 mL) water, plus 1-2 T as needed (I used about a cup)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients until a smooth dough is made and knead for 5 minutes on a flat surface.
2. Let dough rest in a bowl, covered with a damp towel, for 30 minutes.
3. Separate dough into 8 portions and roll each portion out into a flat circle, about 7″ in diameter. If dough seems resistant to stretching out, let rest a few minutes, and then try to roll out thinner again.
4. Let rest under a damp towel until ready to use.
5. Bake stovetop in a nonstick pan sprayed with cooking oil heated to medium for 45 seconds each side (I cooked mine a little long for a more crisp texture), or until brown spots begin to appear.

It was amazing! The homemade gazpacho wasn't too bad either.

Everything is starting to come together, slowly but surely. I definitely get homesick for Grand Rapids from time to time but Royal Oak is shaping up to be an awesome place to live.

xo

Kait

Hit The Road Running!

I registered for the Capital City River Run Half Marathon (http://ccriverrun.org) today and bought a new pair of Asics. There is no turning back now. This will be my first half marathon and I am hoping it will open the door for many more and some day ... some day ... a full marathon.

I have come to the realization that there are numerous benefits in running long distance.

1. You can eat. A lot. The average runner burns about 100 - 125 calories per mile. On Sunday when I ran 7.2 miles, I had to eat peanut butter pancakes to keep up my calorie intake.
2. You feel refreshed.
3. You feel like you can do anything. Each week, I run farther than I ever have before. It is a dream come true for me to run more than 20 miles a week.
4. There are no gym fees.
5. Running is better in the rain.
6. Lower blood pressure ... which most likely balances out the blood pressure I have as a teacher.
7. Stress reliever (see lower blood pressure)
8. Exhilaration and euphoria (the ultimate runner's high)
9. You can run races that benefit good causes ... like the CCRR Half Marathon! All proceeds go to the Lansing Impression 5 Science Center.
10. Think time + prayer time = personal growth

If you're thinking about running the CCRR, let me know. There is also a 5k and kids mile.

"Run to your dreaming" - DMB

xo

Kait

Stephenson Highway

On Friday, August 5th, I moved to Madison Heights. The move was uneventful and I had the help of many friends and family to smooth over the process. I am living in the Stephenson House Apartments on Stephenson Highway and 12 mile. It's a great location but my next door neighbor is I-75 which will take some getting used to.

I was lucky enough this past week to live in the same city as my fiance, Bill Popielarz, for the first time in a year. He has been incredibly kind and gracious as I adjust to moving away from home. We actually just found out that he was offered a full time job at KPMG, an international accounting firm, in Detroit!!! He'll start next summer as an auditor. We're already building our dream home in our minds where our dream golden retrievers, Levon (see Elton John) and Avett (listen to I and Love and You by The Avett Brothers), will live.

I am hoping this blog will be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Please e-mail (kopersk2@gmail.com), call, send mail (let me know if you want my address!), or leave comments on the blog. I am looking forward to this new adventure and I can't wait to share the stories along the way! I am a very blessed young woman.

xo

Kait