A little about me

It is not very often that I blog about myself. I always find my husband, or son way more interesting than myself, but this week I have something that happened that I would like to write about (for journal purposes). I was voted VIP for my school, and was honored at the school board meeting. I was completely surprised that my peers (other teachers) would think of me as someone who would deserves this honor. I am very blessed to be in such a great profession, at a great school. I have only been teaching for 5 years, and have such a long way to go. My principal wrote a little information about me, and read it the board and others in the audience - I have asked her for a copy of it and once I get it I will post that as well. Sorry about the picture Daniel took it and I didn't know! So here it is - what my principal said about me :
Please help me to welcome Jessica Petrie. This is Jessica’s fifth year as a teacher at Riverchase Elementary. Ms. Petrie is our third grade math teacher. Ms. Petrie is a true product of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. She attended Blanton Elementary from 1986-1992 then finished up her elementary years at Furneaux Elementary. She attended middle school at Dan F. Long and then was a member of the 1999 graduating class of Newman Smith High School. In May of 2003, Ms. Petrie graduated from the Brigham Young University with a bachelors’ degree in Elementary Education. We are very blessed that she chose to become a teacher and return to this district. Ms. Petrie is very active in all the “happenings” of Riverchase.
This year Ms. Petrie attends Riverchase PTA Board meetings and General meetings as the liaison for the PTA and teachers. Ms. Petrie’s students have been very active with the district Green Team. She has organized our Riverchase Eagle Watt Watchers. And if you are not careful the students will issue you a ticket for leaving your lights on. I know this because I did receive one last year. Ms. Petrie has organized collections for the Educational Foundation and was able to achieve 100% participation. Ms. Petrie is also the Gifted and Talented Liaison for Riverchase.
When asked why Ms. Petrie should get this award some of her colleagues said things such as: “She is a true team player.” “Jessica always wants best for her students.” “She will volunteer for any job that needs to be done.”
“She should be mother of the year.”
Ms. Petrie participated in Riverchase’s Annual Talent Show with a few of us other brave souls, dancing and singing to YMC. It was a great laugh for the audience. No one, however, asked us to try out for American Idol.
In her spare time, Ms. Petrie has a family that she takes care of. William her son is almost 2 and her husband Daniel is finishing his degree in nursing at Texas Women’s University. .
Ms. Petrie comes to school early and stays late tutoring her students. She wants all students to be successful and has worked very hard this year with the new math program to make sure all of the 3rd graders at Riverchase make great gains in math. I feel that she is a great teacher, and we at Riverchase are truly blessed to have her at our campus. Please help me honor Jessica Petrie as Riverchase’s newest VIP.



Here is a picture of my team mates. They are such a great support to me and I love teaching with them! Jeff has taught 3rd grade in Plano, and then 4th at our school, but this year moved down to 3rd grade. Jessica started teaching at Riverchase just a year after me. We have been teaching together ever since. We both taught 2nd together, and then moved up to 3rd together. They are both dear friends and I am glad they came to support me. There were other teachers that came as well. I am also glad that my family could come and support me. My parents where there along with my two little sisters, and older brother Jeff with his family. It was a great feeling to know I have so much support.



--Jessica beat me to posting about this but I have to say that I am so pleased with Jessica and her efforts. She really is an outstanding teacher and works very hard for both her kids and for the school. Jessica volunteers her time for almost every event the school plans and I love her enthusiasm for teaching. I really think she deserves the honor of V.I.P. and want her to know how much I love her. One of the things her principle relayed to those present at the meeting was that she deserves "Mother of the Year" as well. Now while this was said in jest in a different context (one I will let her explain if she so chooses) I really believe that. Jessica puts in countless hours up at the school and then comes home to some pretty needy boys. She works hard to provide for the family emotionally, spiritually, and financially (she is putting me through school until I can take over this last role). I am so lucky to have a woman of such caliber in my life. Jessica is my V.I.P., my Valentine, but most important, she is my wife. I love you Jessica!
--me