Tip -- Making this the best summer of your life

The countdown is here. In 48 hours the last student will give you a hug, a handshake, or a glare 😏 and will head out the door--richer in knowledge, in character, in understanding, in self-esteem, in passion, and in curiosity because of YOU.  You’ve given your best, your all, more than you had to give many days. Now it is YOUR time. 

This great blog, “Get the Most Out of Summer,” by Vicki Davis, has some wonderful suggestions for your summertime relaxation and rejuvenation.  Without refreshing and restoring yourself, you won’t have the inner resources to give to students at that same level of commitment and intensity in September.  So, read the blog in its entirety here, or skim our version below.  Whatever you do, take action to bring back your sparkle and health and inner joy.

Bridget and I have the utmost respect and admiration for the work you do every day. We have been privileged to be in your classrooms, to see your magic, to witness the struggles we all face in an impossible job, but to also witness the celebrations and joys and triumphs. You have the hardest AND most rewarding job in our country. Celebrate. Relax. Enjoy your summer. 

And, thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

Brooke and Bridget

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Brooke and Bridget’s recommendation to make this summer the BEST ever!  Make a list of what you want to do by the end of the summer, but don’t make it all about “should” and “have to” items.  Include items such as: “Read 10 novels,” “Set up at least five lunches with five friends,” “Ride bikes as a family at least five times,” “Take a nap at least once a week,” “Take the kids to outdoor story hour and play on the playground equipment without ever checking the time (or phone!),”  “Take the kayak out on the lake, and read a book there,” “Go to at least three museums with the kids.” By including fun, personal, soul-filling items on your list, you will be better able to justify and accomplish the things we too often fail to make time for.

Note: The bolded headings are from Davis’ article, but the commentary below is from Brooke and Bridget.

1. Take Time Each Day to Go Outside: Lie on a blanket and stare at the sky. Touch a tree.  Leap into a lake. Sit outside and listen to the birds.

2. Use a Journal to Capture Your Best Thinking: Use a journal to free your mind and to discover what you are grateful for, what you need to solve, what warmed your heart, and what you want to remember.

3. Take a Digital Vacation: Spend real time with others and with yourself. Stash the computer, the cell phone, the Ipad.

4. Waste Some Time, Guilt-Free: Sit and do nothing. Take a nap. Read a great book. Lie in a hammock. Laugh. Have a three-hour lunch with an old friend.

5. Go on an Adventure: Choose something that scares or challenges you—a race, a zipline, learning to swim, making homemade jam. Try it out, and celebrate your victory.

6. Do Something Meaningful: Is there a volunteer opportunity you can do without burning yourself out? Is there something that will give more back to you than you give to it? Is there something that will change you and humble you and stretch you?

7. Get Back on Track Physically: Teachers tend to let fitness and nutrition lag during the school year. Now is your time to energize yourself through exercise and healthy eating. Your mood will soar, your body will be grateful, and you’ll have more energy to waste time J if you wish.

8. (Left for last on purpose!) Prepare for School Intentionally: If you have lessons or units to prepare, your classroom to set up, and  boxes at home to sort, set a specific time to do this. Don’t let the burden of guilt sit on your back all summer, and then frantically work like a maniac the week before school starts.  Separate your work time and your play time--by building in your work time intentionally, you can keep the play time sacred.

 Whatever you do, have compassion for yourself, and make your relaxation a priority.

Final Tahoma Student Tributes to Life-Changing Teachers

Welcome to the final follow-up to the May 24 blog about the traits of life-changing teachers. This week we are again featuring the results of a Google survey we did at the four Tahoma secondary schools. asking students to share a sentence or two about life-changing teachers—those teachers who made school feel like a place students wanted to be, who served as a role model, or who changed the student in some way.  

We've tried to include at least one comment for all of the teachers named. In addition, we'll be sending any unpublished comments to teachers. Thanks to all who encouraged their students to participate! And, thanks to all of you who give and give and give...and change lives for students who sometimes don't realize it until much later.  Even if you aren't mentioned,  know that you have changed lives, created passions, built character, and touched hearts. There is NO more important job anywhere.


Jerry Papers -- TJH -- He taught me to think critically and to not let that get in the way of my imagination and curiosity.

Ken Riggs -- THS -- This teacher has been my highest role model for the last 3 years of my life, ever since 8th grade. He makes me gain the urge of coming to school so i can be a part of the choir program that he provides at Tahoma. I love going on field trips with him (especially Disneyland) and I love how he gets along with students in his classes. Even if I feel like I may be the worst in my class I still feel like I am a part of something because of Riggs.

Becky Doubles-- TMS -- I love history, especially ancient history, and Mrs. Doubles was the best teacher because she taught that subject and she made it really fun by making us do all these little projects for them. She also would read these little mystery stories at the end of each class and the class would try to guess what the mystery was.

John Hurtin -- TJH -- When I was younger I went through a lot in my life, and one event that made me different from everyone else and that was having brain surgery. I was bullied in second grade for this and my self esteem went way down. One day during my English class, as some people do, they break out crying. Well, that happend and he was willing to listen unlike some of my peers in school, so it meant a lot that he was willing to do this for a student. So he made me feel more open about this event that has literally scarred me for life. So that is why Mr. Hurtin is one of the best teachers ever.

Randy Sias -- TJH -- Every time I go to class there is something new and exciting to learn! Mr.Sias always has a positive attitude and makes learning so much more interesting! Mr.Sias is a great teacher because you know he cares about all his students.

Jennifer Yegge -- CRMS -- When I first went into middle school, I was really shy and didn't have many friends to hang out with. Ms. Yegge helped our class to become a close group of students. Whether it was doing group posters or table labs, I quickly made friends in that class that I still have today. Her smile and sense of humor made the class and my whole sixth-grade year much more enjoyable.


Ken Loomis -- THS -- First of all I liked his class so much I came on senior skip day. He told me about all the marine biology jobs that are available. And it was really cool to listen and learn from him. This class is probably is the most I've ever learned from.

Bev Kesselring -- TJH -- She's helped me see things from a new and different perspective, and helped me be more comfortable with having group discussions even if I disagree with any of the students.

Russ Hayden -- TJH -- He is super nice, always one to make the class laugh and teach at the same time and just a very caring person overall, somone who is always saying you can do it let's go!

Darren Collins -- THS -- He is our robotics coach and he has allowed me and other kids in the robotics club and class to develop marketable and valuable skills. He is willing to put in very long hours during Build season, sometimes as late as 1-2 AM. Without his support and love for robotics, our club couldn't be as good as we are today. Some teachers go above and beyond, but Mr. Collins is already on Mars, based off of that metaphor.

Penny Blair -- TJH -- She made me realize sometimes you have to be tough on people and not to be intimidated by that. She was patient with me when I sucked at sewing on a button and cross stitch.

Katherine Hart -- TJH -- Mrs. Hart made learning fun and when I was having a difficult time in my life she helped me through it. She is in my opinion the best health teacher there is.

Jamie Mercer -- TMS -- Mrs.Mercer was my all time favorite IEP teacher ever! I miss her so much! When she co-thought with Mrs.Stroup I loved it so much!

Lara Carlson -- TJH -- Ms. Carlson brought me to my best. And with talking with her made me learn a skill of socializing. And overall my favorite teacher in any school I went to. To include I look up to her as a role model and teaches things that I never learn in my past years.

Abby Durrett -- THS -- I really look up to her because she has a very pure heart and makes the classroom a warm, welcoming environment. She really shows that she sees us as humans and we do have lives outside of school. She has also taught me a lot, not just English but also life lessons. She is truly inspiring and a great role model and pushes us to be the best we can be.

Vasili Andrews -- TMS -- Mr. Andrews served as a role model for me as my sixth grade language arts teacher because within the school year he was able to completely change my point of view on the subject. I have always liked language arts, and have always excelled and had it easy in that class, but Mr. Andrews pushed me to do better and to test my academic limits. He also served as a positive role model for me because he treated all of us kids with the same respect he treated adults, and helped everyone feel like they and their education mattered. He was also one of the most genuinely fun teachers I have ever had, and class was never boring because he was able to take a basic lesson and make it memorable. I always looked forward to coming to his class and he will forever have changed my point of view on the subject, and is one of the best teachers I have ever had.

Dan Howell -- THS -- He is very fun to be around, always joking around with students. He's also very understanding and considerate and he makes coming to school enjoyable.

Gary Conner -- TJH -- Mr. Conner my P.E teacher has helped me get stronger in lifting. He has helped me work harder and get stronger through this year.

Dan Nelson -- TJH -- Mr. Nelson helped to prepare me for years of AP English to come, but also taught me the inner workings of humor in human nature, and how to live happily through laughing at oneself.

Jackie Day -- TMS -- Even though I wasn't good at singing, she was my favorite choir teacher ever! She always would make us laugh and made learning to sing so much fun.

Ginny Tubbs -- THS -- Ms. Tubbs has completely kept it real with us students since day one. She has taught me many lessons beyond ASL. From job interview tips to being a responsible decisions maker, I will forever remember the things she's taught me.

Jen Dunham -- TJH -- In my previous year of math, I just completely flunked math, and I was really worried that it'd be the same situation, but now I'm passing with a decent grade, and it's because you took the time to re-teach us some of the things that we should've learned in Pre-Algebra. You were a big help to me.

Mitch Boyer -- THS -- he was a good teacher and he made the class fun and made me look forward to going into the class

Tom Milligan -- TJH -- This past semester of health was very fun. He has a fun learning environment, and helps use out when we participate.

Elissa Buckley -- CRMS -- She's not just someone I worked for, but someone who I also live in the same neighborhood as which is why I would like to turn back the clock to when we first met in which I forgot when that was. Everyday at school, she would always come and keep me company even though I didn't mind being the loner of the whole school, but she would always talk to me for little bit or just reply in a nice way whenever I had a question/wanted something (i.e. high five). So yeah, she wasn't just someone whom I worked for, but someone whom I see everyday when school is not in session. I would say she's almost like the current TJHS security officer, just sayin'.

Dale Lehman -- THS -- He has helped me so much these past 2 years. Super patient and understanding. Also very funny, couldn't have done this school year without him.

Celeste Blay -- THS -- She helped me to understand algebra in a different way. She recognizes that sometimes note-taking isn't the best way to learn things, and frequently employs other, more hands-on activities to help us learn the material.

Joscelyn Strasser -- THS -- I just moved here this year from another state, so adjusting was hard- a new place, new people, new everything. The first day I walked into Strasser's class she opened up to me, found something for us to connect with, and immediately began to help me adapt to Tahoma's competitive system. Throughout the year, I have had some things happen that weren't exactly in my favor and she has been there, supporting and committing to me. I would say that Strasser is definitely a fantastic teacher, but she is also my friend and I love her because of her passion and drive for what she does every single day.

Abby Durrett -- THS -- I really look up to her because she has a very pure heart and makes the classroom a warm, welcoming environment. She really shows that she sees us as humans and we do have lives outside of school. She has also taught me a lot, not just English but also life lessons. She is truly inspiring and a great role model and pushes us to be the best we can be.

David Reynoldson-- CRMS -- I could never string together a coherent sentence explaining how much you changed my life. There are many words in the world but the ones in my vocabulary could never express how thankful I was, and still am for all of the support you provided me. You taught me the most important life lessons I have learned. Thank you

Adam Rubeck -- THS -- You taught me more lessons than just what your curriculum required of you. You taught me how to expand my compassion, and how to recognize when people were sending me bad vibes. You showed me the importance of taking a breath (literally and metaphorically), and the consequences that can result from misjudgment. You are a real blessing, Rubes.

Bud Cross -- TJH --Mr. Cross helped me realize what can be don in engineering. He helped show me the possibilities of robotics, and, even though our robot wasn't that good, it was loads of fun.

Lisa Monn -- THS -- Ms. Monn makes school a place I want to be because she doesn't judge anyone and she is very kind. She always brightens my day and gives me a comfortable place to be and learn.

Marie Betlach -- THS -- She inspires me to try my hardest, and teaches in a very understandable and interesting way.

Chris Poquette -- TJH -- As a new teacher coming in and taking over a social studies class, it was no easy job for you. I remember when Mr. DePiano first left, he told us to give you a chance since you seemed like a really chill guy. He was right. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me to do my best, and making learning fun. Stay cool, Mr. Poquette!

Zack Pittis --THS -- Mr. Pittis is a great teacher because he truly lets students work for themselves, and doesn't hold our hand throughout all assignments. He doesn't force us to do anything, and doesn't helicopter through class. He does what he needs to do, and the students that are striving to be successful will shine in their hard work. He also uses his very funny and dry humor throughout class as he tells stories, and makes is life relatable and overall a fun person to be around.

Alex Hipolito -- THS -- This teacher is my role model because he would do things to make my day more enjoyable & create an environment that wasn't boring but fun. He was also willing to explain in depth the things we learned so that we understood it more deeply.

Jen McCoy -- THS -- Mrs. McCoy helped me to see art as a splendid career topic, and gave me the tools necessary to succeed in a digital world.

Al Turnbow -- TJH -- Though I may have been trouble in Mr. Turnbow's class, He modified my mindset about foreign language, and served as a role model for my success is the next few years of high school.

Jeana Haag -- THS -- Mrs. Haag made class a comfortable environment that allowed to grow as a person and use creativity in the best way. (Dance Class) She also helped me discover what I want to be when I graduate and gave me the opportunity to be in that role of work.

Marcie Brown -- TMS -- She is fun and goofy and when the kids in our classroom get too loud, she makes the class quiet. She also she helps me whenever I struggle in math; she is kind too.

Ben Simmons -- THS -- I use to hate going to math but he has made math fun and where I do not hate attending. Also, math has gotten easier and less stressful.

Sara Stephens -- TMS -- Mrs. Stephens showed me that if you don't get something, it is very easy to get help from staff. Mrs. Stephens also put a smile on my face every day because her teaching style and happiness made me feel like I was important.

Tracy deLeon -- THS -- She showed me how much she cared that I understood what I was learning. And she gave me her extra time before and after school to help me. And she has been a good friend I can talk to.

Jamie Bryce -- THS -- Ms.Bryce is the best teacher I have ever meet. She cares so much about what she teaches but more importantly she cares about her students. She makes chemistry interesting and fun. I will always remember and love learning from her.

Barb Bucy -- TMS -- Mrs Bucy has always been kind to me and treated me like a friend and not just some average Joe. She made me feel welcomed and helped me through some tough times this year. Thank you!!

Kristen Eisele -- THS -- Ms. Eisele, takes the time to pick out a new quote that she reads to us every class that she either relates to or knows we will. She takes the time to get to know everyone and what is going on with us and whats new, as well as our interests. She does this without getting to involved in our lives but in a way that makes me want to talk to her.

Drew Tocco -- TJH -- Mr Tocco was by far the best teacher I've ever had. He was for sure the greatest of all time go bears you is kind you is smart you is important.

Shelby Merlini -- THS -- Ms. Merlini acts as my second mom and that's something I love about her. I love how I can be so open with her and tell her everything. She is a great role model and someone I really look up to.

Scott Mercer -- TJH -- Mr. Mercer, you taught me in Pre-AP US History and really got me excited not only for your class but for school in general. I learned a lot in your class but what I remember most is how much of an upstanding man you are and how you really could connect with me as more than just a student. Thank you so much for impacting me the way you did.

Luke Thompson -- THS -- While taking his class I learned that college isn't everything. There's so much more you can do in the world. Mr. Thompson opened my eyes.

Scott Newton -- TJH -- Mr. Newton was a very good teacher, and taught me more then just how to work in a shop but how to work with a purpose and creativity. He was always a supporting teacher, and kept me improving on my work.