Spotlight on student Rachelle

 Spotlight on Student- Rachelle Taylor

     This week for my spotlight on a previous student of mine, I would like to spotlight Rachelle Taylor.  I remember in fifth grade Rachelle was so excited about learning!  Everything we studied, she was all in, and gave it 100%!  Working in groups was easy for her, because she was a team player.  I’m so excited she is sharing her talents with lots of children and adults, because she is a teacher!

     I remember when we were doing W.O.W. (Working on the Work to make work more engaging for students), and we studied about Sound and Light. Her group did such a great job!  I will never forget their performance with their instruments. She used a flashlight, styrofoam, and popcorn inside the styrofoam to make an instrument that produced sound and light. They wrote their own song and performed before the class.  They also learned so much about sound and light. I think every student in the class was engaged. It was great and I was so proud of them!

     She is using her talents and gifts while starting her 11th year of teaching.  She has taught kindergarten and 1st grade. (currently 1st). I think kindergarten and first grade are such important grades and require such a special and wonderful teacher. She has been awarded Green Apple Teacher, Distinguished Classroom Teacher and Teacher of the Year throughout her journey! Wow, that’s impressive! 

     She currently serves as a Multi Classroom Leader. This means she not only teaches first graders— she also mentors a future teacher for three years and coaches  her team!  She says this is very rewarding and a privilege!  That sounds just like her.  She was always helping others and loved being a part of a team, while in fifth grade, and she continues this today. She encourages others and loves to see others succeed! I can see she is still enjoying learning and giving! 

     She loves spending time with her family during her free time. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for eight years and they have an amazing seven year old little boy, Jackson! I am so proud of Rachelle!  Thank you so much for making a positive difference in our world!Rachelle Ann TaylorPatrice Carter Denise Ivey

 

My 2nd book- A Little Book About Peace

 It isn’t enough to talk about peace. 

One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough

 to believe in it. One must work at it.” 

          —Eleanor Roosevelt 

I’m excited because my 2nd book about peace was published today, and is on amazon.  This is a description of my book

This book deals with important issues like focusing  on our attitude, finances, setting goals, never giving up, being content no matter what our circumstances are, and putting others first. Suggestions on how to react to the different issues and research about the quotes are also included. Referring to a single quote a day and reflecting on how you used it, could be a very important step in your growth to a more peaceful life. The book discusses how striving to help others is a central focus of inner peace, as well as world peace.

If you can part with a around $10 and would like to read one of my books and help me pass peace, here is the link.  Thank you for spreading peace and kindness.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-About-Peace-2nd/dp/B0B5KQD69H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=23YLBOE46F6IY&keywords=a+little+book+about+peace+y+Denise+ivey&qid=1657331785&sprefix=a+little+book+about+peace+y+denise+ivey%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1

 If you are looking for some great Fourth of July entertainment, On July 1st, you can bring your blanket or folding chairs and celebrate our Independence together with some great tunes, as one of my former students, Drake Jennings will be performing at JaxFest, Jacksonville High School football stadium, Friday evening, July 1st, at 6:45 P.M.!!!  Fun for the whole family!!!  Stick around as right after the show, the City of Jacksonville will blow up a lot of fireworks for your enjoyment!!!  He hopes to see YOU there!!!!

       

     This week I would like to spotlight Drake Jennings.  In fifth grade, I had no doubt Drake would grow up to be some type of performer with a great message.  While in my class I remember a passion project where Drake dressed up like a historic character and entertained a whole group of students as well as parents. His knowledge of the facts of history and beyond were amazing!  He welcomed questions from anyone, as he stood in confidence and enjoyed every minute.  I was so proud of him!

     I know his parents have encouraged his talents, because he traveled to different places dressing and performing as Elvis, and was even on the cover of a magazine, because he was so great!  His music career has really taken off.

     A couple of months ago he went up to Huntsville to play with the Healed By The Blood Praise Band and said it was a wonderful experience!  He and his band recorded and filmed this for the "Alabama Gospel Roots" show on PBS.  This performance is posted on Drake’s Facebook page, and the  performance starts at around the 36 minute mark in the video. Also, his band went to Bessemer about 3 weeks ago to film for the 100th episode of "Alabama Gospel Roots" and he will post more about that when he receives the information. 

     I am so proud of Drake, and I know he is making a positive difference in so many people’s lives with his message in song.  He has always been so talented, but he is also a wonderful and kind person.  I’m so glad Drake continues to entertain us and make our world better!

     I hope you will be able to go out and support him and his band tonight at the Jacksonville High School football stadium!  I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! Congrats, Drake!