Pinch Me!

Those of you who know me well know I have a strong education background. For many years I taught with the Head Start program and then moved on into Early childhood education administration. I am determined to do what I can to help children be successful in their education. For the past two years as my youngest daugther entered public school, I have been a volunter at school. In the classroom, as part of the school governing board, on committees, and a strong advocate for character education! Most recently I have gotten involved on the district level working on projects for the Superintendent of schools. So many great things happening in our district that I want to be a part of!

On January 27th I received an e-mail from Parenting magazine saying it was the last chance to enter the Mom Congress contest. I had until the 31st to submit a 300 word essay and photo for a chance to be chosen. I was energized by this opportunity and went to work writing. Well, if you know me well at all, you know I have a lot to say! Really? Only 300 words? This took me a very long time as I had to continue to find ways to tweak and change until I had reached the 300 word limit. I had EXACTLY 300 words in my essay! LOL

So fast forward to Sunday February 13th. I received a message in my inbox that said, "Congratulations Lisa. You have been selected to represent Wisconsin at Parenting magazine’s Mom Congress on Education and Learning conference in Washington, DC this April"!

For a moment or two I just stared at that e-mail in disbelief? Seriously? Out of all the very involved and talented parents I know we have in Wisconsin, they are asking me to travel to Washington D.C. to represent our great state? Jaw dropping, really. But within minutes I went from shock to pure elation! This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me!   So in April I am off to Washington D.C. will 50 other mom's who are working hard to change the face of education!  We will spend 4 days meeting, learning, and connecting and I hope to return home even more energized than I already am!  (if that is possible)  U.S. Education Secretary, Arne Duncan will also be speaking at the event which should be very exciting! 

So, I just wanted to share a bit with you...........and part of the reason I do not post as frequently is that I do many hours each week in volunteer work for our schools. I challenge each of you to get involved! Find your passion, a topic that is really important to you at your child's school. Then use your skills to advocate for change, see what you can do to help, and get others engaged! Together we will work to help all students be successful!

I would love to hear what you have done or are currently doing to help out your school or school district!   Maybe next year you will go to Mom Congress representing your state!