My first classroom door was created way back in 1999.  I decided to go back to teaching after spending 7 years at home raising my 2 children.  I was offered a 4th grade position at Southdown Intermediate School in Huntington, NY.  I was over the moon with excitement!  There was just one problem... my daughter, Becca would be entering 4th grade at Southdown School as well that year.  I was very hesitant to work at the same school (and in the same grade) as my daughter.  I knew I would be teaching some of her close friends (whose parents were my friends).  With Becca's approval (she was excited!), I decided I would give it a try.  If it didn't work, I would transfer out of Southdown.
    What started out as a scary venture turned into one of the greatest experiences in my life.  Because I was teaching my daughter's friends and my friends' children, I knew that I had to give 110% every single day- and I did.  I treated each child as if he/she was my own.  I raised the bar for myself as a teacher, and I haven't lowered it since!

     The Jukebox Year- Each child's name was written on a shiny CD.  I made the jukebox myself and added some music notes.  Although it was fairly simple, I still love that door and the memories it brings back to me!