President's
Message:
As I
write my first message as president, I am reminded about how I came
to be here.
Caryl
Lorandini was president when I first became aware of and involved
with NCMTA.
She
encouraged me to become more involved, which I did, by presenting a
workshop at the “How to
Make
Math Count” Conference. I had already been attending the conference
for years. I was also a presenter at Family Math Day. Who could say
no to Sandy Cohen!!! Then, in 2002, I was honored to be chosen as
Elementary Math Teacher of the Year. But believe it or not, I was
still intimidated by, and in awe of, these math professionals who
were so smart, so involved and so connected to each other.
Then,
one day, I received an invitation from Maryann Mansfield ( who was
President at the time) asking me to come to an executive board
meeting. Needless to say, I went to the meeting and the rest is
history!
Following in Maryann’s footsteps will not be an easy task. I will
look to her and the executive board
for
guidance and support.
On a
somber note, a very large hole has been created by the passing of
Sandy Cohen. It is hard to imagine how one person could have done
all that she did. With the help of many ,
we will
try. Rose Ricca has volunteered to chair Family Math Day and has had
two organizational meetings already.
Dorothy
Hess has been amazing with all she does, especially the How to Make
Math Count Conference.
Thanks
to Barbara Levine and Maryann Mansfield, the Spring Dinner was one
of the best. We honored wonderful teachers and look forward to
their active participation in NCMTA. Leadership and creativity are
always welcomed.
Although
this will be a challenging year, I am looking forward to the many
activities and programs that are planned. Our calendar is full!!
Speaking
of the calendar, I am sure you have heard that the state has moved
the GR 3-8 Math and Reading Assessments to May(). I know this will
have an impact on some schedules. We await further clarification
from the state regarding these changes
and the
effect on Pre-March and Post-March Performance Indicators.
The
Kick-Off on Sept. 22 at Carle Place Middle School was a great
success! This is only the beginning.
Join us
for a great year!
Grace
