Nicole Haskins Prater

This is so exciting. Like all of you, I too was upset to see our beloved newsletter possibly ending, so I am really pleased that Ingrid stepped up to the plate and got us going here. Something tells me that we'll update this more often and keep in better touch than we ever have!

My husband, Adam, and I are still living in Virginia Beach, VA and enjoying ourselves. We don't have any children yet but we hope to have a family someday soon. (I'll keep you posted should anything happen!) I teach 5th grade this year and he is enjoying teaching middle school science. Since we both teach, it's a great schedule to be able to be at home at the same time and get to do the many activities we enjoy together. We have two sweet yellow labs, Cooper and Baxter, and a big back yard for them to run around and play. I have included our Christmas Card from this year to show you how big they are!

It's hard to believe, but I've been teaching for 10 years now (and boy am I starting to feel my age.) I still enjoy the classroom, but it seems like it's getting tougher each year--when it should be getting easier. The tasks piled upon us that weren't there before because someone thought it would be a great "new program" to have, is really starting to wear on me. My theory is that if I can come home most days with a smile after being with 27 students each day, then it's still worth being in the classroom. (I know what you're thinking....I almost died when they told me that is how big my class was going to be this year! Plus I have a switch class, so I see 53 kids each day.)

Anyway, I can't wait to keep checking our new blog and seeing what all of you have been up to. Keep in touch! NICOLE