Where I've Been

I grew up in the northeast Bronx. My grandparents were immigrants from Italy,and I lived in a neighborhood, surrounded by friends and family. I went to Catholic schools in the Bronx, and then went to Southampton College/Long Island University for a degree in Envronmental Science. After college, I got a M.B.A from Pace University in Human Resources, and worked as a Labor Relation Manager at St. Vincent's Hospital in NYC. I stopped working after children, lived on City Island, and enjoyed my life with boating and  raising my kids.  I returned  to my true passion in life, when I went back to school for a M.S. in Secondary Education in Science.  I have two boys, a 8th grader and a high school senior, and live in a great town, Yorktown, NY.

My Life as an Educator

I am teaching Physical Science in a large middle school in Westchester, NY. Physical Science is a great course to teach because I teach some Chemistry,Physics, and Earth Science. I include lots of fun stuff for the kids to do, and I do some great demonstrations with toys. I use my son's race car collection in Physics, and Legos are useful in Chemistry. We build Roller Coasters with foam insulation tubing and marbles. I even have a contest, and take pictures of the winners!

When I'm Not Working...

I love being outdoors, and whenever I can, I am on my bike on the North County Trailway, or walking in Mohansic State Park. In the summer, I am on the water, either on our boat in Long Island Sound or kayaking in the Croton River. Of couse, I spend a lot of time as a taxi driver, going to and from my kids' sporting events. I love basketball ( not the Knicks right now), and  I am a true Yankee fan, despite George Steinbrenner! As my older son decides on colleges, I really cherish my time with my boys. I know this part of my life is getting to an end.
My husband and I love the Myrtle Beach area, and keep thinking about moving south, and staying warm.

Cool Web Sites I Like

Marco Polo is the best site for Web-based learning.  Start at the search page and you will have tons of useful lesson plans about your topic.

 http://www.marcopolosearch.org/mpsearch/basic_search.asp

Love these sites for  MIddle School Science  curriculum, lessons, activities, and links.

MIddle School Science

Science spot

 Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

I am always looking for rubrics and assessments. This is one of the best rubric-maker site I have found:
Rubrics, Rubrics, ...