Hey Friends! Holly here, from Kindergarten Connections.
It’s here. The LONG stretch. You know, the stretch from Christmas break to
spring break.
Most of us are going
to work in the dark…and driving home in the dark, too!
The weather is cold
and dreary…and there are LOTS
of inside recess periods. UGH!
#thankgoodnessforgonoodle
Do
you find yourself a little uninspired? Tired?
In
need of a little encouragement?
Perhaps you teach in a small school like me, with only one class
per grade level. Do you sometimes feel
alone and in need of someone to challenge and/or support you?
Heck, maybe you even teach at a super-sized school with a
dozen other classes at your level, and a dozen other same grade-level teachers…yet
you still don’t have another teacher with whom you really feel connected or “on
the same” page.
Perhaps that is what you brought you to following
blogs. That
is “my story!”
Well, my blogging friends…Let me suggest something that may
just re-energize and reinvigorate your teaching…
Blogger
Meet-Ups!
They are popping up all across the country…and they are helping
to create some awesome support networks for teachers, as well as helping to
develop some amazing friendships!
{Just a couple shots from the 2014 Summer Vegas Teacher Blogger Meet-Up!}
Keep your eyes open for one near you…and JUST GO! Meet-ups are an awesome way to get connected with
other like-minded teachers. Even if you
are shy and are hesitant to go by yourself because you don’t know anyone, {A-hum…that used to be me!!} step out of your comfort zone and trust me! You will not regret it! Meet-ups are designed to help build
relationships! Give it a try!
Don’t know of one in your area?? Well then, come to “my” area! Many Blog
Hoppers will be hoppin’ on over to Indiana this March for the Spring Teacher-Blogger Meet-Up! We have people coming in from all over the
U.S.!
Check out the details below…and
JOIN US!
2015 Spring Teacher Blogger Meet-Up
Hey bloggers (and blog stalkers!)... looking for a weekend of fun?
The French Lick Resort and Casino in French Lick, Indiana, has graciously offered to host our 2nd Annual Spring Blogger Meet-Up!
This incredible resort is located in southern Indiana...but is within 3 hours of Cincinnati, Nashville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis!
And let me tell you...they are ready to pamper us again!
Here are the details...
WHO: YOU are invited!
WHAT: Spring Teacher-Blogger/Follower Meet-Up
WHEN: March 13, 14 & 15, 2015
WHY: To meet new friends, share blogging & TPT tricks & tips,
and just have fun! {LOTS and LOTS of FUN!}
Need a little inspiration? Want to re-energize your teaching?
Then join us for this fun filled weekend!
Below is the basic agenda for the weekend. Join us for the whole weekend, or just a day!
(Please note that if you are interested, there is a link at the bottom of this post you can follow to tentatively register. Once you submit your info, I will send you (via email/message) even more event details, including hotel discount code. Sometimes it's better not to post "too" much info on-line!)
Friday, March 13th
IF YOU CHOOSE... You may check in on Friday night and check out the resort on your own.. or meet up with those of us who check in early! Rooms will be offered at the French Lick Springs Hotel in the "blogger block" for a discounted rate. (There is a concert on the grounds Friday night, so the rate for Friday is higher than Saturday's rate. Friday's rate is $205 and Saturday's rate is $169.) Regular rooms have two queen beds and sleep 4...but there is room to add a roll-away and pack in even more co-workers or blogging friends! The room rate doesn't change...you just have one person book the room and then split the cost! Also, please note that during registration you can indicate that if you are willing to share a room with another teacher(s) and I can match you up with other teachers to save some money!
Saturday, March 14th
12:30 pm - Blogger Meet-Up Luncheon
(Private Meeting Room at the French Lick Springs Hotel)
Join us for a get-to-know-you luncheon event filled with TONS prizes and product give-aways! We guarantee some epic teacher-swag giveaways, my friends! We had over $10,000 in the BEST teacher product giveaways last year... and we are working on surpassing that this year! We will also be playing some seriously fun get to know ya' games, which will result in forming friendships for life! Oh! And I can't forget to mention our annual "Teacher Tool" gift swap game! #funandfunctional
The cost for attending this luncheon event will be $35, which includes your lunch and beverages, as well as a portion of the room reservation/technology fees. This is the ONLY required fee for the entire weekend! The rest of the event (hotel fees, if you choose to stay on site, and the remainder of the meal fees will be on your own, based on your choices!). If you live close, you may choose to drive in for the day. This fee needs to be paid by Feb. 25 to guarantee your registration. (More details for payment will be sent via email/FB messager if you register using link at bottom of this post.)
2:00 pm - Teacher Tips & Tricks for Blogging, TPT and more!
After the luncheon and meet-up fun, we will be having a sharing session about teacher technology, blogging and creating TPT products. Bring some of your best ideas and a list of your favorite resources to share with others! You might want to bring your laptop for this too! This session is totally optional...but is a fun way to share ideas and set up networks for blogging, Pinterest, "linky" parties, etc. Last year's workshop session was INCREDIBLE... and this year's will be even better! We will be sending out an email survey to everyone who registers, asking for topics of interest. Then, we will be recruiting topic discussion leaders with experience/expertise on the hottest teacher topics to help facilitate our group sharing. Oh! And look forward to lots and lots of informal pop-up presentations, as our questions lead us! We will also be doing some round-table sessions with special topic/grade-level break outs. We believe everyone has an area of expertise and something to share!
5:30 pm - Dinner Reservations at Resort Restaurant/s
We will meet up for dinner at one of the resort's casual, but classy restaurants! This event is not required (just in case you plan to bring your spouse and would prefer a romantic dinner!?), but we will be offering group reservations for dinner that will offer an incredible meal at reasonable prices! (We are teachers, ya' know!)
7 pm - After Dinner Options
After dinner, attendees may go their own ways, or travel in groups via complimentary shuttle, to any of the resort's entertainment hot spots! Suggested group after dinner activities include visiting the West Baden Hotel's spectacular dome, where you can enjoy drinks at Ballard's Bar while watching the dome's colored light show, or visiting the French Lick Casino for some gaming fun! Other options include visiting the Xanadu Coffee & Creamery for dessert or gathering with new friends in one of the resort's grand lobbies to share blogging tips and tricks!
9 pm - Blogger PJ Party!
Pack your favorite pajamas, throw on your comfy socks...and join us for an epic blogger PJ party!
We have some incredible surprises in store for you...and GUARANTEED FUN!
You won't want to miss this! We have some awesome sponsors helping us make this PJ Party a night to remember! #eeks #icanhardlywait
Sunday, March 15th
9:30 am - Sunday Breakfast/Brunch
We will meet at the resort's famous breakfast buffet for our last gathering!
Good food, good conversations, and goodbyes!
After brunch, you are free to explore the resort or head home,
re-energized to be the best teacher-blogger you can be!
Wondering if this event is something you might be interested in? Check out what some of last year's attendees have to say...
Annie W. "Spending time with fellow teachers who share my passion for teaching and blogging was SOOOO invigorating and exactly what I needed last year. Heck this meet up is one of the big reasons I decided to become a TPT seller. Loved seeing and meeting new blogging buddies while exploring the gorgeous resort. Between the tips and tricks from experienced bloggers and the fun experiences we shared I will definitely be going again. "
Kelsey B. "This meet-up was so inspiring! I left ready to teach and excited about what I do. It is so fun to meet other teachers that share the same passion as you and are willing to share their ideas with you. I had never created anything on TpT, and I learned so much. I met new teachers that I've stayed in close contact with and have learned so much from. It was definitely a weekend I remember and look forward to!"
Allison S. "This meet-up was very well put together and exciting because it included a room full of people just like me! It's refreshing to be in a room full of people that have the same passion for teaching that you do! It was rejuvenating and inspiring to meet new people and get new, fresh ideas! Can't wait for the 2015 meet-up!"
That sounds like so much fun!
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I can't come this spring but if you host another one, I would really love to do something like this!!
ReplyDeleteDespite being state of the art and fully equipped, most conference room are available at exceptionally competitive rates. You can also get a bespoke pricing package based on the arrangements you need to make.
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