Hello everyone. It’s your favorite tweens/teens author and educator wishing everyone a safe and beautiful summer. As many of you were already aware, I was out on medical due to having a procedure. Out of my class room for ten weeks, I returned back to work June 5th only to find this beautiful message on my chalk board. I guess me being out for so long took a toll on my sixth graders. It is truly great to be back.
My Students Really Missed me.
June 18, 2013Tell me your honest opinion…The Misfits e-book coming the summer of 2013
May 24, 2013Hello everyone. Summer is on the way and I have some good news to share. Despite of the delayed release of my third book, I am proud to say that it will be available for purchase on smash words the month of June. I am so excited about the release that I am finally displaying the cover for everyone to view. Please write me back when the time allows and let what you think about it.
Mr Hillie…One Awesome Art Teacher Serving Detroit Public Schools!
October 18, 2012
Greetings and Happy Hump Day to you all! To all my fellow educators residing in Michigan, If you’re anything like me, you’re ecstatic that the 2012 MEAP testing window is just about over with! Every afternoon, I teach a very energetic group of male sixth graders. On Wednesdays, they attend Art. Picking them up today, I notice pure creativity at it’s best. My students were making the most beautiful creations out of old newspapers, glue, and water. Out of everything I observed, nothing amazed me more than the paper mask my boys created under the direction of “The Great Mr Hillie.” Seeing creations such as the two above in the picture is just one of the many reasons why schools should retain “The Arts” in every school and every district. Whether it’s dance, drama, art, or band, our kids need these classes just as much as they need reading, math, and science. Kudos to you Mr Hillie. You are one astounding Art Teacher and I am honored to say that I know you.
The 2012 Bully Camp Hosted by Detroit Public Schools
October 8, 2012
Greetings everyone. Wild, the season of Fall is absolutely beautiful. The various assortments of red, orange, and yellow leaves on the maple and oak trees here in Michigan are truly a site to behold.
Two weekends ago, I had the honor of attending a Bully Camp Hosted by Detroit Public Schools. I along with four of my male sixth grade students got on the “Big Cheese” and headed on up to Camp Burt Shurly. Along with various students from all over the city of Detroit, my students got an opportunity to attend seminars on bully prevention, and participate in fun activities such as boat riding and nature trail touring. On our way back home that Sunday afternoon, I thought to myself, what an awesome way for my youngsters to start their school year off. Did I fail to mention that the S’mores were pretty dog on good as well.
My Wonderful Sixth Grade Students of Class 2012-2013
September 27, 2012
Greetings everyone. Finally, I’ve had the time to sit back for a second and blog about the beginning of my school year. I’ve been so busy this entire month. Infact, I cant’ believe that September of 2012 is practically over with. Although there have been some major adjustments to be made as an educator this year work load wise, I must admit, I love my home room class. They make my day every morning with their pleasant smiles. They give me the energy I need to deliver the best instruction I possibly can daily. I’m excited, and looking forward to both seeing and measuring the academic growth that takes place amongst them. Thus so far, they have already shown me that they are willing to give their best. With a group of youngsters so enthused and willing to learn, who could not take pleasure in being their teacher for the 2012-13 school year.
The 2012 Sixth Grade School Supply List is up and Ready!
August 9, 2012Happy Hump Day to everyone. I had a great time with my youth today at the Detroit Impact Center. Finishing up with our session this afternoon, I realized that next Wednesday is the last socialization skills session for the summer of 2012. Wild… the summer sure does moves fast.
Speaking of moving fast, while purchasing a few items at the local Office Max the other day, I noticed that school supplies are out and ready to purchased by parents preparing their youngsters to head back to school. Office Max unlike any other store I had purchased items for had ready-made school supply list for each grade. Due to the fact that I currently teach sixth grade, I picked up a copy of the list so that I could share it with everyone.
According to Office Max, students entering the sixth grade this fall should have the following supplies for the 2012-13 school year: (12) Pencils (2) Glue Sticks (1) White Glue (1) Pink Eraser (1)White Eraser (1)Pks. Washable Felt Markers (1) Pair of Scissors (1) Pencil Case (10) Pocket Folders (2) Pkg. Lined Paper (1) Pkg Plain Paper (4) Lined Note Books (5) Blue Pens (2) Red Pens (1) Ruler (1) Pkg. Pencil Crayons (2) 1″ Binders (8) Subject Dividers (1) Scientific Calculator (1) Geometry Set (1) Pocket Dictionary (1) Pencil Sharpener (3) Highlighter Pens
There were two e-books that were not on this list however they in my opinion would make great back to school items just as well. For just the price of $1.00 per read, click on the two links below and purchase both of these reads for your youngsters tonight.
The Detroit Youth Speak on the Importance of Being Happy
August 8, 2012Greetings to everyone this lovely Tuesday night. It’s only the second day of the week and I feel as if I’ve worked five. This past weekend I went to Indiana. Assuming the role as one of the selected brides maids, I had the honor of seeing my brother re-new his marriage vows to his beautiful wife of over 14 years. The ceremony was amazing.
On the other hand, I am in the process of writing a five to seven page unit in the content area of Science for re-certification purposes. Folks I tell you I haven’t been academically challenged like this in years. After-all, I’m a ELA instructor for peace sakes!
Last week at the Detroit Impact Center, our topic of discussion was “Happiness.” I knew there was something wonderful about this 2012 group. They seem to the know the secret to happiness already at such mild and tender ages. After posing the question, I assumed a lot their responses would be following; shopping, nice cars, and lot’s of money. Well…a few of them did mention money but, not as many as I thought.
The majority of the group stated that spending time with their families make them very happy. Another stated that spending time with their darling baby girl makes them happier than anything on this entire planet. One mentioned that reading a good book was the best. On an even funnier note, a lot of my young people like me, love to eat. Just about everyone said that eating a good meal makes them happy. I was even more impressed with the fact that someone stated spending time with like-minded individuals makes their day just a little more brighter.
As I mentioned earlier…this group already knows the secret to having a life filled with very happy and joyous days. They’re smart enough to see that the simple things in life such as spending time with family, eating, and growing, is truly what being happy is all about. Tomorrow our weekly topic of discussion is “The challenges of Being an Out-Cast in School. Looking forward to sharing the results with everyone next week.






