Hi!  My name is Ms. Bird.  I've been teaching at Lovett for a long time, and I love it at Lovett.  There are so many wonderful opportunities here for children of all ages.  I look forward to my class each year and think of them as part of my family.  My "old" students always have a special place in my heart.  Besides teaching, I spend my time learning.  I read, work with Chinese visiting scholars at GA Tech, and work with people in need in the inner city.   Lately, I have been spending time training a stray dog that I found on I-285.  For those of you who already know me, my last little Cavalier went to Doggie Heaven this past summer. As for teaching, I have taught many grade levels, but the 4th is my favorite.  My goals are that children 1) learn how to think at higher levels, enabling them to be good problem solvers, 2) feel comfortable taking risks, 3) develop responsibility for their actions, 4) enjoy learning, and 5) accept themselves as they are. I think of school as a practice field for life, where we can learn from our mistakes.  I do not emphasize grades, although I expect each child to do his or her personal best.  Often, the process of learning is more important to me than the finished product. Children these days are "digital learners" - adept with all sorts of technology.  It is all I can do to stay ahead of them since our laptop program began last year.  But, what fun it is!  We are all learning and creating together.  Working with them has taught me so much. Lovett is a wonderful place for teachers and for learners.  We are all blessed to be here.