I was born in Summerville, Georgia, and lived there until I was three years old.  At that time my family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, where I grew up.  Living so close to the ocean, I learned to love the beach.  I spent many days playing in the waves, collecting shells, and building sand castles.  Today, the things I miss most from my childhood home are my family and friends who still live there and the ocean. 

     After graduating from high school, I attended Auburn University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in education.  Auburn quickly became my home away from home.  I fell in love with the cool fall weather and the intense Auburn football traditions.  I can still feel the excitement building on Saturdays in October or November when Auburn football is being played.  War Eagle! to all you fellow Tigers out there!

     With my degree in hand I returned to Daytona Beach to teach.  Soon, I met my future husband and we were married in June of 1978.  With the arrival of our first daughter, it was decided I would be a stay-at-home mom.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this.  My husband's work brought us to Marietta, Georgia, in 1983.  We lived there until three years ago when we bought a home in Canton, Georgia.  As my girls grew older, I began thinking of returning to teaching.  I taught Reading Recovery for two years at Riverside Elementary in Cobb County.  When an opening came for a second grade position at East Side, I was delighted to be able to transfer.  I love teaching second grade!

     Some things I enjoy doing are reading, working on the computer (mostly on this web site), gardening, and cooking.  However, I most enjoy spending time with my family.  We go to dinner, attend sporting events and concerts,  shop, and talk a lot.  Melissa, who taught at Sprayberry High School for three years, and I often talk about school and teaching.  My youngest daughter, Kristyn, who graduated from Auburn University in the Spring of 2007, keeps me informed on all the news from our alma mater.   I also love spending time with our golden retriever, Kahli.  She is a precious dog and a fairly quick learner, with the exception of jumping and basically mauling anyone who comes near.  We are continuing to work on that!  Four years ago we added a Maine Coon kitten to our family.  He is very curious, but can be a bit timid, and sometimes he acts like a wild beast, growling and running around like crazy.   

     I'm tickled that you have visited my web site!  I hope you will save it in your favorites and check back often.  We will be adding new things throughout the school year.  Our guestbook is no longer working, but I'd still like to hear what you think about my site.  Please, take a minute to email me with your comments.  I will them post them at the guestbook link.  Also, if you have a question or need to contact me, please email me.  I will be checking my mail every day.  I am looking forward to a great year!  It is so rewarding watching my students grow and blossom over the course of the year, knowing I played a part in their progress.

                                                           Sincerely,
                                                                 Mrs. Martha Carlin