Classroom Theme 2026: "TIE"-ing It All Together

The start of a new school year always brings a wave of fresh energy, fresh faces, and one of my absolute favorite traditions: a brand-new classroom theme. Entering the room on that first day sets the tone for everything to come, and this year feels especially milestone-worthy.

Hard to believe, but this year marks the start of my 17th year at St. Paul’s Episcopal. Wow! Time has truly flown by, but the spark and curiosity inside the lab never fade.

This year, our theme is "TIE"-ing It All Together!

Throughout the year, our visuals and hands-on activities will focus on how the three core sciences I teach—Earth, Life, and Physical science—interlock to form the world around us. Science doesn't happen in a vacuum, and seeing students discover the threads connecting physics to biology, or geology to ecology, is where the real magic happens.

To bring the theme to life, preppiness abounds! Bright bow ties, crisp bows, and playful ribbons now don many of the lockers, bulletin boards, and display walls across the science lab. It’s colorful, welcoming, and packed with a healthy dose of science humor.

Naturally, a theme this fun needs the perfect puns to go with it. Keep an eye out around the classroom for a few of our favorites:

• "Tie-ing it all together... one experiment at a time!"

• "Bound by time"

• "We're all tied together"

• "Let's have a bowtiful year"

• "Knot your average homeroom"

• "Well-bonded"

Whether we are untangling the mysteries of physical forces, mapping the life cycles of organisms, or digging into Earth’s history, we are set up for an unforgettable adventure. Here’s to year 17, strong bonds, and a fantastic school year ahead!

Past Classroom Themes

{Click to view below}

Think Like A Scientist 2025

Elements of a Successful Student 2024

Classic Pennants 2023

Out of this World 2022

Get on Board 2021

Two Thumbs Up 2020

Saddle Up 2019

Science Is a Beautiful Subject 2018

Every Year Should Be This Good Theme 2017

Periodic Table Theme 2016

APPmazing Theme 2015

Facebook Theme 2014

Get Hooked Theme 2013

Keep Calm Theme 2012

"TIE" It Together, y'all!

Oak Branch Cottage: The Work Begins...

We officially have the keys to Oak Branch Cottage, and the real work has already begun!

While we fell in love with the charm of this 1901 home, bringing a turn-of-the-century house into the modern era comes with its fair share of behind-the-scenes heavy lifting. Before we get to the fun aesthetic choices, safety comes first. Our attic still houses original knob-and-tube electrical wiring, so a full system update is top priority. Along with electrical, we’re tackling plumbing, fresh paint inside and out, and bringing the original hardwood floors back to life with a full sanding and fresh stain.

Thankfully, the original floor plan is already wonderful. We aren't knocking down any walls or shifting appliance hookups, which keeps the scope focused on restoring its existing character.

Outside, the landscape is getting a complete reset. Years of uninhibited growth mean several overgrown trees and shrubs have to go. Top of the outdoor hit list? The aggressive patch of bamboo down at the street level. Clearing it all out will finally give the cottage the breathing room and curb appeal it deserves.

The project is already moving at full speed. J and I have spent the last few weeks in a whirlwind of meetings with electricians, plumbers, landscapers, and window treatment specialists. We’re currently mapping out custom curtains and woven shades to fit the house's incredible features—specifically, its massive 12-foot ceilings.

Moving from a home with standard 8 to 9-foot ceilings to these soaring 12-foot spaces completely shifts the scale of everything. The light pouring through the tall windows is a dream, but it means our old decor suddenly looks miniature! We’ve already spent some time hunting down "new-to-us" vintage and antique finds that fit the grander proportions of the rooms. Thanks to local haunts like DOP Antiques and Renaissance Interiors, we were able to locate items that will fit perfectly into the new home.

Here are just a few of our newest finds. I cannot wait to see how these new to me objects look in Oak Branch Cottage.

Custom Chandelier for the Living Room

Dining Room Hutch

Duncan Phyfe Dining Table (also has two leaves)

Entrance Table

Over the Mantle Mirror

I am still thinking about these (there are two available for extra seating)...

It’s a mix of dusty hard work and creative excitement, but watching the vision for Oak Branch Cottage slowly come to life makes every meeting and floor sample worth it. Stay tuned—the transformational before-and-afters are going to be so good!

Oak Branch Finds, y'all!

Welcome to Oak Branch Cottage: First Impressions & What Made Us Fall in Love

 When we first laid eyes on Oak Branch Cottage, we knew she had something truly special. Today, I’m taking you back to day one—how she looked when we purchased her and the exact details that stole our hearts from the moment we pulled up to the curb.

The listing photos....

Here are a few of the big reasons we knew this was the right next chapter for us:

1. Off-Street Parking (A True New Orleans Miracle!)

If you are familiar with living in New Orleans, you already know that off-street parking is absolute gold.

For the last 18 years, we’ve dealt with the daily puzzle of street parking—hoping for a spot directly in front of the house or trekking down the block with armfuls of groceries. Having dedicated off-street parking is going to be an incredible game-changer for our daily routine, and it's something we certainly won't take for granted!

2. A Long, Wide Front Porch

The front porch immediately called to us. It’s wonderfully long and wide—the kind of classic Southern porch made for slow mornings and cool evening breezes.

Next up on the project list: We plan on removing the existing screens to open the porch back up, let the light pour through, and give the facade a fresh, welcoming feel.

3. Soaring 12-Foot Ceilings

Stepping inside, the vertical space instantly took our breath away. Moving from 8-to-9-foot ceilings up to 12-foot ceilings completely changes the energy of the home:

• More Natural Light: Higher walls mean larger window potential and better light distribution.

• Visual Space: The rooms feel airy, open, and far grander.

• Extra Elbow Room: Coupled with the high ceilings, the house itself is almost 500 square feet larger than our previous home, giving us that extra breathing room we’ve been craving.

4. A Wider, Spacious Lot

At Acorn Cottage, our lot was long and narrow—meaning the neighbors were just a little too close for comfort.

One of the biggest selling points of Oak Branch Cottage is the larger, broader lot. Having a bit of distance between us and the neighboring homes gives us a renewed sense of privacy and plenty of space to stretch out, garden, and enjoy the outdoors.

What’s Next?

We have so many plans to make Oak Branch Cottage our own, starting with opening up that front porch and improving the landscape! Thank you for following along on this journey with us—stay tuned for plenty of renovation updates, design inspiration, and "before & after" reveals!

Oak Branch Cottage from the Beginning, y'all!