It seems to have come so quickly, that half-way point. I mean it was only yesterday that you were only 35. At least it was yesterday that you told me you were 35. And I believed you! One thing that I can say, as someone who's been 50 for a good number of years, is that "Life just keeps getting more interesting!" Happy Birthday! David Warlick |
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Sheryl, we've never met in person, but as an educator, you've been a great source of information and inspiration. Happy birthday!
Howard Rheingold |
Sheryl, as you look back and reflect upon your fifty years in this world, I know that you must be proud of all that you have accomplished. You are a wonderful mother, a terrific friend, a talented student, and a gifted scholar. I’m not quite sure how you manage to juggle all of your daily tasks (I’m convinced that you simply do not sleep … EVER), but you complete them with ease and sophistication. Here’s to the consummate professional … I raise my virtual champagne glass to you and wish you fifty more years of happiness, health, and love. Happy birthday, Sheryl! Melissa A. Rasberry |
To the most elluminated person I know, Sheryl may your next 50 take you to web 200.0 and may I be along for the ride! Thank you for your generous spirit and engaging thoughts. You set the bar high and that challenges me. Thank you, Kathy Shields Ms. Kathy Shields |
Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach is one of the hardest working and most intellectual people I have ever worked with. Her ability to use technology to inspire and enhance learning helped to make Cooke Elementary School and exceptional institution. She was honored as the Virginia Beach Teacher of the Year during her tenure at Cooke. She was a wonderful role model for all of our students and staff who had to overcome difficult financial circumstances to find success in a challenging world. Sheryl is a gifted educator and an inspiration to anyone who has met her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Greg Anderson |
Sheryl - I have enjoyed your take in all things important such as family, the world, work and family again. Your willingness to share your knowledge, expertise, and creativity is done without expecting anything in return. Happy 50th Birthday!! Kathy Hybl |
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Happy Birthday, Sheryl. You've had a heck of a year, and here's to 50 more! Nathan Lowell |
Happy Birthday from WiZiQ!! Mark Cruthers |
Sheryl, you are blessed with amazing children. This website must be the most powerful, gratifying birthday present ever. Many happy returns. Ogden Hamilton |
Sheryl, Many people cross your path by the time you get to my age (I've already passed the "50" mark - you spring chicken, you!). I can honestly say that few people have had as much impact on my thinking, my activities, and my work as you have had in the short six months we've worked together. I feel that I've entered a whole new world, even though you tell me I'm still on the edges. Thank you for smoothing the way for me as I stumble forward into the Web 2.0 experience. You're going to make a wonderful difference for a lot of people in your next 50 years! Anne Jolly |
For Sheryl, with best wishes for another 50 years of living, learning, and loving! Judi Harris ”Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age.” “50 years: here's a time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and you aren't doing what you love, then what's the point? “ "I'm aiming by the time I'm fifty to stop being an adolescent." "The years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. You are always being asked to do things, and yet you are not decrepit enough to turn them down." "Looking fifty is great--if you're sixty" “Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise. “ ”To resist the frigidity of old age, one must combine the body, the mind, and the heart. And to keep these in parallel vigor one must exercise, study, and love.” "Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life." "To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age." - Thomas B. Aldrich |
Hi Sheryl, Congratulations on reaching your first half-century!! Thank you so much for your support from halfway around the world, your encouragement to participate in events like the K12 Online Conference and our skype chats that nearly always sort something out that's bugging me. Hope you had a great celebration and I look forward to if and when we meet face to face - because in my own small way like you, I'm trying to make a difference in the world of learning, Best wishes, Graham Wegner |
Happy Birthday! |
| I met Sheryl in a workshop I did several years ago for a principalship class at William and Mary. She listened politely for a little while, then her hand went up, and while I can't remember her question, I do remember that it was smart and insightful, and I realized I was dealing with someone very different than my usual workshop attendees. Later, we shared a public policy class together and discovered that we were probably pretty far apart on the political spectrum. Yet, we still managed to learn together. Myfavorite memory is sharing an adult education class with Sheryl. The course--taught by one of our favorite professors--gave students the opportunity to write our own learning contracts, and Sheryl and I chose very different things to study for the semeseter. But, just like policy, we had fun learning together throughout the semester. I wish I got to work with Sheryl more, but I get to see her mind working through her weblog. It's an honor to be part of classroom 2.0 with her! Karen Richardson |
| I'm coming up on my 60th birthday now. I was thinking about having a special birthday party for it but I may just make it a low key affair. But I recall my 50th well. I had just come to Abu Dhabi. I feel that back then I was in my prime. I was still running marathons. I had a lot of friends. I invited them ALL to my apartment. We had a night to remember. People brought everything they could think of to eat and drink. At just the right juncture in the evening one lady from Thailand took it upon herself to mingle in the crowd with a shot glass and a bottle of tequila, offering 'soft drinks' to those who were beyond resistance to temptation. One who succumbed was my son who became jovially blotto, and we called our Thai friend the 'soft drinks lady' after that. But the best 50th was my wife Bobbi's. There was a cave in Oman we used to go into frequently. It was not easy to enter. From the top end you had to abseil 10 meters at the start, and then you were on an 8-12 hour trek to the resurgence, abseiling through waterfalls, with the last part of the journey a float through a standing lake sometimes requiring complete submersion to reach the exit and avoid the climb back out (never had to do that, would have been exhausting). The other way in was at the bottom, but you still had to drop down a chimney about 6 meters. If you were spry and sure footed you could do it without ropes, but we often belayed people in who feared exposure. Once past either entrance there was total darkness except for whatever light we had brought ourselves. On Bobbi's 50th I arranged with friends to have her party in the cave. For some reason, we attracted about a dozen kids and their parents, a group in all of two dozen people. The cave was several hours from where we lived, and we had to cross an international border. We arrived at night, but it didn't matter when we got there because it was dark in the cave anyway. We had to drive off road into the hills below the cave, and it was a half hour walk in the moonlight up the trail to the entrance. The kids were having a great time. At the entrance, my friend Ali rigged himself with a rope, harnessed the kids one by one, and lowered them into the hole. I climbed down and received them at the other end and made sure they didn't wander off into the pitch black cave. Some of the parents climbed down but others let themselves be lowered. Bobbi, who has an absolute fear of this sort of thing, was the last to be deposited into the cave except for Ali who climbed down after her. At that point we made a trail of headlamps ferrying food and gear to our camping spot a couple hundred meters into the cave. I had brought a special treat for Bobbi, 50 long wax candles. I started setting them up around the camping spot. All lit they made that part of the cave appear like a medieval cathedral and exposed the bats returned to their roosts high overhead. They also made a great base for us on our forays with the kids up to the pools, lighting the spot to which we had to return. It was unusual to have so much light in that cave. We started to become timeless from that point. We unpacked food, had dinner, and toasted the birthday girl from bottles smuggled over the border. We had cake while the kids played and grew weary. Eventually the kids started to nod off while the grownups socialized down to the dregs. The candles were still lit as the group bedded down for the night. Those who awoke at night did so in pitch blackness. Those who awoke a second time again found utter darkness and went back to sleep. Eventually someone who had something to do back in Abu Dhabi awoke with a start and realized it was well after ten a.m. It was still pitch dark. Biorhythm had been turned on its head. Not long after that the Omanis blocked off the lower entrance to the cave and built a train along the trail we used for access. They have since made this cave into a show cave. For the ten years we lived in Oman it was a natural playground for outdoor adventurers. Now I'm afraid it has been spoiled along with so much else in the world. Or some might say it has been opened for access to the other 95% of the world's population. You can see the cave now on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDcWbsWmMhA and decide for yourself if you think it was a good thing. At any rate you can see what we saw in candlelight on Bobbi's 50th birthday, and what I passed occasionally at the end of exciting trips from the upper entrance. Hope Sheryl has a great one. I'm sure she'll treasure it after this gift from her daughter. Vance Stevens |
Hi Sheryl: Happy 50th! During your tenure at Media and Communications (the longest year of your life, I'm sure) there are two standout experiences that I will never forget:
Also, you offered up Noah as a mentee (is that really a word) for one summer. I think I learned more from him than he did from me. It also showed me what a wonderful parent and person you are. May you have at least 50 more birthdays--- With love, Bill Stobo |
Dear Sheryl, Of course another burst of congratulations is long overdue to you, and I would like to offer my own version to the surge of good will in Amber’s surprise for your birthday. However, this has another twist, from your technophobe friend. You have been to New South Wales, I believe, in another capacity than this short video clip may illustrate. This is a short clip [Please play it with a GOOD set of speakers.] about a fellow who followed his dream, a “lump of coal becoming a diamond.” That’s what pressure CAN do to some of us who are lucky enough to have another person believe in us. You will find a strong message to teachers of every ilk, and the importance of loving absolutely everyone in that sea of faces before us in the classroom each day. This was sent to me by a dear friend, and I forward it to you as a person who has, in many ways, inspired so many to become transformed no matter what their station in life. I wish you Godspeed, my friend. And thank you so much for being…..well, just you. George Dewey |
Happy Birthday! I always remember you as such a joyful person!! Now that I am grown up and realize that so many things can easily take away your joy if you allow them, I have so much more respect for people like you! I always felt welcome in your home and it was always such a peaceful place to be! Lisa (Dowling) Damron |
| Sheryl has a way of making you feel important. When working on a project with her, she was bubbling with enthusiasm, but never failed to thank those of us working with her or compliment what we were doing. Upon first meeting her "in person" she was so positive and also made me look good in front of my colleagues, which I very much appreciated! She also has a great sense of humor! I admire her dedication, hard work, and professionalism. What she does matters, and it matters to her. Carolyn Foote |
Dear Sheryl, Congratulations on reaching 50 but still looking like 30. Obviously your lifestyle agrees with you and WOW does it agree with me. Your
dedication to education is an inspiration to all. The K12Online We have to connect in real life when you are visiting the OBX. Best Wishes, |
Sheryl, Happy 50th! Your new friends at Erie 1 BOCES/WNYRIC wish you well and thank you for your help with our grant. We are excited about our new partnerships. Rosanne Huffcut, Carol Troskosky, Michelle Okal and Barb Mocarski |
To Sheryl: Thank you for all that you have done to bring us together! Whenever I see a sunset now I think of the warm connections made through the K12 Online Conference. Thank you and Happy Birthday! Best, |
Hey there old girl! Thanks for joining the 5-Decade club with me and working with us at Center for Teaching Quality to advance the teaching profession for the 21st century. We have a lot more to do so let¹s keep the sleeves rolled up. But most importantly thanks for being a wonderful friend. Best and more! Barnett Berry |
Sheryl, Your 50th birthday is a milestone and an opportunity to think about your accomplishments, which are legend. Personally, this benchmark birthday caused me to think about the next part of my life. I would consider people over 60, 70, etc., who made a difference in this world. In your case, I have no doubt that you will influence others for the rest of your life. Your leadership, interpersonal skills, and plain ol' good sense is a formula for success. I wish you happiness on this birthday and the many birthdays to come. Truly, |
Photo by Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach I was asked by the SCEA (South Carolina Education Association) to be a facilitator at the National Board Summit meeting in August 2006, and this is where I met Sheryl. She was very helpful at training me and several other teachers to be facilitators at this event. She also used her expertise in technology to assist us in using Blackboard™ as a means of “meeting” online prior to the event. I was very impressed with her manner of setting us at ease in a situation that could have made us nervous! Sheryl has a way of making people feel like they have been her friends for years, and I would definitely call her a friendly person. I hope that she enjoys the next fifty years with as much enthusiasm as she has obviously enjoyed the first! Ann Nichols, West Florence High School |
Happy Birthday Sheryl! I hope that you have the best birthday every! I would have never thought you were turning 50! Thanks so much for all you do for Alabama's teachers! Happy Birthday! Melanie Turner |
Sheryl, I wanted to take a moment and wish you a Happy Birthday!! Enjoy this special time in your life. Thank you for all you do to help our schools become the schools that they can become. Melissa Grayson |
Happy Birthday Sheryl and thanks for everything you do for teachers and kids everyday. Kevin Johnson |
Sheryl, I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity at 40 to meet such a wise and wonderful women of 50. You have been a wonderful inspiration to me and I constantly find myself asking what would Sheryl do? Enjoy your birthday, enjoy your family, and I look forward to seeing you again my friend. Pat Aroune |
To Sheryl: I am very grateful to you for opening up to me the world of Web 2.0 and beyond. For introducing me to a galaxy of wonderful educators and students who live and work in the world and are beckoning the rest of us to join. Thank you for your patience, advice, and encouragement. Have a blessed and prosperous birthday! Renee Moore, NBCT |
We only met physically once ... at the Shanghai Conference last September ... and Sheryl spoke to the crowds before me at the very beginning ..... her list of accomplishments knocked me off my seat .... and apparently she was only listing what she did in the mornings. Happy Birthday from Thailand .. and best wishes for the next 50 years. Have fun ... Chris Smith |
| When I first met Sheryl I felt very taken under her wing. She showed me so many new things in my ed tech "infancy", the culmination of which was watching her network at NECC 2007 in Atlanta. I felt like I was watching a seasoned veteran who masterfully navigated the sometimes politically-charged waters of various groups of people. Thanks for all you've done and your words of encouragement! Chris Craft |
| Sheryl is the quintessential example of what a teacher should be. She inspires all who are fortunate enough to have her as a teacher, mentor, and friend. I first met Sheryl at the High School New Face Conference in Western NewYork State this past summer. I was so struck by what she had to teach us about technology and its integration into education. I was also inspired by her story of her life and learning her technology skills over the internet by a German man. She has taken her life story and worked hard to change educators' methodologies and pedagogies to make school better for students all over the world. If anyone deserves an award for their work which effects students in a positive way, it should be Sheryl. Happy 50th Sheryl. I hope the second half of your century brings you all that you hope for and may you inspire many more teachers to change what they do to better their teaching for students. Sincerely in education, Garry Stone |
Sheryl, Many people cross your path by the time you get to my age (I've already passed the "50" mark - you spring chicken, you!). I can honestly say that few people have had as much impact on my thinking, my activities, and my work as you have had in the short six months we've worked together. I feel that I've entered a whole new world, even though you tell me I'm still on the edges. Thank you for smoothing the way for me as I stumble forward into the Web 2.0 experience. You're going to make a wonderful difference for a lot of people in your next 50 years! Anne Jolly |
Profile of an Online Community Over-Achiever With hugs, |
Prof. Nussbaum-Beach, I hope you have a wonderful 50th birthday! It's obvious how many incredible things you've accomplished over the last 50 years, so I'm sure we have quite a few things to look foward to from you over the next 50 years! Happy Birthday:) |
Sheryl has been such a leader for our group and for me personally. Three years ago, I had never given a great deal of thought to “digital natives” and Web 2.0. I really thought the Ipod was just a cool gift for a teenage daughter. Since that time, Sheryl has opened a whole new world up to me and many others. Sheryl has introduced many new web tools to us. More importantly, Sheryl has caused all of us to pause on a regular basis to reflect on the meaning of preparing students for the future they face in the 21st century work environment. She has been a teacher, leader, motivator, and an inspiration to many of us in the education community. Sheryl can always be counted on to ask a thought provoking question that makes us dig deeper into the “why” of our work. Meeting Sheryl and being led by her for the past three years has had a profound effect on me personally and professionally. Not only have I reflected on my beliefs and practices, I have spent countless hours exploring this new world Sheryl introduced. In addition, I have asked Santa for an Ipod. I just know we will have fun with it at work and at home! Happy Birthday, Sheryl and thanks the great times! Edith K. Pickens Principal, Challenger Middle School |
Love |
Sheryl, Always remember you have wonderful, creative ideas that will withstand the scrutiny and critical lens of others. Happy Birthday and best wishes on your continued journey through the doctoral process. When you are a Bear of Very Little Brain, and Think of Things, you find sometimes that a Thing which seemed very Thingish inside you is quite different when it gets out into the open and has other people looking at it. In Friendship, |
Dear Sheryl, Though I do not know actually know you personally, I feel I know through the wonders of the Internet world and the Teacher Leaders Network what a wise, thoughtful woman you are. More than once you have put into words some thoughts in my head so that I could pass them on to other teachers, and I appreciate that. Even when I asked for technical assistance, you reached out your hand across the continent and provided that for me. So it is with great pleasure that I wish you a most joyous fiftieth birthday. I know you will be surrounded by family and friends that hold you dear. Enjoy! Kathie Marshall |
I remember first “virtually” meeting Sheryl through ABPC. She was a spitfire who threw all kinds of ideas and philosophies at us. I only thought I had some technology proficiency! I knew immediately that she had red hair because of her never-ending energy. She was and continues to be a great motivation to me. Sheryl has so many special talents, but the one that sticks out most with me is that she is relatable. Many times she is the smartest person in the room (Dr. Sheryl!), but she always makes everyone feel like they are important, smart, and inspiring. It takes a special kind of leader to motivate and encourage others with humility as well as push them when they need the nudge. Thanks Sheryl for all you have taught me and will continue to teach educators in the future. To fifty more birthdays!!! Brandi Caldwell |
Dear Sheryl, Congratulations and best wishes on your 50th! This is the start of a wonderful time in your life! Enjoy every minute! And remember, 50 is the new 30! All the best! Alice Barr |
Sheryl, It has been great getting to know you over the past couple of years. Jeff Utecht |
Dear Sheryl, We met at the Edubloggercon meeting at NECC in June and what a lucky day that was for me and for TechLearning. We talked....you said you'd blog....and the rest is history: Now you're part of the TechLearning family. It's been so great to read your blogs and get to know you through your thinking and writing. You've given our readers so much to think about. For myself and on behalf of all of us at TechLearning, I wish you a very happy 50th birthday. Enjoy! |
| Hi Sheryl: Happy birthday and congratulations on being 50 years young. You are a dynamo who has positively touched the lives of so many teachers and students - including mine. Hopefully you know that the time, energy and love you put into your work and people, that you are making a difference - one that you probably won't be able to fathom - so our kids (and our kids' kids) will be productive, happy adults in this ever-changing world. You're the best. Enjoy your holiday celebration with your family - you deserve it! Barb Mocarski |
Sheryl, Happy Birthday to you. I am so happy we are living in this time, 21st Century Time, and that all the forces in the universe have come together with you at the helm, for me anyway. How is this possible? I first became acquainted with you as part of the k12onlinelearning community. You were the unbelievable conductor during one of my first Elluminate sessions and your voice, calmness and openness just make it so that people speak up and join the conversation. Then I was accepted as a presenter in the k12online07, and found your support and guidance so gentle and engaging that I felt like you were in the room with me and my group as we stumbled along getting our presentation just so. I hope to have our paths cross in the near future. Happy, happy birthday and enjoy all the good wishes from your virtual neighborhood! Cheryl Oakes |
Sheryl, thank you for your vision, patience....and countless e-mails to the Fellows and other PLP members! You are a true inspiration and I appreciate all of your work. Thank you again. Mark Carls |
Dear Sheryl, Sushma Sztorc |
Sheryl, your daily advocacy for engaged 21st Century learning, transformed educational leadership, and awareness of the plight of the homeless truly impacts the lives of so many. This world is a far better place for the ripples of hope you've created that contribute to the currents for change! My very warmest personal wishes for the happiest of birthdays and for your continuing good work, Lani Ritter Hall |
Dear Sheryl, We first met virtually through TLN (Teacher Leader Network) three years ago. My initial impression of my new online friend and colleague was that you were brilliant, dedicated, high-achieving, and an energetic life-long learner. I wondered if you ever sleep (I still wonder)! About six months after meeting online, I discovered that we were going to be attending the same conference--AACTE in San Diego. I e-mailed you to let you know I was planning to attend your session and be, as I put it, "a friendly face in the crowed." Next thing I know, you replied to my e-mail and let me know that you had incorporated me into the session! When we met f2f, you greeted me with a big hug, as if we'd known each other for years. You made me feel welcome, valued, and cared about. I think this is but one of your many gifts. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with you to provide online mentoring through William & Mary's ENDAPT as well as continually learning from your blog and your TLN postings. Just when I think you can't get any smarter or cooler--you do. You are my tech guru, and because of you, my colleagues think I'm very tech-savvy (little do they know!). If I weren't already 50 myself, I'd say that you are who I want to be when I grow up. Happy, happy 50th! And I wish you 50 more! Fondly, |
| Sheryl, As you celebrate your birthday and, undoubtedly, reflect on your life thus far, I hope you can say that your time spent at William and Mary has produced some of the experiences that you value. I do know that your time in the Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership program has enriched us. I say this because it is not only that you are a model student, but also that you give so much of your time and talent to other students and to the faculty. In fact, it is because of students like you that my job is so rewarding. I admire the determination that you have demonstrated in pursuing your educational dream. Additionally, it is gratifying to see your dream become a reality through the many professional venues that have opened to you. It has reached the point that I'm no longer surprised by any successes that you achieve. Your work continues to reflect so very positively on W&M. in fact, being associated with students like you make all of us faculty look like geniuses! As you celebrate this milestone birthday, just remember: It isn't that you're getting older; you're just becoming smarter! With the very best wishes for a happy 50tj birthday, James Stronge |
Sheryl – Happy Birthday and Congratulations!! J Thank you for all of your great work on the Alabama 21st Century Schools projects. Your leadership and hard work are appreciated. I hope the years ahead are filled with great happiness. Sincerely, Allyson Knox |
Dear Sheryl, Congratulations on hitting the milestone of the 50th birthday. Like a fine wine, they say we get better with age. Having only worked with you for a short few weeks during the K12 Online Conference it was still very easy to pick up on your passion for learning and for helping others. This is a remarkable quality that enhances your work and also has a significant impact on those who are lucky enough to have spent some time with you, whether in real or virtual time. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and many more to come. All the best. |
Sheryl - Wow! Happy Birthday!! We've never met (yet) in person, but I look forward to the day when you present in melbourne, Australia. After working with you as a presenter at the K-12OnlineConference2006, I was honored when you asked me to be one of your online mentors for your Pre-Service Teachers. What you may not realise is that I learnt as much as your students did. Since then, I have looked back and wondered if you can do this, what can I do with my students, classes and colleagues. I am working on a big project and some of the inspiration comes from your simple request to participate in your class. I was recognised at work and you congratulated me via my blog. The recognition you gave me at that time had more power than the words of my colleagues as many still have no idea of the potential of Web 2.0 technologies. Thanks for taking the time to comment. |
It is my joy to wish Sheryl a Happy 50th Birthday! With all that Sheryl has achieved in supporting teachers and students in their good work, I can't believe she is so YOUNG. I first met Sheryl at a Teacher Leader meeting in Richmond in 2002. Since that time I have watched Sheryl follow her convictions and make changes in thinking about education and technology in her district, the state, the nation, and now the world. I once read that actions are thoughts made visible. Sheryl's thoughts have been writ large in the education field because her actions are forward looking and full of action. And knowing that her emotional impetus is in making sure that the least among us, the children who are disenfranchised through lives mired in poverty, are connected to the world of ideas through technology and all of its promises, only makes the strides Sheryl has made that much more hopeful for those of us who envision a world were everyone's needs are met. Plus, I feel so lucky to have fallen inside of Sheryl's circle of influence. She is a strong role model and an excellent teacher who has confidently led me into contact with web 2.0 in my personal and professional life. And....just a great person to know. Thank you, Sheryl. Here's to another 50 years. I can hardly imagine how we'll be communicating then! (But I'll bet you can.) Mary Tedrow |
Click on the image for a special podcast. Best Wishes |
Happiest of birthdays, Sheryl! Fondly, |
Kevin Jarrett |
Sheryl receiving the 2007 School Technology Leadership Research Award at the UCEA conference in Alexandria, VA. Have a happy birthday celebration! Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D. |
| Sheryl, On this momentous occasion, I wanted to take a moment to wish you a delightful birthday! You are truly an outstanding member of the educational community. You exhibit many traits that I admire-- you are innovative, dynamic, intelligent, creative -- a real mover and shaker. And you're only just getting started! I look forward to being associated with you and your work in the years to come. Keep rockin' on with your bad-self -- Chris Christopher D. Sessums |
Happy 50th to someone who is without question one of the most inspiring teachers in my life. Here's to a long, fruitful partnership of learning and teaching and making a difference. With much love and admiration, Will Richardson |
S is for sharing knowledge Sheryl, |
Dear Sheryl: Greetings from one of your “better than 50” buddies from the W & M EPPL program! I enjoyed being in your classes during our stint in the program, and hope that you are on your way to the finish line, as I am. WHEW! Are we there yet?! What I enjoyed most in our casual conversations was your refreshing honesty about your experiences in the program. My personal favorite was when you shared how many times you had cried over statistics class – which gave me great comfort when I cried over statistics class! I have come to believe in the power of not going it alone during difficult circumstances, and that was one of them. While we were in classes together, I came to know and respect you for the amazing job you do of balancing work, grad school, and life. I am in awe of your technology expertise and travels. Hopefully the degree we are seeking – and there is a good reason they call it a terminal degree when it almost finishes us off – will provide us a springboard to bigger and even better things to come. Happy birthday and best wishes! J Holly Richard, Principal (and world’s oldest living student) |
Dear Sheryl, Can you feel the heartfelt wishes that are being sent to you, my good friend and colleague? You have and continue to truly make a difference in the lives of others. Your fiftieth birthday is cause for celebration! You have accomplished so much in your first 50 years. It makes me soar just imagining what you will contribute in the next 50! When I think of Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach these thoughts race through my mind....... passionate about learning a real change-agent who walks the talk the absolute best at leading and guiding an audience and keeping it focused a patient teacher as evidenced frequently on Elluminate an engaging speaker who sparks conversation and thought a diligent advocate for the homeless as well as being a living example of breaking through the cycle of generational poverty a spirited champion of helping pre-service teachers and teachers prepare their students for success in the 21st century a trail-blazer who has numerous projects going that will foster needed change in education a dynamic builder of virtual communities a reflective thinker and teacher who cares deeply Well, I could go on and on but I’ll close with a birthday wish that says I’m so glad our paths crossed. Go forth and keep on following your dreams! Anne Davis |
Sheryl, you are such an inspiration to everyone. Your energy is just through the roof! I have learned and continue to learn so much from you. Thanks for making learning fun !! Elaine Green |
Happy Birthday Sheryl! Thank you for all that you have taught me during the past three years. I have learned a lot from you. If I can be 1/4 the tech person that you are, ¼ the presenter that you are and possess ½ of you intelligence, than I know that will be a great resource for my school. I hope our paths will cross again. May this birthday bring all the joy that you deserve! Jackie Thornton P. S. If decide that you need a personal assistant/flunky on one of you trips aboard, give me a call. |
Sheryl is an incredible ball of energy—ever curious, ever seeking out intellectual stimulation, and then enthusiastically passing along what she has discovered to others. She is an explorer, scouting out the new territory, shouting back to the rest of us what wondrous landscapes lie just ahead! If it weren’t for Sheryl, we might just stay comfortably at home and miss out on an amazing adventure! Megan Tschannen-Moran |
Congratulations for another wonderful year and this special milestone birthday. We, your friends in NZ, are very excited to share this occasion with you. It was fantastic to have you in NZ in 2007. Our clusters have been inspired by your passion for learning and insight into the opportunities of Web 2.0 and its link to effective pedagogy. Our cluster participants frequently speak fondly of your input to our online conference, and the impression you made on teacher horizons. We all wish we could be there with you to help with the celebration. We raise our glasses to you - Happy Birthday. Lots of love from the NZ ICT PD National Team Marg McLeod, Sherry Chrisp, Jill Hammonds, Tessa Gray, Kathe Tawhiwhirangi-Perry, Warren Hall, Daphne Papuni, Angela Page |
Best wishes to you on your 50th birthday. Thanks for inspiring me to grow both as a teacher-leader and as a more tech-savy teacher. Mark Clemente |
Sheryl, When I hear your name, I immediately think of a dedicated, caring, and talented educator who is tremendously successful. My view of our world of work is much richer because of you. Thank you for all that you have taught me and will continue to teach me. I feel honored to have you as a colleague and am blessed to call my friend. You have done so much for others. I sincerely hope you will be as good to yourself. You certainly deserve it. Happy 50th birthday! All the best, |
Most sincerely, Chris |
To Sherry: Wishing you well and many more! I am so grateful to have gotten the chance to be your's and your familie's massage therapist! You have such a peaceful and comforting energy that I will always enjoy being around! Namaste, Carmen |
Sheryl! Alle guten Wünsche für Ihren Geburtstag! Or more precisely = Happy Birthday!! I remember you had me come into a class you were giving at college - Virtual Mondays you called them! What a template to follow! You included me along with Allanah & Darren in your keynote for Time4 Online. This experience taught me a lot about elluminate which I still don't know. You included me in speeddating in a workshop you were doing in New York state. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that not everyone is using technology. Then you were a convener of the k12online, in which I was honored to be a part. I was literally more nervous about this conference than the ACSI presentation I did f2f! You agreed to appear on It's Elementary to talk about k12online. Following you around the edublogosphere is a learning experience for me - I am honored & hope you don't mind if I continue..enjoy your celebration (and thanks for the names!) Lisa Durff |
The ABC's of Sheryl Nussbaum Beach Happy Birthday! |
| Click here for an audio birthday message from Allanah King |
Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach is the only woman I know who is simultaneously a world-renowned educational writer and speaker, but also willing to hold hands and pray with you. She is generous with her cutting-edge knowledge and skill, but she is also generous with her spirit, and that is rare. I count myself lucky to know her, and be her friend. Nancy Flanagan |
Sheryl leads the way to redefining personal and professional learning in that none of us are as good as all of us by collaborating through the use of digital tools. She has positively impacted the Teacher Leaders Network as well as many others through her blog postings and virtual communities. We have never met face-to-face, and I look forward to that one day. A Big Happy Birthday and to 50 More Years! See You In the Virtual World! Emily Vickery |
Hey Miz Sherry, The Big 5-0! It’s hard to believe you’re half a century! I brought you some pictures to help you remember some of those things that people your age forget easily.
But, I bet you never forgot this guy. ;) He remembers you, too! At least he did a couple years ago, when I saw him again....after 30+ years.....yep, at the zoo. He’s even older than you, though, so he might’ve forgotten by now.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Boys night out in your duplex on Avalon(?) Street. Ricky/Ric/Chase never could decide what he wanted to be called. Next, he’ll be telling us to call him Anderson, like the suave journalist.
Uh-oh....jukin’ time! Ricky gettin jiggy with David Simpson. That is his name, right? Even my mother knew him better than I did. But, then she knew all the stoners on the police watch lists, cuz they used to come and see her for counselling. David came all the time. The cops used to always try to get information out of her, but she never would give any. So they tapped our phone. I thought that was because of me....what a badass I thought I was. How embarrassing to find out years later it was because of my mother. :)
Hey, there you are! And moi. How come we look like we’re sitting with our pimp? The smirk? Your bitchin leopardskin sofa? Wasn’t that the couch that you discovered had a massive network of roaches living inside it? It was sooo gross! You can tell we didn’t know that part yet. :)
Hey, did Bobby know about this???!!! Wait, this is Bobby! I think. Isn’t that right? Bobby Watts, yep, I blieve so. In your house again. You’d think we all never went anywhere else.
And, this would be big brother Jesse, sitting with him under your chic (not pronounced chick, by the way), black velvet leopard painting. Love those mullets. Oh yeah, and don’t forget Tony Orlando, stylin down at the other end.
Can’t forget Halloween at Long John Silvers Seafood Shoppe! Kermit and Randy Sellers, and what’s her name. She always sat on Kermit’s lap while he was in the back, cooking the books. While we did her work for her. By the way, I still owe you for blowing black pepper in my eyes that night while we were cleaning up! I was wearing contacts, too! Yaaarr!
Long John Silver with his maiden. Note the top of the real, antique peg leg. Too bad you can’t see it. Remember how real it looked? He wore loose pants and bent his leg up inside them. He looked like a real amputee. Must’ve hurt like the dickens (that sounded southern, didn’t it?). Well, chica, I’ve come to the end of my pictures. I hope you enjoyed seeing them and remembering all those people—even Kermit. I’m looking forward to seeing some more from other people’s contributions. Remember that yard sale Ric and I had, to help you pay your $300 phone bill from talking to Bobby too much while one of you was out of town? That was wild. I think we only raised $100, though, as we didn’t have the most valuable treasures to sell in high school. :) loved that thank you card you made us out of an old album cover, with the aluminium foil and glitter and all the collaged pictures cut out of magazines. We were so shocked and touched when you brought it to us. It was so sweet. I think I still have it, in my parents’ house somewhere. Every once in a while I run across it, and it makes me smile. Happy 50th,Sherry! You’ve done lots of great things in your life, and I’m sure you’ll do lots more in your second half-century. Maybe I’ll see you next year in Oz, where I’ll be remembering the pepper. ooxoxo, Leigh Ann |
Back in 1973, when I was a young "high school hippie" I was walking outside to class one morning and happened to spy an interesting looking, long haired hippie chick sitting cross-legged under a tree with her eyes closed. “Hmmm.. now that's a sight I haven't seen before. I wonder what's going on behind those closed eyes. Is she tripping? I don't think so -- she looks too calm for that. Well, I’ve gotta find out what’s up with this.” So I walked on over there and asked her what she was doing. Rather than berate me for intruding on her inner space, Sherry graciously opened her eyes long enough to explain to me that she was doing transcendental meditation. “Transcendental Meditation! What’s that,” I asked. After patiently explaining it to me, she told me about an upcoming TM lecture and where I could go to learn it. So, we went together. I was a little bummed when I heard that I was going to have to give up drugs for at least two weeks but I figured it would be worth it if I could learn how to trip naturally… So, thanks to Sherry I learned how to "trip naturally” and it’s made all the difference in my life since 1973. A couple of years later I got my parents into it and they had a long and productive life largely I think because of transcendental meditation. So, thanks to Sherry -- me, my parents and a number of close friends over the years learned a technique that was and still is absolutely, positively life changing. Sherry and I had some other cool experiences together in the 70’s and music was always a very big part of it. Real big. Funny, just remembered this, but I talked Sherry into piercing my ear and I ended up being the first guy in our school to wear an earring. Hey Sherry, I finally pierced my other one about ten years ago. So, here’s to the magic in those good times, a magic that still resonates today. And very Happy Birthday, girl.Best Chase (Ric) Anderson |
| Seven Things You May Not Know about Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach 7. Thanks to Sheryl's unerring sense of direction, it doesn't matter that her Garmin is trying to steal her boyfriend. 6. Although Sheryl is a well-known blogger under her own name, her most popular blog is written anonymously. Check it out at www.blog.hautecouture.com 5. She was once the owner and headmistress of a south Georgia private school named Miss Sherry's Petit Academy for Precocious Prepubescents. 4. Skype is considering renaming the company "Sheryl's Space." 3. Chicago is her all-time favorite group, but when it comes to solo artists, it's Van Morrison hands down! 2. The working title for her upcoming book about 21st century teaching and learning is Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts - So What? 1. Friends don't come any better. But you probably DID know that! Bless her heart. John Norton |
Dear Sheryl, Wishing you an ecstatically happy 50th birthday! Your wisdom, collegiality, and endless desire to learn have been so inspiring to me, and I know only bigger and brighter things lie ahead for you. Alice Williams |
Happy Birthday Sheryl!!! You are an inspiration. I feel blessed to have met you through ABPC. Love, Felicia Myers |
Sheryl (SNB) -- Meeting you and working with you has been a lovely gift. You are a very special soul. If I know anything about you it is that you love your children, you value education, and you work tirelessly in support of teachers and technology. I admire all you have done with your life and all you have accomplished as a mother and an educator. You should be proud of a life well lived. With all you've done in the first 50 years, imagine what the next 50 holds! I wish you much love and great happiness on your birthday and always. Love, TLK (Tammy King, of course!) |
Sheryl, happy 50th from your friends at edweek.org. Thanks for helping us—and everyone you work with—think anew about what today’s students and teachers need. --Anthony Rebora, Paul Hyland |
Click above for a powerpoint Ode to Sheryl from Cathy Gassenheimer |
| Deary Sheryl, Although we only just met this past September, you have been inspiring me for years! Thank you for all that you do! Happy, happy, happy birthday! Kim Cofino |
Click above to view at a larger size. |
Sheryl is very important to me as I learn and become involved more and more in educational technology. The power of technology as a vehicle to lead the way for teachers and students as well as administration and industry leaders to the new 21st century standards becomes evident as I see Sheryl's work here there and everywhere. I love to use technology to teach everything and when I need to ask a question or have someone to use as a sounding board for major projects and innovative ideas, I know I can ask for and receive an inspiring reflection of my work from her. Lee Baber |
| Weird. Two years ago I published a blog post inviting participation in a workshop I was giving. "Just chat with us in the chat box." You offered to join in the fun ... and WOW! What a long strange trip it's been. ;-) Together we've amplified the possibilities far beyond "chatboxes" and become close friends as well. Hard to believe it's only been about two years; feels more like twenty. My life is richer for knowing you. Happy Birthday Sheryl ... and many happy returns. Love, Darren BTW, your kids rock! |
Sheryl is a true educator. She has a very special way of making profound statements that resonate with professionals who work with children and youth and make them want to be the difference in children’s lives. She is always the presenter in demand at homeless education conferences, with participants spilling into the hallways. People go home talking about blossoming children and meeting them where they are right now, not where we want them to be. Such a radical perspective! Sheryl has made a remarkable difference for children and youth through her leadership on issues like the technology divide and serving their needs in and out of the classroom. Happy Birthday to a very special person, a lifelong learner and teacher! Jodi Mincemoyer |
Dear Professor, I want to let you know what an impact you’ve made on me and my teaching career. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to study under you at William and Mary; I’ve learned so much from you! From handy tips and tricks about how to navigate the Internet (spelled with a capital I… thanks for that J), to invaluable educational tools that I can weave into my classroom, to a unique perspective on the importance of treating my kids like individuals, your touch is evident in my classroom. I’ve had the ability to introduce so many others to new technologies and methods, and people have given me praise for being “new eyes”. Little do they know it was you all along! Thanks so much for all the education, smiles, jokes, knowledge, and friendly warmth you’ve shared with me. I can’t overestimate the influence you’ve had on my life. Happy birthday! Barb Besal |
Dear Sheryl, I have been so excited to be a part of the Alabama 21st Century Learning Project and you are one of the main reasons. I have so enjoyed following you (through your blog posts) to the exciting places you have been able to visit. I enjoyed your trip to New Zealand through your pictures and descriptions. You are truly an inspiration to educators everywhere! Sincerely, |
| Sheryl, Happy 50th! What an awesome time for you to be celebrating a milestone birthday: you are so engaged in such a vibrant, dynamic and exciting "shift" and you're leading the change "for the children's sake." I hope that in spite of the tremendous workload you have some wind in your sails and see the traction that is truly possible. I just want to say "thank you". You are one of the "trusted experts" in my learning network, and your bold (and unanticipated) approach to me at the EduBlogger Con provided the impetus for me to start writing. I am not writing enough, but I am reading voraciously as I try to distill all that I can. Also, thank you for the opportunity to support the work you and Will are doing with these school cohorts. The grass roots effort we began in 2006 as a group of six schools has certainly been given a huge boost and great potential for making the shift thanks to your vision and leadership. In closing, I will share a question I keep close to me: "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are"? To me this is a question that life long learners should love and embrace as the learning attitude does indeed keep us young! Best, Laura Deisley |
| Happy Birthday!! Have a relaxing, quiet, fun, and peacful weekend away. You deserve it!! You are a wonderful client to me and I apperciate you very much. I value our relationship, and look forward to doing you hair every time I see you on my book. Thanks for being such a great client and friend. Your Hair Stylist always, Sandra |
Dear Sheryl, Happy, happy 50th birthday! Though we have only started to work together these past few months, I already feel as though we have known each others for years. I am so grateful for the opportunity to count you as a new friend, and one whom I so admire and respect. I look forward with great excitement to our journey together! With warmth and admiration, Luyen Chou |
Sheryl, Well it is wonderful to see that you have touched so many lives. I have always had a good time when I am around you so it really comes as no surprise that you have so many fans. You would be proud of me I actually have a blog and 3 wiki’s. I bet you never thought there would be a day when that would happen. I even went to a technology conference. (I really thought I would see you there but to no avail) I got connected and now have a delicious network that includes will Richardson, but I think he is linked to the world. Anyway, I have fond memories of our time at WM. I wish we had a few more classes together. My best memory would have to be with DOT. Now that was an experience and then one can not forget me tutoring you in statistics to the point that you got a better grade. Now that was just not fair. I guess the grasshopper does get the pebble in the end. I hope you have a wonderful event. You deserve it. I admire and look up to you. Thanks for touching my life. Sean Callender |
Dear Mrs. Sherry, (I know, I can’t seem to lose the Mrs.) When Amber first asked me to write a little something, a fond memory or tid bit from the past, my first thought was: Of course! An excellent opportunity to showcase my exquisite talent for writing, after all I was awarded for my “creative novel” in the 4th grade! Only this time I would not torture ~40 parents at Honors Night for 30 minutes reading about a kangaroo and a jump rope! I hardly know where to begin. You were and are such a big part of my life, not only as my teacher, but as a mentor, second mom, and a friend. I have so many memories! Banging pots and pans outside on New Year’s Eve, spending weeks at a time at your house, going to Heidi’s gymnastic competitions, the two rottweilers that roamed the schoolroom and ate our lunches from time to time, being the only 5th grader in Valdosta to go to school via rollerblades and at crazy times, and when Lisa accidentally threw a handful of red glitter in my eye at Amber’s 60’s birthday party. I remember driving down to King’s Bay with you, and I was given the task of being the “navigator” and was handed a map. I had never used a real map before. I was so nervous, but I think I “helped” get us there. I remember going Christmas caroling and decorating Christmas cookies. Of course who could forget the infamous half-frozen possum dissection! 4-H Competitions and DPA projects, Heidi’s birthday party where we all got dolled up, the girl who didn’t smile in the picture… I really could go on! I’m especially glad I was able to make it up to Heidi’s wedding! Even though I hadn’t seen you guys in so long, it was so easy to pick up again. I do miss you and I always think about you on your birthday, especially because it’s one day after mine! Thank you for believing in me, thank you for loving me like an adopted daughter, thank you for everything you have ever done for me. (Remember, yours is the first wedding invitation I write!) I really hope you are blessed by all your admiring friends and family on this very important birthday! I love you! Much love, Laurie Colyer |
| Dear Sherry, We have many fond memories of your years here in Valdosta. You were always so creative, so fun-loving and such a gifted educator! We still remember your laugh!!! We wish you a very Happy Birthday and pray God's continued blessings on you ! Here's to your next 50 years!!!!! With Much Love In Christ, Randy and Debbie Stephen |
Hey Mrs. Sherry! |
Mrs. Sherry, I think of you and my homeschooling days quite often. The time that I spent with you, even though it seemed short, was one of the most important experiences that I had as a child. I remember more from those two years of homeschooling than I do from the rest of my elementary and middle school years put together. I believe that is because you made it personal. I learned that I have something to share and my talents are appreciated. We had opportunities to do things that we would never have done in "regular" school. I remember disecting sharks and microwaved roadkill:), writing stories, participating in olympics, cooking, arts and crafts, putting on plays, diagraming sentences... The list could go on and on. My english skills in the 3rd grade were amazing. Definitely better than they are now. Even while I am writing this note I can't stop trying to make sure I am not making any grammatical errors. However, after the first few sentences I realized it was a lost cause. I am graduating in May with a masters degree in occupational therapy, and I saw Luke Shiver a while back also at the Medical College of Georgia. We talked about homeschool days and what an impact you had on our lives. There are so many other young people you have also inspired to pursue their dreams - music production, healthcare, communications, ministry, parenting. The list could go on and on. Wouldn't you love to see where everyone is in this stage of their lives! Thank you for all of the time and dedication you have put into teaching. I am forever grateful. I hope that you have a wonderful 50th birthday and that you are blessed in the upcoming year. Kathryn (Bayman) Cargile |
Memories- I'm remembering the excitement I felt - almost to tears, when your mom agreed to homeschool the kids. They loved school and had a lot of fun. My mother (their grandmother) would take their notebooks to read and learn all about their projects for the knowledge she would gain!. I am very grateful for Sherry for covering 2 grades in one year for Lisa. That way Lisa could graduate on time. I remember her love for all my kids. It was wonderful to send them to a school where you KNEW the person cared for your children almost as much as I did. I remember Sherry drilling Laurie on how to walk and pose during the beauty contest for 4-H. I also remember Lisa making fun of Laurie. Laurie of course would stop, turn, and smile right at the judges. It was more than Lisa could take!!!!!!!!!! I think Laurie came in 2nd place! I remember Sherry and Travis taking such good care of Laurie when she got glitter in her eyes at a birthday party. I remember the kids doing a disection on a road kill. Sherry instilled in the kids a love of learning. Every day was an adventure. She knows how to inspire and create a love of knowledge. She could take anything and encourage you to do better. She wasn't a pushover. If you did a sorry job, she'd let you know, but it never was in a degrading way. She would just make you want to do better. I remember her talking to me outside the house and telling me "You don't understand, Laurie is SMART!!!!" I remember the honor program at church. I especially remember Laurie's story that went on and on and on and on and on and on!!!!! Laurie always felt special and very accepted! I remember your rottweiler eating the seat of your bicycle and the kids lunch. Paper bag and all! Your mom was a tremendous encouragement to me during those days. She truly is possibly the best teacher I know. It does not surprise me one bit to hear of honors bestowed on her in educational circles. Besides all the "accomplishments" she was a wonderful friend. I liked going over to your house. She was easy and fun to talk to. She was always approachableI feel that if she lived here still, we could pick right up where we left off. I miss her and those days. I love you, Sherry. Wanda Colyer |
| Well hello Mrs. Sherry. It has been a long long time! I now have three children and live in the N. GA mountains. I want to wish you a very happy 50th birthday! You were a great teacher! I have always remembered the year I spent with you as my favorite school year. I don't think I have ever had so much fun in school, or studied mostly what I wanted to. Best of luck in all you do! Love, Lisa (Colyer) Hall |
Mrs. Sherry!!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday. My mom and I were talking about Beach Academy the other day, and remembering all of the great times I had there when i was young. It seems like just yesterday that we were putting on plays and disecting animals in your back yard! Thank you for all of the wonderful memories!! I love and miss you!! You'll be in my prayers! Love, |
Dear Sherry,
There are so many things I remember about us in high school. Things like being dubbed "Mutt and Jeff" because we were always together, all of the great concerts we went to...The Allman Brothers Band (remember the back stage passes your mom got for us?) Leon Russell, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Emerson, Lake and Palmer, to name a few. Then there were our trips to Cincinnati, Atlanta, and our summer in Virginia Beach, pretty big stuff for high school kids!
Love, |
| Sherry, I sit here realizing you and I have spent the last 23 years together. Almost half of our lifetimes together...I wouldn't have missed it for the world... I was like a puppy never leaving your side when you moved to Lake Park...I would spend every moment I could with you...I loved you then and now and forever.. I can remember a lot of good times, a few bad times and some really excellent times... Asking you to marry me in an empty hot tub at Lake Blackshear... Our wedding...how cold it was that day... Your Smile...it lights up everyone around you... Carrying you over the thresh hold and knocking the crap out of your head on the door jamb... The first time we saw Noah on the ultrasound and listened to his heartbeat... Watching him be born...actually delivering him from your womb and seeing him take his first breath... Buying Amber and Heidi bicycles for Christmas and teaching them to ride... Seeing Amber so grievously hurt and yet having so much faith that she would be well and knowing that you instilled that in her... Fixing our Jeep and you shaking your head wondering if I would ever get all the parts back under the hood... Delivering Grace and having Heidi say...put her back... Your thirtieth birthday and "the" fight... All the moves and honey do's... Sequani Drive, the little house in the country, The A-Frame, Pine Tree Road and then Virginia... The way you would walk around the house with your hair up in a bandana... The way you sang when you thought no one was listening... Going to the store and you telling me not to forget the ten pound bag of... 8 wonderful days in the Bahama's... A week in Belize...snorkleing with the sharks... A freezer full of roadkill... The fact that you are the smartest person I know and still cant navigate out of our neighborhood or to the mall... Never buying anything for yourself that wasn't on sale or on the clearance rack... All the milestones as parents, 89 children's birthday parties, four High School Graduations, a couple of College Graduations and more to come, 4 learners permits, 4 kids cars, all the broken hearts and skin't knees. The mom you were and still are...and will be to our grandchildren... The mother to the motherless... The you, that always watches out for them... You are selfless, never selfish and forever tireless... The fact that you wouldn't buy yourself that cute Black Convertible...even though you could afford it...damn you looked good in that car... You are my PHD... The way you instill greatness in those around you and impart love, wisdom, kindness and the shirt off your back to anyone who needs it... The way you have loved me all through the years... Steadfast...Learned...Earnest...Driven... Never content with the status quo... In your light shines hope, excitement, knowledge, kindness and compassion... May our children soon bless us with gifts from their wombs and fruits of their lives... May we spoil the daylights out of many grandchildren together... May you live long... Happy Fiftieth Birthday... I love you, Travis |
MOM! You're 50! Hey don't feel too bad, I'm over halfway there myself. I love being one of those girls who can truly say that her mom is her best friend. I know that no matter what stupid, idiotic thing I can think of to do, you will always be there for me, loving me and picking me up when I fall (if not laughing at me a little bit in the process haha). Thanks for putting a love of learning and especially reading deep in my heart when I was a kid. Thanks for getting me that brand new Apple IIe when it first came out and creating a future blogger, designer and web nerd. Thanks for the violin, guitar, piano and voice lessons and instilling within me a love of music. Thanks for trying to turn me into a halfway coordinated athlete with years and years of baseball, swimming, gymnastics and ballet. Hey I still can't walk and chew gum at the same time but it was worth a shot! Thanks for all the awesome birthday parties - turning our swingset into an obstacle course with whipped cream and a slime pool for the Double Dare party when I was 6, the 6-foot banana splits in rain gutters, bobbing for apples in a tub of ice water, the humongous pin the tail(?) on the Strawberry Shortcake, the psychadelic hippie party when I turned 13, the skating rink party even though it was a TOTAL ripoff I'm sure. Thanks for always being an awesome example and making me understand the value of faith and morality and the power of prayer. I know that whenever I have something going on, you have my back prayer-wise and that helps. Thanks for loving my dog and always keeping her when I want to go off gallivanting around town or out of town. Thanks for a million awesome Christmases and making us feel like royalty even when you were going without. Thanks for being such a kickass provider, and instilling that crazy work ethic in me. Sometimes it makes me nuts but I really am glad for it. Thanks for homeschooling us when we were younger and running that awesome school. I still think you were completely insane to take a crowd of (what, 80?) kids on a CAMPING TRIP TO THE BEACH, GOOD LORD WOMAN, but you did it and somehow we all returned with both eyeballs intact and no serious scarring. Thanks for those fun trips to the zoo, except the one where the buffalump ate my shoe. Thanks for all those fun camping trips, which were so much better than boy scouts could have ever been. Thanks for championing me no matter what new hairbrained hobby or activity I've decided to do to death til I get sick of it. Thanks for paying for college so I could start my "real life" debt-free. Thanks for never letting me settle for mediocre. I hope you like this website! You rule. Don't forget 50 is the new 30. I love you. Amber |
| Mommy! Happy Birthday. 50 years old. A half century of wisdom that you never neglect to freely dispense. Thanks for being my mom and my friend; for making me a good kid and always pushing me to be the best I could be. I am who I am today because of you. You're the coolest person I know. Most girls dread the day they turn into their mothers-I can't wait. Happy birthday mom, I hope the next fifty are even better. -Gracie |
Sherry, Love, Jimmy |
| Mom, thank you for investing so much in me and for loving me so unconditionally.. I owe a great deal of my success to you. Thank you for always believing in me, thank you for your incessant passion to teach me and see me succeed. Thank you for being my friend, thank you for teaching me what is right, thank you for making me believe I can do anything. I love you so much and I want you to know that I am so blessed to have you as my Mom. Happy 50th Birthday. :) Love you, Heidi |
Sherry. It is your 50th birthday! Oh my, how time flies. I just want to tell you how grateful I am for everything that you do in my life. You provide so much support and understanding, love and compassion, and you make sure that every one of my needs are met (somehow, even when I mess up). You take care of everything in this family. You are truly our rock and foundation. Thank you so much for every role that you play in my life, provider, mother, and friend. I love you more than you know and I hope that you have the birthday that you have always dreamed of. Love, Maegan |
Mom, Even though I've only been here for roughly half of what is now 50 years of your life I can assure you of one thing, your first 50 years have been of remarkable value to all who you have encountered. The impact you have had on not only your biological children, but of also the seemingly countless young minds you have helped develop by virtue of your ability to share knowledge has been priceless. Being your son is a honor, and I could not imagine a life without your guidance and love. Thank you for sharing the past 21 years of your life with me, I could not ask for a better teacher, friend, or mother. I love you. Noah |
| 50 years of inspiring. Keep up the great work. Happy birthday. Heather Ross |
Sherry, When I think about your life, Philippians 1.6 seems to describe your journey. Paul states, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ." Your life journey exemplifies God's grace. While you had a rough beginning, God is perfecting you!! You are an inspiration to me and anyone else who knows your life story. You have move from being a "victim" to being an "victorious." You have become a Proverbs 31 woman!!! God has taken you from being "homeless" to being, perhaps, one of the most influential persons in today's education. May the next decades of your life be the most productive, and may your knowledge of God's love and grace abound. Thanks for being such a great example of God's grace. Blessings, Pastor Terry and Nancy Shiver |
| Hi Sherry. We only met briefly in New Zealand at TUANZ but you certainly made an impact on me. In fact - I was inspired enough to change careers. Thank you for that. Happy Birthday. And what cosmetics are you using to make you look "nowhere near 50"!!! lol Carol Johnston |
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Happy 50th to an incredible woman! I have not had the opportunity to know you for all that long but I knew how special you were from the first moment I met you. As I embarked on a new educational journey, you were in the first course I took and together we made a huge impact. If school teachers would all work half as hard as you do, this would be an incredible educational system (which is what I hope you are working to change). It has been a great honor getting to know you and I look forward to a long, continued friendship. Blessings, Jon Messer |
| If you'd like to add your wishes or memories or know someone who might, please email them to Sherry's daughter Amber and she'll add them to the page. |
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veryone, who is anyone
eally
ou will meet 
ots of people through Sheryl
ussbaum-Beach never does it the 
sual way, no its has to be
pectacular
urprising
ashful – no never!
wesome ideas
tilizing the latest technology to make
eaningful instruction
oring, she doesn’t know that word
ach day we must try something new
wesome ideas
hallenging kids, using technology to teach is closest to her
eart!
Sheryl, I still have an incredibly clear image in my mind of our chance meeting in the banquet room of the Richmond West Sheraton. We were both attending a teacher leadership forum sponsored by the VDOE, and you and I just happened to be seated at the same table. I believe it was November of 2001. Regardless of the month or year, I remember that you and I struck up a conversation and that, within just a few minutes, I knew that I had a new friend and colleague. Since then, our paths have intertwined even more, and my fondness and respect for you simply continue to grow and grow. I know that you and I will have many, many more opportunities to work together (like our presentation at AACTE in this picture), but, at this amazing milestone in your life--your 50th birthday--I want to pause for just a moment to say that I count myself fortunate to be your friend and that I wish you every happiness this world has to offer. 
