12.7 Miles

This morning I ran 12.7 miles with my friend Chad. It is the farthest distance I have ever run. We took it pretty easy, averaging a little under 10 minutes per mile. This was a major accomplishment for me - not only physically, but mentally. I've been able to set a goal to run consistently, and I've pretty much done that. I've had a few off days, but more on than off. When I began several months ago, even 1 mile seemed daunting. I've begun to think of miles as something I can just eat up now. A few months ago 12 miles would've seemed truly impossible. Now, I know I can do it.

OPI 2007

I returned today from a week at outdoor education with 98 sixth graders from Sidney Glen. I am tired and ready to fall into bed, but it was one of the best experiences of my teaching career.

The highlights of the week were so numerous for me. The moments of reflection, laughter, pride in my students, working with my incredible colleagues will stay with me forever. One of the most valuable aspects of the week is the chance to build relationship with students whom I do not usually have contact with. The context of the relationship is different from that in the classroom.

Some forever memories are:

Walking along the shore of Lake Crescent shortly after dawn, realizing the potential of the educational experiences that would be conducted along the shore that day.

Quickly walking through old growth forest on my way to do an errand, and stopping, realizing I was standing amongst trees that were hundreds of years old. I slowed my walk and continued in awe of my surroundings.

Helping one student through the week, and realizing that this might have been his best experience in his entire life.

Listening to the laughter and giggling coming from the girls' cabins WAY past lights out!

Running along Highway 101 at 4:45 AM with Chad. Logging rigs rumbling along side us, snow creating tunnel vision in our headlamps, and returning to camp just as the sun began to grey the sky.

A Northern Harrier gliding slowly past us at Dungeness Spit.

Reconnecting with a friend from high school, who is now an educator at Olympic Park Institute.

Realizing that I have begun to create an expectation of outdoor education, when a parent chaperone said, "I'm going again in three years when my other daughter goes."

Singing the Banana Slug song with all of the students.

OPI

Check out the camp blog at http://sgopi.blogspot.com/

That Darn Cat (but we love him!)

Mr. Sophie, our lovable cat, has had a rough few days. He developed a urinary blockage last week, and had a reoccurrence this morning. Our vet is wonderful and has worked hard to solve his problem. Unfortunately, Mr. Sophie isn't the best patient. His file has a large, orange CAUTION sticker on it. He has a major case of "stranger danger".

Animal health problems are so difficult to deal with. The question of "when is enough enough?" always comes up. As I paid for his care today, I felt fortunate to be able to provide good care for my pet, but also some guilt over spending that much on our pet. There are so many humans who don't have their basic needs met, each day.

We love our little cat so much, and are hoping for some improvements in the next few days.

Encouragement and Support

During school conferences in October, a parent offered to support my classroom financially. He insisted, and told me that he expected to hear back from me. I wasn't sure how to react, and it took me several months to assemble a wish list of classroom equipment. No parent has ever offered financial support before. Last week I sent a letter and the wish list home with his daughter. The items ranged from $10.00 to $250.00. Shortly, I received an email. It was the most encouraging feedback I've ever received from a parent. In addition to the complements, he donated money to purchase a large number of the items on the wish list. With his help, I'll now have several expensive pieces of equipment that will allow me to expand the science and math learning opportunities in my classroom.

The supplies and equipment will be amazing, but the support and encouragement voiced in the email, and proven by the funds means so much more. So often, the result of my teaching and interactions with students is largely unknown. I hope that I've built a positive relationship, helped instill a love of learning, and built their confidence. The rewards of teaching are always so intangible, but this simple and generous act by one parent let me know I'm doing things right. Instead of a parent saying, "Why aren't you..." This parent said, "Let me help you..." Wow, thank you.

Poundin' the Pavement

In high school, running was part of my life in the form of cross-country and track. It is now over 10 years later, and I am starting up again. Motivation is a problem for me, I just haven't been able to make it a habit - but now I am on the way. Two things have helped: A friend's invitation to run a team relay this summer, and the Nike+ kit for my ipod. Accountability from a friend and fellow runner is very powerful. There is nothing like the question, "So, how did your run go?" The Nike+ kit is also very cool. It has allowed me to set a goal, and track my progress, plus it is a pretty hip techie gadget. Lance Armstrong HIMSELF congratulates me on my effort! It is worth every penny of the $30 price tag. I don't have a lot of endurance and speed yet, but I will get there.

Hit & Miss

While over at my brother Nick's house today, I got a chance to feed my nephew. He is almost 6 months old now, and just about one of the cutest babies around. He really liked eating the mushed up pears the best. Together, we managed to get most of it into his mouth, and the rest was in the general vicinity. At one point I had to sort of get some out of a nostril.

Learning NXT

Since I received the Lego NXT set from a small grant, I've been trying to become more proficient with the engineering and programming required. It has been challenging, and as a result, i haven't utilized it in my classroom the way I've envisioned yet. Just building something strong enough is difficult enough. Over the past week, I've been able to build somewhat original robots. The first has tread like a tank and uses the ultrasonic and light sensors. The programming for this was fairly simple, and it was able to turn in a 360° due to the treads being used. The second robot was inspired by one I saw on an NXT blog I read. It is an "inchworm" type design. I beefed it up a bit by using two motors. It took some tweaking of the design and program, but I was able to make it start with a clap, and stop with a clap. It is pretty cool watching it inch its way across the floor.

A Good Dog

I just finished reading A Good Dog, by Jon Katz. I love dog stores, and have read many from James Herriot to Farley Mowat, but this was truly a story about the deep and unique relationship that dogs and humans enjoy. Katz adopts a troubled border collie named Devon, whose name is eventually changed to Orson. Orson is has his fair share of problems in life, and so does Katz. They form a unique relationship, each helping the other to reveal and accept their own place in this world. Katz doesn't anthropomorphize dogs as many authors do, he sees them as the animals they are. I believe that many dog-owner problems result from treating dogs like humans. Dogs are dogs, and we've shared a special relationship with them for millennia, but it is a folly to begin to treat them like little people. Katz made some tough decisions about Orson whose problems got out of control. People have judged Katz harshly for his decisions and actions. He utilized a holistic vet, a shaman, and an animal communicator to help Orson, but finally, the decisions were his own, shaped by his unique relationship with a dog and his understanding of ethical pet ownership. It was a funny, heartwarming, and tragic story that spoke to me personally about the special relationship that I have with our dog Toby.

A crazy few days

The past four days have been a bit wild for Stephanie and I. Both her sister and my mom had to go to the hospital for emergency surgical procedures. Thankfully, both are doing fine now, but the recovery will be a long one for my mom. We both ended up missing a day of work this week due to the emergencies. I took Wednesday off to be with my mom and help out my dad. I brought their two dogs back to Port Orchard with me, just ahead of the snow storm. I listened to the radio as the storm swept in from the north and snarled traffic in the whole area. It began to snow in earnest as I got to Port Orchard, and was sticking when I pulled into the driveway. I just beat it. This district couldn't seem to make a timely decision, but finally cancelled school at 8:40 on Thursday. Friday was also cancelled. Together with the half-day we missed before Christmas, we will definitely be going to school into another week in June. Darn it. With the day that I took off, I'll have a six day break from my class. What was going to be a very productive full week in class was demoliished. The three dogs, Toby, Emily, and Holly are having a good time, and settling into a routine at our house. They love the snow and race around like maniacs.

The Arrival of the SMARTboard

Today the SMARTboard that I was awarded through a grant arrived at school. I've been waiting for the past three days, and was getting anxious. The boxes were huge, but I quickly had them unpacked and the equipment assembled. Students were able to use it right away, and everyone got a chance to draw on it using "digital ink". We were even able to use it for a math lesson today! The students and thrilled to have a new toy, and I am excited to have an incredible tool that will help enhance my teaching - plus, it's fun!

Christmas

Stephanie and I had a wonderful Christmas. We both so feel so blessed and fortunate to have family and friends around us. Stephanie's parents were able to come over from Billings to spend some time with us. Rick and I were going to repair to roof on our carport, but it turned out to be a bigger job than either of us expected, and will wait for this summer. We were able to celebrate Christmas a few days early with Rick, Elaine, Isaac, Jeff and Michelle. Isaac is an expert at opening gifts. Wrapping paper doesn't stand a chance! It is so cool to watch him grow up.

On Christmas Eve, we had dinner at Jeff and Michelle's, than went to my brother Nick's house for desert and presents with them. Mostly, we took turns holding and playing with Jacob. He had a little santa outfit on, and is just the happiest little baby. He got a jumping swing thing, and loves it.

Christmas day was spent at our home in Port Orchard. Tim, Mom and Dad came over, and we did presents with them. The rest of the day was spent playing with the three dogs, eating a wonderful ham dinner, lounging around, and just plain enjoying each other's company.

As I finish writing this, I can't help but think how blessed our family is. Everyone is healthy, safe, and loved. I can't ask for anything more.

Wow, wind

The windstorm knocked out our power for almost 24 hours starting Thursday night. The wind woke us up and I watched nearby trees sway at impossible angles. The gusts were incredible. We could hear them coming through the trees, and then feel as they slammed into our little house. We feel very thankful and fortunate that our home wasn't damaged, no one we know was injured, and that our power is back on again. Thanks PSE! Around Port Orchard, we saw many fallen trees. The photos show one near our home, and the power lines it took down.

Electric Joy

The Christmas lights went up on the house today. It was raining out, as required, but they went up fairly quickly. I also replaced the electrical outlet near our front porch. I think it was original vintage 1954 - it broke apart as I was removing it. The lights look great, nothing too fancy, but full of holiday spirit. Tomorrow we'll get the Christmas tree, or as our cat calls it, the jungle gym.

A Major Award! (no, not a bowling alley)

Today I got the good news that I am the recipient of a SmartBoard interactive whiteboard for my classroom. I wrote a grant several months ago to a foundation at the University of Washington, and have been anxiously waiting for a several weeks to hear. This addition just about rounds out the technology in my classroom - I have GPS receivers, digital temperature probes, a remote student response system, a wireless slate, document camera, and digital projector. I have been so fortunate to receive it all through awards, grants, and curriculum. The SmartBoard has the potential to completely change the way lessons are presented, and the level of student involvement I can achieve. Gone will be the regular roll down screen. Students will be able to write directly on the board using "digital ink" with just their finger. They will be able to construct graphic organizers by moving objects around and typing text into them - with just their fingers! Classroom technology has come a long way since overhead projectors and film strips. Hopefully, it will be up and running by the new year!

Nope, not the butler...

It seems that the mystery of King Tut's death has been solved. It wasn't a candlestick, letter opener, or revolver. A simple infection resulting from a broken leg (maybe someone broke it intentionally?). I know it is morbid, but I was hoping for something more juicy. As a kid, I was fascinated by King Tut. I drew pictures of the sarcophagus in high school, and really dug into ancient Egyptian history. A great mystery, finally solved - except for the curse part.

Poinsettia Fundraiser

Sixth grade students at Sidney Glen go to outdoor education camp in March. We head off to Olympic Park Institute near Lake Crescent. This year will be our second year, and the students are pretty excited. Money presents a major obstacle for this experience. With over 100 students attending at a cost of over $150 each, we have our work cut out for us. Selling poinsettias as a fundraiser is the first major way students can earn money towards their camp cost. This year, they sold more than 200 poinsettias! Belfair Valley Nursery generously sold us the plants at a much reduced price, and then students sold them to friends and family. They were beautiful all together.

Wet Blanket

It is wet and soggy, but it is definitely snow! This morning we awoke to a layer of heavy flakes. Stephanie immediately played the "Skating" song from Charlie Brown's Christmas CD, and made hot chocolate. Toby was let outside, and he played around, biting and throwing it up into the air. Toby usually hates the rain and getting wet, but snow is different - he ran around and played by himself for about five minutes. It is forecasted that it will snow again this evening and again on Monday morning. Will there be a delayed start to school?

Thanksgiving Hijinks & Homage to Laika

When my family gets together, there is always a fair amount of goofing around. The three dogs were the brunt of our jokes this year. After Tim and my mom made antenna for Emily and Holly, Toby joined in on the fun. Soon all three dogs were sporting aluminum foil headgear. Emily stated that she was "Thankful and proud to pay homage to the first dog in space, Laika." Toby agreed by wagging his tail, and Holly headed toward the back door to be let outside.

Mystery Tube of Science

This was a short week at school - perfect for the Mystery Tube of SCIENCE! The Mystery Tube has four holes, and strings come out of each. When one string is pulled, the others react in unexpected ways. They are all linked somehow - and that is for the students to figure out. They are given a Pringles can and as much string as they want. This is more than a puzzle - it is a way for students to work their way through a problem using scientific thinking skills. They must observe, ask questions, make and test predictions, and compare their results to the model. The first group to solve it did it in about two hours. On the final day, I gave some clues, and almost all groups were able to build their own Mystery Tube, which they promptly took home to amaze family and friends over Thanksgiving Break.