Springtime in Alaska

Aaaahhhhhhh.....there is nothing like the relief of finishing up a class. I certainly feel it and I know my students are, at this point in the school year, aching to feel it too! Spring fever-cabin fever- whatever fever you want to call it, it is a real phenomenom - and here in Alaska where winter only loosens its grip after a fight, these spring days are a blessing and a curse.

The weather forecasters say we have the possibility of snow showers today and looking up at the Chugach mountains I can say that they are right. I am, however, selfishly hoping it doesn't move down here as my son is running today.

That is the other thing about spring time in Alaska, the season is a bright burst between winter and summer and the athletic seasons that mirror it are too. Chris' JH track season is 4 weeks long. In that time he has to develop and peak skills in a hostile environment. Today it is low 40's - which he says is ideal for running as long as the wind doesn't blow or that snow up on the Chugach's doesn't move down.

Let summer begin!

Golden Moments

Student creativity is truly the blessing in my business. I am constantly amazed at how they will stretch themselves on a project. It certainly makes my job so much more fun when I see their enthusiasm expressed in a project they have invested time and thought into creating, when it moves beyond "the minimum necessary to pass" and into the realm of "I get this and its cool to get this" information!

Today one of my classes is presenting their "Gold Rush games" I have my back to them and I am listening to them discuss how to play their games, put finishing touches on, and tease each other about how good their games are - this is nirvana for me because I know that far beyond my worksheets these games are what they will remember about this class. Success.

I am also watching a few students who have no game in front of them - they are trying to become invisible to me, because they know a grade rides on this game. I know of no stronger motivation than other students enthusiasm and yet, there are still those students who are impervious to it - sometimes it feels like beating your head against a wall getting them involved - but it sure feels good when you do!

Testing

Today we began our round of testing with science. I hope that my students are doing well and getting into the mindset they need to be successful in this testing. Next week the big 3 hit: Reading, Writing, Math. I will be proctoring in a section of students unfamiliar to me which will make things interesting - however, I will rely heavily on my partner who is experienced and skilled with this section!