Bridging the Differences

Just read a blog called "Bridging the Differences." I have to have a link to it. Love the idea of a passionate discussion/conversation about education policy. No fluff, some humor, real issues. Read some of the paragraphs twice just to keep up. Definitely a bridge I want to cross.

Letting Go

Public radio had a great program on last night called, "Leaving Home." (Sound and Spirit) Heard it while driving from Syracuse after watching one daughter's away field hockey game which was after dropping off another daughter for her first year of college. We went south a few hours only to go north again a few hours plus some. All in all... the round trip was 1,050 miles, 30 hours, 5 states, 100s of ounces of coffee, too much fast food, a thunder and lightning storm that can only occur in the mini climate of the Appalachian range, a visit to WalMart for the last of dorm neccesities, a farewell lunch, the chance to assemble a fan with a butter knife (all women should have a good set of tools!), doling out of a little "walking around $$$", and time to bond. It occurs to me we left home in a myriad of ways this past weekend. Regarding my recent experience, Suzy Bogguss sums it perfectly in her song, "Letting Go." Hearing Ellen Kushner's program last night helped keep the theme in perspective making letting go and leaving home a little easier. Good bridge.

getting dumped for college

I am being dumped for college...again. Seems my 18 year old, like her now 21 year old sister, thinks life at a major university in a bucolic setting will make her happy and nurture her intellectually and socially. I don't get it. Who needs all that? Where have the days gone when she was happy to walk around the back yard in her white mary janes, with a pink bandana around her shoulders over a pink smocked dress, wearing a pink floppy hat over soft, bouncy curls, holding a family of bendable Dalmations in a pink carrying case while singing and talking to her imaginary friends? I suppose 14 years of adding to those experiences could create a few more expectations for her. For me... I could do with a few more days of watching those curls bounce around the house.

How do we process it all?

Our school year began July 30th. I'm now in my fourth week of instruction. Great time to write this first post. Presently, I'm finishing the second day of a two day meeting with other educators. My blink reaction to the meeting was, "Yikes" how can I be away from my classroom this early in the year for two days?" I have a few students who really NEED my support as they navigate their day and as we build rapport. Second blink moment...how do I process all I'm taking in? I should quit whining. Experience should remind me whining has never paid off. After today I will come away with tools I can immediately put to use that will further support these students who NEED me. I've had some planning and collaboration time with colleagues I would not have had otherwise. I've learned a lot about what is happening across our school district and that gives me great perspective and affirms much of what is happening at our school. I've had a chance to trust good teachers with my students. I've made new friends. A new bridge.