Oregon State Hospital

Teachers are always learning. Oregon requires so many professional development units (PDU's) to renew a teaching license. Most of those units are acquired through staff development activities throughout the school year. But, occasionally, teachers will take some summer workshops or college classes and earn a few more. This week I'm doing a workshop call Summer Institutes. I attended one in 2003 and there were about 20 participants. This week, there are almost 160.

Part of the Summer Institutes curriculum is community interaction. Today my group toured the Oregon State Hospital. For those of you who don't know, the hospital's main building was built in 1883. It's been crumbling for decades, and now the hospital is going though a major demolition and renovation project. It was an interesting tour of a facility that has a long and interesting history. I'm glad I got a chance to see parts of it.

Strawberry Picking

Today we picked strawberries at Green's Bridge Gardens in Jefferson. Tomorrow, I make strawberry ice cream!

69th Annual Sisters Rodeo

Here's a few photos from the family trip to the Sisters Rodeo, and the rodeo parade last weekend.

A Journey's End

Today was my last (official) day of teaching online. The adventure that began with a cold-call from the local Educational Service District six years ago ended with my last final grade submission this evening. The program, which has served so many kids for credit recovery, and aided school districts with scheduling and overflow issues is the victim of the current economic situation.

I'm feeling a bit poignant about the whole thing. It's been an interesting exercise in communication. I would guess that most people don't feel how important non-verbal communication is until you don't have it. Now, maybe, with the prevalence of email, blogs, tweets, etc., it's not such a big deal. But from an educational standpoint, that nonverbal is crucial. I understand my face-to-face students' needs, wants and questions so much better than I do those of my online students. Plus, the relationship was different. My online kids were names, not faces and personalities. Bottom line, the last six years taught me a lot about written communication! And I have to be honest, I'll miss that little bit of extra pay.

40th Anniversary

Today is the 40th Anniversary of my parents' marriage. Personally, I just have to say "Wow!" Those of you who know my parents will not be surprised that no outrageous party was wanted. In fact when the subject was broached many months ago, my mother wouldn't even discuss the idea. So, no party. Instead we compromised with brunch at Eola Hills Winery this morning. This six of us hung out, drank mimosa sunrises, ate omelets, eggs benedict and waffles, and just enjoyed being a family together.
Note: I'll try to post a photo, when I get one.

Graduation Days

It's the time of year again where the kids you've pushed, prodded and nagged move onto the next phase. Working in Alt Ed, it's one of those big goals of mine. I see some students who don't see the point or the importance of graduating, or education at all. I guess I feel a little more confident in the future when the kids finally get that diploma.

Last Wednesday night I dressed up in my Masters Robe (it's tradition at the school I work in now) and watched several of the seniors I've worked with walk across that stage. There were a few more who chose not to walk, which I feel is unfortunate, but it's their choice, and I felt a little better about how difficult this year has been.

Today was the graduation ceremony for my former school. I received a wonderful note in an invitation for that rite of passage from a former student who I admire so much. The deck was really stacked against her at times, and I wish I could've been there today. But that wasn't possible. I feel really confident in knowing that her path is clearer than it was when I met her as a freshman. She's so much stronger now that she thought she could be four years ago.