Alyssa's Day

During the summer, when we're not quite so busy, I try to take some time to spend with the kids. Today was Alyssa's day. And since she's growing up, it's not always easy to find things that are a good fit, and fun.

So, last week when we made this date, I threw a few ideas out and the plan was to do what Alyssa wanted. Alyssa's choices took us to Riverfront Park. We began with a walk across the Union Street foot bridge that connects Riverfront and Wallace Marine Parks. We had some time to kill before going into A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village. It's a fun little museum/learning center that probably more appropriate for kids in early elementary. But we had fun playing checkers on the giant board, beating on xylophones and marimbas, climbing up and sliding down in the Erector Set tower, and blowing giant bubbles in the bubble room. For those of you not in the know, A.C. Gilbert was the inventor of many toys including the erector set. Gilbert was born in Salem, and the center is partially housed in his uncle's home.

Our next stop was a short walk away: the Riverfront Carousel. We rode several times choosing different horses for each ride.

By then it was lunch time, which was the only time I sat down all day. Alyssa chose the Best Little Roadhouse, but we opted not to play miniature golf. The next couple of hours we did some shopping: Claire's and Candy Tyme at Lancaster Mall. Then a trip to Michael's and World Market at Keizer Station. Our final stop was Baskin-Robbins for Bubblegum (Alyssa) and Oregon Blackberry (me) cones.

I know that I had a good time. I hope Alyssa did. :)

Father's Day Weekend

The last couple days have been really busy, but that's pretty much par for the course during the summer. Saturday I attended the Averill Family Reunion (I'm a "half-cousin" as one of the other attendees put it) in Brownsville before heading back the parents' for an early Father's Day Dinner. Dad grilled ribs, Mom made strawberry shortcake, and we all made pigs of ourselves. After dinner we visited some friends and it was really late when I finally got home.

So, with such a busy Saturday, I was anticipating a pretty quiet Sunday. I figured I'd just hang around the house, maybe do some chores and play with Kitter. Well, plans change. Instead, the family spent a couple hours following Dad around sporting goods stores. He had fishing supplies to buy, and a gift card to spend.

70th Annual Sisters Rodeo

We made our annual trek over to the Sisters Rodeo this weekend. (I took pictures, but click on the link to see some really great rodeo shots) The weather was incredibly beautiful with sunshine and blue skies. It actually felt like summer. And I have the sunburn to prove it!

Saturday started with the rodeo parade. This year's seemed shorter than last year's, but it was still fun. Then it was back to camp. This year we opted to attend the Saturday afternoon performance. We has a log of fun, and Logan was a real trooper. He hung out in his front pack, then slept in his basket before being passed around. Luckily that kid can sleep through noise. After the rodeo we met up some cousins, and caught up on family news. It was great to see them since everyone is always so busy.

Today was more relaxed. We cleared camp and headed into town for a few things. Lunch was really fabulous pizza at Papandrea's. They really load on the toppings and two slices fills you up. Then it was back over the mountains. It was a great summer kick-off weekend.

Last Day of School

I can remember a time when the last day of school was all about excitement. You spent the morning watching the clock hands move ever so slowly toward the final bell. Then you practically bolted from the room with, if you had one of those great elementary teachers, a quick hug to accompany the call of "Have a great summer!"

It's not really like that anymore. First, most of my students can't be bothered to even come on the last day. In fact, I haven't seen several of them since last week. Second, there is no clock watching when you're a teacher. Today I spent every moment fully engrossed in helping a senior finish those final few geometry assignments so he could get his diploma. Third, my "Have a great summer." doesn't quite end that way. I usually follow up with "Don't do something stupid!" Some kids crack a smile, some laugh, some throw me a look that screams "Get real!" And then they're gone. My classroom is silent, and I know that when I go in to finish tidying up tomorrow, I will feel a little bit lost and disconnected. And then, I will watch the clock.

Hoover-Minthorn House Museum

Today six members of Chemeketa DAR made the trip to Newberg to visit the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum. This house, now owned by the Colonial Dames of America, is where President Herbert Hoover lived with his aunt and uncle, the Minthorns, from 1885-1889. In 1889 the family moved to Salem. In 1891, Herbert entered Stanford University. He became a mining engineer, businessman, bureaucrat and eventually president of the United States.

I've lived within an easy drive of the museum most of my life, yet this was my first trip to see it. While I enjoy visiting old houses, it was the stories about the family, and "Bertie" that I enjoyed the most.

Pen Pal Project - Update

So, I promised an update on the Pen Pal Project. Since my post on May 23, I've written the first letter to H. and the first reply letter to T. I have to be honest, the reply letter was much easier to write. It's so difficult to figure out what to say when introducing yourself. I didn't want to fill pages with questions or a bunch of "memememememe". Personally, I think T. did a wonderful job with her first letter. It was a gazillion times better than mine to H.

Questioning

Some days I question my professional path. Am I doing enough? How can I engage more students? What will work as a motivator? It's part of teaching. I don't know any teachers who go into this profession for accolades or money. Both of those are few and far between. We teach because we can, and we really enjoy kids and the learning process.

This year has been tough. Most of my students are "give it to me now!" types on good days and "back stabbing pit vipers" on bad days. Being insulted by some of my students is almost a daily occurrence. And I'm worn out. Tonight, I congratulated a former student on graduating. The response to me from that student was "you're such a bitch." I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was. I'm used to that as a response to discipline or disappointment, but not as a response to a sincere offering. And that moment overshadowed all the positive moments this evening. And so I question...