Happy Hour...Happy Week!

Happy Hour happened tonight. Yes ma'am. Right on the Riverwalk in downtown Chicago.

And it was lovely.

And it was most fittingly named, for I was, indeed, happy.

What teachers and educators have so aptly nicknamed the "honeymoon phase" of the year, I am in it full on with my 6th graders. I am knocking on wood trying not to jinx myself at every possible turn, but they are such a delight. Yes they get a little antsy and there are times when we stop, "rewind," and try again. But, for the most part, they engage in the tasks (with one small exception using the iPads today) and they partner talk about what they are actually supposed to be talking about.

Marvelous.

Will it last? Let's hope so. (At least for this year, right?) Let them be those angsty teenagers next year...or, better yet, wait until high school.

But more than simply the students (not including the 8th graders - we've got some work to do...but it should be good work), I truly feel like part of a team. When misbehavior comes calling in the classroom, I have so many people I can turn to for suggestions, and I don't feel the least bit judged! Other teachers (who are even busier than I am - and man, do I feel like I hardly have two seconds to breathe in a given day!) actually have taken time to sit down with me or chat while making copies. It is incredible. Such a huge help and joy in my job. Team effort, oh yeah!

Lots of work to do this weekend, including developing a genre project for the 6th graders and finishing some lesson plans. Groceries and laundry are a must, but I do plan on sprinkling in some more fun with friends as well as Sunday night Mass.

Woo hoo - week 1 - we did it!

Wicked Awesome

I admit I've been absent for a few days, but I've been attempting to get wicked smaht...

This summer, I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend Harvard University's Graduate School of Education summer Data Wise Institute. With "100 of my closest friends," I've been learning what it means to enter into a data mindset with a strong foundation based on an inquiry stance and as much data as you can get your hands on. The days have been long, and we've had some tough tasks, but it's been good work, and I am highly enjoying my time here...

The view from my room is beautiful, rain or shine (or sunrise or sunset):

I can go out with friends (or, in this case, a family whose daughter I taught in Arizona!) and still get my homework done (while watching the Stanley Cup Finals):

There are restaurants and cafes that offer menu options with food items I'd never dream of putting together (e.g. a sandwich with sweet potato, green apple, avocado, hummus, sprouts, sherry viniagrette on toasted wheat):

Flat Francis makes for an easy traveling buddy:

2.5 days to go...Better get some sleep so I'm ready to dive into more data (and go exploring during lunch) tomorrow...