Drumheller Springs Field Trip

A few weeks ago we took our 4th-graders to the edge of the North Hill of Spokane, to Drumheller Springs Park. This is a special place to me because this is where the first school in eastern Washington began. Chief Garry of the Middle Spokane Tribe was the teacher in about 1870. I am trying to raise awareness of his educational effort within the larger Christian school community, showing that his story is part of our story. Neither education nor settlement began with the whites. In order to include their achievements we must see that though cultures make us different we are all from the human race. As Garry once said in the 1855 treaty council with Isaac Stevens,

"I think that the difference between us and you Americans is the clothing; the blood and the body are the same."

My students are learning to respect this Native American peacemaker and Christian who tirelessly worked to prevent bloodshed, secure land for his people, and give children an elementary education.

Idaho Humor

Great Lord of the Rings Quote

"You have your own choice to make, Aragorn… to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness… with all that is left of your kin."

What a Dad!

I had the video attached, but it has been pulled by the source... I unwittingly copied it without permission. Anyway, the dad caught a fly ball, gave it to his little girl, and she promptly threw it away. After his initial shock, he did an incredibly loving thing... he hugged her instead of scolding her.

Rainy Day School

Ahh, the hot weather in the 90's this week is cooling down. I woke up this morning to rain. That means I can wear a long-sleeved shirt today without it being torture.

Of course, rain also means "indoor recess"... a phrase that can strike fear or at least mild anxiety into the heart of the most seasoned elementary teacher. However, I think I have a pretty mild-mannered class this year. More on that later.

Brian

School's Back: Apples, Recess, and a Hot Classroom

Hi.

This school year I am going to try to blog a bit about my classroom. I teach 4th grade in a Christian school in Spokane. A teacher's life is full of amusing anecdotes, interesting events, and ordinary life.

Most people graduate from school and for them it is a memory, good or bad. An elementary teacher never escapes. But I think that's a good thing. Year after year, we never progress. We see a repeated snapshot of American culture at a certain age. I like being a teacher.

I just finished my second week of teaching. I really enjoy how my room is decorated this year... and with 16 students it's an ideal class size. Add stick insects & 2 gerbils to the mix, and we're ready for some serious fun learning.

Here's to the adventure!

Off to Wyoming

... where the deer and the antelope play.

We'll be gone for about a week to visit Jenno's sister & her family in Pinedale, Wyoming. I'll try to post some more when I return.