The Shed Notebook: National Poetry Month: Remember Me

Yesterday  I learned of the death of a former student. My prayers go out to the family and I hope these words are of some comfort to everyone that loved him.

Remember Me

by Anthony Dowson

Speak of me as you have always done.
Remember the good times, laughter, and fun.

Share the happy memories we've made.
Do not let them wither or fade.

I'll be with you in the summer's sun
And when the winter's chill has come.

I'll be the voice that whispers in the breeze.
I'm peaceful now, put your mind at ease.

I've rested my eyes and gone to sleep,
But memories we've shared are yours to keep.

Sometimes our final days may be a test,
But remember me when I was at my best.

Although things may not be the same,
Don't be afraid to use my name.

Let your sorrow last for just a while.
Comfort each other and try to smile.

I've lived a life filled with joy and fun.
Live on now, make me proud of what you'll become.

Sibling Assignment #189: Lights, Instruments Tuned, "Brigadoon"

Carol assigned this sibling assignment for us this month:

“Share a memory from one of your times performing on stage at Kellogg High School.”
You will find brother Bill's here and sister Carol's here.

I learned when I was a sophomore in high school that I really enjoyed performing on the stage.
Because it was forty-seven years ago that I first appeared on the stage at Kellogg High School,
my memories are a bit sketchy. I played the oldest daughter in the play “The Remarkable Mr.
Pennypacker” as a debut on the KHS stage. I continued playing different roles through high
school in a variety of plays. I loved being in plays. I don’t even remember now if I got that nervous
being on the stage.

When I was a junior it was announced we were going to do a musical.
A musical at Kellogg High School? Wow! It was exciting thinking about combining the choirs,
band, and actors all in one big production. The musical chosen was “Brigadoon”.
This was not one of the productions I was familiar with from our album collection at home, but once
I heard the music I really loved. It didn’t have an acting part. What I remember is standing behind
the curtain singing the song”Brigadoon” in the choir, but later I think I was down in the
“orchestra” band pit. Even though I didn't have a big starring role, I loved being part of the ensemble.

We did the production at the Kellogg Junior High gym/stage and I think by the time we were
ready to practice with everyone together, we all did it on a Sunday. There were also
headaches with conflicts with sports, speech competitions, and who knows what else,
but we prevailed! I think there was some big issue with my brother having to be gone,
but he will have to share that.

Brigadoon was a musical that took place in a magical place called Brigadoon in Scotland.

The music, the bagpipes, the costumes, and the scenery all seemed perfect to me.
I don’t even remember how the musical was received and if we had “sell out crowds”.

We did it! Kellogg High School performed their first musical.
There were more to follow after the success of “Brigadoon”.  
Again, I loved the join effect of so many students and staff.
It seemed like half the students were performing in some way, but it was probably maybe a fourth.
Enjoy the overture below.

Sibling Assignment #160: A Still Mind

We are back doing our sibling assignments after a hectic time with each of our lives. Brother Bill gave the assignment:

Do you have anything in your life that you've not been doing that you used to a lot more of?  In other words, have you let something important in your life slip away -- maybe not completely, but more than you'd like in a perfect world.

Write about it -- why it matters to you, how you miss it, and how you think you'll go about getting back to it. You will find my sister's here and my brother's is here.here

Right now my life is very hectic. As a family we are striving to provide support and care for our mother after she had an accident. As a teacher my brain is on overload trying to navigate the procedures and processes for administering a large amount of tests to my students. I am also trying to walk the fine line of pushing more information into my students' minds and just letting them relax and do their best to show 

what they know on the new federal tests. 

We have been working tirelessly to get our home ready to sell. We have had lots of help, but the decluttering and downsizing just needs to be done personally. There have been "discussions" about what to keep, what to give away, and what to sell. There have been numerous trips to the dump,hardware stores, charity places to donate, 

and places that have moving boxes.

I have been educating myself on the world of real estate. I have studied selling houses, buying houses, and all that it involves. I have searched for houses, visited houses, and drove by houses. When we made the decision to move back to my hometown, we knew there would be houses available. 

It was just finding a special one.

What have I not been doing? Letting my mind be still. It was obvious to me this week-end when all kinds of information, communication, and decisions came at me in a short period of time. I needed my mind to be still. My mom has been going to bed very early while healing from her accident. Last night after she was tucked into bed, I forced my mind to be still. I started writing, making lists, thinking, praying, and writing some more. I knew it was what I needed to do.

I also know I need to continue to find time to keep my mind still as we transition into a new chapter in our lives. Sitting in my childhood living room, looking out the window at the house that will soon be mine, finding comfort with the lawn lights and streetlights kept my mind still.

Now I just need to keep it up.

Food, Family, and Traditions : Student Point of View

Somehow during my 7th grade class today we got on the subject of Thanksgiving dinners. It opened this amazing dialogue with my students about Thanksgiving, family time, traditions, and what they really love about holidays. One student said, " We should survey everyone and find out their favorite  family dishes at Thanksgiving".
It reminded me of what I center on all the time on "Gathering Around the Table". What better way to bring families together than with food, fellowship, and tradition. I think most of my students love Thanksgiving even more that Christmas when it comes to the food part. It was close to lunch and my stomach was grumbling as various students described Grandma's turkey, the best side dishes by an auntie, pies that they love to eat, and traditions that continue to be carried on.

I really love Thanksgiving and am so blessed that my mom and brother can celebrate it with us this year. I know I should learn more from Mom when it comes to stuffing a turkey, making the dressing, perfecting pie crusts, and baking perfect rolls. My problem is I just want her to do it the way it has always been done. That is a tradition I love.

National Poetry Month #17: To Say Nothing But Thank You

 When I watched my students work hard to make Earth Day a success I say thank you. When I return home tired and sore and see my gardens awakening to spring I also say thank you. When I soak in the tub to remove the Earth Day covering of garbage smells I again say thank you. 

To Say Nothing But Thank You

by JEANNE LOHMANN

JEANNE LOHMANNhas published eight collections of poetry and two books of prose, including Dancing in the Kitchen: A Prose Collection (Fithian Press) and Calls from a Lighted House: Poems(Daniel & Daniel Publishers). At nearly eighty-six, she relishes walks through her Olympia, Washington, neighborhood and remains active in the local poetry community.

All day I try to say nothing but thank you, 
breathe the syllables in and out with every step I 
take through the rooms of my house and outside into 
a profusion of shaggy-headed dandelions in the garden
where the tulips’ black stamens shake in their crimson cups.
 
I am saying thank you, yes, to this burgeoning spring 
and to the cold wind of its changes. Gratitude comes easy
after a hot shower, when my loosened muscles work, 
when eyes and mind begin to clear and even unruly 
hair combs into place.
 
Dialogue with the invisible can go on every minute, 
and with surprising gaiety I am saying thank you as I 
remember who I am, a woman learning to praise 
something as small as dandelion petals floating on the
steaming surface of this bowl of vegetable soup, 
my happy, savoring tongue.

National Poetry Month #15: From Triumph to Grief

When a student overcomes obstacles we celebrate! We cheered J.S. on as she was escorted to graduation last spring by her beautiful child.  Today we cried for her. Today our school was filled with sadness. Yesterday she lost that beautiful child in a tragic car accident.  We pray for strength for her family, our school family, and especially for  J.S. 

"Though her smile is gone forever

And her hand we cannot touch

Still we had so many memories,

Of the one we loved so much,

Her memory is our keepsake,

With which we’ll never part;

God has her in His keeping,

We have her in our heart."
Anon.

Why We Write

I have many friends and family members that love to write. As the early signs of spring emerge around us, the urge to get words on paper or screen appears to be necessary after a dark winter rest. Family members are returning to blogs. Other family members are beginning blogs. Friends are expressing frustration of not having the time to write.I now have students eager to put words to composition book also. I want to write.

 I often return to Julia Cameron's words of wisdom when I engage in my own writing. If you are reading this for the first time or revisiting it again with me, embrace her message. There are many things which resist naming.

Why We Write

By Julia Cameron

There are many things which resist naming,
And that is why we write.
We write because language is slippery,
And the truth is.
We write because
The light we have to see by
Is always shifting
Never forget that writers are prophets.
We speak in tongues.
We testify.
We are for each other a believing mirror.
Our words make us visible.
Our listening makes us heard.

Never forget that writers are soldiers.
Our writing is the long march,
The walk into time.
Each word is a drum.
We sound it across great distances,
Reaching one another and ourselves.
Every poem is a day's march.
A celebration more necessary than water or wine.
Every poem is a drink of blood.

Never forget that writing is an act of courage -
Not on the days when it is simple and we discount it.
Not on the days when it is hard and we write like sand.
Our words are torches.
We pass them hand to hand
And mouth to mouth
Like a burning kiss.

Never forget to say thank you.
Every syllable is a grace.

Teacher, Student, Parent

We all read headlines about what is right and wrong with  education, hear sound bites about education, and are bombarded by people outside the field wondering what is happening in our classrooms today.

It is tough to be a teacher today. One reason it is tough is because high stakes testing take precedence in our classrooms and schools.

It is tough to be a student today because there is reading at home, homework, sports, family time, and other activities to squeeze into a time called life.

It is tough to be a parent today because when trying to work, provide, be there , help with homework, cheer on the sports, create family time, and add on other activites.. it is tough.

There are no clear answers. We all just keep plugging along doing the best we can. Teachers, students, and parents. 

2013 Favorite Images: Month by Month

 I have spent time recently reorganizing photos, rereading posts, revisiting calendars, and reflecting on the last year. I saw some beautiful places in 2013. I captured some favorite photos in 2013. We spent quiet time close to home also which I really enjoyed. It was hard to do, but here are some of the favorite images of the year. The one above is a lovely flower at the Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park last January.

 February found us around the fire in the gazebo.

 I love this image in March. Two of my students Stan and Kobe competed in a three-legged race. The weather was warm and I loved how the students enjoyed simple fun outside on the field.

 Nothing lovelier in April then the flowering plum tree.

  I love this image of my student Hannah Blackcrow before our school pow wow.

 A visit to a friend Jane's house provided this lovely blooming tree image.

 Our class reunion was a high point of the year. I was so pleased to capure an image of two of my oldest friends Kathy and Gail at Mom's deck on Saturday.

 August took us on a beautiful trip to the Clark Fork River.

 I love this photo of my niece Cosette playing soccer in September. She is a energetic, spirited player.

 The middle school undefeated girls team before a game.

 The undefeated middle school boys team before a game.

 The year ended with a holiday gathering in Kellogg that included a Scottish Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day dinner. and brother Bill's birthday dinner. I got to spend all of it with my siblings above. This picture is brimming with happiness and good cheer. Happy New Year!

Being Thankful

Each day up to Thanksgiving I will share three things I am thankful for each day. I could probably do this post every day until the new year and not cover all the things I am thankful for. I live a life full of blessings.

Today I am thankful for Friday. It has been a long week and I look forward to a quiet week-end and quality time spent with JEJ and the critters.


I am also thankful for my teaching partners. I work with some dedicated teachers that want what is best for our students each and every day. It is a joy to arrive at school and learn from them each day.

The third thing I am thankful for today is my students. I learn from them each and every day, even when they are dressed up crazy for Halloween.

Girls With Cameras

The other day all the boys in my sixth grade class went to a meeting so I just had the girls. I handed them cameras and said, "Go for it." This is what they captured on film. I love it!

Kindness and Compassion

Today a presenter from Rachel's Challenge came to visit our school. Rachel was the first student killed outside the school building at Columbine High School in 1999. Her challenge was explained to us today.
What I loved about the lessons learned today is that it is about moving toward the light, not focusing on the darkness. She felt that if all students and staff and community members of a school would move toward the light and focus on kindness and compassion we may start a chain reaction.

It made sense to me. Before I had even thought about Rachel's Challenge I had a sign up at the front of my room that says "Be Kind". It is a simple rule that carries a big message. Every day my responsibility is to demonstrate kindness and compassion. Some days it is hard. Some days I go overboard and show too much compassion. Other days kindness erupts from every corner of the classroom. The chain reaction is recognizing those acts of kindness. I try to model that, but I want my students to recognize it in others also. That will be part of our challenge.

Rachel admired and respected Martin Luther King Jr. One quote that was written in one of her journals and shared today was this: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

These are words I will remember and repeat over and over.
Kindness, compassion, light, love.

Celebration Night!

I can't even begin to count all the students I have had in my career. Each group I have taught has had something unique they brought into my classroom. Tonight we honored our 8th grade class and I have so enjoyed teaching them for the last three years. Above are some images of the evening.

Faceless St. Patrick's Day Photos

As I captured the wearing of the green today with my camera, not too many students even wanted to show their faces. It made the pictures much more interesting as I focused on the wearing of the green.

In A Word: Busy

 There are days in my teaching life that I don't get much of a breather. The school day begins with early arriving students, a quick cup of coffee, admit slips from sick kids, an unexpected visitor, an accidental water spill, a lost notebook, important phone call, teaching, learning, papers piling on the desk, sad news about a former student, preparing kids for conferences, early release, quick lunch, then student-led conferences. Whew! At some point in the day my desk looked like this:

 I was glad we held the conferences in a classroom in the other building that was more organized than mine! Tomorrow we will have conferences again. I love the opportunity to visit with families about student progress.

Faceless Portraits Part 2

 

  I am still experimenting with Faceless Portraits, but this series has a focus below the waist. It was interesting what my camera captured today as I roamed around my classroom while students were taking a test.

 

At home I continue to capture faceless portraits.

Sibling Assignment #138; "A Christmas Carol" Muppet Style

I gave the assignment again this week. What book or story most connects you to Christmas and why? I never read Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" in school. My only memory of the book was "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" in cartoon form. I was always annoyed with Mr. Magoo and wished he would just put his glasses on. I do remember being a bit scared of the ghosts in the cartoon.
When I began teaching middle school "A Christmas Carol" was written in a play format in our literature book. I read it for the first time. Students needed some background on what life was like in London during the time the play was written, but this play was key to introducing or emphasizing character traits and how a character changes through a story or play. I decided when I first taught this play I would analyze the different versions of the movie just to see how Scrooge was depicted in the different versions. It was a fun exercise in class right before Christmas break.
I was pleased when I began teaching middle school again at Inchelium that the same play was in the literature book. I have taught this play/book now for about fifteen years. I have seen Goofy as Jacob Marley, Kermit and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, George C. Scott, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, and Bill Murray as Scrooge ( I have not shown the last one in class). Each actor depicts each of the characters in a unique way.
I haven't seen the new version with Jim Carrey playing Scrooge and all the ghosts. We will watch it this week. I have to go out on a limb here though and say that my favorite version still is "Muppets Christmas Carol". There is nothing like Miss Piggy telling off Scrooge, Marley and Marley doing their song and dance routine, and Michael Caine pulling off Scrooge very effectively.
This story reminds me of what is important at Christmas. Students learn how a character can move from being a miser to feeling forgiveness and compassion for others. The quote that always stays with me is "It is required of every man," the ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death."- A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens. Now this story connects me to Christmas.
Enjoy a favorite part of " The Muppets Christmas Carol" with me.

November 19th: I Am Thankful for My Supportive Family and Friends

At 6:30 this morning I got online to find out if I had made the score to be considered a National Board Certified Teacher. I was so relieved to see my score of 286 because I knew I only needed 275 to pass. When I applied for the scholarship last year to support my effort,  a question I was asked was about my support system of people during the National Board process. It was not at all difficult to answer that question. JEJ had already agreed to support me by allowing someone else to clean the house, by volunteering to do shopping and even do cooking sometimes. He also understood the time it would take  be successful. He was also there cheering me on. My mom, brother and sister were there unconditionally to encourage me and I knew if I hit a wall, which I did, they would be there as my cheerleaders. They never let me down. I also had so many friends that had more faith in me than I had sometimes. My school staff was also a huge support group. Students heard early and all my sixth grade students were there in the hall to congratulate me as I arrived.  Today it was such a pleasure to say thanks to so many people as I kept pinching myself, still having a hard time allowing the good news to sink in.