last day

Usually, I'm super excited for the school year to end because it's a stressful time for everyone.  Students are checked-out, and it's a daily battle to get them to lift their heads off the table, turn their iPods off, and put their phones away.  I feel more like a cheerleader, "Ok, let's get this done!  Last chapter, whoohoo!" Each day my enthusiasm wanes, my patience and tolerance fade, and I watch both the clock and the calendar.

This year, I'm feeling more reflective about what it means to teach in an alternative school, and the meaningful work being done.

FCHS 2012 graduation

"Here are some interesting facts. Nine years ago, the graduation rate for then Mt. Cove High School was 28%. Over the next few years, staff and administrators worked with students and parents to improve the rate so more students would successfully enter the world after high school. In 2008, the rate was almost double that of 2003, at 54%. I am happy to report that, due to the efforts of staff, parents, and students at Frank Church High School, the graduation rate last year from FCHS was 74%, and that we expect it to be even higher for the class of 2012. Congratulations."  --- Dr. Don Coberly, superintendent, FCHS graduation 5/25/12

I am proud of my very small contribution to this effort.  To see kids, who really struggle with personal issues or who drove me crazy 4 years ago as freshmen, graduate is an awesome reward.

for family and friends of volunteers

Resources and information:

IRPCV and IDLA

Idaho Veteran of Foreign Peace

The Idaho Returned Peace Corps Volunteers held their annual send off party last Friday evening at the Idaho Botanical Gardens.  Of the 40 or so people there, about 10 of us are leaving soon.  I'm the only one going to China.  Most are going to Africa, including 2 going to Benin, a small country between Togo and Nigeria (I had to google it).  I imagine they are heading into a classic Peace Corps experience of village life, living in a hut, and killing chickens.  My PC experience should be much different since my job is teaching English as a foreign language at a university and I get on campus faculty housing.

I enjoyed meeting and talking to several volunteers who had served, some as long as 40 years ago and some who have just returned.  They are very proud of their time in the Peace Corps, and I came away feeling very inspired.  As a parting gift, each nominee was given a IRPCV tie-dyed shirt.  Sweet!

My last Idaho Digital Learning Academy class ended Friday afternoon.  As a second job, teaching for IDLA has been great because of the flexibility: how many classes to teach, what classes to teach, and when to log-in or make calls.  Online teaching is not the same as face-to-face teaching, and online learning is not the same for students either.  Online classes are great for many self-motivate, independent students, especially from small, rural school districts with limited class offerings.

However, Idaho's new legislation mandating online classes as a graduation requirement is ill-informed and misguided because not all students are equally motivated or capable.  And, there's a huge issue of how to get them all online with reliable access to computers and the internet.

It will be very interesting to see what happens with the "Luna Laws."  Maybe I'm relieved that I will miss all of the fireworks from these contentious laws.  



Does he really understand education?

5 weeks to go

Almost 5 weeks to leaving.  I am excited!

FedEx came through with delivering my passport photo in 2 days, all it took was $25, ouch.  Now, I'm waiting for the next round of government paperwork.

I announced at school last week that I am taking a leave of absence.  Everyone is very supportive, but it's weird to be involved in discussions about my replacement and who's teaching what.  I'm sorting and cleaning at school with an eye on what the next teacher might need or want.  My last day in June 1st.

Stu is back at Carroll College in Helena, working on pika research, one of my favorite alpine animals.

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Ty is regrouping with the bad news that he needs shoulder surgery, schedule for 2 weeks before I leave.  So much for kayaking and guiding for Bear Valley this summer.  Right now, he's taking the news in stride.  

Trying to think of what he could do this summer, I mentioned summer school...did not go over well.

the Church

Another passport photo is needed.  I sent one priority mail on May 2nd, but it's not in Peace Corps DC office yet because mail "has to go to an outside source and be irradiated," Susan tells me.  Her job is to track down all the pieces of this last round of medical tests and forms; she is a person who is clearly detailed oriented.

Off I went to Costco for my 3rd trip to get passport photos.  Here's a tip for applicants: when you need passport photos, get 6, it'll save you time and money in the long run.

I asked Susan, "At this point, is it certain that I will work for the PC?"

"Yes you are going to Peace Corps!" is her reply.

Alright then. Time to get serious about this transition, and it's time for the very difficult task of leaving my job.  I have the most amazing job teaching Physical Science at the Boise School District's only alternative high school, Frank Church High School.  In many ways teaching here is beyond description, it's a unique experience to work with kids who are on the edge all the time.  How many times have I said, "I can't believe you just said that," or "I can't believe you just did that."?  And then, there's "Everyone STOP what you're doing, you're all off task."

Positive results at "the Church"

The teachers and staff at this school give and give and give, and it's emotionally draining.  By Friday, I'm happily exhausted.  Everyone is dedication to helping kids succeed on many levels, and the results are impressive.  On time graduation rates are way up for this at-risk population.

Lane, the original nun, who should be a saint

The BSD has generously given me a leave of absence.  Thank you!  This "nun" is about to fly.

Things are moving forward

Stuart's new light stand in progress

The producer/director of First Floor Records sawed my bike storage rack in half for the higher purpose of stage lighting, saying "You're not going to need this for two years."

"Well, true, but that's not looking like it'll ever go back together."

But what does it matter; it's just stuff, right?  I need to either leave it for Ty, pack it, store it, give it away, or sell it.  One way or another, it looks like I'm the fast track to moving.

Tyler's garage office

         
Ty's in position to take over the house. "Leave stuff or not," he says it doesn't matter, "everything will be fine when you're gone."  And I know that's true.

His first semester of graduate school was going smoothly, and then high water season hit with hot temperatures and some rain.  It's tough is see someone who's heart and soul is kayaking sit inside, suffering through endless hours of math.

However, in true form, the weekend before finals, he managed to get some North Fork runs in.

Moving.  It should be a piece of cake.  This time, it's much harder: 100 lbs to China, leaving in 7 weeks.

For over a year, I've been going through the Peace Corps application process, seeing how it would play out.  With every set of intense essays, or time consuming medical tests, or detailed forms, I've wondered if I will ever actually leave.

And now, I am!