Day 4- Wine Country

 Today started with Donuts- Heavenly Donuts to be more specific...I picked up some for tomorrow too.  I will say they are hands down better than krispyKreme and voodoo, but I don't think they beat TopPot or Bogarts. IYKYK. 

I then went on a walk on the sundial bridge  which is beautiful and I saw a big fish, but it was hot so I kept my trip minimal.  A sign did cross my path to get a "Watermelon sugar high" which is caffeine and sugar so needless to say there was a crash this afternoon after lunch.  But it did help me get on the road for close to 100 miles of super highway driving (More than 5 lanes each way).  

While the old man's directions yesterday didn't make much sense, the one thing I held on to was get off I-5 and get on HW-12.  So that's what I did.  While nothing else he told me made sense or worked at all, I am so thankful for this piece.  It got me off of the super highway and on to smaller roads (2 lanes each way max) and into much better views.  Vineyards ABOUND in this region and it was so fun to be in the slow lane taking in all of it. 

I had a later lunch in Santa Rosa at Bird & The Bottle a great little "small plates" place that it would have been better to have an extra diner with me, but I ended up taking half of my meal to go, which made for a great part of dinner. I got the Mini-Burgers- OMG whatever their house sauce is is HEAVENLY. And their THRICE Bake Fries-- Honestly twice was probably enough, but they are still good and the sauce again, OMG.  I got the Birds of Paradise to drink, which was a lovely Non-Alcoholic beverage that still felt very special. 

Afternoon activity was a Wine Tasting at a local Vineyard.  A requirement of any trip to the region. 

I went with Mayo Family vineyards! They do harvest hosts if you are every interested. They were great. Very kind, laid back and willing to answer so many questions.  I discovered I can like the RIGHT red wine, but that it needs to be fruit forward and lower in tannins. (I am sure I have friends who actually understand what this means). I also learned that I like Port. At least their port. I am bringing 2 bottles back to Minnesota for time with friends. I'd be up for another Napa region visit again in the future. 

At the Vineyards a few locals recommended HenHouse brewery.  The reason it isn't linked is that I didn't like it.  I'm sure if you like Hazy IPAs you would have been happy, it looked like they had a great selections, but it's just not my cuppa tea, so I'll pass. 

Because I spent more on wine than originally planned, and because I am sleepy, I am eating leftovers tonight, as I have plenty.  Left overs in Pizza from Last night, lunch today and thin mints---yes I do have girl scout cookies. 

I plan to relax tonight, maybe watch a movie in my very very comfortable bed

HOTEL: Hotel La Rose is a historic property in Santa Rosa, CA. 

Pros: Amazing Air Con, Separate bathroom, Keurig with Tea options, comfy bed with LOTS of pillows, parking included, free wifi, elevator, tv, table and 2 chairs, extra pillows (So many pillows I'm in heaven)
, 2 night stands with lamps, no flickering lights, extra lock on the door, privacy, 

Cons: Shower isn't tall enough, no fridge, no microwave, queen size bed is standard (not an issue for just me but something to know if traveling as a couple), bathroom is like going back in time, parking lot is a block away. 

Over all I would totally stay here again, but not with 6 weeks worth of stuff and a cooler. 

Thank you to everyone following me on this journey. The texts, notes and calls of encouragement are much appreciated!

Signing off for now

-C

Day 3 ONE WAY ROAD

 I was going to title today's blog as Hotter than Hell, but seeing as it's actually hotter at home right now, while it is over 100 here that didn't feel right. 

Today I woke up peacefully to fog horns.  For real though, they had some how intertwined with my dreams and I woke up without fuss or muss slowly around 7am.  I took my time in the morning, walked on the ocean a bit and then checked out of my hotel.  For being on the affordable end for the area ($120) it met all my needs.  It is also very sweetly decorated and even has this beautiful mural in the lobby. 

I filled the car with gas (which I should have done in Oregon- lesson learned) got plenty of water and gatorade for the day and hit the road. 

It was important for me to get going before 8 as I already knew about 2 one way road situations on the 101 that would close the road by 9am, so making it before then, was essential. [If you plan to travel on the 101 this summer, please make sure to check road closures the night before and morning of]

I had minimal wait times at the 2 one lane roads on the 101 maybe a 30 minute delay in total. Upon truly entering the redwoods I stumble upon some old friends so I had to stop and take a photo. 

 

In Klamath I did a very touristy thing and drove through a tree.  It was a tight squeeze, having to close in my mirrors, but I made it without adding any additional scratches to the car. [They do a great job with arrows of lining you up "JUST RIGHT"].  As a solo traveler I did have to do selfies, so while not the ideal photos I do think it was fun. 

After Klamath, I took a detour down to Eureka.  As I had gotten going early in the morning, I was hoping to avoid the interior a little while longer by staying on the coast where I happily had a HOT chai latte and turned on the heat in my car.    I had a mid-morning snack at Old Town Coffee the chai was good, but the croissant was AMAZING.  So light and fluffy and buttery. 

When you drive through Eureka on the 101 south, it looks like a bit of a dump, but get off the 101 and into old town.  They have a beautiful historic row with lovely old architecture, shops and restaurants. I would have stayed in Eureka longer, but the lingering smell of dead fish was over whelming, so I started my drive inland to Redding. 

Between Eureka and Redding, there were 4 more One Lane Roads.  This added considerable time to the trip, which in the end is fine, because it delayed me getting to 106 degree heat. However, if you are driving on the 299 with a deadline, it's something to keep in mind. The 4 total added about 75 minutes to my drive.  There was a lot of me sitting in a parked card on the highway. 

I got to Redding prior to my hotel being ready, so I found a local brewery: Falls River and helped myself to a beer as a reward for my travels.  I had the Kilty- a Scottish ale, which is heavier than what I typically drink so I pulled an Aaron (leaving beer in a glass or dumping out beer). I did meet several lovely locals who told me about a more scenic route for tomorrow's drive, but when I checked it out at home, those roads never meet, so I'll stick to maps on my phone. Good conversation though with some lovely people. 

Around 3pm I checked into my hotel. Made myself a sandwich and am relaxing with a cold ginger ale. I have the A/C set to 68 with constant fan---(I tried to set it lower, but it was struggling). 

Dinner:  Local pizza from Cinder's I got a margherita with chicken and a side of ranch and a hard cider.  If I would have gone to pick it up, it would have come in under $20, but I don't do 100 degree heat, so they are delivering it and I am happy to pay a fee.  

Update: I should have picked it up the extra money was NOT worth it.  It was dropped off in front of my hotel room, no knocking, no hand off, no text or call, nothing. I found it because I thought I should check the lobby since it was overdue. So warm cider and cold Pizza....Had to wait for the cider to cool in the fridge then I heated up some pizza in the microwave. It's all OKAY, but for the price dominos would have been just as good and probably wouldn't have ducked up the delivery. 

HOTEL: American Modern Hotel  I believe it use to be a Stardust Motel based on the Signage out front.  My room is tucked away in a corner. Update- not a stardust- they are next door. 

Pro: Parking Included, A/C-though not powerful enough for 100+ heat, Courtyard with water misters and plenty of seating, kitchenette- sink, microwave, dorm fridge, coffee maker, TV, Free WIFI, Desk with Chair, 2 night stands, and lights with outlets, plenty of storage if you are staying for a few days, Stand up shower, large bathroom

Con: No shade over the parking in 100+ degree heat, no A/C for bathroom- it does get really hot, no elevator, street noise. 

Signing off for now

-C

Day 2- Oregon Coast and Crescent City, CA

 I work up at 5ish in the morning and was faced  with 2 options: 

1. Continue to stay in a bed that was killing my back, or

2. Wake up and get an early start to my second morning on the road. 

I picked option 2 and what a wonderful choice that was.  

My first stop in the morning was Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the tide pools that lay below. 

I've had a lot of adventures in my life, but exploring the tide pools on the Oregon Cost early in the morning is certainly top 5. So many beautiful sea creatures in their natural environments. I had full permission from the National Park Rangers to touch the sea creatures and maintained at least the required distance from the lovely seals. 

 Today's drive was listed as 5 hours.  It took me 9 and I'd happily have had it take longer but in many areas along the coast there was absolutely no where to stop. 

The Oregon Coast is by far the most beautiful ocean front I have ever experienced.  I would HAPPILY make the Oregon Coast an annual trip.  Cannon Beach was beautiful yesterday, but the coast line just gets more and more beautiful as you drive. The outcroppings become more and more majestic as you reach towards the California Border. 

Breakfast was granola bars in a parking lot waiting for the tide pool park to open and lunch was a peanut butter sandwich and cola sitting on a ledge overlooking out-croppings on the Oregon Coast.  I had a really bad migraine last night and wanted to be careful in choosing food that would keep me healthy.  I also am really focusing on my water intake, especially as it gets warmer.  I can honestly say I AM getting my 8 glasses a day. 

Dinner attempt at Seaquake Brewery.  Unfortunately it ended as quickly as it started with a panic attack.  Which if I was honest with myself I should have seen coming.  I know I have an anxiety disorder. I know I am prone to panic attacks. I know I struggle with new situations.  And while sitting at a bar counter for dinner isn't new, it hasn't happened in the last 16 months.  It still feels weird to be maskless indoor and in public spaces.  It felt very weird to sit less than 3 feet apart from another person. And the result of all that weirdness was a panic attack.  

I did my best to breathe through it. I tried so many of my coping strategies, but in the end the best thing I could do was physically remove myself from the situation. 

Today ended in Crescent City, CA.  My hotel is very quaint.  It's right on the water (Yes I do have an ocean view) which for this price is amazing.  The Fog horn leaves a little to be desired, but the room is overall great. 

Pros: 

Flat parking lot, Cart to bring stuff up on (Because I am traveling like a pack mule) Free Wifi, Fridge/Freezer, Microwave, Coffee Maker, TV with Cable, Desk with Chair, King Sized Bed, Ocean View, Living room set up (2 arm chairs, leather sofa, coffee table, side table). 2 night stands, lights that turn on easily and without causing a migraine (See Day 1 post). Huge space- Bigger than many of my apartments.  

Con: Fog horn. My first thought was how do people live here?  How was this not in any of the review I read or on their posting? But after about an hour I only noticed it when really listening for it.  (Though white noise machine, or music will probably help tonight) Sink and vanity are in the main living space-Yes this is probably a ME thing, but it's just weird to have a sink over carpet in my opinion. 

Thank you for following along. 

-Signing off for now

-C

Day 1- Oregon Coast and Lincoln City Motel 6

 Day 1. 

I got started EARLIER than expected, because at 5:45 in the morning my body told me IT'S TIME to WAKE UP! J helped me finish loading up the car and I was off.  

For the first time ever there was absolutely NO traffic in Tacoma.  I had to pinch myself.  

The drive down was lovely.  If someone could please tell me what wonderful things I found at the side of the road, they looked like giant weather vanes. 

Got down to Cannon Beach around noon. Walking barefoot on hot sand followed by feet in the ocean is the best way to start the summer.  There was a lovely mist over the entire beach today.  6-12 vertical feet of dew drop fog.  There were some fantastic sand castles on the beach. 

That being said it was very crowded, and overwhelming, so my stay was limited to an hour.  I made a REQUIRED stop at Schwieterts Candy Shop for the necessary salt water taffy for this leg of my trip. While they were certainly a few flavors short of their advertised 94 flavors, I was just excited that they were open and providing some flavorful summer treat options. 

I then took a scenic route down to Tillamook.  The plan was to tour the creamery and get food. But again SOOO many people.  We're talking hundreds in a small enclosed space.  So I after 30 minutes of standing in line to get inside I did the self-guided tour, took 25 minutes but was interesting.  I think I would do better on the Moo Booth Quiz at the Minnesota State Fair after this one. 

So just for that it's worth it. (My Mother knows all the dairy Facts). I stood in line for food for 30 minutes, and didn't move so I left, went to the Safeway in Tillamook and got food that I know I can eat. 

Then took the very scenic drive another hour down to Lincoln City, OR.  I cannot express enough how beautiful this part of the country is.  I've never driven south of Cannon Beach on the water and this drive was nothing short of spectacular.  Ever turn I took was breath taking.  

.

I am trying to focus on the positive, but I also live in the real world. So here's the not so shinny side. Staying on the coast in the summer is hella expensive, so a few nights are in low budget hotels.  Tonight was Motel 6 in Lincoln City. 

Pros: Very friendly staff, Free onsite parking, A/C, Microwave, Fridge and Freezer in room, Elevator, and free Wifi. 

Cons: The parking lot is so uneven and difficult to park in, Pet Friendly (I'm sure for some this is a pro, but as someone allergic to everything, its not), No coffee machine and morning tea/coffee service canceled due to covid. Ice Machine right outside my door, Paper thin walls and not so clean space.  The floor had not been swept, a layer of dust was visible. Parts were sticky and I didn't feel comfortable being barefoot. 

I brought several Turkish towels for this trip for these exact moments when I need to have my own sheets. 

Bed itself is squeaky. But I've slept on worse. 

Nearly 300 miles driven and and 6825 steps walked. 

Signing off for now

-C

Packing list

 As you await my first location post on this trip I though I'd share with you my packing list.

 I am NOT a minimalist packer, but I also don't think this is excessive for an entire summer on the road. I will be going through a variety of climates and will need to be prepared for all of them. Also it's hella hot and I understand the need for more than 1 outfit a day. 

To Pack in I have a Plastic Tote that holds shoes and food and extra bags. I have a large piece of rolling luggage (it all fit in a carry on, but I'm not flying so why stress) and a weekender bag(Ex. Lg. Vera Bradley Bag) and also a small hiking backpack. I Also use packing cubes to help me stay organized and make sure everything fits.  I have linked many of the items if you are interested, none of them are affiliate links, I'm not that cool. [If I didn't have the car, I would probably pack a lot less, but this provides me a lot of flexibility] 

Food Items

For those of you who don't know, I struggle with IBS and have a relatively small list of "Safe foods". That is foods that I can always eat and not get sick.  As a result I plan to bring a good amount of food with me and refresh it as needed.

I know myself pretty well and know what I can eat when eating out and what to stay away from, but I also know sometime my body doesn't care and having a good supply of "safe" items is important. 

• Chewy Granola Bars 58 count  Breakfast and snack item
•  Package of Hawaiian rolls 
• Reeds Ginger Ale 
• Cinnamon Gum- helps me stay focused

Practical Items

• Food Related
• Cooler
• Icepack for food and headaches/ potential injuries 
• Water-bottle holder
• Water cup with straw for car 
• Wine/bottle opener- because you just never know when you may need one. 
• Picnic set of plates and utensils
• Tech Related
• Extra Charger Cables and plug for phone
• External Battery 
• Camera bag, camera, Extra memory card, extra batteries
• Laptop, charger and dongle and bag
• VPN- I know I cannot pack it but it's something I got specifically for the trip
• Car Related
• All the essentials about the car, insurance, registration current tabs etc. 
• AAA
• Tire inflator 
• Jumper Cables or a portable jumper
• Medical related 
• First aid kit
• Cloth masks-just 1 or 2 I prefer the disposable kind
• Disposable Masks- yes I'm vaccinated, yes I will still be masking
• Proof of Covid Vaccine 
• Pain Meds, Allergy meds, Inhaler, All medications (some I could get in 3 month supplies, others will be restocked on the road). 
• Books/paper
• The Next Exit
  
• National Park pass
• Journal
• Paper map- My dad taught me to pull over as you enter each state and pick up a free state map. 
• Other
• Umbrella
• Pillow
• 2 Turkish Towels- Great for extra covers, beach blanket, if the hotel bedding is ever sketchy
• Flashlight
• Camp Chair- I have an older model- its a favorite item!
• Eeyore and Pooh Bear

Clothing Items

Shoes:

• Hiking boots
• Sandals- Teva
• Tennis shoes - New Balance
• Black Wedges - Dr. Scholl's
•  flipflops - Old navy

Bags:

• small Purse
• Backpack for Day Use
• Reusable packable bags 

Clothing:

• Undergarments including socks- Enough for 14 days 
• 3x leggings 
• 6x shorts 4 athletic, 2 denim
• 1 pair blue jeans
• 5x tank tops 
• 5x T-shirts
• 3x Blouses
• 2x long sleeve shirts- I probably wont need these, but I am bringing them JUST IN CASE
• 6x dress, 1 casual long, 2 casual short, 1 nicer short, 2 cover ups 
• 1x Jumpsuit
• 2x crop top sweat shirts
• 3x pajamas (2 tank sets, 1 long sleeve set)
• 2 hats: 1 baseball, 1 sun hat
• 2x swimsuits
• 1x Packable Down Jacket 
• 1x Rain jacket 
• 1x Keffiyeh (aka awesome big scarf/ wrap)
• 2x Glasses  and 1x Sun glasses just in case

Personal Care Items

•  Extra Large Dopp bag- Everything fits in this bag except bug spray because the smell and Hand sani because I have 1 large bottle and am just refilling on the way. 
• 16oz containers of shampoo, conditioner 
• Tooth brush, tooth paste
• SPF- I have so many different sunscreens
• In Dopp kit: Morning Application  to face
• In Car: Reapply face and Body
• In Hiking Pack: Back up
• Can't say I'm a huge fan of this one, but I also don't want to waste it, it will be used. 
• Bug Spray
• Hair brush
• Hair elastics 
• Feminine products and TP (not all rest stops are created equal)
• Water Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer- I had a huge bottle, but then in my classroom if Found a bunch of my minis and sprays and will be using those up. 

Make up- Also fits in Dopp bag

• 1 Eye Shadow Apricotine
• 1 Blush/Highlight (14)
• 1 Bronzer
• Mascara
• Brow pencil 
• limited Selection of brushes
• Face- Beauty Blender and Foundation brush, Blush, Bronzer and highlight brush
• 2 eye shadow brushes
• 3 lip sticks - Pink, brown, nude 
• 1 carmax- aka the thing I wear every night and every day.
• 2 Foundations- I am using 2 different ones up currently- neither are made any more. 

If you want to see how it all fits, or photos of how I pack let me know in the comments below. 

Signing off for now

-C

For the win Part 6

 What a way to remember the last 6 weeks of the school year.  This week in reality was only 2 half days with students. The rest of the week is boring paperwork and then graduation and then road trip.  Lots of blogging to come this summer, at least 20 posts so check back often. 

For our end of the school year model this year, we are doing house A on Monday and house B Tuesday- But all 7 classes in a half day, so just long enough to say goodbye.  The plan was to go outside every period of the day, but, it's really hot outside and complaining teens isn't my jam.  So we did end of the year check ins fun activities and games. 

1. We are a TEAM. When I cannot get a hold of a student,I reach out to other educators in our community, who I know are connected to them. Sometimes I just takes another person to get the needed insight. 

2. We work together to get things done.  It's Monday afternoon. My classroom is totally clean and I have finished my check out with the building. All of my grades are done. Progress reports are done and sent. Senior Packets are done and sent to students and families.  I'm ahead of my time line and it feels great. My stress level today is SO MUCH LOWER than it normally is at the end of the year.  I need to carry this feeling forward. 

3. My students are awesome.  This year sucked in so many ways and they still found a way to bring out the best of themselves, each other and me.  

4. It doesn't feel like it's over. Closure didn't happen at the end of this year the way it normally does. But I fully enjoyed sleeping in until 8:30 this morning. 

5. Student told me all of my random Disney Facts during math made math bearable. 

6. My 4th period class.  These kids have SO MUCH ENERGY there is never a dull moment. Even on the last day of school. I literally could not contain the laughter. 

7. I had multiple conversations explaining why we play Apples to Apples at school because Cards Against Humanity isn't appropriate. Had 2 students figure out a way to turn apples to apples into cards against humanity- Damn Blank cards---we need to remove them all next fall. 

8. Had a retirement party for a colleague who spent 40 years in education.  She is an incredible person who I have learned so much from.  Over 8000 students.  That's nuts. May her impact continue to shape generations to come. May we all be so lucky to do something we love for that many years and touch that many lives. 

Now to enjoy Summer.  

I leave for the road trip on the 26th and have kick off post for y'all wonderful people who follow my life then.  

Signing off for now

-C

Dream to Reality

 The last 16 months have taken a toll on all of us. Spending 12 months teaching behind a computer screen. The mental health impacts of isolation. The complete rollercoaster of first being praised for the quick turn around an impact of educators, to spending an entire school year being demonized for not doing enough.  And, dealing with a host of other non-covid related medical problems. We all need a break.  

This year my break is something I've wanted to do for a long time but it was never "good timing".  However, if this last year has taught me anything, it's that timing will never be perfect, but if you want something you need to go for it. So that's what I'm doing. This summer I will be driving around the US on a solo trip.  

I have a lot of family and friends who have shared concerns for my safety in doing this, and while I understand their concern, when in American history has it really ever been safe to be a women?  I sadly don't see that changing any time soon, and I'm not going to live in fear and wait for a broken system to change.  While I am mostly doing this blog as a way to bring my friends and family along for the journey, this is a public page and I am not going to put myself at risk by sharing information in advance.  

So how's this gonna work?

What I will NOT do

• Provide information about where I am headed/route
• Provide information about where I am staying prior to posting each locations blog
• Provide information about activities, plans etc prior to their review posting

What I will do

• Share photos of places I have been (after I have left them)
• Provide honest reviews of attractions, activities, restaurants, and accommodations 

Why not a Vlog?

• I've spent the better part of the last 2 years on screen for work, I would like a break. 
• That feels like a job- I want to have fun not be worried about creating content
• I'm not that tech savvy 
• I don't want to share that much of myself or my time. 
• I hate the way I sound on camera

So what can we expect?

• A post after every Overnight Location
• Some stops are 1 night others are several-I will post after I leave.
• Reviews of accommodations (Not friends and family)
• Reviews of local restaurants, attractions and activities in each location
• Pictures from the journey to this location and the location itself. 
• There will be at least 20 blog posts this summer. 

I'm excited to bring you along on my adventure. 

Signing off for now

-C

For the Win part 5- Goodbye Class of 2021

 This has been great. Focusing on the positive has helped the last few weeks of a year I never need to repeat go more smoothly. I plan to keep this practice, though maybe not as often next year. 

As always no identifying information will be provided. 

Today was the goodbye celebration for our seniors.  This is the group I started with at my school. These are my babies. They will forever hold a special spot in my heart.  They have grown with us, shown us grace and understanding during a very difficult 2 years in education, for as much as students thanked me today, I had to thank them too. They kept me going. They were my reason for getting up every day, they were my reason for going into work, they were the smiles that meant the most in the halls. They checked in on us as educators to make sure we were okay.  Today they just wanted to be together, they just wanted to have connection and contact.  

Today there were hugs.  You may not agree with this but I don't care. Human connection matters and this group has been so deprived of it over the last 2 years that I'm not going to say no to hugs. Additionally at this point the County I live in is at heard immunity levels with vaccinations and nearly all of the students I work with have been vaccinated as well. But above all that, my students know that their mental health ALWAYS comes first, and today that meant hugs. 

I wanted to share all the things that happened today that made me cry. 

Today we had a much better version of our school tradition of tunnel of tears. I hope we do it this way every year. Teachers lined the inside of our track facing out and students came around.  Over the course of an hour the majority of the senior class walked around the track and had final check-ins with teachers who impacted their lives.  Rather than 5 minutes without conversation that really matter we had an hour to check in to say goodbye to make sure they know that they still matter and to remind us as educators that we do too.  These are in no particular order of how they happened today.

1. Student walked the track 5 times showing us positivity the entire way. 

2. Student said "I didn't know I needed you when I started HS, but I'm so glad I had you as a teacher, you've changed my life"

3. You saved my life. - This is where I officially lost it. 

4. I would not be standing here today without you. 

5. We did it! And before you tell me that I did it, I never would have understood math without you, you got me here, so we did this. 

6. You should teach math, you make it accessible, you make it fun and relate-able, you're the reason I got it. 

7. I hate math a little less now. 

8. You saw me. 

9. I love you

10. Student asking for a side hug and giving a full on huge hug with such a huge smile. 

11. Thank you for always believing in me

12. Thank you for sticking up for me when no one else did. 

13. Every time a student shared where they are going next year with pride. 

14. Thank you for showing me that my mental health comes first. 

15. Thank you for being a role model. (I think this was in reference to the fact I am open about my disabilities at school, but in any form I love it).

16. Presenting my senior award to one of the first students who I met 4 years ago at my school. 

17. 1:1 time with a student who reminds me that the late nights pay off. 

18. Watching the interactions my colleagues had with students who just wanted to say thank you and goodbye. 

19. Feeling the happiness.  Some people say it's hard to tell facial expressions through mask, but all the smiles today were more than evident. 

20. This group of student more than any I have ever had in the previous 9 years gives me a renewed hope for the future they bring. They are thoughtful and understanding and honest and kind.  They fight for the underdog and for justice. They look for the best in people.  They understand pain and isolation and the value of connection that has been missing from our tech driven world.  

I hope these students keep in touch with me. I hope they keep me informed of all the amazing things they continue to strive towards. It was an honor to be part of their last 4 years. 

Signing off for now

-C

For the Win Part 4

There will be at least 1 more after this, maybe 2, depending on how much I cry the last 2 weeks of school/ with my graduating seniors.

As always no identifying information will be provided.

1. Student followed the sound of my voice after school to another teacher's classroom to ensure I knew he came in after school and was going to work with me at 3pm.---We went on to complete 3 learning targets. 

2. Made a final push plan with a senior to help them graduate. So many meetings this year, all worth it to help them graduate. 

3. So thankful for my colleagues who are moving mountains to help students find success in a very draining time.  Especially find myself very thankful for our English department this year.  They found the time and energy to provide multiple access points to all of the learning and multiple ways of engagement.  There are so many days that I have struggled with that this year and it's what my degree is in.

4. Has several great 1:1 meetings with students.  I love my 1:1 time because students open up and share.  Some are more comfortable in person, some are more comfortable online. I plan to continue the online option in the future if it works better for a student to check in with me. 

5. Started College/Career project presentations this week.  It's always fun to watch the progression over the years in terms of student confidence in presentations.  I've had some of these students since freshman year and the shifts are major when you look at them over 4 years, which is good for me to recognize, because as I lived them they felt like small inconsequential steps that have in the end created big differences. 

6. Students are finishing up my favorite math project of the year- The Game of Life. My favorite part is the reflection; so the no math day in my math class.  Students each reflect on what they did well, what they are concerned about and what they would do differently if they did it again/ what they will do differently when they have a job and enter the adult world.  It leads to really great conversations with kids about their future. 

7. Several students making REAL PROGRESS on meeting the goal of graduation. 

8. Positive parent emails make my day these days. After 18 months of negative talk from so many community members means that anyone positive is something I will continue to hold on to. 

9. Last staff PD of the year was this week.  Can we please keep them virtual in the future? 

10. I get to do what I love every day.  It's really hit home this year how much I love being in the classroom with students. I used to think I wanted "more" to "climb the ladder", but I LOVE what I do. 

For the Win Part 3

If you are in need of some positivity in your life check out parts 1 and 2 as well. 

As previously mentioned in other posts all students shall simply be referred to as Student or students. 

All co-work shall be referred to as colleagues.

• Student asked me to write a letter of rec. I cried writing it.  The fact this student is still alive and is thriving makes all the effort worth it.
• Student got scholarship
• Have connected with all of my students who are struggling/may not pass Alg 2 to know what their plans are for next year and support in any way I can.
• over 75% of our in person Alg 2 class talked during 4th period this week.  They were EXCITED to answer questions in class.  I wish I could bottle this energy.  They are all just starting to get comfortable back in classes, with 3 weeks to go. 😔
• 2 seniors checked in with me on Friday after school. We had real conversations about where they started, where they are now and where they are headed. They each thanked me. 
• I started at this school when this group of seniors started. We've been through the last 4 years together and it's a different kind of proud and sadness in saying goodbye
• A student who has struggled all year online is CHOOSING to stay after every day in addition to being a 5x a week student. 
• Every day they want to show me what they've accomplished. This work ethic and drive didn't exist before the pandemic, and it does now and for that I will be forever grateful 
• I am finding my rhythm--wish there was more than 3 weeks left for me to do anything with it, but I have skills now I didn't have 2 years ago that will make me a better teacher in the years to come. 
• I have connected more with my quiet general education students on Teams in the last 15 months than I had in person with them in 2 years prior. Communication is more than talking, it's typing and pictures and checking in to only get emojis in response, but its communication and I value it. 

Signing off for now

-C