And the Year Comes to a Close

I finished closing up my classroom this morning.

 Everything is tidied up and put away.

 Things are stacked and out of the way so the custodians can do their summer cleaning.

 And just like that, the 2016-2017 school year quietly comes to a close.

Memorial Day - Honoring Our Family

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and Craig, Lisa, and I made the rounds of the family gravesites in the Lafayette area. Our first stop was Rest Haven Memorial Park on Sagamore Parkway (52) in Lafayette.

 Craig's Fairchild grandparents, Charles and Blanche, are buried here.

 As is their daughter (and Phyllis' sister) and her husband, Marybelle and Bob Pechin.

We tried to find a cousin's grave, Susan (Sheryl?) Cleaver, and asked the cemetery manager for help. He was more than happy to show us where she was buried.

Only she was not on his list of graves. Her daughter was, and we found the spot where she had been buried, but there was no grave marker that we could find.

Then it was off to Colfax to visit the graves of Craig's parents, other grandparents, and great-grandparents.

 Cormilles and Mary Isenbarger's graves.

 Lisa puts flowers on Pooma and Boompa's headstones.

 The cemetery in Colfax is quiet and peaceful.

 I love the setting but it is so far from Lafayette that we don't get to visit the graves very often.

 The headstone of Craig's great grandparents, Isaac and Emma Isenbarger.

Last it was back into West Lafayette to Grand View Cemetery at the top of Salisbury hill and overlooking Happy Hollow Park.

 Here we put flowers on my mother's parents' headstone, Earl and Georgia Honeywell...

... and that of my parents, Jack and Fern Martin.

I'm glad we live close enough to visit and honor the graves of so many family members. I plan to go to Terre Haute in a week or so and visit the graves of my other grandparents, Robert and Wilma Martin.

Water Balloons for the Teacher!

I have a tradition that goes way back to my student teaching days with Pam Green - letting the kiddos throw water balloons at me on the last day of school! It is a privilege for the 5th grade students, and it is something the students really look forward to.

 Ready to go!

 The 5th graders line up and throw, one at a time.

 Lucky for me, most of them don't hit me. (Nice to know that I am not as big a target as I think I am!)

Some aim for my feet, knowing that the balloon is likely to break on the ground and splash me. I usually end up with very wet shoes and jeans as a result.

If the balloon doesn't break and I can grab it before the student can, then it is fair game for ME to throw at the student.

GB chose to run at me and try to squeeze it so her balloon burst directly on me. (I love this photo of her!)

 I was able to grab it and turn the tables on her - we both got wet.

 Another round that got me wet, this time from NN.

Afterwards we have a group hug. (And, a huddle with instructions to grab the extra balloons and go get their classmates.)

 Everyone runs around and has fun... 

...while I catch a breather!

Mrs. Frizzle Goes Back to Indianapolis

I have long been critical of the ISTEP+, the assessment Indiana uses to determine kids' progress, school ratings, and my paycheck. I don't mind being held accountable for what I do in the classroom, (I think I should be), but I DO mind a test that is unfair to the children and is, at times, poorly written.

(I'll never forget the time when a confused and stressed student asked me during one ISTEP+, "Mrs. I., the question says, 'Choose from the following five answers,' but there are only four. What should I do?" Crimanitly! Couldn't they have caught that error??)

I have gotten my chance to make changes to the ISTEP+, and believe you me, I have taken it.

In April, I got an email from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) asking me if I would serve on the Grade 4 ISTEP+ Science Blueprint and Item Specification Development Committee, a group working on rewriting the 4th grade Science ISTEP+ for the 2018-2019 school year. Our task would be to better align it to the updated 2016 Science standards.

No doubt I was invited due to the PAEMST award (go here to read about that) and I jumped at the chance and sent in the required papers. (My principal, Linda, and TSC's director of Gifted Education, Bea, had both told me that the PAEMST award would open doors for me.)

Things happened quickly after that - I have attended (and rewatched twice) a webinar explaining the committee's task and outlining the procedures. I have spent hours poring over the 2016 Grade 4 Science standards and making recommendations about how they should be assessed, possible issues I saw, and then prioritizing those standards. (Should they be tested annually, every couple of years, or left for the teacher to assess in the classroom?) It was a huge job and took hours.

The binder I put together with all my documents and notes for the meeting.

Tuesday I headed to Indianapolis to meet with the IDOE, Pearson (the test vendor), and the other teachers who were part of the committee. (Judging from the webinar, I thought that there were about thirteen of us.)

I was very curious about what Pearson's offices would look like, and it was not a surprise to me that they were quite imposing from the outside.

Pearson, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis.

The actual members of the committee was a surprise, though - there were seventeen of us, but only five of us were teachers! Most of the people there were IDOE people, and then three or four from Pearson.

I realized that we five teachers had the opportunity to make a huge impact on the test for Indiana children. What an opportunity!

I can't write about what happened there as I signed a confidentiality agreement. The teachers and one Pearson rep did all the talking and discussing, while the eleven other people bent over their computers taking notes on everything we said. (Their silence was pretty eerie!)

But I can say that I had a voice and I used it. So much so that I was surprised when I was asked afterward to serve on another committee that is rewriting the ISTAR (the test given to students who have disabilities and need a less rigorous test.) I have agreed to serve on that one and have begun gathering information from the teachers with whom I work that teach the Life Skills classes (i.e. our buddy class) and the two resource teachers at Hershey so I am more informed about the ISTAR and its inherent problems.

I missed an end of year activity with my 5th graders as a result of this meeting. I was sad about that, but when I explained to them what I was doing and why, they understood. So much so that, when I returned, I discovered one of my students had shared with Mrs. Fields her take on my absence.

"Mrs. I had to weigh her priorities - should she spend the day with the twelve of us, or should she go to Indianapolis and make a difference in the lives of MILLIONS of 4th graders? I think she chose the right priority."

While my work will not affect "millions," I do hope the outcome is a fairer Science ISTEP+ test for 4th graders in Indiana.

"Your Homework Saved His Life"

Three times today I heard this phrase: "Your homework saved his life." I heard it from Mary Schwartz, a teacher with whom I work (the boy's great aunt), from his mother, Amy Martin, and from the boy, TM, himself.

And it wasn't just hyperbole. His homework truly did save his life.

As TM's mom explained it to me, normally TM sits at the computer table under their living room window after dinner and plays games with his wheelchair-bound older brother. But TM had fallen behind on getting his homework done, and so he was curled up in a chair doing a reading assignment.

His father was across the room from the computer table and seated in a chair, while the mother was on the couch next to my student, feet up on the ottoman and relaxing. The family dog was snoozing on the floor under her outstretched legs. The disabled brother had decided that, since his brother was unable to play on the computer with him, he would go take a shower. (A decision that saved his life, too.)

TM's mother went on to say that she decided that she wanted a snack, and so she shifted her weight, took her legs off the ottoman, and prepared to stand. This decision saved her life. The dog stood up when she moved her legs and moved to another part of the room - just like the people, this saved his life.

Suddenly, a corvette crashed through the window and wall and into the living room where the computer table had stood, obliterating it and everything in its path.

Amy was pinned in place on the couch; TM next to her was unhurt but also trapped by the car. (His glasses went flying and were later found on the front porch. They have no idea how that happened.) The father was hit by debris and sustained a cut in the head which needed stitches.

Had the boys been at the computer table like usual, they would've been killed. Had Amy not not shifted her weight, causing the dog to move, the car would have hit them both and probably killed them. The father nearly lost his wife, sons, and dog in just seconds.

As you can see from the pictures, the car is completely inside the home. Although the driver denies that speed was a factor and claims that he sustained a flat tire that caused him to lose control of the corvette, it is thought that he was traveling at a high rate of speed, flew over the railroad tracks by the home and lost control, swerving as a result and crashing into my student's home.

Year after year, I have students who fall behind in their schoolwork. So,  I work hard to help the kids develop good study habits and hand in their assignments on time. I had spoken to TM that day about finishing his late work since I had to turn in final grades for report cards. The idea that that late work actually saved a student's life, and I fully believe that it did, sobers me.

I also see the hand of God in this. Too many things had to line up for the lives of this family to be preserved. And I am incredibly grateful for that blessing.

Procrastinated homework saved the boys' lives. Instead of mourning the loss of a much-loved student, I am thanking God he is alive.

Former Student Bonus Day!

Today fourteen former Hershey students who are seniors in high school and going to graduate in two weeks stopped by in their caps and gowns to do a victory march through the halls of the school.

All the current Hershey students lined the hallways and we cheered and high fived them as they went by. It's a lovely way to celebrate our former students.

 Mrs. Fields led the way.

I  got hugs from the five who had been in my class as they went by, and was content with that, when to my surprise, they all came back!

 Brock Butler, Taylor Martin, Kensi Eiler, Maya Painter, me, Meredith Roberts, and Adam Menard. (Taylor wasn't in my class, but her sisters have been, so she popped in to say "hi.")

 Maya has won a full, four year scholarship to Indiana University! (She's also the 8th grader in the previous post and in the picture with Abby.)

I put out something I thought they would all remember.

  Kensi, Merry, and Maya were delighted to see this old book.

 It's my all-time favorite book. My 5th grade teacher read it to me, and I vowed then to read it to my class if I ever became a teacher. And I have kept that vow - reading it to every single class in my career!

After we finish reading the book together, the kids sign it. Here is the autograph page from when I read it to these students.

 Maya was so excited to find her name.

 Brock sat down with ZS to play a game of chess.

 Adam watched as the play began.

ZS beat Brock, but Brock was a great sport about it. (I explained that I won't play my students as I cannot beat any of them!)

The former students walked around their old stomping grounds, exclaiming frequently in delight when they saw something familiar.

 They shared memories and laughed a lot.

After more tears and hugs goodbye, I sent a picture of the students and me to my children, mentioning that I had cried when I saw the students. Curt made that into a meme.

Sure thing, I cried! But they were happy tears as I got to catch up with some wonderful young people. I am blessed to have been their teacher.

Former Student Founds Horse Club

My former student, Mackenna Hale, has founded an equine club at her high school! A lifelong horse lover like me, she came out and visited Abby when she was in my classroom.

Former student and horse lover Maya P. (8th grader in the picture and now graduating from high school in two weeks!) and Mackenna (5th grader at the time, now a freshman in high school.) Here's a link to the full blog post.

A few years ago I went out and watched Mackenna ride at her trainer's. She's come a long way since 4th and 5th grade; I am proud of her for making horsey opportunities possible for others!

(Article below posted in the Harrison High School Pulse, May, 2017.)

Students of Harrison High School may have recently seen posters promoting HEC.

HEC, or Harrison Equine Club, was founded by Mackenna Hale, along with Abby Deno, who are both freshmen, and Mariah Ellwood, who is a senior.

“I wanted to form an equine club so then all the horse crazy people could unite,” said Hale. “I have learned, in the short time that I have been at Harrison, that high school can be a little overwhelming, and it's very beneficial to be able to have a positive outlet that will take some of the stress away.”

“[Hale] shared her idea with a few of us who all board our horses at the same equestrian center. We wanted to gather Harrison Raiders who have an interest in horses. We all agreed to meet up and organize the club, and we all worked hard to make the idea of the club a reality,” says Ellwood.

Hale says the club’s main goal is to have fun and bring horse-lovers together, and no experience with horses is necessary to be a part of the club.

“We want to provide equine education opportunities along with community service,” said Hale.

For example, HEC has teamed up with a local therapeutic riding center that will offer volunteer hours for anyone interested.

Equine-assisted therapy has been gaining considerable attention lately.

That it not to say it is a new practice. The ancient Greeks often used equine therapy for people with incurable diseases.

While many professionals say it should be used along with, and not instead of, other therapies, it is helpful for disabled individuals with relaxation and gaining muscle tone, coordination, confidence, and well-being.

“When riding a horse, you two are a team and do everything together,” said Ellwood. “They can teach you everything there is to know about collaboration ‒ leadership, forgiveness, love, and so much more.”

Ellwood also mentions that the club plans to host fundraisers for equine rescues and other therapy facilities, including a possible appearance by a pony at future football games.

“There are many educational opportunities already lined up for next school year along with some fun equine themed outings,” says Hale.  “I will venture to say, the general population doesn’t realize how grand and how far reaching the equine community is in today’s society.”

“It is truly amazing the knowledge and opportunities available for individuals interested in horses.”

Most members of HEC do have experience with riding horses, and Hale herself has spent considerable time with them.

“I have been riding horses for almost nine years now, so everything horse-related comes pretty natural to me,” said Hale. “I started off just taking lessons with a trainer but then slowly progressed to horse ownership. I compete in eventing, and I truly love anything to do with horses.”

Ellwood was very adamant about her love for horses.

“They aren't often viewed like dogs or cats, as companion animals, because they are so large and are herding animals, but to me horses are more like a man's best soul mate rather than a man's best friend,” said Ellwood.

“Horses are capable of building strong connections with people. To trust such a large animal and for them to trust you back is something very special and rare.”

Riding horses can be intimidating ‒ they are incredibly powerful and can sometimes be unpredictable.

“Horses have also made me come to realize how precious time and life is,” Ellwood said. “Horses are often getting hurt. They are delicate beasts I guess you could say. Sometimes they have a simple accident in the pasture, and they will never be able to be ridden again. In fact, that scenario isn't very uncommon. Horses have taught me to cherish everything I have right now.”

If you have any interest in horses at all, Ellwood and Hale urge you to become a part of the Harrison Equine Club.

“Even if you have never touched a horse in your life, but want to learn and interact with horses, you are totally welcome,” says Hale.

Newly Minted Gold Coin

The palomino color can range from a very pale, nearly white color to a dark, almost chocolate. An old phrase, though, describes the shade I like most, and I think Sultanna, now that she's shed her winter coat, personifies it:

A newly minted gold coin!

Derby Daze/Stone Country Fair

Yesterday I went to the Stone Country Fair Show up in Shipshewana. Despite it being held in my home state of Indiana and only two hours away, I'd never gone due to a couple of factors: May is a hectic month for teachers and I don't really collect Stones. But two weeks ago I realized that my school responsibilities were in good shape, and since there was a division for Breyers (which I do collect), I decided to go.

It was a well organized and fun show held in a spacious show hall with great lighting.

Randy, one of the Stone employees, took this photo of me with my long time hobby friend, Pat Reed.

A view from the back of the show hall.

I had to laugh at how Stone had labeled this tub! (In hobby-ese, "bodies" refer to a piece that has been damaged somehow but is still good for those who like to repaint and customize the piece.)

Stone had lots of models for sale at the front of the show hall.

One of the reasons I don't have many Stones is because their cost is so high. They are beautiful models, but I just cannot see spending several hundred dollars for a plastic horse.

My first win of the day was having the oldest Stone model at the show. This is the drafter from the 1997 Equilocity. I won all those raffle tickets with it. Since I believe raffles are a form of gambling, I never buy raffle tickets, so this was my first time actually entering for something!

I did well at the show and came home with five pieces qualified for the National Show, plus I caught up with old friends and just enjoyed putting school aside and having a little fun and relaxation.