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Bradford

9/30/2014

There's a day in September every year where a rep from the Bradford School comes to Baldwin to talk with the senior English classes about attending their institution. While the presentation is clearly designed to entice prospective students (and acquire some valuable phone numbers and emails) the actual content is rarely so transparent. The presentation instead focuses on life skills or big ideas such as personality profiles, communication skills, or the available types of jobs in the future. The presentation asks students to think, critically, about themselves, their goals, and the next steps in their lives. While I see the presentation five times in one day, it's actually pretty interesting the first two.

In the past, some students have complained about the presentation. (Keep in mind, these are high school students who get a full period free to just listen a speaker and they complain...) The most common issue? "I'm going to college already. I know what I want to do. Why do I need this?" It's a valid concern. The majority of my students will ultimately attend a four year university earning a degree in something...but the question most of them have yet to ask themselves is why? Why are they attending college? What do they want to do next? How much will it cost? While a college education still, and always, will pay for itself over time, it's only does so if you a) finish your degree, and b) get a job which requires said degree. Over the past few years, a number of my students who attended college have dropped out, transferred, or switched majors several times. That's all well and good...but perhaps its because they didn't know there were other options besides a traditional four-year college degree.

So today, the students got a slightly new perspective. Most will still choose to attend a four-year university, but perhaps a few will look at things a little differently. Sadly, the first big choice of these students' lives will be one that will define them for years to come.

Kato?

9/29/2014

In the old Pink Panther movies, Inspector Clouseau would hire a ninja, Kato, to hide in his house and attack him at random so as to keep up his readiness skills. It was a ridiculous move, and likely racist by modern standards, and usually led to the Inspector being unduly injured at all the wrong moments. Still, the idea of being ready at a moment's notice is an important one.

For me, the dissertation is nearly wrapped up, no major papers are due, Homecoming is in the books, and my current grad class has been finished. This can only mean it's now finally time to relax, correct? Maybe...but if there's one thing I've learned in the past five years, it's that just when work seems to be letting up, it comes back to sneak up on you. The only way to adapt, is to imagine ato is about to attack. Thus, even though this week promises to be a bit less busy than the past month...I can't help but feel like there is a ninja lurking in the shadows. Even if there isn't, it's best to stay on guard just in case...

A Good Problem to Have

9/28/2014

As the MLB season ends, the Pirates have come up short against the Reds...missing their narrow shot at the Division Title. As a result, the Pirates will take on the Giants, in Pittsburgh, this Wednesday, in a sudden-death Wild Card Game. If you'll believe Twitter, the Pirates were fools to attempt the division title and wasting their best pitcher today. Perhaps they should have been more cautious. Perhaps they should have played it safe. Regardless...they're still in the playoffs with at least one home game to go.

There's a reason the meme #FirstWorldProblems is popular; everyone finds something complain about no matter how good something is going. The Pirates had 20 years of pathetic play, yet we're now complain at "having" to play a Wild Card Game...at home. It's a good problem to have. Enjoy the next few days; this doesn't happen every year, and could all be over before we have a time to process it. The real test hasn't even started yet.

Might As Well Run

9/27/2014

For the past two years, on this weekend, I've run the Akron marathon (always on the final Saturday in September). The first time I did it as a change of pace because I had the hilarious idea that training for a marathon in the summer would be easier than winter since I was off work (update: it wasn't). The second year, I was planning to run the Chicago marathon and figured the Akron adventure two weeks prior would be a good way to "warm up" for the race. Still, after two Falls of double-marathons, and two Summers of marathon training, I decided to take the year off this time. No marathons this season, at least not until Pittsburgh is back in the Spring.

While training for the marathon, I was dedicated and on schedule, but I always imagined how great it would be when the race was over. During training, I was busy as I had to compress my schedule to fit with my running, I was tired from doing long, double-digit runs on the weekend, and I was always a little distracted as I prepared for the upcoming race. I figured once I stopped running I would have more time, be more awake, and be more focused on all the little things I ignore.

One year later...none of that happened. I sit today in my air-conditioned house very thankful I don't have to run a marathon this weekend...but I'm no less busy, I'm no more energized, and I'm not less distracted. In fact, it wouldn't be ridiculous to say that even with all the training and running going on, I was actually less busy last year, and more energetic throughout the beginning of the school year. It turns out that Mr. Spock from Star Trek VI was accurate when he said "nature abhors a vacuum". All the "free time" I figured I'd have has been filled with other activities, and the lack of exercise makes me just as tired at rest as I was post-running last year. The marathon fit into the schedule if I made it happen, and when I didn't, my schedule proceeded along anyway. There's no marathon-shaped hole in my life right now. In fact, I have no idea how I ever had time for it in the past.

Of course the answer is simple: you make time for the things you care about. If you want to run a marathon while working full time, you will. If you almost want to but think you're too busy...then you won't. The same really goes for anything else. If you want to write a book, or a blog, or take up a sport, or get another degree...you will. If you don't care about it as much as Netflix...then you won't. Your schedule is always full. The question is will you be the one filling it, or do you leave that up to chance? If that's the case...then you might as well run.

1/8

9/26/2014

In my seemingly unending quest to quantify the year, the end of this week marks the 1/8 mark of the school year. We're now halfway through the first nine weeks which means the students now have a somewhat substantial record of work behind them. Typically the learning curve of the Game Lab and Google Drive lasts until around...now and we'll soon start to see some separation between those that "get it" and those still clueless. While no one will start freaking out about grades until the end of the quarter, this is where those who can and should work ahead will start to take the reigns.

Speaking of working of their own, yesterday my CP 12 courses had a class discussion on the first half of the Hobbit all on their own. They submitted questions via todaysmeet.com (a chat which remained open the entire session) while also responding out loud. Not everyone jumped in, but those that did led an open and authentic conversation without following my pre-canned questions as had been done in the past. While the later classes struggled a bit more, the morning groups carried out some of the best discussions I've seen yet. What was clear is that it really all depends on the group dynamic. In each class, I did the same thing, and for some it was very successful but others just sat awkwardly while only two or three people spoke. Perhaps they require more structure, perhaps they didn't read, or perhaps that group just doesn't feel comfortable all together just yet. It's something to consider for next time.

With that, the long anticipated Homecoming week is now over. With the game tonight, and the dance tomorrow (both events which will arguably take care of themselves) it has been a massively successful week. Let's hope this was just the start of an annual Homecoming revival.

In

Scavenger Hunt Recap!

9/25/2014

For those unaware, today the Senior Class hosted the first annual Homecoming Games Scavenger Hunt after school. Though only five teams ended up showing up, everyone had a great time, no one got hurt, and they left some pretty good pictures to go with it. But rather than listen to me talk about it, check out the rules, clues, answers, and pictures below! Hopefully you'll join us next time... (unless you're not a student. In that case, find your own scavenger hunt)

Baldwin Whitehall Scavenger Hunt Clues

Rules: To win the game, you must travel to 7 of the 10 clues and complete the prescribed task. As proof, get a picture of your entire team completing the task or at the location. When you have completed 7/10 clues, return to Baldwin High School. Simple as that. (Answers in italics)

Note: Failure to include all members of your team in the picture will disqualify that clue. Winners will be determined by the team to complete 7 clues the fastest.

1. In the borough of Baldwin, an ancient castle still stands today in the midst of a thriving park. Nearby the famed athletic courts exist as a place of nightly battle each summer. Travel to these courts and enact a battle scene with your group. (The Courts at Romanous Park)

2. In 1849, many prospectors flooded San Francisco to search for gold. If this prospect seems bizarre to you, perhaps you should pause for a moment. Search for gold in the Park that bears their name. (Prospect Park)

3. The world used to be governed by a caste system, but now it’s gone, because of America. Return to a place where “Caste” is the name of the game, and get a picture by your favorite restaurant.

4. Your childhood ends at Baldwin High School, but where did it begin? Return to one of your former schools (any will do) and take a nostalgia selfie.

5. Have you started reading yet this year? No? Perhaps you should go find a book from your local library. Get a picture with a book you just checked out.

6. Are you a member of the polar bear club? The weather is getting chilly so your time has come. Get a picture of your team staring longingly into Whitehall’s local water hole. (Whitehall Pool)

7. School spirit is important...not just for students but for the community as a whole. Take a picture with someone (not on your team) wearing purple and white. No athletic uniforms.

8. Eating healthy is important, as evidenced by our school lunches. Why wait until the game is over? Go buy some fruit for your team take a picture of everyone eating healthy.

9. Life isn’t all about athletics. Sometimes you’ll need to stop, think, and tell people how you feel. Buy a greeting card and send it someone. Take a picture placing the card in a mailbox. (Only drop it in if you have a stamp...otherwise bring it back with you)

10. The best part of working at Baldwin? You see students everywhere. Find a picture with a Baldwin-Whitehall School District employee off high school property. Remember, no sniping; you have to be in the picture too!

Hunt for End of September

9/25/2014

Today marks the penultimate Homecoming day and it's been a great week so far. After the frisbee tournament, the dodgeball match, Penny Wars, the Color contest, Taping Mr. Graves, and last night's wildly successful Carnival and Bonfire, today was an easy day with Homecoming Games Scavenger Hunt! As we speak, students are busily rushing around the neighborhood trying to find all the clues they can by 5pm. I'm waiting somewhere outside the school hoping that all of the traffic laws are followed, and all of the students solve the clues quickly.

Not only is Homecoming going well, but the Pirates Post-Season tickets came in the mail yesterday. As a season-ticket holder, you're "given the option" of buying all the tickets for the playoffs at once. As a result, I actually have some World Series tickets at my house, should the situation call for them. My wife isn't very excited because they "aren't even real" but how often do you get to sit with World Series tickets? Regardless, September has now become a slow countdown to October.

For those are haven't been reading the recent posts, check out the pictures below of yesterday's carnival and bonfire...and be sure to look at the video of Mr. Graves being taped to the wall yesterday. Just one more day until Homecoming is complete and everyone can return to their old/new location of choice.

Bonfire, James Bonfire

9/24/2014

#Buctober is back! Though was already highly likely, last night the Pirates clinched MLB postseason for a second year in a row. Whether its a road game, a home Wild Card event, or a Division title is up in the air, but it's good to be back. Even more exciting in the world of Baldwin is that the Bonfire is back! After several years off, the annual Homecoming bonfire is returning to the District this evening. This year the "Fall-Fest" from last year will be set at Paynter Elementary and run from 6pm-8pm and the bonfire will start immediately afterwards. Another busy day in the world of Homecoming as I spend as little time at home as possible this week, mainly for the irony. Color wars, Penny wars, Tape-Mr. Graves-to-the-Wall Day all took place today as well. I think we'll actually find some time to teach in the middle of all this...but who knows.

Today's blog is short...sometimes when there's this much going on, there's little to really "say" about each one. I'll be posting picture and updates later on tonight as the array of events unfolds. For now, check out some picture of yesterday's dodgeball tournament, the volleyball game, and the wall-taping. Don't forget the video too! I'll post bonfire and fall-fest photos later on.

It'll Never Work

9/23/2014

Today was Day 2 of Homecoming at Baldwin, meaning it was time for Penny Wars at lunch, dodgeball after school, and the regularly scheduled Volleyball game. After yesterday morning's pep rally, complete with a bicycle entrance by the Easy Riders, and a Hunger Games-themed set of costumes by the other team, Homecoming tickets completely sold out at lunch (over 500 sold?!) and last night's ultimate frisbee was a huge success. It seems like the week is really coming together, despite initial skepticism.

And yet, even still, some trepidation remains. Yesterday, I told the students to bring their dollars in to tape our principal to the wall on Wednesday. Our head principal has graciously agreed to be taped to the wall as part of a senior class fundraiser in which students (and staff?) can buy a piece of duct tape to fasten him to the building over the three lunch periods. At the end of the buying period, we'll pull out the chair and see just how long he sticks. It sounds like a bad prank, but hey, if it raises money for the senior class, we're in good shape.

Of course, when telling my students to bring in money, there were still some skeptics. "That would never work here, no one will want to do it." Another student said "that sounds fun other places, but probably no one will buy it. No one does anything here." Despite the recent homecoming successes, there's still this idea that no one is interested, or no one is allowed to be excited. Thankfully, I'm confident they're wrong. Sometimes people just need social permission to be excited about things again.

(And no, this is not Mr. Graves... just a generic "taped to the wall" picture. Look for the real video tomorrow!)

Homecoming Kickoff!

9/22/2014

It's finally here! After week of planning, Baldwin's first major Homecoming event in years has arrived. Today, the event was kicked off in style with a "surprise" pep rally at the start of the day complete with a teacher dodgeball game, an eating contest, some inspiring words from the senior class president, and a lot of pep. This was only the beginning as the week has something to offer each day. The senior class is hosting the "Homecoming Games" after school Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, students are taping Mr. Graves to the wall during lunch periods this Wednesday, there is a full-district bonfire on Wednesday, and of course the football game on Friday and the Dance on Saturday. It's going to be a busy week!

A cynical person may ask why so much time and effort is being put into this largely extracurricular event. Does Homecoming raise scores and teach history? Does it let students do algebra with more ease? In a way, no, but there's really something to be said about "school spirit". If school becomes a place where students are comfortable, engaged, and dedicated to accomplishing goals, they'll be much more likely to succeed. Often, our students fall short not because they are unable to complete tasks, but because they're either unmotivated, or simply did not apply their best effort. Drill-and-kill style tasks are often seen as the "solution"...yet sometimes it's a matter of rising the tide. Let's hope the Homecoming week is just the start of a school-spirit filled week!