Recognizing Team Work and Commitment!
To make the decision to bring 40 middle schoolers to a fun and learning facility 2hrs away from school, in the eyes of many, it is madness. I thought the same.
But a powerful team of dedicated souls made this process incredibly smooth.
First, a lot of credit goes to my students. Fifth and sixth graders in unison made the choice to be grand and be themselves. They were funny, irreverent, real, curious and they were kids (and everything it means these days!).
The TN Aquarium in Chattanooga is an incredible place. So much of the beauty nature offers in one place. So well laid out.
Perfection... We had both buildings to ourselves.
We arrived safely. We returned safe, tired and beyond content.
Highlights:
The students... They outdid themselves by socializing, being proactive, supportive and being 10-12 year olds.
The most magnificent moment... at the end - meeting Rachel Thayer, a zoologist/aquarist, who was responsible for the upside down jelly fish exhibit and trains some huge fish in the Aquarium.
The students, exhausted, who in other circumstances could have behaved differently... they chose the high road and demonstrated their capacity to understand this was a unique opportunity. The questions asked, the understanding of the process, being willing to listen and expecting to meet the upside down jelly fish. Applying their critical thinking skills!!!
I am a proud teacher. Everything we do with purpose and sacrifice generates new days of learning.
Other elements that I am thankful for...
Peer Support
Mrs. Broeder - she did it all, she pushed for this event - that was approved at the last minute but planned for two months - Without her nothing would have happened.
Mrs. Connor - leader and dedicated warrior. So patient and who relates incredibly with the students needs and likes. Powerful support!
Ceteka Gooch - who is more than IT wonder woman and support. She empowered our students by giving access - with an iPad - to academic independence and self-directed learning.
Mrs. Sehring -- you always rule - allowing our students to use an iPad during our trip!!
Ms. Brinksworth - who brought goodie bags for her students (with a touch of homework!!!).
Community Support/Partners -
* Everything began when Dr. Jordan Jack Grigor - Marine Biology Post-Doctoral Fellow at Vanderbilt University - interacted with an old classroom during the Climate Change program (Marine Science).
He went above and beyond to benefit academic success for all students.
He put me in contact with TN Aquarium and Rachel.
Also, Dr. Grigor gave me the opportunity to meet Mert Sekmen, a brilliant high schooler to watch, who wrote the curriculum to be used in a middle school STEM class - regarding marine science.
* Dr. Carney - Scholar in the Classroom - the students love having him nearby. They relate to each other. He listens to them. They seek his knowledge and adulthood.
* Rionna Anderson - SSMV Vandy - a peer to our students and an incredible professional in the making.
* Parental Support - the parents that joined us, who were so dedicated and patient with all of the kids and were present.
The parents who sent drinks, snacks for all.
* Johnson Transportation Service LLC - a fantastic couple who led us to safety and cared for all of us.
It is a moment to recognize team work and commitment.
We did it together. Let's keep making plans and continue to expose our students to the real world, in real life situations.
Thank you everyone.
