H1N1CATION!

PS 161 was shut down by the chancellor from Thursday May 28th until Tuesday June 2nd because of an unusually high number of absences due to flu-like symptoms. Hope no cases are confirmed...

On the plus side...that means 5 days of unexpected vacation!

Heeeya!

I just have to say:

This weekend made me smile. A lot.

Before Celebrating...

Before jumping up and down in celebration of my student's progress in their English Language Arts standardized test scores, it's important to critically examine the political motivations for showing gains in this year's test scores.

Seems to me that Bloomberg needs the scores to look good for his political ambitions, and the test was perhaps conveniently easier this year...

Standardized tests are just political ploys. They mean nothing.

Collaborative Team Teaching

I just spent the last four hours having a mind-blowing conversation about creating an inquiry-based CTT classroom next year. I can't describe how grateful I am to be exactly where I am today-working at my school with talented and inspiring colleagues and friends. Building off of the ideas of talented, ambitious and passionate teachers and learners makes me passionate about life, the work I get to do every day, and the movement we are creating together.

It's official:

A month of surfing and yoga in Costa Rica.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
Departure (JFK): July 1, 6:00 AM
Arrival San Jose Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO): July 1, 11:45 AM CST (morning)


Saturday, August 1, 2009
San Jose Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO)
Departure (SJO): August 1, 11:35 AM
Arrival (ATL): August 1, 5:56 PM