Why I Teach

This. Just watch.

John Green

I love being a part of a community of learners. Not only does that exist for me here at HPS, but also on Twitter, YouTube, and yes even Facebook. I haven't ever really heard it expressed so well, as only John Green can, so this was a real delight to find.

Embrace the Shake

I am so impressed by how this guy embraces limitations. All too often I can make excuses for why this or that can't work, but really the best things come from when we take what we have and work with it. One of the things I learned from my parents that I will always treasure is the ability to look at what we have - either what food is in the pantry, what materials are in the shop, or whatever - and make something from it. It isn't always necessary, nor desirable to head to the store for every project. Instead, the best projects are the ones that start from some limitation.

Story Corps

I have listened to Story Corps on NPR for several years now. I am always moved by the stories they present. I have often thought it would be a cool experience to record an interview, but it would be hard to pick a person/topic for it. Today I am wondering if there is a way to create a Story Corps type booth here at school and if students and staff would take advantage of it. . . Might be very cool.

Prime Numbers and Poetry!

Love this! This guy is hilarious, but also poignant, clever, and just plain brilliant. His use of alliteration in his second poem is sheer genius (and I dare any of you to try to repeat it).

February Challenge

I hate February, more than any other month by far. Not just because of Valentine's Day (and really, who doesn't have at least one horror story from that holiday?). I hate it because it should be full of hope and getting ready for spring, but it so often is just 28 (or if we're really lucky 29) days of cold bleak winter. Two years ago on this blog I challenged myself and anyone reading to comment daily on something good about each day in February (as another aside, I hate it so much I can't even spell it correctly without the aid of spell-check). Last year I forgot, but this year I am bringing it back. The goal is to have by the end of the month a list of great happenings and hopefully a slightly better attitude towards this month. Or at least a list of reasons why we can make it through another February.

Everyday Leadership

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us."
So, so powerful. . . Now I need to think about who I need to thank.