Congo's Art Studio
It took one advisory, and one morning break to film. It took several days to edit and put all the pieces together. Thanks to Lila who gave up her break to be an announcer. Maria who filmed it, Brooks who stood there in moral support, and Kylie who laughed at us. It was fun!
Advisory creates a community of students and teacher who help each other stick to their goals. A support system that helps us feel safe and comfortable being ourselves without scorn or disapproval. My advisory is like my second family or my camp cabin that works together to accomplish personal, academic or long term goals. Winning IM games, sportsmanship, improving our work habits, and focus in the classroom. Advisory meets every morning before first period. Advisory is my favorite time of day. I'm still drinking my "hot beverage" and the day has all it's potential and possibilities. I like seeing my students every morning, and talking with them about real things. What are "real" things to a middle school kid? They are sometimes simple, sometimes complicated, almost always embarrassing, and topped with a little confusion for good measures.
It is that crazy time of year when we run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to do way too much! Partys, events, school, and not to mention the usual things we are responsible for like, yard work, house work, homework, walking the dog, feeding the family, the dishes, football games to watch and of course finding time for art work. It's a crazy time of year! It feels like some irresistible tread wheel that I want to stay off but always seemed to get tricked into jumping on. It is that time a year for thinking about others, especially those less fortunate, or those non profits all for good causes that want our money. It is that time of year when a fool is soon parted from his money. My wife LG presented us with some choices for giving back the other night for "family meeting".
On this first week of school I find myself sitting in front of my computer dreaming about being outside. I love school, teaching, being the art teacher at CDS. My job doesn't feel like a job and I never dread going to "work". But what I really love is camp! Camp Timanous. I love being part of a greater community that nurtures and watches out for itself. It is home in the summer, the tall pine trees, the old dusty cabins, the cold clear lake, and the people. The people are friendly, cheerful, positive, and real. My family has been at this camp off and on since 1928. When I arrive back at camp in June, Mallards cabin is the same, the friendships start right where they left off in the previous summer or summers. Timeless. All friendships pick up where they left off. I've made some of my best friends in life at camp and friendships are ageless. People I probably wouldn't have ever meet otherwise. Campers, older counselors, young counselors, staff, and directors!