trees and three highs

I had started writing a blog entry Monday that began: The first day of school will ultimately be a day of learning for Lily. Looking back from the end of the week - and hence knowing that I could survive it - I'm feeling more positive. Matt and I are both worn out from this week, but there is no rest for the weary yet. School is just beginning.

We began our Summer Bridge week at school with the Forestry Project, an intensely academic rotation in and out-of-doors of 170 students in 32 groups over the course of two days.

On Wednesday was my day of rest. Only the freshmen came to school, and we went up to Black Mountain to the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. It was so nice (and easy) to just do what I was told (versus being in charge of a whole project). My group did the entire ropes challenge course in the rain, no complaints. Some students turned around partway through the course, but EVERYONE tried, which made me instantly love these younger kids. That was one of my highs this week. (Unfortunately, I teach the spoiled older ones.)

Funny how some things go: I spent the greater part of the end of July planning the Forestry Project, and I didn't feel like it was much less chaotic than it usually is at MEC. I know why now - I never got a chance to meet with the teachers as a group and explain it fully (despite asking for the block of time repeatedly) - but it still was a great disappointment for me.

Thursday, we find out was unplanned kind of late in the game and four of us scrambled like mad the morning of, and somehow it worked. Tagging onto the Forestry Project, the students helped clear out and mulch the woods behind our school building. They also used a simple dichotomous key to identify the trees in our own woods, and cut out leaves to represent themselves. Thanks in large part to Matt, we now have a painted family tree trunk in our hallway ready for these leaves - one for every student.

The last thing our students tackled on Thursday was an iMovie presentation of what they did and learned this week. We filled the auditorium Friday morning to watch these movies, and that was my second high of the week. The movies were funny, serious, thorough, haphazard... and genuine. I had wondered all week how the Forestry Project went - Did they like it? Was it cohesive? Did they learn? - and watching those videos was the affirmation I needed.

We filed out of the auditorium with fun on our minds because outside sat four wet and dry inflatables. Luau dancing later that night. All I had to do was watch and partake. Easy.

My third high is that we got another teacher position for our school, and after a frustrating week of interviewing other people, unspoken tensions, and a surprise turn of events, that position will be Matt's.