On Towards Jamaica!!!

Well, despite being sick for the last few days, Kiera and I leave for Jamaica tomorrow. We took a delayed honeymoon since I chose to work summer school. So, this is my long awaited vacation/honeymoon!
We'll be staying at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I can't wait.
I have everything packed, have someone watching our dog, and am ready for a week on the beach.

Transformers=craziness!

Kiera and I tried to see the new Transformers movie last night. We left our house at 8 to make it in time for the 8:20 showing. However, when we arrived at the theatre, we realized that thousands of other people had made the same plans.

After spending at least 10 minutes circling the parking lot to find a space, we walked into the theater 20 minutes late for the 8:20 show. At this point, I decided we would just go to the next show: 9:05. So, I walk up to the enormous (and still growing) line of people wanting to get tickets. As I near the ticket salesman, I see a flash on the showtimes screen, "Transformers: SOLD OUT"

At this point, I came to terms with the situation and understood that it just wasn't meant to be; I would have to see Transformers another night. Instead, we left the theatre, stopped at the Mcdonald's Red Box, rented The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and called it a night.

Look Back and First Impressions

My first impression of Project Chrysalis was not your typical teacher's first impression. Yet, it's probably one of the few first impressions that actually tell the truth as to the kind of students that attend here.

It was a hot August day. I am 23 years old, and have only been out of college for three months. I am originally from New York and can hardly stand the intense heat and humidity. Not to mention, my nervousness is causing me to sweat even more as the minutes wind down to the moment when I have to enter the cafeteria to meet the students for the first time.

Fast forward to first period. I have 6-2: Eli, B-Ster, Elysse, Garza...all in ONE classroom! And yet, it was a great class. In fact, my first impression of that class made me feel good about teaching. I felt as though I had made a really good choice. Sure, there were days when I doubted whether or not I had made the right choice.

Sometimes I thought to myself, "Ya know, if I would have stayed in New York, my life would be a lot less stressful." But the thing that I realized was that although teaching was stressful, it was also a source of joy. I was able to teach using humor. I was able to teach using current events. Teaching kept me young and in touch with what was going on with today's youth.

Now, entering my third year of teaching, I can honestly say that if my first impressions of teaching and PCMS students had not been so good, I might not be here today. I might have decided to move back to New York, or to pursue other goals.

Chrysalis students are truly one-of-a-kind. I know for a fact that I would not be able to find a group of amazing students anywhere but at PCMS. For this reason, I know for a fact that this year's eighth grade class will rise to the challenges that are before them. They will have to learn to do away with their negativity about separating the homerooms by gender. They will need to stay positive, be leaders, and give this year's new teachers the same great first impression that they gave me two years ago!
For your enjoyment, here are a few pictures of my first two years teaching:

No Man is An Island

"No Man is an Island" is a classic poem that is incredibly relevant for PCMS students. This is a poem that suggests that not only are we a family, relying on one another, but that we are never alone. Currently, all the students are embarking on a new journey. sixth graders are becoming seventh graders and seventh graders are growing up to be eighth graders!

In this time of change, it's important to remember the essence of Chrysalis: that we are a family who sticks together. We do not knock each other down; we pick each other up!

Times change, people grow, but families remain.

If you feel inclined, read the poem below and let me know your thoughts. Post a comment that explains how this poem speaks to you.

"No Man is an Island"

John Donne

No man is an island entire of itself; every man

is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe

is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as

well as any manner of thy friends or of thine

own were; any man’s death diminishes me,

because I am involved in mankind.

And therefore never send to know for whom

the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Runaway Phone

I had my phone stolen this weekend. It's interesting how dependent we have become on these little pieces of metal and plastic. I can still remember when cell phones were huge and bulky, and only corporate guys and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air had them. Now, I have been without the phone for a total of 12 hours and I feel like a part of me is lost.

The funny thing is, I have noticed that the last 12 hours have been lived with minor interruptions. No one was calling me as I went to bed. I didn't have a bunch of mindless text messages to read in the morning (Oh, which ones to reply to??).

I wonder if we all need to lose our phones more often to get back some peace and quiet in our lives.
Regardless, I'll have a new phone activated by noon!

Welcome to Summer School!

Hello! All of you have now begun summer school. That means, that you are currently having more fun than you could have ever imagined! I mean, what could be better? You are taking a two-part class with Captain America and Wolverine! How sweet is that?

Anyways, this is my blog. You will need to check this regularly for updates, announcements, and homework assignments. You can also post replies to each one of my posts. So, if you like something you read, or if you have a good idea and need to share it, be sure to leave me a comment!

Here is a reminder of the homework:

Your homework has three components. Be sure to complete the work early so that everyone has a fair chance to add and reply to the discussion.

1) Post your expectations and predictions of the novel. What do you think you'll learn? What are you excited about? What do you think the story will be about? Why?

2) Post your expectations for this summer course. What do you hope to gain and learn from the readin and writing sections of this class? Is there anything in particular that you are really looking forward to? Is there something you would like to do in reading or writing class (write poems, act out scenes from the book, etc)?

3) Respond to at least three other posts. Give a good response to one of your fellow schoolmate's post.

All posts need to be completed by Saturday, June 6th at 10PM in order to be counted for full points. If you have any problems, you can use your new gmail accounts to contact myself or Mr. Stocker.

Soon, you will all be creating your own blog. Blogs are important for many reasons. As writers, they are important because it is a way for us to get our work published for anyone to see. You can post your thoughts, poems, fiction, etc...

I hope this summer course serves as an exciting way for you to learn, practice your writing and reading skills, and of course...have fun!

Mr. Little