The news feels increasingly bleak lately - kids torn away from their families then lost, potentially trafficked. Twisted scandals in Washington DC. An electoral system we may no longer be able to trust. Violence in schools and homes. Foreign policy blunders all over. Unarmed, nonviolent immigrants and protesters being shot in the head. Everything feels … Continue reading May 26: so much sadness in the world
violence
May 25: more gun violence in schools
Today a science teacher in an Indiana middle school averted a potential mass shooting situation when a 7th grader came back to class with two handguns. Apparently he nailed the kid in the head with a basketball, then tackled him. The teacher was shot three times, but appears to be in good condition. I haven't … Continue reading May 25: more gun violence in schools
May 18: emotional whiplash
Wow. I had a great week at school. My kids did excellent on their Romeo and Juliet quizzes today. We've had a great time reading it and playing with it, and they are doing so well. My 12th graders are doing some creative writing using the story lines and interview/narrative structure of the novel we've … Continue reading May 18: emotional whiplash
May 17: Is there a line for movies or other art?
I've been obsessed with news and reviews of the Lars von Trier movie that premiered at Cannes Film Festival - The House That Jack Built. Over 100 people walked out of it, with one reviewer tweeting that it was repulsive, shouldn't have been made, and the actors are culpable. Here is another review that "is … Continue reading May 17: Is there a line for movies or other art?
April 22: Another Day, Another Mass Shooting
James Shaw, Jr is a hero. He hit a guy armed with an AR-15 with a swinging door, then wrestled the gun away from him, in the process severely burning his hand and likely saving the lives of many people in a Waffle House. Based on his press conference, he doesn't seem to like the … Continue reading April 22: Another Day, Another Mass Shooting
April 20: 420
This might be the first 4/20 I didn't worry much about going to work. Columbine happened 19 years ago, just before I graduated with my B.A. I had just been accepted to start my Masters program in Education at the U of M that summer. For some, 420 is a day to celebrate weed; for … Continue reading April 20: 420
March 24: March for Our Lives
We woke up early today - up by 8 am - to go down to Harriet Island and march with kids from around the state to the capitol in support of common sense gun legislation. Dak dropped Anders and me off, and we met with kids and teachers from his school. We marched across the … Continue reading March 24: March for Our Lives
March 14: Walkouts Everywhere
Kids at our school joined kids across the country and world in walking out to protest gun violence and call for more gun safety. My son's school took part, as well, and I'm glad they did. Students and young people have been at the forefront of social movements forever. They have energy and unbridled passion, … Continue reading March 14: Walkouts Everywhere
February 17: Ready for Action
I spent the day with Annika at her basketball tournament today. This was her first year playing, but she was on a team with a lot of super-talented kids who have obviously been playing basketball for years already, so while she practiced hard, she didn't get much playing time in the tougher games today. She … Continue reading February 17: Ready for Action
January 24: Lock Downs
I'm so tired of being worried about the safety of my students and myself in places where none of us should have to be worried. I'm angry that there have been 11 shootings at schools around this country just since the beginning of this year. Not this school year. This calendar year. 24 days. We've … Continue reading January 24: Lock Downs
Adventures in Distraction 