A NIGHT OF MUSIC:
Tonight was the HS/JHS band and chorus concert. After coaching my daughter's softball practice I went to the event which was held @ CIS. The JH band sounded great! I especially liked the Buddy Holly tune. The chorus and show choir each performed nicely. The JH jazz band rocked a little Freebird for everyone. The HS band did 3 pieces including Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and one other. A surprise treat came from Mr. Ernst, Ian Turner and Wil Myers playing Pat Benetar's "Heart Breaker" while seniors -Amy Heikes and Tasha Bryant belted out the lyrics. Congratulations to Tasha, Dana, Amy and Lindi for the awards they earned tonight. Thanks to the teachers, students, boosters and parents for a great evening.

After the meet and greet and a few pictures, just when we were feeling like it was time to leave........Mr. White offered us cake. This was an impromptu gesture that led to another 30 minutes of "visiting" with the Secretary. At this point he offered us coffee and even poured a cup for Ally's mother and I. He then signed a few posters and books. He began to tell stories and visit with everyone. It was obvious that this was off the script. He seemed to really enjoy the students and their families. There were more pictures and stories. He even asked where the "Head Master" was for a second picture:) He was quite the host. His desire to spend extra time with the students and families did not go unnoticed. A man with his schedule - taking that time was remarkable. He ended the day by saying that "all we expect from you (the students) is your best!" What a great afternoon for all in attendance.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT Cont..

Well, the ceremony was very nice. The three winners each read their letter to the Secretary. The youngest, Carra (5th grade) wrote about how a book helped her overcome her fears at gymnastics camp. it wasn't just any camp - she was one of a few who spent the summer at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY. The middle school winner, Jana (8th grade) wrote about a book that opened her eyes to the negative powers of rumors and "mean-talk.". I believe the book was called 13 reasons. Ally's letter was about a book in which a girl deals with early struggles that mirror similar issues in Ally's youth. It was quite the personal narrative. After the readings, there was a meet and greet and a few pictures with the Secretary. He was very polite and genuine. As we started to think it was time to leave........there was more to come.....

Celebrating Achievement!
I am currently at the Illinois State Capitol awaiting the Secretary of State, Mr. Jesse White. I am here to be part of the ceremony to recognize the 3 winners of the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library - Letters About Literature Contest. Our own senior, Allyssa Brown won the level 3 division - being selected from over 6300 entries. Myself, Ally's parents, brother and friends (Jenny and Abby) will soon spend a few minutes with Mr. White. This is a great accomplishment for Ally! This is another example of the good things going on at Athens HS.

I am now able to blog from my phone about school related activities. I am hoping that this will lead to more current and more frequent posts.

The Changing Face of Educational Technology

I am currently on break from an online workshop for school administrators. The topic is technology in education. Of course, this is a major source of interest for me. I believe that the influence of technology in education will grow dramatically in the near future. Schools are places where new technologies can be used to increase student engagement. The issues that we have to overcome are fear of the new technologies and the resistance to use and support such technologies. Many of these technologies can be used to create and design. Creating and designing are skills that our kids will need along with the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. There are schools out there embracing these technologies and using them to enhance instruction, collaboration, and communication. I would hope that by the time my tenure as ended at Athens High School, we have become one of those schools

My Return to 1st Grade

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to read to a group of 1st graders. Mrs. Roemer was kind enough to ask if I would read to her class during Dr. Seuss Week. Of course, I accepted the offer. I would never pass up an opportunity to mingle with the students at C.E.S. My daughter is in second grade and I have coached basketball, softball and soccer teams for the past three years that many of these students have played on. My favorite part about walking the halls of C.E.S. is hearing someone say "Hi, Coach Curry." It is nice to know that you have had a small part in the development, whether it be academically, athletically, or socially, of many students at that level. Anyway, back to the story of Thursday. My day was as hectic as ever. I was scheduled to read at 1:30pm. I was kept busy by a few visitors - until 1:15pm. As I hurried to my vehicle, I couldn't find my keys??? I realized, when I tried to get into the vehicle, exactly where they were......locked inside. With little time to spare, I ran back into the building, found Coach Jay Heriford, got his keys and drove his truck to Cantrall. I arrived right at 1:30pm. Mrs. Roemer, the quick-thinker she is, had used the time for bathroom breaks. As the kids began coming back in the classroom, I realized that this group included my neighbor, Rachel, and several other kids I had coached over the past three years. I took my seat in the chair on the reading rug. The students all gathered around and asked 8 million questions about 8 million different topics! :) After answering all the questions posed, I introduced my favorite beginning reader book - I Will Teach My Dog 100 Words. This has been my favorite ever since I first read it to my children. If you have never read it and have a reason to read this level of book, I highly recommend it. I also read Go Dog Go!. Both of these books are from the same genre as Dr. Seuss. The kids were very attentive, considering I was taking up part of their recess time:) They were great active listeners during the 1st book. For Go Dog Go!, they would finish each page for me (in unison) - they must have all read that one before. After each book, I answered a few questions. When I finished the second book, I received numerous high-fives and hugs and then they all ran off to line-up for recess. They thanked me as they bounced around in line waiting for Mrs. Roemer to OK their departure for recess. In the end, it was a great ending to the day. I want to thank Mrs, Roemer for the opportunity. I should also thank Coach Heriford for the keys to his truck! Of course, because I was already in the building, I did take the opportunity to poke my head into the computer class to say "hi" to my favorite Cantrall Elementary Student - Emma Curry.