Tuesday morning JDC UniServ Director Bob Brown picked me up at my motel bright and early to head south to the community of Lost Nation. Once at the Middle School we were greeted by three 7th grade students. Our students guides (from left to right) Sheldon Macke, Megan Fields and Tiffany Durr introduced us to all staff as we were led throughout the building.
I had a chance to have an extended visit with Special Education instructor Mrs. Anita Moore (at left). Anita gave me a little history of the 550 student district of Midland. There are six communities that make up the current district: Oxford Junction, Onslow, Wyoming, Center Junction, Monmouth, and Lost Nation. There is quite a rich tradition of families remaining in district, from one generation to the next generation.
Back in the Language Arts classroom, I had the chance to ask each student about their hopes beyond the Middle and High School classroom. I was pleased that so many were aware of the fine Community College opportunities here in Iowa. Student after student shared how older siblings had taken classes or graduated from Muscatine Community College or from Kirkwood Community College. Others spoke of programs at Iowa's 4 year high education institutions. It was encouraging to hear from them. Before I left I asked about their favorite authors and what they were reading. Wow! Most of them had read 15 or more novels and really were engaged in what they were reading. That truly was a highlight!
The teacher that made the invitation for our visit was Pat Dickman (standing at left). Pat is one of the three member team of instructors in the Language Arts classroom that really gets the students involved in reading! Pat was able to slip away briefly and sit for a moment over a soda to share with us her experience as a "Japanese Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program Scholar". Sher learned about this amazing opportunity by reading from the many opportunites published on the last page of each of our ISEA Communiques! Pat was one of two Iowa teachers that made up this year's 200 United States delegation that spent 3 weeks in Japan in October of 2006.
The purpose of the program is to provide a greater cultural understanding between the two nations. Pat was in a group of 20 that were placed together for their three week stay. It was just the most amazing experience that she shared with us! Pat (seated here with UniServ Director Bob Brown) said the phrases that she heard most often surrounding the Japanese focus in education was 1) zest for living and 2) room for growth. Before we headed down the road, Pat presented Bob and I each a 5 yen coin on a cord to use as a necklace or as a bookmark.Now back in her classroom and her feet grounded in Iowa soil, Pat has a new enriched outlook to share with her students, colleagues and community. Thanks Pat for all you do every day for Iowa's students!
No comments:
Post a Comment