Not Blizzard, Tornado Nor Flood Can Keep Me Away From Atlantic

**Special thanks go out to Ginger Bechtold, Media Specialist at both the High School and Middle School for loaning me the digital camera for the day and emailing the photos to me! Thanks, Ginger!**

On Tuesday, May 8th, I made a return trip to Atlantic. As you recall I was to have visited our Atlantic local on Thursday, March 1st but the Blizzard of 2007 hit Iowa and I was stranded in the Super 8 Motel in Atlantic for 3 nights. Tuesday was a bright and sunny day after a weekend of torential rains, flooding in many regions of the state along with a tornado touching down but some 20 miles from Atlantic!

My first of two school building visits for the day took me to the Atlantic High School. Here I was greeted by Atlantic EA president Bev Schelling (2nd from left). Pictured with President Bev are association members (left to right) Deb Thomas, English teacher; President Bev; Ryan Muldoon, Spanish teacher and Golf coach; and Pat Wiedrien, Art teacher. The association hosted a breakfast in each of the three district buidlings this morning for National Teacher Day. 'Twas a nice touch, Atlantic EA!

My first classroom visit had me in the classroom of two great educators teaming up. Here Mrs. Laura Karas (at right) leads a discussion around the month long activity where all students created a checking account, found a job in the newspaper want ads, found an apartment and paid utilities, and much more (about the world they will soon enter). Students shared concerns for unexpected bills, not being able to afford expensive items, you have to pay the debt on the credit card, and sometimes you don't have the money when bills arrive. Teaming with Mrs. Karas is Atlantic EA president Bev Schelling (at left). They make a terrific team and it was such a comfortable learning setting!

I was next off to class with Mrs. JoAnne Morenz and her
Introduction to Language Arts. Here JoAnne is doing a read-aloud on The Westing Game. I was so impressed how students were taking notes and trying to make sense of the "game" format laid out in the text.

Cutting out of class a bit early, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Atlantic News Telegraph reporter for a quick interview and photo with the High School principal and several teachers.

The next class period found me back with Mrs. Laura Karas (standing at left) leading instruction in Second Chance Reading. Teaming with Mrs. Karas is teacher associate Mrs. Tina Franken (seated on the right) as they modeled their thinking as they read. They shared with students the elements of visualization, inferences, previous knowledge as well as building a character web. Students did an exceptional job of walking through the process!

President Bev and I next stopped in the school's gym where the National Honor Society was conducting a Blood Mobile for the community. Here (at right) are many of the Honor Society members taking a moment from their work to pose for a photo. This is the third Blood Mobile for the student leaders for this school year! Outstanding project and an outstanding effort. Thanks, NHS members!


The final classroom at Atlantic High School that I visited before joining staff in the workroom for lunch was in Mrs. JoAnne Morenz's Advanced Composition class in the computer lab. Here Mrs. Morenz (leaning over the laptop on the left) works with students on a composition assignment. JoAnne is one of the fine building reps for the Atlantic EA local too!


I had some great conversations with both support staff and teachers over a delicious school lunch before leaving the High School. Thanks, Atlantic High School for your warm hospitality! You do have a terrificially dedicated staff with just amazing offerings for your students!