On Wednesday, April 9th I revisted my good friends of the Clear Lake EA and got to see the great work they do every day for Iowa students. My driver/host for the day (as was 4 years ago) was Don Christ, retired teacher from Clear Lake. Don (pictured at right) was just the most terrific host! If we had a few extra minutes between schools, we drove past points of interest in the community of Clear Lake. Thanks, Don! You provided not only a great ride, but great conversation.
Our first school visit took us to Lincoln Elementary. Here we connected with CLEA leader Mary Gagnon and elementary counselor. Mary had us visit Mrs. Baker's homeroom and read aloud a book. Mary Gagnon is pictured (on the left) with the class of 1st graders.
Don and I were next off to Clear Lake High School. Here we had the opportunity to observe in CLEA leader John Morgan's classroom.
John (left end of table) leads discussion with special needs students on their eating habits. The students were quite knowledgeable on what they should eat (like many of us!).
Next we were off to High School Government class filled with Juniors and Seniors. Beth Ann Schumacher (in blue sweater in center/left; on far right/right photo) led her class in review of their study of the federal government and how Congress passes legislation. The students had voted to do away with the No Child Left Behind Law and Mrs. Schumacher asked me to address the impact on educators and their students as well as the work of Team NEA in making needed changes.
Don and I were each treated to a special homemade lunch made by CLEA member Jeanne Burgart in which we enjoyed in the staff lounge. The lunch included healthy things like baby carrots as well as an orange--but a sandwich on homemade bread with homemade cookies. You can't get any better then that! Thanks, Jeanne!
Off to our next visit! Don and I were then off to Clear Creek Elementary. Here we had the opportunity to see the 3rd graders prepare for their Music program.
In the multi-purpose room of Clear Creek Elementary we observed elementary Music teacher Harold Arians lead the 3rd grade through their performance. Mr. A. asked me to speak to all the students about "responsibility". Sometimes hearing the same lessons from someone outside the building emphasizes the lessons they hear every day. Great work, Mr. A. and 3rd graders!
Next I had the opportunity to read aloud to all five groups of 4th grade! Here they are (on the right) getting excited about receiving their "mood" pencil following the read aloud.
As the day began to wind down, we found ourselves in Mrs. Melanie Marreel's 4th grade homeroom. Here (on the left) Melanie reads aloud as the students finish their assignment notebooks and ready for their journey home. Melanie is the president of the Clear Lake Education Association.
Here I am pictured with Mrs. Merreel's 4th graders (on left) and with Evan Applegate, a member of Mrs. Merreel's class (on right),grandson of CLEA leaders (and extra special friends) John and Cheral Morgan.
At the end of the school day, CLEA members and leaders gathered at the Lakeview Room overlooking beautiful Clear Lake for a reception. As is their tradition, the CLEA leaders provided an abundance of delicious foods and an opportunity to have friendly conversation. Here (at left) President Melanie and I are ready to share in some of the special treats.They honored me with a number of gifts, the first--a beautiful
package...and inside....tissues! We all got a great laugh, as good friends they know me well! I was also made an "honorary member of the Clear Lake Education Association"!Thanks so much Clear Lake Education Association friends and leaders! In honoring me, you are honoring all of your colleagues on Team ISEA! Keep up your great work in continuing to build your local. You are all indeed special folk!
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