Decem-buuurrr!!

Only one week left until Winter Break-man how the time flies! December has been eventful with Winter Formal for the kids, holiday celebrations and preparations, and lots of time spent playing in the snow. This weekend some friends from Caldwell visited and I spend my first half day on the mountain. It was great to get out and snowboard with friends! Sarah T had her very first day on the mountain on Sunday and was shreddin' like a boss. Ski patrol did check in on her, however! =) We have also been busy with classroom prep as everyone seems to be getting in some extra teaching time this month. I've met with Mrs. G who I will spend the second half of my placement with and we had an outing with the third grade last Friday. It was a blast! Anyway- here are some pictures to show you what's been happening with the TTA!

How will the kids take their garbage out?!?!

Danna and I on top of Baldy!

The Interns!

Cutest couple ever <3

Brian's snow angel....

....turned out pretty awesome!

A Week of Thanksgiving!

I think it was a much needed break for everyone. I spent some time with family and friends back in Soda Springs.

 We celebrated my dad's 51st birthday on Saturday with dinner and lots of laughs with my grandma, sister Misty, brother in law Nick, their two kiddos Kira and Trent, and my nephew Jordan. I also got to see my mom and step dad.

One thing I didn't inherit from my mom was her love of all things holidays. She is one of the most creative people I've ever met. Check out these turkey sugar cookies she came up with! Aren't they awesome?

I also cooked a lot this year, which I haven't done much of. I made Ambrosia Salad (a yummy fruit salad that my grandma usually makes every year), three pies (with homemade crust)-- one apple, one pumpkin and one cheesecake pumpkin with a walnut streusel topping, devilled eggs, and stuffed mushrooms. It was pretty yummy I must admit!
I can't wait to hear how everyone else spent their week!

Scenes from Idaho

Gearing up for Thanksgiving break - it's been quite the busy fall. I "graduated" from the TTA program and now have a fancy non-intern title. Besides working hard away in the Admissions Office I've been exploring a bit and spending time with our wonderful residents. Looking back at my photos makes me realize how lucky I am to live in this beautiful place.  

Enroute to Stanley

Stanley

Backyard

Backyard

Work

Witches Contest

Sofi, Marc and Veronica are diligently prepping their pies.

Connor learning from the Pie Master!

Connor loves baking pies!

But he spilled the beans.

Marc is the ultimate multi-tasker.  

Pie baking with attitude.

I'm going to make so many friends tomorrow.

Nothing Like Fall in Sun Valley

I have been able to get outside with the Kindergarteners this month. On the 3rd and 4th of October we had our Fall Outdoor Trip. We went to Lake Creek and explored some of the trails and ate lunch by the river. It was a beautiful day! 

Last week we had our hike with our K-Pal friends. (Each Kindergarten kid gets a 5th grader or two to be "pals" with throughout the year) We walked up Dollar Mountain which is right behind Community School. Once we got to the top we were able to look down on our campus and wave to the kids playing on our playground. We played in the snow, and had a big leaf fight. 

My friend from home also came and visited this month. She came with us on the Kindergarten Outdoor Trip. Danna stayed in the dorm with me and we took a little hike up Baldy and then headed out to Titus Lake with Hannah and Connor. We also made sure to drive up and over Galena to the overlook. It was smoky but still breathtaking! 

Not quite sure why my photos uploaded out of order but, they all made it at least. 

I love IDAHO!

We made it to Titus Lake. Fall weather and colors were awesome!

View from the lift on Dollar

Kindergarteners hike with walking sticks in Lake Creek

O.P Assistant Director Mike Schley teaches us about eddies and currents.

Beautiful colors right behind Community School.

Looking down on campus with our K-Pals.

Connor, Moxie, Danna and Hannah pose on our hike into Titus Lake.

LEAF FIGHT!

Danna and I on the ridge hiking on Baldy.

Our vests were definitely a must on this breezy hike to Titus. BRRR!

Fall is upon us...

Yes indeed, the leaves are changing color.  The air is brisk.  And just yesterday we were blessed with a bit 'o Autumn rain.

Life in the TTA has continued to keep us busy.  The Upper School returned from Fall Trips at the end of September.  Hannah Mangham and I accompanied the sophomore class on the Coast Trip to the Olympic Peninsula in WA.  I led a group from Oil City to Third Beach with long-time faculty member (Dr.) Paul Hartl.  Perfect weather and a beautiful trip!  Aqui estan unas photografias...

 

It is always good to get out of the classroom, for teachers and students.  The wild outdoors brings out qualities in all of us that are sometimes lost in the fray of the school day.  One of the most incredible aspects of this school is its outdoor education.  "Oh the places you'll go!"  For me, an adventure into nature is a centering experience.  It can be difficult, yes, but here I can breath.  Focus on the present moment.  Truly take the time to appreciate how fortunate I am to be a part of something so special, global community and Community School alike.

Now we are back in the classroom.  It seems a long time ago that I looked out over that open Pacific.  But it sticks in my brain as I go about my day in the TTA.  

Onward!

Professional Development

As interns in the TTA, we all have the opportunity to attend monthly seminars that cover a variety of topics that deal with students and teaching. So far we have covered effective communication techniques to use in and out of the classroom and how to work with all types of students. Particularly those who 'drive us crazy' =) Deb Yates from The College of Idaho presented in October, here is a shot from that session.

We are looking forward to more great seminars from CofI professors, Community School faculty and community members.

Brian "Shredder" Johnson shares in the fun of teaching at CS with his colleagues!

Brian and Nancy on the Payette

Whether Brian is in the classroom, on the river, or in the backcountry, he is bound to have fun. He has already team taught numerous classes, presented Humanities lessons, co-led trips, and become a Residential Advisor. If you spend time with Brian, he will be sure to bring a smile to your face with his thoughtful, witty, and clever comments. He is working hard to learn as much as he can about teaching and education from the CS faculty and students. We are so glad he is here!

Brian and eyebrow mentor extraodinaire, Joel V.

Brian and SuperRob!

Brian shredding Mix Master rapid!

October!

Time has been flying by! I have been busy in Kindergarten team teaching and lesson planning with Gretchen. I've also had a lot of visitors so far. Some professors, fellow interns, and my intern supervisor have all observed in my class with two more on the schedule for October and November. It has been fun to show off my class and my little kiddos. They amaze me everyday! Life has been busy in the dorm too. This was parents weekend and we were able to meet Brian's mom and dad. Completely adorable! Brian's mom took this picture of us on dish duty after the BBQ.

Picture day brings out the best in everyone!  Do you remember your kindergarten class?  Your kindergarten teacher?  I do!  Her name was Mrs. Spar and she had very fancy hair.  In fact, I am sure it was some sort of beehive très à la mode hairdo.  We had nap time, snacks, and no assistants!  I was never fortunate enough to have such a gentle, smiling, personable, and fun teacher as Ms. Sarah Higgins.  Looks like the children are having a great time with her in kindergarten!