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.