A week after NOLA, finally back to email

I have been out of both cell phone and email range for the past week and while that has kept me from posting to this blog sooner, it has also given me the space to reflect on my experiences in New Orleans. What stands out most to me is the way in which good, honest work has a way of building upon itself. While fetching chairs from the cavernous and overflowing attic at Dibert, I noticed some plastic storage units. Suddenly, I had the new, self-appointed task of distributing these precious commodities to the middle school classrooms. One of the storage units contained a pile some hundred deep of blank envelopes which would now need to go to the office. While carrying those down, I noticed that the borders in the third grade classroom were not done and so another project emerged. With open eyes and the honest desire to help as much as possible, work kept popping up. I began to find the lunch break somewhat annoying--there was so much more to do!

I would also echo Eunice's observation that we, as a group, worked very well together. So well and so efficiently that, as she reported, we exhausted the plans they had for us the first day. Next year, I think they will do well to overestimate all that Team NLU can do when given the chance.

As I mentioned to Karen over dinner one time, before this trip, I lacked experience in volunteer work. Perhaps incongruously, given my desire to teach, I have not historically been drawn to volunteer. So, why NOLA? Why this trip? Quite simply, the opportunity to travel to New Orleans and help prepare schools for the young people soon to arrive combines that for which I feel deep passion--teaching and schools--with a city that is simply magical in its pull. It may be the case that other volunteer opportunities did not combine the content and location so perfectly as this service-learning trip. Suffice it to say that I already plan to go back next year--as long I can be on Eunice's trip.

And, lastly, I realize that there are complexities involved in travelling to a city that has been devastated by natural/human-made disasters with the goal of "helping out." Such a trip can be undertaken with a downward glance and false sympathy that hides the truer sentiment, "I'm glad it wasn't me." Or the journey to learn and help can be taken with humility and the openness of spirit which I felt during our time in the crescent city. On the first night of our trip, I travelled out to Uptown for a yoga class and the owner of the studio mentioned that his brothers had attended Dibert in the 80's and that our work was greatly appreciated. He said that we should keep coming back. I agree.

A Humbling Experience

This was my second trip to NOLA, and it really opened my eyes to the complexity of their educational system right now. NOLA's public education system is run 60% by charter schools and 40% by public schools. The school we volunteered at was called John Dibert School and was located in the Mid City area. This school was run by the public system at one time, but then got turned into a charter school. The volunteer work that we did at John Dibert was phenomenal. We set up furniture, classrooms, made classroom materials, organized closets, set up whiteboards, and also created life-long relationships with eachother. During this trip I also had the opportunity to visit the Ninth Ward. Even though there are families that have come back to rebuild their homes, many still stand vacant and destroyed in the area. I also had the opportunity to see the new levee and to be really honest it's higher than the old levee, but not by much. I hope and pray that another Katrina doesn't happen because I don't know if the new levee will hold much more than the old levee did. Apparently Brad Pitt is trying to rebuild homes in the area. His goal is 150, but right now there are only 20. These homes are "green" and more energy efficient, but apparently cost 300,000 as a whole. No wonder many people aren't flocking to get their homes rebuilt. I couldn't even afford that home, and most likely the families that used to live in the ninth ward can't afford the upkeep of a house like that either. I think it's great what Brad Pitt is doing, but I wish he could make the homes a little more affordable especially since our economy isn't doing so great right now. I plan to go again to NOLA next summer and keep "paying it forward."

The Flowers of our Labor

3 times, 3 different experiences

So, we went and returned. Can't say that I'm glad to be back (except that today, Monday, in Chicago the weather is blissful). I miss my new friends. I enjoyed the pleasant way our 17 volunteers interacted. It's not too often you can get three (maybe even 2) strangers to live and work together let alone 17! I love every one of you. Thanks for making our trip so easy. :)

As for John Dibert School, I know they are happy we were there. When we arrived on Monday morning, the list of our assignments was rather small. They didn't know who we are. We set about our tasks with good effort and good will. We were finished quickly, looking for more to do. We cleaned a little room and made it nice enough for teachers to use as a work room. We helped ready the library, pre-k facility, and all the classes to receive the students. By the end of the week, we were working with teachers putting packets together, leveling books, sorting teaching materials, putting lettering and reading aids on walls. Three of us were given the task of assigning pick-up stops on bus routes.

Along the way, we talked with new teachers and shared techniques and stories. I learned all the new programs have one thing in common, boost the students self esteem, you improve their focus and goals. It's not new, but nice to see that they are using it in the new schools.

Our tour of the lower 9th Ward with Tony as our guide revealed the progress Brad Pitt's project is making. Tony couldn't get over the fact that "white people" would be the ones to step up to help. Anyway, the project is amazing and I hope that it is competed soon so he can add more to it.

For me, going to New Orleans and helping get ready for the new school year, is a good way to give back for all the good fortune I have encountered in my life. I am always warmed by the good people I meet and reassured that there is more good in the world than the newspapers would have us believe.

Reflection

Ahhhhh, home again, home again. Let me say, it has been a whirlwind of a week......I am glad to be home......but I now also have time for a little reflection. I really have so many things to say about our trip to New Orleans. I will try to be brief, however, I want everyone to realize the impact a trip like this can change our personal perspective of life.

The flight to New Orleans was in general uneventful. It took about 2 hours. I closed my eyes and in an ever so brief moment......we reached our destination.

The weather: hot, hot, hot.....and humid, humid, humid! It was Sunday afternoon, we had the day to ourselves to get familiar with the territory. The group decided to meet at the Gumbo Shop for a quick, delicious lunch; then on to the French Market to see what was happening in the quarter. There was so much activity in the heart of the French Quarter that we really didn't have time to notice the heat, just the hustle and bustle and live music playing on almost every street corner. What a lively city......and ever so diverse! It was brought to our attention that there was a Satchmo festival going on at the Old US Mint.....we had to go and check it out. The music was lively and fun. There were many people enjoying the festivities, having a drink or sharing a treat. After our time at the festival, we found ourselves wandering back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. We enjoyed a wonderful seafood meal at the Crazy Lobster.... then early to bed to prepare for our 1st busy day at John Dibert school.

Monday: Our first challenge was to find the correct trolley that would take us to John Dibert school in Mid City. Actually, with the guidance of some "old timers" (volunteers who had been on the NOLA trip before).....we found the school with the greatest of ease! As we entered the school telling everyone who were were and where we were from, it was astounding to see the reactions of these warm hearted NOLA natives. Everyone we spoke to expressed their gratitude and appreciation of our generosity.....however, we had not done any work yet! What a gracious group of people! Our first day of work was rather unique. I don't think the people of New Orleans realize how hard people from Chicago work. Every time we would finish a job.....they seemed shocked that we were done with a project. We all had our assignments, and we all just jumped in and did what we were told. I think the first day they ran out of jobs for us to do because they didn't know we would work so quickly. Many jobs were accomplished that day.......classrooms designed, storage closets cleaned, supply cabinets reorganized, rooms painted and packets made for the students. We accomplished a lot......so back to the hotel for a shower and another outstanding dinner (I must say......the people of New Orleans really know how to cook!) Dinner at Crescent City Brewery boasted another seafood delight. Early to bed.....another busy day ahead......

Tuesday: Another wonderful day at John Dibert school. So many appreciative people. Even the students were stopping us to thank us for our help! More organizing, planning, designing, painting, constructing and in general......helping. I will say they were more prepared for us on Tuesday....the list seemed to keep growing. After work this day, some of the volunteers decided to take the trolley to a grave yard. What a cool place to visit! Along the way we visited a memorial for unidentified Katrina victims. That place will run chills up your spine! It was however, a true example of the people of New Orleans......they felt compelled to create a memorial for those who had no one, could not be identified.....but, they will not be forgotten. It brought tears to my eyes! Dinner at Port of Call this evening. Port of Call is a local pub with the best hamburgers and baked potatoes I have ever had the opportunity to eat! Early to bed........

Wednesday: Again.....another wonderful day at John Dibert school. At this point we were beginning to know more about the locals, people who relocated to New Orleans after Katrina, and about our fellow volunteers. We were starting to get a real feel for the people of New Orleans, why it has been so difficult to regroup from Katrina, and why there hospitality is so genuine. Their stories of the struggles they have endured helped me to understand why everyone is so appreciative of our help and of everything good in their lives. Their stories are sad, but also heartwarming and genuine. What a kind, loving people! After work this day, some of the group decided to take a tour to the lower 9th district. This area was hit the hardest by Katrina. It is also where the levees broke. Tony (our tour guide) told us all about the levy breaking - how and why. He showed us places that used to be blocks of homes.....prairies now. When the levees were rebuilt, they were pushed back quite a distance.....areas that used to be blocks of homes are now inside the new levy. As we drove up and down the streets you could see plots of land with only a cement stoop....the house was totally washed away - no sign of anyone ever being there - except for the stoop. There are houses that are still boarded up....moldy and rotting....waiting to be torn down and rebuilt. Tony told us how people were taken by boat to the highway where they were being flown out of the state.....expected to survive where ever that plane landed. Tony was shipped off to Minneapolis......a little cold for his taste.....he lost everything....but at least he survived. He took us to the community that Brad Pitt is revitalizing. That area was scheduled to have 20 new homes built....that number has amazingly been raised to 50. The scary part is that the levees are still right behind these homes........even though the levees were built a little higher....Tony said that last year, the water overflowed the levees during hurricane Gustav. The tour was very informative. It helped me put a perspective on what really happened to the people of New Orleans during Katrina. It breaks my heart to hear some of the stories, but I am so proud of these people for being survivors! Off to Ralph and Kacoo's for a seafood dinner.....early to bed.

Thursday: Flood watch today.....school is closed, no volunteers allowed - the school was locked down. The group decided to meet at a place called Cafe Reconcile. It is a not for profit organization that helps drop out students learn a trade (waiter/waitress, host/hostess, chef.) The food was fantastic and it was exciting to visit a place that helps inspire and teach young people a trade. It is encouraging to find a facility like this that will help idle youth become successful. The rain was relentless so it was imperative to return to the hotel for a quick change of clothes before venturing out into town. Of course a visit to Cafe DuMonde for coffee and Beignet's is a must - for anyone who visits NOLA....so to tide us over until dinner......we had a little snack! Dinner at Landry's - I totally recommend the red fish! Not an early night tonight.....off to Bourbon street (you have to see it once).....tons and tons of people and live music in every bar. Too noisy for me.....however, we did find a very nice jazz band.....listened to a few songs......then, home to bed.

Friday was our last day at John Dibert school. Many of the volunteers were finishing up projects we had been working on during the week. 4th thru 8th grade students had already started classes. Monday was the first day of school for all classes to be in session. We spent most of the day helping the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teachers finish preparing their classrooms. When the day was done, I think all the volunteers felt a sense of accomplishment. We did make a difference....and the teachers, parents and students appreciated our assistance. I learned so much about human behavior this week. It just amazes me how people who have suffered and lost so much, can be so kind, generous and gracious. I saw no bitterness, jealousy or anger. Just a true sense of thankfulness for every act of kindness. I really wish the people in our own communities could be as warm and kind as the people of New Orleans. I was sad to leave John Dibert school.....but like I said, there was a sense of accomplishment.....and a sense that I did make a difference. I left with a great big smile on my face. Everyone met for one last dinner together. We met at Red Fish. Overpriced and mediocre food at best. The only meal I can actually say I did not enjoy in NOLA. Early to bed......have to get up early for our flight home.

Now that I am home....I can honestly say this has been one of the best weeks of my life. I helped people who genuinely needed and appreciated my assistance. This community service project helps the volunteers appreciate what they can do for others. It is about working together for the greater good of the community. It helps us to feel like we are a part of something....something meaningful and good. I cannot say enough good things about this experience. It has helped me to grow as a person, learn as an educator and appreciate as all humans should! I am honored that I have had the chance to be a part of this wonderful project - NOLA!!!!!

Cottage Pictures & Library

What a great experience. The teachers and staff at Dibert School were so appreciative of our effots; but I feel like we were the real beneficiaries of our time at Dibert. As a pre-service teacher, I was able to observe and take in a wide variety of tips and ideas for my own classroom one day.

The school-wide emphasis on the values of Focus, Integrity, Respect, Self-Determination, and Teamwork are worked in to almost every aspect of the curriculum. What a great example the teachers and staff are setting for these children by encouraging them to take ownership of these values and make them a part of everything they do. I truly believe that someday, whether it is a mandatory part of the school curriculum or not, I will take what I learned from this experience, and incorporate values into my own curriculum in the future. And for this, I will always be thankful to Dibert School for having us.

There is so much debate over the charter school movement in this country-- especially in cities like New Orleans, Detroit, and Chicago. After traveling here to New Orleans and spending a week at Dibert, there is no doubt in my mind that charter schools create a solution of hope and progress for neighborhoods where safe, clean, and productive learning environments may not be available for children.

A couple of thoughts on New Orleans:

After having Beignets, I will never be able to enjoy a doughnut the same way,

I have lived in a handful of cities in this county; and I have never seen a city with so much pride and unity as the people in New Orleans seem to have. I'm so glad I was able to experience this city and do some work I feel good about while I was at it.

Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Building Schools and Relationships

I knew that I loved this city before I came, but after our week here I feel at home here. All the people that we met here showed us the spirit and compassion that lives here. Our group kept busy through out our time at John Dibert, but what I really enjoyed, that is unseen, are the connections and conversations we had with the staff. Putting stickers on library books was an activity in the background to having conversations with staff about the learning community in New Orleans, their family, and experiences. This is the real treasure of this trip. As future educators, what better way to experience a school's culture than to get in there and ask questions and support teachers and administrators.

I spent most of the week working at the Pre-K cottage. Wow! I wish we had a before picture. It was intimidating walking in on Monday, but we plowed through the boxes and layers of paint until we actually had a room that looked like a preschool. The staff at the cottage, Jeanie and Tannika, were great! They shared their experiences with us as we worked alongside of each other all week. I truly hope that they liked the outcome of the room, and that they have a great learning year with their little ones. And, I also hope that the flowers we planted in the boxes outside the cottage welcome all the pre-K's to class, and brighten their day.

To our group. . .I think we were a really remarkable group. We all worked hard, supported each other, and had some great fun together. I really liked that everyone had positive attitudes and were willing to put forth effort to get the job done! If I get a chance to go next year, I hope that many of you will to! Thanks to Karen and NLU for organizing a wonderful trip and learning experience.

Service &Learning

This was a VERY ENJOYABLE experience! We were able to dig right in Mon AM. A group of us started in the pre-K "cottage". This was a little house that was across the street from the main school. We met the pre-K teacher & and her assistant and began clearing floor space so the room could be set up for the students that would be arriving later in the week.
During the day on Mon I had the opportunity to talk with Jeanie (the pre-K teacher) about her personal Katrina experience. It's one thing to watch what happened 5 years ago on the news, listening to Jeanie relate what she went through was eye opening. She was able to get out before the storm hit but she lost EVERYTHING when her house was flooded by 8 foot of water! Her experience makes me realize how trivial most of the things I worry & complain about really are. Jeanie was knocked down but got back up and is making use of her many talents @ John Dibert School. She's my new hero!

Life Is A Continual Learning Experience

Well......my learning experience begins with this blog! I have been struggling to get signed on since it was first created. Now, today, our last day in New Orleans, I have been successful. i guess this is an omen.

I can only briefly express my thoughts at this time due to prior commitments and obligations (besides it is our last night in NOLA!) However, in the near future, I will be offering an earful regarding all the wonderful life experiences ..... and things I have learned here in New Orleans.

Briefly, I will say that the outstanding quality of human behavior, compassion and survival skills of the people of New Orleans puts the rest of us to shame! They are the kindest, most welcoming and generous people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. It has been an honor working and learning side by side such exceptional human beings.

I have learned many things this week, but the one thing I have learned about the people of New Orleans is that their Southern hospitality and their survival skills will make any human proud to be a part of this service learning project. I was humbled by their bravery....and proud to say I had a hand in helping them regroup. Anyone who had the opportunity to partake in this project is.....and should feel...... privileged.

I just had to say these few things .....there will be more to come. Thanks for listening!

"To whom much is given much is required"

The above quote has always been of importance to me. It's the essence of who I am. Sometimes it doesn't always take a monetary amount to give back. It can be something as simple as giving a priceless gift such as time. We all have been blessed to give back in any type of way. It's not often that we are faced with opportunities to give back but this trip has proven to be just that. Upon arriving here to New Orleans and John Dibert School, I wasn't aware of what to expect but I was ready to roll up my sleeves. Our group arrived ready to assist and take on the challenges of the teachers to ensure that the classrooms were all completed for the eager returning students. With each completed task the teachers began to express their gratitude an appreciation. For the group it's been a treat to see each completed classroom and know that with just a little time and effort our teamwork could make a difference.

Bold Gamble: Transforming Schools

Miss Karen saw this article in The Times Picayune yesterday and wanted to make it available to everyone. Here is the link.

http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2010/08/bold_gamble_transforming_schoo.html

Cemetery Fortresses and Streetcar Abandonment

How often does a streetcar driver stop the vehicle, get out, cross the street, get into his car, and drive away? To our astonishment, this happened to us on the way back to the magnificent Bienville House the afternoon of Day 3 and is a daily occurence. This was shortly after we squeezed through the gates of one of New Orleans' many cemeteries to find out the gates were open on the far side. With that in mind, the possibilities are endless. As Day 4 starts, we are waking up to the pitter patter of rain on our windows as if opportunity were knocking at our door. Bonds have been made, gumbo and beignets have been devoured, and students have been served. There is still much to do at John Dibert Elementary, but we are working our best to provide the best. This trip has brought nothing but happiness to everyone and I am excited for the days to come.

Late Monday Evening/Early Tuesday Morning

This trip has already become my favorite trip of the three that I have been on. Each year the dynamics of the group as well as the work we do is all so different, but this year the group seems to be more of a whole, rather than small groupings. We have already spent more time together in the last two days than I think any of the past trips have. This to me, is wonderful. I am thrilled ! :)

Today, was a personal challenge for me, for many reasons... But I feel as though I am learning to roll with the punches... sort of! The work that I did today was hugely fulfilling, for both myself but mainly for the teachers I worked with. I was set to work doing tasks that the teachers had all been meaning to get to, but just didn't have the time. I was happy to be able to help them out in this respect, and they were perhaps more excited to be able to check another item off their "to do" list.

After work, we were fortunate enough to see the tail end of a parade, just after dinner on Decatur, as well as a live concert just in front of Jackson Square. Reggie Bush, Deuce and Marcus Allen were there too! It was cool to see some New Orleans spirit on the fly like that. Yesterday we caught the last day of the Satchmo Festival, over by the French Market, all kinds of live jazz and bangles, baubles and bright shiny BEADS! Mr. Armstrong, Satchmo, would be proud :)

On that note, I'll have to be up in only a few hours to start another full day of work and play! Good night, New Orleans!

John Dibert Charter School

We arrived safely in NOLA on Sunday, August 8 and began to explore the city as we acclimated to the 90 degree weather. We met with Joshua Fertitta, outreach coordinator with First Line Schools, who shared with us the history of charter schools in NOLA as well as the work at Dibert school. Today we hopped on the Canal Street streetcar and arrived at the school at 9:00 am. Several of us assisted the preschool teacher with cleaning and setting up the preschool "cottage" across the street from the main building. Others were involved with working with classroom teachers setting up their rooms. The dynamics of the group are the most interesting as the participants range broadly in age, academic experiences and backgrounds. Each of us is a teacher in some way, but some of us are organic farmers, former accountants, specialist in reading and math, and organizational skills. Tomorrow we need to finish the preschool classroom as children are coming Wednesday. Primary children are arriving gradually throughout the week. The group has already bonded well, sharing stories of their NLU programs, their eagerness to teach someday and what they have learned already from each other and their service work.

Leaving Tomorrow

In the midst of us all leaving tomorrow, my friend sent me this article about the reformation of schools in New Orleans. Thought it would be a good read.

http://www.good.is/post/fixing-the-broken-parts-can-schools-save-new-orleans/

Can wait!!!

August 2010 Trip

Excited to start our trip tomorrow! Not sure exactly what to expect but am anxious to get started. Looking forward to helping out in any way and learning throughout the entire experience!

Looking ahead to NOLA

In April of this year I visited New Orleans for the first time. On a walk one evening near the fabulous Jacque Imo's, I saw a young girl riding her bike down the sidewalk and I noticed that she was wearing a KIPP t-shirt. I asked her as she rolled by if she liked her school. She stopped her bike long enough to say that it was fun and that they did, indeed, make her work very hard. She gave us a wave and rode off, presumably home, and in a short time, she will be starting a new year of school at KIPP. Little did I know that some few weeks after this chance meeting, I would be given the chance to travel to NOLA and do more than just encourage one student to keep working hard at school. I am so excited to revisit a most unique city and do what I can to help out at these schools that are gracious enough to host us.

AND I absolutely want to visit the Backyard Museum. Anyone else?

KIPP received $50 million grant!

From EdWeek:

"With its grant, the San Francisco-based Knowledge Is Power Program, or KIPP, Foundation will train 1,000 new school leaders so it can open additional schools and more than double the number of students it serves—from 29,000 to 55,000—in five years. It asked for $50 million.

In addition, the KIPP Foundation will seek to share lessons learned on leadership with school administrators outside the KIPP network through efforts such as symposiums and websites."

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/08/04/37i3.h29.html?tkn=MYMFPyTXbHLAQGyCijb5yUMaJmvptJcTdkcO&cmp=clp-edweek

Smiles, giggles, and tricycles!!

This trip has been an amazing growing experience for me to work together as a group to assist a community which needed our help.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the school we arrived at was in a condition where learning could take place without any distractions for the students. Before my arrival, I had envisioned myself doing hands on work such as painting walls, putting together doors, and building desks and chairs. Although I wouldn't have minded doing such work, I was happy to see that the school seemed to have a lot of resources in hand to promote a positive learning atmosphere.

I enjoyed working with teachers to set the classroom up for the new school year which was to start in a couple weeks time. And when I saw the looks on the kids faces walking across the hall or playfully hanging out in the courtyard, I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to keep them smiling for a long period of time. My only wish would have been to be able to interact with the kids a little more to hear their stories, and share some laughters but I know all the teachers are there to support them every step of the way which makes me feel at peace.

The tricycle race was a little fun we had as a group and I'm glad everyone was able to share a little laughs :)

I hope to be back at KIPP sometime in the near future if not next year and keep in touch with everyone from this trip!! Thanks Guys.


KoKE-a-KoLA

Back in Chicago

Well, the 2010 July NOLA Service Learning Trip has come and gone. It was quite an adventure and I am still catching up on sleep from the experience. I had a wonderful time and find myself missing New Orleans already. Everyone worked really hard at Kipp Central City and we were able to accomplish a lot in 5 short days. The experience of being a trip leader was one I will not soon forget. It had its share of challenges, but was really rewarding in the end. I hope to see most of the group back next summer for some new adventures.

Please check out our Facebook page for pictures and comments. Add it to your groups to keep in touch with everyone from this year's trip and feel free to share photos and video. The group page is called,

"NOLA Service Learning Trip"

Reflecting

What an amazing trip!

My expectations of the trip were of hard labour, lots of sweating, and ensuring that the school is inhabitable for teachers and youngsters as the school year starts.
I was wrong.
Instead it was lots of hard laminate cutting, lots of sweating, and ensuring that the school is pretty for teachers and youngsters as the school year starts.  :)  Worth every minute!

Kipp appears to be an amazing school to work at and attend.  The staff is more upbeat, kind, fun-loving, and enthusiastic than I have ever seen out of a school and the students I passed in the halls did not hesitate with smiles and welcoming hellos.  I got the chance to sit down with a few of the teachers and I was surprised to find out that many of them are transplants from the likes of San Diego, New York, Chicago,  and St. Louis.  Many of them were apparently "just looking for something new" when they made their move to New Orleans.  (Sounds familiar, as I plan on moving as well after I graduate.)

More than anything else on this trip, the appreciation that the staff showed us will follow me.  Their kindness hit a deep well in my heart and brightly restored its red flush.  I have been humbled and reassured of my new career choice.

...and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Weather in NOLA

To those of you going next week - check the weather, but it was HOT outside and on the cable cars! Most places had a/c, and then, especially if you were working in one of the school offices, it was often cold so bring a lightweight jacket or sweater to the school just in case. Also, keep in mind that even though school may not be in session, there are lots of kids around so dress appropriately - shorts and tshirts should be modest and while the staff was always quite dressed up, the casual clothing for volunteers seemed to be acceptable at KIPP.

August Trip

I am anxious to get going on the August trip, and I am not sure what to expect in terms of the weather. I am looking forward to helping out at the school and doing what I can in the short time I will be there.

Hopefully I will be able to walk through the city without any problems from the heat. I was lame a week ago, after two shots of cortisone, I regained my ability to walk. I feel great. Going to New Orleans with a cane or a wheelchair was not my idea of a good time.

from Toni

WOW - What an enlightening experience! This is my first year participating in the NOLA experience. It feels good helping to facilitate and provide necessary support to Kipp Central Academy, which can boast of a strong and positive academic environment. The teamwork between NLU participants, and Kipp staff was phenomenol. The students that we met were ready to learn, as Kipp welcomed them with open arms. I especially took note of the students' cheers and chants that emphasized the importance of college preparation. This school-community partnership is one that will surely last.

from Carol

It's been so interesting to see what the teachers at Kipp use for their reading classes - leveled books, Reading a-z, etc. I haven't asked what math program they use, or what programs they use for their special ed. classes, or even do they have self-contained special ed. classes? If I get the chance, I'll try to ask someone today. And it's been interesting and helpful to hear about all the various programs my fellow volunteers use in their schools. I remember 20+ years ago when I first started teaching, there wasn't so much out there. We've come a long way, in terms of helpful programs and support for teachers in the classroom.

One thing I disagree with here at Kipp is apparently they don't recycle! They go through a ton of laminating materials and paper, so they use a lot of resources. I think all schools, because we are such consumers of resources, should be recycling on a daily basis.

What an interesting experience this has been...

from Eli

Well....I must admit that I came on this trip really not knowing what to expect. I know that I was super excited about coming but wasn't too sure what to be excited about.

As we arrived at the airport the first day, I formally introduced myself to the group, and really all I could think about was how fun it was going to be to work/play with a group of complete strangers for an entire week.... and now that the week is over, I will definitely remember these guys and gals forever! ( and i meant that in a great way!)

As for New Orleans, it was such an amazing and fulfilling experience. We spend most our lives investing in ourselves and to be totally honest, sometimes you just have to give back. It felt great to help others that really needed our help because so much goes into preparing schools for the new year and there just isn't enough man power. Although we were only there for a minimal amount of time, I hope that we were a big help. Thankfully, the teachers were so appreciative of our help and really treated us great. The enthusiasm I felt from the teachers out here has really set the standard for my own career!

Thank you New Orleans, this experience has been so humbling!

from Jordan

I'm not really the blogging type so I hope this goes well...

But the city is Beautiful and there is a lot of culture still here despite the devastation from Katrina. The city is strong and so are the people. Most are immersed in their heritage and proud of their history. The people are strong and very friendly. It was a very pleasant change of pace to be in a city where the people are friendly and greet you every morning just walking down the street.

The school is coming along very nicely and it looks great. The staff is very organized, professional, and diverse. They sincerely care for their students and are here to be role models, for the children they're working with; it's inspiring for new teachers. I'm confident the school will continue to grow in it's success and will continue serving the students greatly. I hope to return and help out with future upcoming schools.

Overall the trip was great. The work was fulfilling, the food tasty, and the night life...amusing. Haha I'm sure all who come will have an awesome 6 day experience.

Ain't no thang but a chicken wang.
Love, peace, n' chicken grease.

-Jordan C.

Days 1-2

Check out some of the work we've been doing here at the KIPP Central City Academy in New Orleans!

From Lisa, Jenna and Rebecca

Greetings from NOLA! We are learning so much in such a short time. The people down here are so wonderful and thankful. Honestly, I have never met so many people that go out of there way to thank us for our help.

The students are working hard getting ready for school, as do the teachers. It is very interesting to see so many teachers that come from all over the United States. The teachers even post their alumni t-shirts outside of their classroom! It is absolutely wonderful! Lisa has experience in the primary grades, she was amazed as the amount of resource and knowledge she is obtaining. She told many of us how she can not wait to come back to Chicago and bring the many wonderful things she has learn to her own school.

All of us absolutely loved Cafe' Reconcile. This restaurant is a non-for-profit in which the staff are from the ages of 16-22 and are learning the working atmosphere. They are stepping out and making their life better. Our waiter told us that it was only his second day and was very nervous. We all were in shock! He could of fooled us! Carol, Jenna, Lisa and Lauren are talking about possibly bring that this brilliant place to Chicago. We will see, well unfortunately we are heading out to the school. We will post again soon!

Tuesday Night

Carol, Lauren and Janet are exhausted from working so hard, well, not really, but some of us have become very good friends with the laminator at Kipp :-) Carol has had a great time with Evangenile, a former CPS teacher who is now teaching second grade at Kipp. Her classroom is remarkable and she has set up her classroom so that learning can really take place. You can tell she wants to celebrate the students' accomplishments. As she said to Janet. "I didn't want to be a teacher - teaching found me".

The atmosphere at Kipp is so positive. We can peek in on teachers working with the little first graders as they do beginning of the year assessments.The kid are adorable. It makes us excited to start our school year.

Part of the excitement for us too is to spend time getting to know the other NLU service team members. Who knew Koke was doing his student teaching in Australia??

And don't ask about the food. We're all so full - Carol and Janet finished off the evening with beignets and we didn't even share.

More when we can find free internet again!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Well, it's almost time to go to New Orleans and I am really excited. I can almost smell the coffee and bengiets. It was great meeting everyone at the orientation and I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone better. I will be bringing my computer with me in case people want to blog durng the week.

See everyone at O'Hare bright and early tommorow.

Kathleen

A day full of inspiration..

This morning, after very few hours of sleep, I walked into the NLU Skokie campus to a very cheerful and absolutely wonderful Karen Roth. She was full of life and very excited to have everyone there to serve NOLA. In hearing peoples reason to participate in this service learning adventure, I continuously was inspired by other people's excitement about what we are here to do. I left orientation entirely elated about the possibilities of what we can and will accomplish.

In the afternoon, I had the extraordinary pleasure of having lunch with my mother, uncle, and the family of a man who said he was inspired by my mother. He found her, and contacted her to thank her for being the sunshine that helped him through a very rough time in his life. I couldn't help but feel honored to witness the stories of hardtimes this man went through in his life, and I will never forget the smile on my mother's face to know that she was able to help at least one.

I ended the day by watching two great teaching movies about influential teachers in California: Stand and Deliver and Freedom Writers. The teachers in these movies were there to motivate, nurture, and guide those students to success. It was after these movies concluded that I was able to reflect on what my day presented me. It was a day full of inspiration. I am inspired to help the students in NOLA. I am inspired to make a difference in at least one person's life. I am inspired to be the best teacher I can be. I believe in the trickle effect and karma. Good things are coming from all of this. I feel it in my bones.

Good luck to all the July group! Have a fantastic time and be great!

NOLA Service Learning Team 2010

Can't wait to return to Cafe Reconcile - I can taste the catfish already!
http://reconcileneworleans.org/about/mission

NLU's 4th Summer of Servce in New Orleans

This summer,2 teams have again been formed to help prepare NOLA schools for the new school year. The interest to participate in service to others from NLU's student population was overwhelming. In order for the teams to bond and engage in quality experiences, a limit of 15 was selected for each trip. In addition, faculty, students and "friends of NLU" who participated in past trips are also on board to help guide the new team as well as document their work and growth.

The first team departs on Sunday July 25 and will work exclusively with our partner charter school, KIPP Central City Academy. The partnership developed during our first summer in 2007 and to date we have set up 4 sections of classrooms each summer from K - 8th grade, including a library, science lab, teacher resource room and special education room. This could be our last year with KIPP CCA - but hopefully not our last summer with KIPP NOLA.

The second team is ready to arrive in NOLA on Sunday August 8 and will work with a couple of charter schools managed by First Line Schools, as well as spend time with our preschool partners, Happy Times Preschool and Royal Castle Kids. We continue to bring music and art programs to the young children and assist the teachers in any way possible.

I am thrilled to be returnnig to NOLA working along side our new "alumni" of NLU's Partnership with NOLA Schools Project. I look forward to reading their reflections of their growth and personal experiences and viewing their photos of their work. Good luck to all.

Returning to NOLA

This is Janet Lorch, faculty in the eled MAT program at NLU, I'm excited to be returning to NOLA again this summer. I was part of the 2007 trip and created the first NOLA trip blog (and my own first blog too!). See the link on the side for some stories and pics from that trip. I can't believe it's been 3 years and it seems there's still so much work to do in New Orleans. I wonder about the impact that the oil spill in the gulf has had on the local economy. I wonder how the schools look - when we worked with KIPP 3 years ago they were in a temporary site. I wonder if it will be 100 degrees again! Well, looking forward to meeting the 2010 team!