"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!