Happy Holidays (and I say that out of love, not political correctness)

I have read a lot over the last month or so about the debate over saying "Happy Holidays" versus "Merry Christmas". There was a plethora of hooplah when Dan Meisler wrote his editorial about the concept. Here's my thoughts...in case you are at all interested: (remember, the name of the blog...)

...saying "Happy Holidays" is nice for everyone. It's the holiday season for more than one religion...you can't automatically assume that everyone shares in your own holiday traditions.

...saying "Merry Christmas", I doubt, OFFENDS anyone...but I am sure it says to some "here we go again, another person just assuming I celebrate what they do"

...now, how is saying "Happy Holidays" difficult? I mean, I get that it goes overboard. I get that we all need to celebrate in our own way.

I have been spending more time at church now that I am back where there's a church that I am comfortable with (I know, can you believe it). And, the homily was, once again, enlightening. Fr. Len talked about Christmas and it not being too commercial (which was an argument I read about people being upset about saying Happy Holidays...it was commercial), but that Christmas has become too secular.

So, our family tried to make sure we put the "sacred" back into Christmas (with our own hunk of cheese, becuase that's what we do)...but if those of us who are Christian are supposed to focus on the sacred (the non-secular), then wouldn't those who are Christian need to keep it out of schools, take it out of government and remember that not everyone believes in the same sacred season? How are we keeping Christmas and this time sacred if we say it to just anyone?

And, what about those who celebrate Hanukkah? I don't know enough about that celebration to say "Happy Hanukkah" without feeling like an ass. So, saying Happy Holidays just makes more sense.

Okay, those are my Christmas and Holiday ramblings before I head off to the big "After Christmas Sales" (is that ironic?)

Like a Roach to Nasty Leftovers...

I can't help reading the LCP every now and again...oh, that's a lie...almost every day. What is going on over there still? They just can't get enough of me still. I saw that yesterday, my name came up in story chat again! Crazy!

What in the heck is going on in Howell now????

What's up with this whole Breiner thing? And what about the Hot Topics thing?

What's new?

Okay, so what is going on for all of you? What are the new controversies in Howell?

Ooh, and if anyone is looking for some good book recommendations...my goal this year has been to try to read more for pleasure, but try to include some of those books I had never read but should have...

The Sledding Hill, by Chris Crutcher (a little juvenile when it comes to reading level, but MAN, we should send a copy to Vikki)

The Memory Keepers Daughter

Bean Trees

Into Thin Air

And I am currently reading/LOVING/hating...Jesus Land (not really so much about Jesus)

How about you guys. ..Any recommendations for me?

If You're interested...

In wedding photos:

www.creativeweddingimages.com

Click on "client area"
Click on Cathy and Jason
I think it's "grand" then "guest" or it's the other way around.

Let's set up this exchange

Hello to all stuco kids from HHS that check this blog from now and again. I talked to the student council at my school and the kids are very interested in doing a school exchange. Let's start planning it as soon as the play is over.

And, sorry, I will not be able to make it. Something has come up and I will be out of town. Break a leg to all of you who are in it and helping on it in some way.

I'm Back and I am Mrs. Cantu

Okay everyone, not sure who is still left on here, but I have returned from my fabulous wedding and amazing honeymoon! Everything was a success and absolutely beautiful. As soon as I have some photos, I will share.

Last Post until After the Wedding and Honeymoon

Okay, so where was everyone last night? I drove all the way from Muskegon to Howell to accept an award for my work with diversity in the community and not one Diversity Club kid shows up to show support? Wow, Maura's parents even came out, and she's in college! And Katie Livingston and Parisa Shahbaz stopped in just to say hi, even though they couldn't stay so that they could show this support.

Anyway, today's my last day working until after the honeymoon. I am, of course, super busy, but I will try to check this before the big day and off to Mexico. Hope school is going well for all of you. Hos. and D. filled me in a little on some of you (or whoever may be still checking this blog).

Capy (for 3 more days)

I will be in Howell!!!!

On Tuesday, October 16 at 7pm at the Opera House. Livingston 2001 Diversity Council will be recognizing some people, and I am included in that. If you are able to attend, please do so. I would love to see you. And spread the word to my teaching pals and to DC members. I wont' be able to stick around afterward, as I have to teach in Muskegon in the morning, but I would love to see everyone!

Freaking out a little...

Okay, we are at 17 days before the wedding and I am starting to freak out a little. I am stressed about everything right now. Between worrying about my classroom and kids while I will be away, to worrying about selling my house sometime soon, to worrying about what the psychological effects living in a different place is having on my dogs right now, to making sure everything is done and to my specifications...ARGH! I normally am okay with my ana-retentive-ness, but right now, it's really getting in the way of everything! Give me some down-to-earth teenage angst to deal with...

New Post Needed!

Okay, I thought it was time to start a new thread! So, tell me everyone who made a part in the play and how did/is homecoming go/going? (depending on when you get around to reading this post.)

I am heading up to the Lelenau Penninsula for a weekend/day/night out with some of my close girlfriends. I am so looking forward to a weekend away before the real madness of wedding plans ensue.

On another note, I started reading Freedom Writers with my English II classes yesterday. I am reading out loud, and boy is that fun! Especially Diary 3! I sent a letter home this time around, but mostly becuaese we don't have a complete class set yet, and I have to do most of the reading out loud and in class. I think it's different when a teacher's reading some of that out loud versus when kids are reading it to themselves. The words seem to hold a different sort of weight.

It's been kinda cool too, 'cause I pulled up the Rodney King video on YouTube and showed them what happened (believe it or not, many of my kids had never hear of the "Rodney King" incident.) I also talked a lot about California Proposal 187 (brought up in diary 10). Since there's been so much in the news in the last year as far as immigration reform, I thought it would be another cool way to add to the discussion. I have the Wikipedia page printed out for them now (after we discussed what it was in basics today). Monday we're going to write "Dear Abby" letters from the author of Diary 10's perspective, then give advice as well.

We're also presenting (me and the kids) to the school board Monday night about FW and all the things we want to do. We want to get there support because...WE ARE BRINGING ERIN AND A FW TO MUSKEGON TECH! Don't worry, I will let you know when!

Okay! Talk to you all soon (or just Matt and Mike who seem to be the only ones here anymore)

Capy is Sad

Where in the heck are all of you? I am sad that you haven't blogged in a while...

What a DAY!

So, here's my WOW...I have been using FW stuff with my 9th and 10th grade Eng students...we did the coat of arms where they had to create a sheild with stuff about them: goals, favorite things, what makes them unique and people they admire. I gave them all big pieces of poster board in the shape and took all of their pictures the first day of school in order to put them on the shields (some liked, some are still super apathetic), we did Getting to Know you Bingo, again, similar to coat of arms, some liked, some were apathetic..then we did Myself as a Crayon today. This activity starts with a graphic oranizer with a box of crayons drawn in the middle of a blank sheet of peper. The students are asked to write the sentence "Ms. Capy's students think outside the box and color outside the lines" outside of the box of crayons. Inside the box, the students are to write, "Our classroom is as colorful as a box of Crayola Crayons." Then, I pick up a color crayon and make it represent me, tear some of the paper, put some nicks in it etc. and then describe to the kids how that crayon represents me. I then read them the example written by a Freedom Writer:
"I would be purple. I fit in with no group. I felt rejected by white people, but talked "like a white girl", alienating me from black people. I was raised to know I was a daughter of the King, a beloved child of God. Instead of projecting my feelings of not belonging, I projected that I was smarter/better than everyone. They didn't reject me. I'd reject them. I can be cool, go with the flow of things, or be defiant, fiery and strong-willed, sometimes changing from one moment to the next."
I then asked the kids to write the sentence: "What kind of crayon would I be?"

So, we started that out...first and second hour wereOK...but not great.. in that they were chatty, didn't take it at all seriously and no one would share...It was probably my delivery...but fifth hour...WOW! This is the hour with all of MY Sharauds (there are about 5 in that hour like that "trouble" student. When I told them they could do anything they wanted to make that crayon represent them, kids were pounding them on the desks, scratching them, tearing off the paper, breaking them into little pieces, dulling them etc. I then had them write about what it all means and then asked for volunteers! WOW again! Most of the hands went up, and ALL of my Sharauds' hands went up! One by one, they talked about their crayons...they talked about their scars, the missing pieces of loved ones who are no longer there, their hardships etc, and all came back with "but I can still color"...I was almost in tears! And wait, get this, so many of them didn't know each other before this and so many had talked about losing their moms, one girl asked if we could have a moment of silence for all of the moms that were gone. These kids were so respectful! It was just one of those moments! So, I have made one of those five my "top Sharaud"...I pulled him aside after class and told him I would like him to be MY teacher in all things Muskegon Teenager...since I am this little White girl who's taught in Howell for five years! He's super geekd (he told me on the first day that he hates school, could care less about me, and was only in this class for one semester and then going to gym)
Just thought I had to share! I know not every day is going to be like this, but man, it will make the tough days better when I remember how well it can go!

Day Numero Deux...

Okay, so the second day is over and wow! I had my kids do this shield project. I cut out a shield from posterboard. They then had to put their photos on it (I took them yesterday and had them developed so they were there when the kids got here today) and then they had to divide the shield into four parts: Goals, Favorite things, people they admire, and uniqe things. They also had to come up with a motto along the sash. Some were more creative than others (I gave them magazines, markers/crayons, glue etc. My fifth hour was the most amazing...they really got into it and I can't wait for them to present tomorrow. I really hope they let me hang them on the walls in the hallways.

So, about my classes...They're pretty cool. My biggest class is 24 kids, but it will probably be about 22 once everything shakes out. My AP kids don't start coming to that class until next week, which is nice for me becuase I can get my feet wet this week before havign to actually teach at 7:15. There are only three kids enrolled in that class, too, which is awesome, but also makes me nervous since it's my first time teaching it and none of my collegeboard materials have come in yet. Neither have my French textbooks, which would be okay, except I forgot to order dictionaries so the activities that I have planned won't work very well with three dictionaries to split between 22 kids!

So, that was my day in a nutshell. Still have kids hasseling me about my height, have kids harping me about my heels, and I think I have found my "James/Mike"... no Matt yet, though. Definately found my "Veronica/Katie" team and my Ashely Vaughen. I can't wait to decide who my other kids are and send you all photos of them!
Capy (for six more weeks!)

First Day at Muskegon Technical Academy

Wow! What a first day! You wouldn't believe how different my classes look. The diversity within them is amazing. So far the kids seem really friendly and open to me, but we'll see once my Teacher-Capyness comes back in full swing. They are all really excited to work with Freedom Writer stuff too and they love the wall. I will post photos when I can, but I painted the USA etc. on one of my walls so I can post photos of my other FW Teacher friends in their classes. We're going to start a shield project that I learned at the FW training this summer tomorrow and I am super excited for that. I took all of their photos today during class and they are printing right now. I have so many FWT things that I can't wait to use.

Anyway, I hear today was a little chaotic...just remember that it will all work out in the end. And cut your teachers/administrators some slack!

Mikey, how is college? (That's your name now, btw)

It's THAT time! Whoo Hoo!

Well everyone, it's that time of year again. Are you all ready to head back to classes? What are your schedules like? You have to post and tell me what the new school is like too! And, how about your new administrators and teachers! I know you are going to just love all of them, especially all of you with ADV AM LIT! Hosner, Ash and Web are great. And, is Miller teaching a section or two?

I am so nervous about tomorrow! I have so much planned and so little time and of course, I have no idea what these kids are going to be like! My AP class doesn't start meeting until next week, which is kinda nice since they don't know that I have changed the class to AP Lang. and comp instead of Lit and comp!

Well, I can't wait to hear how it's all going. Please, whoever is checking this, tell my breakfast boys to start blogging here! I miss them too!
Capy (for only another 6 weeks!)

I LOVE Professional Development!

Actually, I know many of you would have read that sarcastically, but it's not bad. I am actually thankful to have some meaningful PD for once! Yesterday and today I am in "assessment alignment" training. I know that means nothing to most of you, but it will be helpful when it comes time for my students to take standardized tests, especially the MEAP and the MME! So, it's long, my sister's here and I would rather be hanging out with her, but it's nice to have some training on how to do something I actually should be doing (some of which I already do, just didn't realize!).

Hope you are all getting ready for school too. Let me know about your schedules and stuff!

In my new room...

Well, I am sitting in my new classroom, staring at the Spartan green and white, nervous, yet excited. Kids don't start for another two weeks, but I have to be here on Monday, ready to meet a new staff and learn about a new school. It feels like the anticipation for the seventh grade all over again. I thought I would wet myself I was so scared, but excited too...a new challenge. Change is always difficult, especially when you really adored to people you had been around. I will miss seeing all of you in the hallways. Michael and Jon giving me the hardest high-fives imaginable, or calling Mike Sanjaya. I will miss clapping on Fridays while wearing my "It's All Good!" t-shirt (my smiley face is hanging on my cabinet in my new room though). I am going to miss Matt always saying "whatever Capy", and Katie and Veronica making sure I knew the latest teenage gossip. I will miss Gary complaining about my shoes and Ben sharing his new favorite vocab word or astrophysical discovery or whatever. I will miss my DC kids "shutting the door", Criss-Cross and Bible Phone. I am going to miss D so much...not getting to stop in her room to complain about life, or share big moments is going to be so hard. But, as these relationships took time to form, I am certain that same level of report will happen here too...I just have to remember it didnt' happen over night. Gosh, I think the first three years or so my students hated me and called me all sorts of names. (save for a couple of kids of course). Now, I know there are those who didn't connect with me, but I certainly tried my hardest to find something to connect with everyone about.

So, my smiley face stares at me as I sit at my desk and type on my laptop. That will be where I see all your faces and hear your voices...and it better be on this blog too:P

Have a fabulous last two weeks before school starts up again and keep writing! Remember, we are going to change the world. Make sure D doesn't forget that!!! (and get on her case about the nuns too)

Tahquamenon Falls

Now that I can finally spell it, Tahquamenon Falls was magnificent. Jason and I just spent a long weekend up there camping. We hiked, played in the falls, went on little excursions through geocaching and just spent some quality time together. This was our last real weekend of relaxation before the wedding. There is something planned every weekend until then. Of course, three of those weekends are dedicated to me and two are races we're going to run. I have been training to run a 10k, but have been in Physical Therapy all summer for a number of leg and foot problems. My therapist thinks I will be ready, but I am very nervous. I will sign up anyway and hope that I don't have to walk any of it. So, think about me and that race on Sept. 15.

Well, you only have a couple of weeks left before school starts back up. Good luck and keep in touch. I am continuing this blog, so please let the others who aren't here frequently know that all are welcome:)

Hope you are all having fabulous summers!

My Day was Made!

I just wanted to say that Katie Livingston really made my day today! Jason and I went to the mall in Muskegon to look for sun dresses for the honeymoon (well, I really looked for dresses while he walked around aimlessly), and lo and behold, Katie Livingston walks out of JC Penny...! How amazing and sweet for me! Just thought I would share. I miss you guys!

Email from Erin

Hi everyone! I just wanted to give you a little update as to what's going on with the Freedom Writer teacher stuff and me.

We received an email from Erin this weekend. The FW teacher's guide went to print last week and will be released in October! How exciting. I have a lot of the stuff already that's in it since we got it at the institute. There's a third group going through the institute right now too. It's really cool being a part of this group, but I sometimes struggle with a comment that one of you made to me when the documentarians were in our classroom...I don't really know what I did to deserve any of this. I feel so honored to be able to do all of this, but I feel like all I did was bring a book into your lives that I felt would touch many of you and hopefully help light a fire to want to read. Now, I understand that many of you read already, but believe it or not, a lot of kids, even in ACC classes, don't enjoy reading and feel like no book they are ever given to read for school in HS is something that will actually stay with them...I felt that would be different with the FW diary!

Anyway, back to what's up. Also in her email, Erin mentioned that she's meeting with her publishers about a possible FW Teacher's Diary that would chronicle the 150 of us that there will be at the end of this year (and no more...). Also, we're having a reunion in April, probably in DC! I can't wait for all that. I miss my FW teacher friends so much!

As for me and school and the book and everything else. Well, I just got word that there aren't enough kids enrolled in the school in 11th grade for me to teach that class and they lost their Spanish teacher, so they need me to teach French I! YEAH! I love French! (even though I know Spanish would be better for the kids). Also, I plan on using the FW diary, but maybe in 9th grade...not sure yet. Still finalizing my curriculum. I am planning a program with some of my FW teachers in some of the other eastern states (Ohio, Penn, NY and NJ and even Kentucky) We're planning on doing some common projects, being pen pals, inviting Freedom Writers to join us and meet in Cincinnati to go to the Underground Railroad museum together!

Well, I have tons of wedding stuff to do today, but just wanted to pop in and tell you all that, as school draws closer, I am having an even harder time knowing that I am not going to be seeing all of you...but I am still exciting for the new challenges! And, I am so excited to meet my new kids!

I can't believe it's almost August Already!

Well guys (and gals of course!), I am not sure who is still checking this blog out, but I promised I would keep it up all summer. I haven't been neglecting, but I haven't noticed anyone post anything new in a while, so I haven't left a new post.

Life's been pretty busy over here on the West side this summer: getting stuff ready for the wedding, riding my bike, running, eating ice cream, you know, the stuff I really like to do. I am getting ready for my new kids and new classes too, plus I had a super hard grad class this second half of the summer. The last weekend of it is this weekend, so I will be really happy when it's over.

I met the new English teacher yesterday...she seems really nice, and fun of course. But, she will be teaching all 9th grade and one section of ACC Sophomores. Mr. Miller and Mr. Parrish (Deven) will be teaching the other sections of it. I believe most of you will be taking Advanced American Lit (or you at least better be!). So you will have Hosner, Ash, or Webster. Good luck. They're all hard, but they prepare you, which is what you need.

Well, I am searching for an easy way to share our end of the year photos. The files are too big to put on this blog and I dont' have all of your email addresses to invite you to them on snapfish. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer! Hope to hear from you soon. Also, I plan to come back and haunt you every now and again, and of course, keep up on you and your grades (Michael!), so keep that in mind!
Love,
Capy

So much fun...

Hi everyone! To those of you who were able to make it to Matt's house last night, thank you so much. I means so much to me that you would spend a Friday night with an old lady like me! You have all inspired me to be who I am and I can't even imagine what it is going to be like without all of you roaming the halls of my new school. But, I guess you all have to grow up and leave at some point anyway.

Thank you so much to Matt and the rest of his family for making food and providing us with a place to have this party too! You are beautiful human beings!

And, for all of you who would have liked to have come but couldn't make it, no fear, the internet is a beautiful invention! Please feel free to continue to post on the blog and/or email me directly. I promise I will do whatever I can to make it over to Howell to come and visit. And, if you are willing to make the drive (with your parent's permission of course), you are always welcome to come and say hello on the West side.

Thanks again you guys! It was so nice to spend some QT with all of you!

Email me at capycath@hotmail.com

For the Breakfast Club

If any of you read this, I called and left a message with Mike's dad...Jason's uncle died this morning and the visitation is on Friday morning. I need to be there for that. Also, this funeral is that afternoon. I will be coming to Howell for the going away party, but Jason won't be able to, unfortunately. He needs to be home with his family. I know you guys were hoping to finally meet him. Sorry. I hope you all make it to the Raddick's on Friday night and we will try to work out a new date for the breakfast.

Missing everyone

Hi y'all! Well, I cant' believe it is already the middle of July! Can you believe it? This summer is flying by! I have been keeping myself busy. I hurt myself running (I have weak hips or something...) and have been going to physical therepy, but still running, just not as long of distances. I guess that puts my 10K off until the end of Septmenber. Oh well. My sister was in town for a week last week with her husband and two dogs, so that was a lot of fun. I miss my sis! I finished one of my grad classes but have two more sessions of my other one before I am done with my school until next winter. Now I just need to keep plugging away at wedding plans and getting my new classroom and classes set. scary! I can't believe all that I am doing and teaching next year. I will be teaching AP English to 3-5 students total, but a "0" hour, which starts at 7:15. Then I have two sections of 9th grade English, and 10th grade english and one section of 11th. I am totally looking forward to it though. There's only one other high school English teacher at the building, so we can keep everything pretty much together with the 11th grade class and then she teaches the 12th graders and some business management classes.

So, tell me, what is going on with all of you? Any of you taking any of the summer 2 week classes that were being talked about?

Overdue Update on the Institute and my feelings

Okay, so as my life has been in complete chaos over the past week and a half, I really just needed to make the time to sit down and finish telling all of you about the rest of the institute.

On Monday we hopped in the van and headed out to the Museum of Tolerance. As we were approaching and chatting in our van, I have to say, that I was nervous. Of course I wasn't nervous about going to a museum or the horrific things we may be viewing, but that word "tolerance". I have despised it because it reminds me of how I feel about asparagus. I mean, I eat it if I have to, but I do not appreciate anything about it. However, I don't think we can describe people in this way. As I have stated over and over, you don't have to agree with people to appreciate their differences. But, after going to the museum, I have a new definition of tolerance. The guided tour starts out that way. Our guide began by telling us that the point of tolerance is to not just "put up" with people, but to recognize that we are all different and those differences should be accepted and appreciated.

The museum was moving beyond belief. I have been to the National Museum in DC, but this was in a whole different league. The Holocaust exhibit was amazing and definitely moving, but I was also impressed by the exhibits relating to some of our more recent tragedies. The whole point of the museum is to always recognize our past so that we don't have to repeat it. A phrase that came out after WWII was "Never Again", and yet, look at North Korea, Cambodia, The Balkans, Rwanda, Darfur etc...sad.

We also had the chance to meet Rene Firestone, the Holocaust survivor from the movie/one they invited to speak/Spielberg fame. She is beautiful and, believe it or not, I had never heard a first hand account of the Holocaust!

Much of that day was definitely in tears.

We ended our day at a beautiful museum for dinner with a panel: a couple of Dream Team Moms, the editor of the paper (way cool dude), the former president of the school board when Erin was working there (something like 95,000 students in the district!) and then two school counselors.

That was way cool too!

Sorry this post is so lame. I really need to be a little more thoughtful the next time I post, but I am just burnt out right now. I have just finished about three hours of homework after a full day of professional development, just to get back up and do it again tomorrow! Whoever said "summers off", doesn't know my schedule!

I am almost done captioning the pics. As soon as I am, I will give you all the link too!

Going Away Party

Hi everyone. Matt Radick and his family have graciously offered to have a going away party for me so we can all hang out again and get some closure. I had given him a couple of dates that I now have to go back on because I have been asked to attend another teacher training that starts on Monday. I am hoping to hammer down a date in early July. I know many of you are going to be headed out on vacation, though. If, once we settle on a day, you are not able to come, please let me know. I would be more than happy to hop on out to Howell for lunch sometime later in the summer.

I am overwhelmed with everything that I need to get done right now, but I will try to write more about the training soon. I hope it comes across that it was incredible; if I had a better word, I would use it.

Institute Day 4 Part I

About eight years ago, my mom called me up at college and said, "I just read the most amazing book! You are going to love it!" I never knew that would send me on the journey that lead to right now.

We are a reading family, my mom, sister and I. I will never forget learning the word regurgitation one night when my mom piled us all on her water bed and read from Julie of the Wolves. That's the way we were. We didn't have a lot when we were little, but gosh darn it, we were going to have an imagination inspired by words! So, when we read a good book, we always share. We don't always actually read the books. Mom really loves the "deep" type books, Liz loves both nonfiction and crazy vampire novels, and I am more of a Young Adult or type lover. But, if mom calls up and the sole purpose for calling was about a book, then that was a book that HAD to be read.

The next time I went home, she handed me a copy of The Freedom Writers Diary. She had received it from a woman in her book club. I opened the cover and read the writing. It says "To Julia because you care- Sue ---" I started reading it that night and couldn't put it down. I stole that copy of the book and still have it now.

When I returned to school the following Monday and headed to my Teaching English class, I remember discussing the book with a lot of my friends, specifically my friend Linds. We were starting to get bogged down by all the crazy crap you have to go through to be a teacher. We were sick of writing lesson plans with "schema activators"! We wanted to get into a classroom and inspire. We didn't want to turn in papers all on the same book, we wanted to find new and interesting literature for our classes that we wouldn't even have for another two years! We wanted to be like Erin. We wanted to inspire kids. From that moment, I knew, this is a story that needs to be shared, not just with other teachers, but teenagers need to hear this and know this story!

When the movie came out in January, I have to say, I was disappointed. Just like many other books that I read that become movies, the characters didn't look like who is playing them on the screen in my mind. I HATED Erin's husband, but I think more because I semi-understood where he was coming from. I worry all the time whether I am balancing my home life with my kids at school. Since Jason isn't a teacher and didn't grow up in an education family, he sometimes has a hard time understanding how personal I take things. He doesn't always understand when I want to do extra stuff at school, just to be around my kids more. But, luckily, we've been on this ride for five years now, and so far, he's almost always supportive, even when he can't relate.

Now, I am not saying I didn't like the movie. I did. I thought for an MTV/Hollywood story, it was perfect. I also thought that it was a great way to rejuvenate people to want to go out and read the book, which was a good thing.

All of that brings me to my point. Last night, we watched the movie at Paramount Studios. It was closed for Father's Day, but we got to go because Erin really is a hustler!

I slowly found my seat in the small, chilly theatre. My bag of goodies from Faye was neatly on my lap. As I inspected the contents (popcorn, suckers, raisinettes, and a juice box), Erin spoke. She knew we had all seen the movie, but she wanted us to re-watch it, thinking about all of the Freedom Writers we had met so far and all that we knew about the making of the screenplay with the help of the Freedom Writers. She even told us where the cameos by actual Freedom Writers were. Before the lights were dimmed, I turned around and saw a group of Freedom Writers anxious to see the movie once again. I knew it had to be like the millionth time they had seen it. As I turned back around, the music started playing and the movie began. Once again, I laughed, I cried, and I shrieked. Unlike the first time I saw it when I was with my friend Lori, this time, we all danced and clapped when the music was played. This time, when I cried, I thought about the actual Freedom Writers. As I watched Eva's story unfold on the page, I thought about Maria and who she is today. When I watched the courtroom scene and they showed Paco, I thought about Jason, a new Freedom Writer Teacher from Philly, and how well he was able to get into his character while participating in our role playing game during the course of our activities earlier in the day. When Scott was standing out as being the only white kid, I thought about Michael and dancing with him during our salsa lesson at the Fiesta the previous night and how confident, yet silly he was.

Both the book and the movie mean so much more to me today than they did yesterday. Each day I am here, the book and these stories mean so much more to me. I have so many ideas now as to how I want to use the book and how it could be used at MTA and in Howell. How it can be used to Change the World as Ms. D always says.

Freedom Writers Institute Day 3 Part I

Yesterday was a dream. I think that's the only way I can describe it. I have met some amazing people, including many of the Freedom Writers. We spent the day at Cal State-Long Beach. We went through many of the lessons that Erin has used in her classes with other teachers and she used with the Freedom Writers and then went through how to use them with our students. So, I made a shield of me, played the peanut game and fruit loop bingo and the line game (VERY emotional every time you play something like that). I have been partnered with many of the Freedom Writers and others who work for the foundation and they are amazing. I am still trippin' over the fact that they are only a year younger than me. And yes, I pick up my old language habits when I am around other people who are my age with the same language:)

I spent some time with Maria yesterday too. She totally remembers all of you guys that she met and remembers her day with us in Flint. It's unbelievable to me with all of the speaking engagements that she has.

Today we are going to work at USC again, but now we are going to work on lessons using the book, which will definitely be exciting. But, if I am really honest, I am looking forward to our evening activity. We are actually going to Paramount to view the movie! How crazy is that????

Well, I am looking forward to more of your posts. I can't share the photos yet, but I am the crazy picture lady as you all know, so there are over 100 in one day so far. There will be plenty when I can finally put them up online!

Love,
Capy

Institute Day 2-Part I- Can't sleep

Okay, so I am still on Michigan time. I can't sleep. I am just too excited for today! I am meeting all my new friends for breakfast in a couple of hours. Then we are all headed out the California State University at Long Beach. We're going to start today working on learning many of Ms. G's strategies for teaching the Freedom Writers. We're going to learn by doing, so I have a feeling today is going to be an emotional day. We have a full day of that, but we end up at Ms. G's house for a fiesta! We're going to be learning how to salsa dance from a professional dancer who will be doing a movie with Joey Lawrence starting next week! CRAZY!

I am just so geeked about all of this that I am going to use this as my kind of journal for this workshop stuff! I felt really bad yesterday because I feel like I don't really deserve this. This is, seriously, an honor. Thousands of teachers APPLIED to be here and were chosen by these applications. I was invited. Some of these teachers work with migrant kids who have never stayed in one place for more than a few months. Some work with juvenile delinquents, the hardest of the hard kids (think Maria before the transformation). I taught in Howell. No offense of course, I love all of you, but how do I deserve this. One of you guys (I will leave your name out) said to me, after interviewing with Gabrielle and Danny from Anker, "I just don't see how we're special". That's how I feel here. Plus, last night while we were doing our overview and just chatting, Ms. G kept talking about me and you guys and what the book went through in Howell. I just felt like I was getting all this praise and I don't deserve it.

So, in the middle of the night, here's my idea: I want to bring in a Freedom Writer or two, and maybe Ms. G to my new school for a talk and a writing workshop. BUT, I want my Howell kids to be involved. I want a group of you guys to come and stay with a "host" family and then be a part of the workshop too. What do you think? It will be a lot of money that I will have to find to pull this off, but maybe Ms. D and the Exchange group can go to Howell people and I will go to Muskegon people? And, maybe we could add our Hamady friends too???? Big ideas here! Now, I just need to learn how to find the funding!

Okay, getting ready now. Still to early, but I just need to get moving!

Institute Day 1-Part II

Okay, so today has been a really long day. It is only like 9:30 here, but that makes me on 11:30 time at home and I am exhausted! I am having a great time. We had dinner and hung out at Ms. G's place for a while tonight and went over everything that we're going to be doing, well, at least some of it. They want a bunch to still be a surprise. Ms. G wanted me to tell you all hi and she is so excited for me to be here. She's bummed too that I won't be staying in Howell, but she knows, just as I am sure you all do too, that I will not forget where I got my start and where all of this started. I will still share all with you and I will expect some help while I transition. My new students are going to need your wisdom! K, I have to get to bed so I can meet my new teacher friends in the morning for breakfast! They are from all over the country. There are teachers from: Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, The Virgin Islands, Hawaii, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia and more I am forgetting! How cool is this!?!

The Freedom Writers Institute -Day 1

Hi everyone. Well, I am here. I am exhausted. I left Detroit this morning at 7am, but I was, of course, at the airport at 5:30am and was up at 4:30 am for Ms. D to get me there. I flew Southwest and there were a lot of stops. I haven't really done anything yet. The "meet and greet" begins at 4:30 local time and It's only about 3 right now. I need a nice refreshing shower and I will be ready to meet everyone. I have met Tanya, an original freedom writer...she picked me and another teacher up at the airport. I guess there will be about 26 of us total, including Ms. G.

I will add more later tonight if I can.
Love you all!
Capy

Goodbye

Well, I have been waiting to do this because I think this is the hardest goodbye I will have to say. I have been offered a new job in Muskegon, Michigan. That is where Jason's family lives and my mom is only about 10 minutes south of that. We are really excited about this move, but I am really sad about leaving all of you.

I think I have said pretty much everything in our introduction letter, but let me just express to you how much I really do love each and every one of you. I could not have made it through this crazy year without all of you and I really hope you keep in touch. I will keep up with the blog as long as you guys keep writing on it. That means, even through the next year(s). And, maybe we can use this as another connection???? It is a very different school, so that might be fun!

So, I know this isn't as eloquent as it could have been, but I am sad, in tears and just needed to get through it.

Love,
Capy

First Real Day of Va-Ca

Hi guys,
Well, I decided that it is already way past my bedtime on Sunday night (10:30!). So, what are you going to do with your first couple of days of vacation? I am sure it is too much to hope for that you are reading a new good book, but if you are, please share it. I have a lot on my summer reading list, but it would be fun to read some of what you are reading too! Be good and relax your first day off!
Capy

Starting Out

Since this is the first post, here is the introduction to our book:

Dear Sophomores,

When you asked me to write the introduction to the Accelerated Sophomore English’s book of stories, I was honored, but a little scared too. Here I’ve been, preaching to you about writing your stories, writing every day, and writing to change the world…but what if I can’t live up to your expectations of me? So, in the spirit of how I told you to get started, I just started writing. And, of course, I started out with many “Crummy* First Drafts,” as Anne Lamott wrote about in Bird by Bird. But, at least it was a start.
When I began writing, I tried giving a timeline of the crazy events that unfolded this past school year with The Freedom Writers Diary being yanked from our classroom, book banning headlines in the local paper, some angry parents, L.O.V.E., receiving phone calls from Erin Gruwell, being invited to California to attend The Freedom Writers Teacher Training, to the book being reinstated and re-taught. But, after reading more from Mary Pipher’s Writing to Change the World, I decided that I just need to say what I need to say, just like I told you.
This year has been tough. I have never felt as vulnerable as I have this past year. You never know what being under a microscope really feels like until your picture is in the local rag and anonymous bloggers are ripping on you as a teacher, a professional, and a young woman. Why do adults who do not know you guys believe they know what’s best for you? And, how does attacking me help their cause? In no way am I disrespecting your parents and their decisions, however I do question the motives of those in the community who don’t know you, me, or haven’t read any of our chosen curriculum. Providing you with the opportunity to write and share your own stories is what I feel is best for you. Ultimately, that’s what reading others’ stories was about. Asking you to read about others and write about yourselves in the most personal way will make you better readers and writers in the end.
I am glad I was given the opportunity to teach these classes, and especially, all of you. Many of us have formed a bond that not many teachers ever get the chance to have. I have had the amazing experience to have some of you stand up and speak eloquently, not just on my behalf, but on the behalf of The Freedom Writers and their stories to be heard. Some have argued and continue to spew that these stories are inappropriate for you; the language and the images are too graphic. These people believe that you can equate movies and television with literature. These same people believe that books should be given a rating much like the media is rated, and they would give much of what is in our high school curriculum a “R” and therefore, unacceptable for students under 17. I disagree. I don’t believe you can equate writing and literature with movies and TV. How could you? Language is so very different. Reading the written word is more powerful and yes, still imaginable, but what we have read is anything but too graphic. Equating The Freedom Writers Diary or The Bluest Eye or Black Boy with Penthouse magazine is just absurd. To say that the majority of our students are not equipped to handle this reading material is ridiculous. This is not to say I have not completely supported those of you who have chosen not to read some of our texts. I ardently respect all of you and do not think any different of you for making this decision. It was yours to make.
So, this is where I talk about how proud I am of all of you. Some of you were outspoken, some were shy, and some just cared about whether or not you were going to get an A. I am not going to say that all of you were motivated by this controversy, in either direction; plenty of you are still just high schoolers who aren’t ready to stand up for beliefs and may not even know what those beliefs are yet. I wasn’t able to change that in you and I have resigned myself to the fact that I cannot change everyone in one year. And, before the bandwagon jumpers read too far into that last line, I don’t mean that I want to change everyone to believe the same things as me, but I do mean change everyone in to caring about something. Some of my best relationships with students and teachers at Howell High School were formed from having diverse opinions. What connects us, though, is having strong beliefs and convictions. I cannot connect to those who do not care, who have no beliefs, or, if they do, don’t care enough to stand up for them, but I sure won’t stop trying.
Ultimately, I am so very proud of all of you. I can’t wait to see what you all end up doing with the rest of your lives and how reading and writing will be a part of that future. Please know that you have all changed me in a positive way and I will never forget this past year. You are all engraved in my heart.

Love,

Ms. Capy