Nice to see you all!

Well, I am not sure how many of you are still checking this, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed getting a chance to see so many of you. I even got to see some kids I haven't had any contact with since I left. I enjoyed every moment of it. You all look great and I hear that most of you are doing very well in your classes...yes, I check up on you. I hope you all have wonderful summers and please keep writing!

Writer's Block

Now that I am finally settling down from the wonderful weekend I had in LA with the other FW teachers, I have to actually sit down and start to write. Uh, writer's block? I don't know where to begin. So, I am soliciting your help! For the Teacher's Diary (or whatever we end up titling it), I am going to, of course, write the story of last year. Here's the dilema, I only have 3-4 pages, typed, double spaced. I can't tell the whole story from start to finish that way. So, I need an angle. I was writing in my journal and here is a list of possible "starts". Any feedback will be helpful.

1. Hand out syllabus with The Freedom Writers Diary was on it
2. Order books
3. Books come in
4. Circle discussion on floor
5.Email from parent about not wanting kid to read...going to take above my head so no kid can read
6. Principal email, then come to room to pull book
7. Principal discuss with class why book was pulled
8. Board meeting to discuss. Mr. Westmoreland stated not burning books
9. Headline next day: Howell Banning Books
10. Call from Erin
11. Media circus erupts
12. Story Chat
13. FBI file
14. Meet with curriculum council
15. Erin comes to Flint
16. Book is reinstated

I don't know if all of these are in the correct order, but here's a start.

Freedom Writer Teachers Summit

Okay, so here's an update. I am adding to the post that some of you have already read. I had an amazing time in LA this past weekend. I feel so rejuvenated! It's just what I needed to get me through this year and relfect on my teaching. So, here's a taste of what I was able to do. If you would like to see pics, please email me and I will send you the link. I would really rather not just post it here.

Thursday:
First we met with Erin and got a chance to see the people we had worked with during our respective institutes over the past year. It was so nice catching up. Then, we proceeded right into FWT mode and listened to Dr. Carl Cohen speak. For those of you who need a refresher, he was the superintendent of LBC schools when Erin was there. He is an amazing speaker and has done amazing things with different schools around the country. He led the fight for integration in the LBC schools, and then stuck with them to make them better schools. We also are now working with a data collection firm in order to produce some data about how these programs are working in our schools over the next few years etc.

Friday:
Left for UCLA for the day. Met with some principals who run a principal's institute. That was actually a lot of fun. But, these are the kickers for the day...We met Dr. Terrence Roberts who is one of the Little Rock Nine! And then, to follow him, we met Andrew Carroll (he edited the books War Letters and more recently, Operation Homecoming. He talked about the power of writing letters and it was very inspiring. Then we went to the theater and got a chance to see the ROUGH CUT of the documentary! OMG! I can't wait. You guys are phenomenal. I know the film is really about the book, but we actually play a big part in how it's being used in the classroom. Some of you are on there and it's amazing. Matt, Stephanie, Shelby, Madison, Gary...

Saturday:

I don't know how to get rid of the bold, sorry:)
On Saturday we met Peter Thum of Ethos water (for those of you who enjoy Starbucks, you may have already seen this). He was outstanding, talking about entrepreneurship. We also met with some people about how to find funding for your classroom. There were three parts to this day, however, that really grabbed me. The first was meeting Matt Boger and Tim Zaal. If anyone saw the Oprah where they were on, you know who they are and their story. Look them up. It's amazing. Their program is called "From Hate to Hope". Matt is gay and Tim is a former KKK member. How their paths have crossed a couple of times is a heart-breaking, yet wonderful story. The second was speaking with our editor...yes, we have an editor, because we have a book deal. I don't to say too much, but I am stoked to have a deadline and super excited. Finally, we had our own prom. I know it doesn't sound like much from the view of everything else that happened, but it was a chance for 127 Freedom Writer Teachers from all over to cut loose together and enjoy each others' company. There is just something about having a prom where everyone can be friends, everyone wants to spend time together and everyone truly has the same core beliefs in their heart, even though some may have different religions, different political affiliations, different backgrounds, ages, you name it! What a day!

So, as you can all see, I am still just elated, four days later, and plan to continue this. I am forever grateful for what lead me down this path.

Freedom Writers Teacher Camp

Well, it's actually called Freedom Writer Teachers: April Summit. I am off next Thursday through Sunday for this program. I am super excited. We will all be gathering (150 of us from around the US, Canada, etc. who participated in the institutes over the past year like I went to in June) to continue to gain knowledge on the Freedom Writers teaching methods, collaborate with other teachers on how to engage, enlighten, and empower our students through reading and writing. And, once again, this is all provided by the foundation. I am so excited. Did I say that already? It's just what I need. I have had a tough year, as I expressed before, and especially a tough month. And, while I know that Trekkie is sure to find something unproductive and just mean to say, I wanted to share with those of you who did like the book, who did find it inspiring, who did find the entries engaging and enlightening, who didn't find it "below" you to read something that is current and about kids that are not like you useless, about this exciting experience. Also, I believe we are going to get the chance to preview the documentary. I am looking forward to seeing whether or not any of our footage, your stories etc. made the final cut. So, for those of you who are interested, I will keep you posted. If you're not interested, you don't really have to check this blog, so that's on you.

No Good Title

Well, it was two weeks ago this morning that I received that awful phone call from the doctor to say that my dad had passed away. In the business that followed, I neglected to write in my journal, which I am already regretting. Over the last few months it has been a real comfort to me. I have used to it just let it all out. When I've been angry, sad, frustrated, and even when I remembered some of the really great memories. I have used it to talk about my dad and my relationship with him, and I have used it to write about my students...I think that was the biggest thing I took and was hoping you all would take from reading The Freedom Writers Diary too. It's about how you can use writing to change your life, to reflect on your experiences and to share your story. Sometimes our stories are very personal and we can't ever imagine sharing those secrets...but think of how freeing it was for some of those original Freedom Writers to put it on paper, send it out in the world and say "I survived!"...I guess that's what I am using my journal for...saying, through all of this crap, I am still here and I am surviving. Yes, I use some "bad" words in my journal, I talk about things that are important to know who I am and what I have been through...does that mean they are "inappropriate" and no one should read them? I know, those skeptics are still thinking in the back of their minds "yes...", but I still disagree. I will continue to stand up and say that if you don't feel that reading words or about situations that you think are inappropriate for YOU, that is definitely your right and you should exercise that right. However, that does not give you the right to decide what IS appropriate and very valuable for others. That is why it is called an opt-out policy.

Sharing

Hi guys. I just wanted to share that I lost my dad yesterday. I know I had told some of you that he wasn't doing very well when I had seen you all the other weekend. Thank you to all of you who have been sending your thoughts and prayers throughout this.

Reflection

So, I've been spending a lot of time reflecting over the last couple of months. I have had a lot going on in the last 10 months or so. I have changed jobs, moved, NOT sold my house, got married and now am adding the downward slide of my father; it's been a tough year in many ways. But, I have to say, much of it has been easy to handle becuase of some strong student-teacher-friend relationships that I created at Howell. I feel bad that Trekkie and Trekkier didn't feel the same way. I thought, in our own way, we had made our own little connections, but alas, I was wrong.

I really realized how much of an impact all of you had on me on Saturday. I was talking to my new colleagues yesterday and many were just so amazed that I would have former students who would take time out of their lives to meet a former teacher for coffee.

Also, it was wonderful to see that, despite the differences I had with two particular students and their families last year (Brandon and Skip), all was washed away in the professionalism and nothing was personal. It was wonderful to see the whole Harvey family and chat with Brandon.

So, those are some quick thoughts for a Tuesday morning. Mostly, I felt like I needed to start a new thread...

Hmm...

Well, after reading several posts from a former student who hadn't been on our blog in a while, I felt that I needed to create another topic. Now, I don't want this to sound as though I don't want "Trekkie" to post, I do. I just want our discussion to be about the issues, not personal attacks. If you disagree, say so, and back it up with a point. To steal a line from a fellow teacher's blog in Muskegon, "this is not MySpace, it's My Space"...I will take down comments that are hurtful to people, whether it is me or any other person on this blog. I hope that would not discourage anyone from posting, but if it does, then I guess you really shouldn't be posting here anyway.

In Howell next weekend... (March 8)

Hey everyone, pass the word if you want to. I will be in Howell for the play next weekend, Saturday. I will probably head into town early to meet up with D for an early dinner and then stay over night with her to hang out. I will head out to the school early so that whoever wants to can find me and we can chat.

Please send emails and letters

Hey guys! If you are willing to write letters and emails in support of my fellow FW Teacher, Connie, please do so. Just write about what you think reading the book did for you, people that you know etc. (ESPECIALLY since these kids were not like you) and what you think it does for kids like those in the book (those are her type of kid). Maybe talk about how we went through a similar situation and that it doesn't seem that the "punishment" is fitting the crime (or however you want to put that). Here are some contacts:
Craig Potter: Her dept. Chair: cpotter@msdpt.k12.in.us

Joan Ellis: Principal : jellis@msdpt.k12.in.us

Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Debra Barnes or Interim Superintendent Dennis Nichols:
6548 Orinoco Ave
Indianapolis IN

emails: dbarnes@msdpt.k12.in.us or dnichols@msdpt.k12.in.us

The Wind of Fyke blows again I see...

So, as you all know, I try to continue to keep up with what's going on over there in H-Town. I noticed today that, yet another letter to the editor from Vikki Fyke was published. Now, I don't think her letter was actually that bad, however, have you read the story chat that follows? She (as Curley Sue) posted that she is so happy that someone defends her that doesn't normally and follows that with it is a good lesson for students, instead of personal hurtful remarks...Uh, does anyone see the hypocracy in this? Isn't she the one who said all of those hurtful things about me, both personally and professionally? In both published articles and in story chat? Just to remind everyone, I have never had a conversation with the woman. She has never tried to contact me.

Freedom Writer Teacher needs us...

Hi everyone. There is a Freedom Writer Teacher in Indianapolis who needs our help! She is actually to the point where they are proceeding to actually fire her for the same stuff that happened to us last year. This is a 27-year veteran teacher who does not deserve this. I just contacted her husband (she is exhausted!) and hopefully will hear back about what I/we can do to help, since we have had some experience with some of this. Here are some articles if you are interested:

http://tinyurl.com/2nxmfl
http://tinyurl.com/2r795y
http://tinyurl.com/2je4pj
http://tinyurl.com/2syks4

Friday was a good day...

Friday I had the opportunity to return to Howell and see so many of you! It was wonderful! I really miss you guys. I know there are so many people in this world and many of you are still so young that you are going to forget all about me, and I am okay with that, but you have all made a lasting impression on my heart and are much more than just students to me. Many of you have also become my friends. I know that not all teachers feel that becoming friends with your students is okay, but I think we have set some pretty good boundaries (remember, no Cathy yet Matt), that it works. So, I just wanted to say that I miss you all terribly and remember that I will continue this blog for as long as there are still those of you who write on it with me.

School Exchange

Hi all for you who are still here. I gave Ashley's email address to one of my students and he was bounced back with an email that she no longer has that email address. Could someone get her to email me?

Election Hooplah...

Okay, so Matt asked me if I have been keeping up with the election and wanted my opinion.
I have included in this post a match-game that I found to be a little helpful, although, I have made up my mind based on actual research. I am nervous about giving my opinion on this blog because most of you guys who still post with me here are still very impressionable and I would rather you make your own decisions. I would rather you "vote" for someone who I wouldn't have, but based on your own thoughts and ideas, than on the candidate I will vote for, based on the fact that I am voting for him. (that gives something away, doesn't it:) I guess the furthest I will go is that I will NOT be voting in the primary. It's not really because I think it's bogus (but I do)...I think it's ridiculous that party heads will have everyone's information to solicit. But, what's more, what's the point of voting if the candidate you want to vote for isn't on the ballot?
So, if you do your research, that should narrow it down for you...but not give it away.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm