We will have 17 sites during the two weeks of JAZZ this summer! Currently, I already have over 20 people signed up for the sessions. Here is the list of sites. It is amazing to see how this project is growing.

Hosting Sites for June
1. Janine, BCISD, Michigan–Lead Facilitator
2. Steve Roberts, Torfaen LEA, Wales
3. Ashton, EPISD, Texas
4. Tabitha & Kim Owen, North Dakota

1. Roxanne, Region 12, Texas –Lead Facilitator
2. Angela, Humble ISD, Texas
3. Charlee Hagan, Arlington ISD, Texas
4. Lori Colwill, Dallas ISD, Texas

Hosting Sites: July
1. Roxanne, Region 12, Texas–Lead
2. Kathy Mohr, NCOESC, Ohio
3. Sally Staner, Fort Bend, Texas

1. Ken & October, Lamar CISD, Texas–Lead
2. René, GST BOCES, New York
3. Lori Colwill, Dallas ISD, Texas
4. Melodie Wahlert & Jodie Ingram, ESC 8, Texas

1. Janine, BCISD, Michigan (Janine bridge)– Lead
2. Ashton, EPISD, Texas
3. Mary Smith and Glenda Hickey, ESC 7, Kilgore, Texas

The HPV project was awesome!!! I think the topic was very edgy but necessary.

I liked the books that Gay introduced. The book about the different skulls would be great for animal adaptations. I really liked this project. The final published version of the book could be kept in the Teacher section of the library. On my campus, we are trying to make sure the upper grade teachers connect back to projects done consistently in the lower grades. If this was done in the lower grades each year, the 5^th grade teacher could check the books made by that class, when they were in 3^rd grade. (S)He could use the book as a starting place for her/his animal adaptation unit.

I like the Tall Tales activity. I’ve noticed that most of my students have little or no knowledge of fairy tales, tall tales, nursery rhymes, and other oral traditions that I think are a must for understanding a large part of literary tradition. I think this activity would provide great background for the students.

It’s been great! I’ve learned a lot. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of you. I hope to work/interact with all of you in the future. Thank you to everyone.

June

I really enjoyed the pacing of today. The way that we worked with our groups was much more productive to me. I feel like we got everything accomplished that we were supposed to do.

And, I very much enjoyed the ASK program. Bringing those who have experienced something into our classrooms is a very powerful tool.

OHMYGOSH, this day in videoland was the best. I really did enjoy ASK. It showed me a different way to present books to the students. I do want to try this at school this coming year.

I really do think that it is fun trying to work out all the difficulties. That’s what makes learning so much fun.

Another good day. I enjoyed all the presenters. I especially liked the ASK program. I really liked the way the Veteran was brought in, showing community involvement.

June

Oh No! It’s almost over. Wow! 4 days went by so fast. This has been the best inservice; I hate more than anything when my time is wasted. I can’t think of any minute during this training when I felt that my time would be better spent elsewhere. Ashton has done an amazing job keeping us driven, motivated, working, and having fun doing it. I have learned so much and I am really looking forward to the school year.

LeeAnn

5 days went soooo fast. Projects…love the ABC book project. I need someone to do this with this year. Can’t wait. This group really got a lot done with making handouts and resources list. Great job. I also liked the extension of the community project. I want to do a community culture exchange. We won’t send Chico’s Tacos, but we could send a pinata… I am looking forward to papas from Ohio.

LeeAnn

Reflections on Vietnam Veteran / Philip Staulter/day 4

The biggest message that I got from meeting our veteran was, less we forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I try to promote that in my classroom, and through the lessons in social studies, it seems so easy to forget about war and the lives that were lost.

Watching the most recent efforts in video conferencing, I just find that I get really pumped to use this technology.I guess my biggest job is going to be making myself get involved in this technology.