Camp - Day 4

Today was another great day at Pali.

The weather was warm again and the sky was sunny and clear.

For breakfast today, we had waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, eggs, and hash browns. At lunch, we had chicken tenders and mac and cheese. For dinner, we had barbecued pork, scalloped potatoes, and broccoli.

After a busy day of activities and hikes, the cabin groups performed their skits for skit night. Be sure to ask about your child's skit as they did a good job and had a fun time.

Tomorrow morning, after breakfast and one final activity, we will load up the buses and head down the mountain.

We should be arriving back at school at around 12, but stay tuned for a phone message from Mr. Lee.

See you then!

Camp - Day 3 Wrap up

Day three started out quite a bit colder than Monday or Tuesday. It got sunny later, but it still was the coldest day so far.

For breakfast we had bacon, eggs, and some of the best breakfast potatoes we've ever tasted. We had great bread bowls with a choice of soups and for dinner, they served chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy.

During evening activities, some groups went on an evening hike to learn about nocturnal animals and how they adapt to their environment.

Someone asked about photos. Unfortunately, we will not be posting any photos until we get back on Friday.

Have a great evening!

Camp - Day 2

We had another gorgeous day here in Running Springs. For breakfast the kids had English muffins with egg and cheese, hash browns and sausage patties. For lunch we had delicious orange chicken, rice and egg rolls.

For the daytime activities, groups rotated through a variety of stations including archery, orienteering and ropes courses.

For dinner, we had a choice of 3 different types of pasta and garlic bread. Our own teaching staff spent an hour with the students checking in and singing camp songs.

It's lights out now.

The weather forecast is great for our remaining time with highs in the 60's and lows in the 30's. There's no precipitation in the forecast, so it would seem unlikely that we'll get snow.

Goodnight until tomorrow!

Camp - The First Day

Our trip up the mountain was smooth and scenic. The remains of the fire were visible all around.

Once we arrived at camp, the counselors greeted the students and they participated in some ice-breakers. They were introduced to their cabin leaders and then went off to their cabins.

After lunch and some afternoon activities, we had a Mexican food dinner. For evening activities, some of the students took part in astronomy and the others took part in group line dancing.

More to come tomorrow.

Class Wiki

I'm excited that we've brought another technology tool to our class. It's great because it allows students to make additions and changes and engage in discussions about a variety of topics.

It's off to a good start with students beginning to look to the wiki for information and ideas. I'm hopeful that the class will take a more proactive approach in adding content.

Please visit the wiki here.

Red Fern Chapter 13

Today we read an intense chapter where a character dies. How did hearing about Rubin's accident make you feel?
What feelings do you think were going through Billy's mind as he walked home after the accident?

Why do you think it was important for Billy to go to the Pritchard's to lay flowers on his grave?

Please add your responses.

CUE 2007

On Friday and Saturday, I attended a conference for educators who use technology. During the conference, I attended presentations on podcasting, vodcasting and now screencasting. I learned about iMovie tips and tricks from a former ABC News camerawoman. I also learned about some of the new and exciting features of Google. Try texting weather and a zip code to 466453 (GOOGLE). See what you get back!

I'm looking forward to sharing new ideas and techniques and encouraging you to explore.

One of the important sessions I went to addressed cyber safety in the world of social-networking.

See you on Monday!
Mr. Moon

Red Fern Chapter 7

Today we read about Billy's quest for his first coon skin. After receiving some advice from his grandfather, Billy tries the trapping technique. Billy got frustrated when it didn't seem to be working. Why then, once the trap did work, did Billy decide he wouldn't continue to use that method? How would you feel about using that particular technique? Do you agree with his decision to stop using the nails in the logs?

Please share your thoughts.

Feeling Like an Outsider

Today we read about Billy's first trip into town. It was an adventure and an eye-opening experience. He saw himself in a mirror for the first time, and he came across students at a school. These were all firsts for him.

Why do you think it was such a big deal for him to see himself? How do you think he felt when he realized how he looked? Have you ever been in a new situation where you felt strange and out of place?

Thanks to those of you who are taking part in this and I look forward to seeing your thoughts.
Mr. Moon

Red Fern

Today we started reading Where the Red Fern Grows. In the story, our main character says he suffers from "dog-wanting disease."
Here are some questions for you to consider and respond to:
Have you ever wanted something so bad it hurt? What was it and what did you do to try and get it? How long would you be willing to save and work to get something you really wanted?

Also, visit this site and try answering the questions from chapters 1 & 2. See how you do!

Online Quiz

We're making our way down

We're making our way down the mountain. The sun is shining & the roads are clear. There's 1 bus filled with luggage.

The Last Night

Today we finally had a gorgeous day without the wind. Groups continued with their classes and hikes. For lunch they served philly-cheesesteak sandwiches and chili. This evening was another delicious Italian meal with a fresh pasta bar.

Tonight they will pack and then bring their bags out when they go to breakfast. After breakfast, they'll have one final class session before saying goodbye and getting on the buses for our journey home.

We'll make calls from the road to let parents know about our estimated arrival time.

Please try to have someone at school to pick up your camper as they're looking forward to coming home and sleeping in their own beds.

See you tomorrow!
Mr. Moon

Part 2... but the wind

Part 2... but the wind made for a really cold day. Mr. Lee & Mrs. Turner also came up to visit. Only two nights to go.

Wednesday Post. The wind has

Wednesday Post. The wind has interrupted our internet service so this post comes via a cellphone text message. The sun was out today..

Tuesday Thaw

Apparently, we timed camp perfectly for winter weather. Today was a bit warmer and the frost on the trees began to melt. The sun came out for a bit before the fog rolled back in.

After a delicious warm breakfast this morning, several groups went for a day hike while other groups took part in archery, rockwall climbing, and rope climbing.

Tonight for dinner, half of the campers were treated to a fresh pasta bar and chicken. The other half were able to eat spaghetti and chicken and will get to have the pasta bar on Thursday. It was pretty impressive.

After dinner, the students spent some time in their cabins and were getting ready for evening activities which included a night hike for some and karaoke for others.

Getting Settled

The rain let up and the sun is beginning to peek through, but it is
cold. The kids ate sandwiches and soup for lunch and are getting
situated in their cabins.

The ride up was smooth and quick and the movie kept their attention.

I will try to post nightly with a recap of some of the days activities.
The students are in various groups and so will doing different events.

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We're on our way! It's

We're on our way! It's rainy, but the kids are fixed on their screens watching Cars. More to follow!

All Summer in a Day

Today in class we read a story by Ray Bradbury about a school on Venus. As we read it, we learned of a student named Margot who is an outsider because of her differences. The other students treat her poorly and in fact do something really mean.

How do you think Margot felt after being treated so poorly? What are ways we can reach out to students who might be different from us?

September 11th

Today is September the 11th and in class we discussed some of the events that affected our country and world.  We discussed some of the reasons behind the attack and tried to understand why people would want to cause others harm.

Something to consider and reply to:
Why do you value freedom?  

A Great First Day!!

Today was a terrific first day and I am excited about the year that we are going to have. It was a full day with new introductions and new friends and of course, new school supplies! The class went out for P.E. with the coaches and then had a session with one of our music teachers.

The year promises to be a great one!

For tonight, students should be completing the About Me rough draft, working on jerseys, and gathering any old magazines that might be used for a collage. Parents, you've been given the task of filling out all of those forms. Thanks for taking the time to do this. It really helps us