Well, half way through summer vacation, I am no where near as accomplished as I had hoped: my AP Lang units are outlined, one of two lessons planned, and maybe three or four AP African American Studies lessons are ready. Hey, at least I’m ready for the first couple of weeks. That’s a start!
The APSI for African American Studies was very intense and informative, though I now feel less confident and a bit overwhelmed, but I’m still excited for this challenge. I have so much to learn as I plan, but as my instructor said, I just need to be ten minutes ahead of my students. I love being a public learner, and this year I’ll be modeling how to be a life long learner as I teach this course.
The residency was amazing! Learning about the seed collection at the Schomburg was the highlight for me, and exploring the resources at the various NYPL locations was edifying to say the least. What fascinated me the most was the storage and emergency exit under Bryant Park. I was so intrigued to find the exit. I had the privilege to see it from inside, and the next day—after a failed attempt the previous afternoon—I found it!
The emergency exit leads from the depths beneath up onto the lawn of Bryant Park.
After touring the archives beneath the park, I found the exit on the lawn. My tour guide shared the story about exiting onto the lawn in the middle of the day during a fire drill, only to stun the people in the park who were surprised to see the library workers come walking onto the grassy lawn from an unknown depth.
The exit is in the open and unguarded except for the signage warning not to sit or rest anything on it.
On the home front, after my two weeks of intense learning, I spent a weekend in Boston visiting family. These three days were filled with much needed rest and relaxation, and I returned home to spend a week attempting to plan and refine my units. Though I barely grazed the surface in how much I had anticipated completing for work, I did manage to organize my house a little the following week. School and house work are not yet done, but well on the way.
Of course, I made some time to sew a little. I still have to finish my Frida Kahlo quilt, but I made a few pouches and wristlets. I also have an order for one of the pouches. I’ve been sewing for pleasure and not building inventory for my store, but I hope to start inventory once my UFO quilts are all finished. They’re the Frida for myself, four lion panel quilts for my sons, and two baby quilts for kiddos who are no longer babies. Hopefully, these will be Christmas 2026 presents!
This week I have some more organizing: my living room, dining room, bedroom, and sewing areas need to be pristine for my dog’s homecoming. Io has been in training school for the past two weeks, and we bring her home next Thursday. I have an outdoor house for her as a welcome home present. I just hope she retains her training and does not revert to her old ways.
So, this coming week, I will be setting up my classroom, grading regents exams, and trying my best to tie up loose ends, especially finishing my lessons as best I can and reading as many books from my summer list as time will permit. It’s crunch time, because the last couple of weeks before school starts, I plan to go away with my husband on our annual getaway.
I can smell the school year as fresh and salty as the air when you near the beach, but I’m determined to make the most of my time off. I may get sidetracked from my goals, but I’m achieving as much as possible. I can do anything I set my mind to accomplish, but I may not be able to complete them all at once. Still, I am enjoying my lofty plans!
Eduspiration 