Selfless Spirit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcLEPr0cTPw

From 1917 until the end of World War One, the

woman of The Salvation Army provided donuts to soldiers.  

Today on this 1st Friday in June,

 we celebrate National Donut Day. 

It officially began in 1938 as a way of paying 

 tribute to the selfless spirit of The Salvation

 Army volunteers, the "donut lassies" during 

the first world war.  The holiday honors and 

symbolizes the services The Salvation Army 

continues to provide today.

Rose--- Work on This

Summer is Due

The Swedish say, "Life without love

 is like a year without summer."

Do without fireflies, warm silver moons,

or ruby tomatoes? Unthinkable! 

Days in a garden or furrowed field, 

fishing poles in the pond, revivals,

and dips in a pool.  Juicy slices of

watermelon, smoky campfires,

and excursions to the fair.    

...

Breathe in the love from family & friends

 as May slips gently, sweetly into June.

                                         ~Rose West

Conspicuous

It's difficult to imagine not "connecting" with those whom you admire.  Their smiles, words 

of encouragement or advice can make all

 the difference.  Simply put, our paths cross routinely nearly each and every day, right?

It's a comfortable feeling.  

Yet when that individual's an educator

who has been present in the lives of

countless numbers of learners

for all the right reasons, the

routine will be upended.  

People such as these do not just have jobs.

These extraordinary 

individuals share a craft; 

they fulfill the varied needs

of their customers at every turn.

Quoting John Steinbeck:  "I have come to believe that a great teacher is great artist and that there
 are as few as there are any other great artists.  
It might even be the greatest of the arts 
since the medium is the human heart & spirit."

I wish Steinbeck had gone on to comment  

on how to deal with a void that occurs when special individuals we know 

decide to pursue new adventures.   

So for this moment late in May, I'm so

thankful for their gifts.  I will be grateful 

they chose to share their passion for
questioning and for learning, with kids. 

You realize that some think 

they'll go out and "change the world."  

Crazy thoughts, huh?

William Magee, Suzanne Jordan,

and Priscilla Salmond 

have done just that.    

The End of the School Year

You have spent the year together, close quarters since late August.  You've involved students in thousands of lessons and group is feasting during the waning days in this month of May.  

Teachers get to know a lot about their "customers."   Some children do better than others in the academic areas of fifth grade, while their classmates may excel in endeavors related to athletics.  Often kids have some tough personal issues or challenges, and  teachers usually uncover such truths.  He or 

she can relate to a child's pain, and help.

Hopefully together you've learned, laughed, and grown since first crossing the doorway of the classroom.  There's been tension and disagreements, for no group escapes them when sharing nine months or more of time, together.  Yet now as you approach the last day of school, everyone is tired.  Everyone is ready for the start of summer break.  Everyone who is remembered in a special way is "changed."  And that change feels so good.
Yes, kids still do pass notes.

 Click on this image to get the whole message.
 Then smile to know a child feels this way.

Thank you teachers, for 
being in the lives of our children.

For All Seasons

Ball season's here, with players young and old participating in a beloved sport.  Countless

 hours of practice and coaching lie ahead.  Families reorganize schedules to attend
 games, with obvious pride and zeal for
teams they support and the players they love.

Ever played baseball or softball?  
You relish the feeling of getting out onto a grassy field.  Partnering with teammates and giving each matchup a "best"effort is what it's about.  There's immense pride in developing skills and reaching goals.  For players, what can be more delightful?

This spring it's been eight years since this trio were involved in a game pitting
 college softball rivals Western Oregon University and Central Washington University.

For a photo opportunity (above) several years ago, these athletes recreated a moment when senior
 Sara Tucholsky was carried by rival Central players Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace.  

Sara had just hit a home run but suddenly
she dropped down, injured and unable to run.  With two Western players already on base, Sara's  home run would have be voided if teammates had intervened or offered her any assistance. 
That's when Mallory Holtman did what
some people would considerable unthinkable. 

Batters up.........a true story,

one of determination & compassion!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSQf9ZbSDHE

Spring......We're Ready!