Cultivating Culture

The concept of culture is a hot topic in businesses, schools, and churches, and rightfully so. We've managed to take this beautiful word that covers cultivated behavior, accumulated experiences, and a collection of patterns both explicit and implicit and use it to describe, as my students might say... the "vibe" of a group of people. This… Continue reading Cultivating Culture

Lessons Learned from Trying on Glasses

Yesterday, during our second day of school this year, a few of my students came in with the cutest glasses on you've ever seen! Now, some people may love high-end shoes, while others may love name brand shirts, but this little nerd right here? Glasses! What's interesting is that right now, nerdy glasses are trending… Continue reading Lessons Learned from Trying on Glasses

“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”

As I sit at my desk the Saturday before the first week of our THIRD year of HPA, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude for all the people that have helped make this little school a reality. If I started a list, it would be miles long because I wouldn't be the teacher I… Continue reading “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”

Why I Choose Choice Boards

First, what are choice boards? A choice board is a type of assignment style that gives students the freedom to choose how they will connect with the subject matter. There are many different styles of choice boards. Some are tic-tac-toe boards, asking students to choose three activities in a row; others are in the form of menus,… Continue reading Why I Choose Choice Boards

Passion Projects

“The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” ― Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, first woman to be elected head of state of an African country   I absolutely LOVE this quote! It challenges us to step out of our… Continue reading Passion Projects