PLCs

The educational world is notorious for its in vogue jargon and acronyms. A current one is 'PLC' - Professional Learning Community. The last two days, I have been in Seattle with hundreds of other educators being instructed and inspired in how to develop PLCs in our schools. Essentially, PLCs are teams of educators (grade level teachers or subject unified teachers) that work together to analyze existing student performance and develop strategies to improve student learning (how's that for educationeeze!) More simply, it's teachers working together rather than just working in their own 'kingdoms.' Research shows that schools who have developed strong collaborative teams are having significant improvement in student performance. I actually enjoyed the conference and believe that our school will benefit from more structure in our collaboration. I got to experience the Seattle commute for a few days. The Vashon foot ferry makes it convenient for me to walk out my door onto the ferries which puts me downtown. It was about a half hour walk to the Weston Hotel, which was enjoyable exercise. I'm sure the commute would get old eventually; especially considering the hour and a half time each way.

Leavenworth

river walk - Leavenworth
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This past couple of weeks have been a little hectic and I hope to get back in a regular blogging routine. My MacBook is back from the Apple store after having a hard drive replaced. I have been a little disappointed with the frequency of 'issues' with this laptop. The other four Apple laptops that I have purchased for the family in the last seven years have not had any 'issues'. Esther and I went on a day trip to Leavenworth last weekend. It was damp and cold, but we did get our Bavarian fix for the year. We also had the opportunity this weekend to visit Quest Church in Seattle where Markus attends. It is a merger of a Korean and Covenant Church near the Ballard bridge. The congregation is predominantly young and Asian. Pastor Cho had a very good sermon. He is a passionate and articulate communicator.

my beautiful bl?..brunette?

my beautiful bl?..brunette?
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

The scariest thing that came to our house Halloween was already in it! In honor of 'crazy hair day' at Orchard Heights, Esther gooped up her locks. I much prefer the blonde, but maybe it's just my familiarity. My accomplishment for the weekend was hauling my sailboat out of the water for the winter. Blue Wing is now cleaned and securely 'moored' beside the garage. Much of the last couple of weeks has been spent at our former house. The past renters of five years (has it really been that long?) moved out and we needed to get it ready for the new renters. Well, the new renters are in this weekend. They are a young couple with two young children. As we were cleaning this week, we decided that if we had to, we could move back. The 'lightness' of the main living area has a strong appeal for us.

The Intermediate Multiage Monsters

Mr. Moore and Mr. Bulthuis are having a very enjoyable year teaching 61 adorable students. To some, our children may appear strange, almost peculiar; but to us they are stunningly stellar students that fill our hearts with joy. You can check out our pool of pupils here.

another Buthuis?

a family weekend
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

The whole family came home to Southworth for the weekend. It was somewhat of a celebratory event as we were rejoicing in the announcement of a new Bulthuis entering the world next spring. Yes, you read it right, Esther and I will be grandparents! Though the young couple was not expecting the pregnancy, they are excited about the prospect of becoming parents. Jenny is doing well so far in the pregnancy; a little morning sickness, but otherwise, feeling pretty good. Her work in the early childhood program at Nooksack Elementary is going fine as well. Markus broke away from his busy college life to join us for Sunday. Esther had the additional treat of connecting with longtime friends who live in Montana and Bellingham. (she gloated in her 'gramma' status)

the year of the boat

the year of the boat
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

I recently read a book that I really enjoyed. Unlike my usual fare of epic sailing adventures, this book was about a local writer who took on the challenge of building a small wooden sailboat. The author is Lawrence Cheek, who lives in Seattle and writes travel books and magazine articles. With the skill of a wordsmith, the author describes his frustrations and joys of the boatbuilding project. It is not a book of building technique, but a diary of self-doubt and determination. He often digresses into philosophical musings about life which emanate from his boatbuilding. An added connection for me is his interaction with 'my boating world': the Puget Sound, Wooden Boat Festival, Sam Devlin boatyard near Olympia - settings with which I am very familiar. I have often contemplated building a wooden boat, and though I can't say that this book has inspired me to get started right away, it has given me a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of taking on such a project.

Foothills Trail - 'take two'

September view of Rainier from Orting
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor

This past June, Esther and I took along a couple of boys we were babysitting to the Foothills Trail near Orting. We didn't make it very far as it was quite hot and the boys were young. We loved the trail, and were anxious to explore it again someday. Well, we took the opportunity today to ride the entire 30 mile round trip trail from Puyallup to South Prairie and back. The weather was perfect: sunny, but a little cool. We thoroughly enjoyed the trail. It starts in farm country, goes through Orting and then follows the Carbon River and the foothills to South Prairie. This is definitely our favorite trail so far. Esther did great on her clunky old cheapo Murray. We've decided that she has earned the right to a new bike. Next spring we will have to go bike shopping for her. In other eventful news of the day, Markus departed Southworth for another year at SPU.