In my last blog I complained about my Film-Heroes students not following through with what I was trying to do. Happily, I've seen a change in the class!! The last student-led discussion we had, 22 of 28 students got involved in the hour. To me, that's an impressive amount. Even 2 of the students who did not get involved had their hand up at one time or another to answer a question, but someone else had a similar response. Likewise, the class blog has helped extend the conversation beyond the classroom walls and those students who did not participate in class did get on the blog and add their insights. Funny how 2 weeks (and a little talk with the class about how disappointed and disenfranchised I had become with the direction the class was taking) could change my (and hopefully their) perspective on what is possible in this class.
The other thing I wanted to comment upon was the overall generosity of the Arapahoe staff. Here's a group who gives and gives every day while not earning anywhere near top dollar. Yet, when I ask them to help me honor my dad by raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, close to 50% of the staff has contributed almost $1000 - I'm truly humbled by the outpouring of support. Likewise, I'm continually amazed by the caring and compassion demonstrated by the faculty and staff of our school - it's a blessing to work with people like this.
