Love from the Staff Advisor!

Monday.First day of all the excitement began today. Yesterday Pat gave us a tour of the empy school, but today, we got to see EVERYONE in the halls and classroom. It was amazing to say the least. I ended up helping out the 8th grade teachers, mostly mingling with the 8th grade class (go Pride 2013!!). I spent most of the morning sitting in the back of the 8th grade reading class entering grades into Ms. Urbanzcyk's tracking file. Just observing from behind, I was definitely in awe. They were discussing Romeo and Juliet, something I didn't read till high school! The curriculum wasn't the only thing that caught my eye, the classroom environment was also very open and inviting. The teachers somehow were able to not just be a figure to respect, a role model for the kids, but also a friend, a peer. They spoke to the kids and led discussions, while still joking around and having fun with them. I forget how it's like sometimes to be a kid again, but I remember looking up to my teachers and sometimes even fearing them. The kids had no fear and only curiosity in their eyes, all too eager to learn and submerge themselves in these discussions. They all rose their hands when asked a question, even if they didn't hear what the question was! If called on and they didn't know, they just asked what the question was without any shame or guilt. I definitely admire the teachers for sharing their enthusiasm with the kids, and admire them even more for maintaining this time of positive learning atmosphere.

Tuesday.Today was my first of 4 days of doing outside work and helping Mr. G with beautifying the GCP campus. Mr. G is in charge of the whole campus grounds, maintenance, and bus trafficking (3 hats in one, which is quite the job for a 65 year old man). As many of the trip members have noticed, the KIPP staff are all amazing. I too must attest to that, even those who's responsibilities does not directly connect them to the children in a classroom really do care for each and every student. Mr. G not only knows the name of most of the children there but also jokes around with them. After spending a whole day digging holes to put up blue bird houses around the campus, I got to know Mr. G's plans around campus. This included a football field, soccor field, and baseball diamond. With 37 acres (of which some of it is wetland and can not be touched), Mr. G hopes to utilize the land available to help expand GCP's extra curricular activities, promoting a safe environment not just in classrooms but also in outdoor sports. It's all for the kids!I also took time out to play basketball with the 6th graders. Boy, were they energetic!! The ball was bouncing everywhere! And, they're all taller than me already, so when it came to basketball, I was at a disadvantage. They sure know how to block! Needless to say, it was fun. What was even great was to see some of these girls on the track field after class for track practice. These kids have so much energy, and watching them all play in the gym made me see that what Mr. G is doing will definitely help. Once the school grounds are more established, these kids will be able to let out all their energy outside, and not confined to an indoor basketball court.

Wednesday.Nimish helped me outside today with Mr. G and we had tons of fun deforesting an area for the future baseball diamond. We also dug up cedar trees to replant near the edge of the school grounds, to devoid cars from driving through. Eventually those trees would also serve as a privacy boundary for the school. Our hardwork was not only noticed by Mr. G but also by the football coach. Coach Thomas gave us some powerade to help replenish our energy. Just being noticed and appreciated was enough for us to continue working hard. It was great seeing the support coming from not just the person responsible but also the teachers. KIPP seems to manifest a supporting atmostphere in general. Every employee there work as a team, no matter if they're part of the administration or teaching department. It's this attitude that keeps the school productive and this example set for the students learn from that keep the shool a positve learning environment.

Thursday.The field where the baseball diamond was to be placed will be leveled and burned and plowed by next week. Which means we had to finish what we can with removing the trees and it's stumps from the area hopefully by early next week. This was a big task. Unfortunately I didn't have anyone to help, so Mr. G came out and took time off to give me a hand. I got to know him as quite the father figure of the school. Overlooking the whole school grounds is a big task, but knowing it's in his hands to create a beautiful campus and a safe learning environment seems achievable. Props to Mr. G!!

Friday.Last day! and we all felt the bitter sweet ending to our awesome week here at KIPP. Getting to know the students and teachers on a more personal note truly allowed us to experience the GCP pride. We are definitely proud of the school and their accomplishments, and all their endeavors. I defintely will do my best in supporting programs like this. Though that may be limited right now, it'll be written in my plans for the future.

-Janet Hsu