Washington DC Reflection

The trip started with an anxious wait in school, an EXTREMELY long train ride, and the world's longest tour of practically every single monument in the entire District of Columbia. Along the way, we....er....*stole* the monuments (*cough* *cough* Phanishree *cough* *cough*). Then came the awkward dinner, where we poor kids were surrounded by a bunch of adults. The food was great (TIRAMISU), and we got to meet a bunch of people. Fast forward to the next morning. We woke up early, rushed over to the convention center, and ate a quick breakfast, while being stalked by a camera/recorder/wifi thingy. Fast forward another hour. We stood at our booth, explaining the Maker Program and what we do. Since we were the only kids there, we attracted a lot of people to our booth (we were also the only booth with gumdrops and balloons!). It was interesting teaching teachers, and having them listen to us. We also met Daisy Dyer Duerr (Ms. Southern Charm), and spoke with her, though we didn't realize it at the time. Then came the part I was dreading. The interview with Bob Wise. I made Sunny to promise to drag my body off the stage if necessary, rehearsed what I was going to say in my head, and went back stage. I actually got makeup smeared on my face (powder), and was given a microphone to use. Bad idea. I was trembling as I slowly made my up onto the extremely bright stage, and sat down next to Bob Wise. I felt like I was in a dream. I was there, speaking in front of 5000 people, yet I felt like part of me was watching elsewhere. This was probably a good thing, since it prevented me from panicking too much. Now that I think back to the event, I am surprised that I ever got the courage to get up on that excessively large stage, and speak in front of everyone.

Washington Trip Reflection

Let me starting by telling you one of the lesser known sayings of the very known abolitionist Frederick Douglass." A battle lost or won is easily described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it." Well, I thought I was going to be all formal and quote famous people but I guess this has to come from my soul [I am still filling it back up ; )  by the way this post is going to be filled with inside jokes. So let's get to it. Overall the trip was an extremely educational experience filled with many opportunities for learning. Who am I kidding it was AWESOME. The trip started off with an awkward bus ride to the Trenton Train Station with a group of people we have not spent more than one hour a day with. But in the end we were praying to get snowed in to spend one more day with the people that we are so different from, or so we thought. Although we had totally different personalities, the fashionista, the "Prepping for PSAT" person, the raver, the conspiracy theorist. But in the end we found common ground. We all had our quirks and kinks and all wanted someone to understand that.

WASHINGTON~ A TIME TO REMEMBER

       From the bus ride full of singing and joy, to the trains with our loud voices heard from all the cars, to spending our late night in our beautiful hotel watching Big Bang Theory (yes, we all watched it).This was the life of a five of the most hard working Makers on March 12th and 13th. Learning different skills to present to our fellow teachers. and also knowing how it feels when your students don't listen to you aka teachers for us. Russian Spy, Albert, Sun-Darth, Phuh-something something. DR.MC-c, and DR.Aderhold (sorry no nickname) and I had all experienced this memorable trip together from me, being bias and wrong about everyyy comment that someone said, to Oliver talking on stage in front of thousand of people. to not letting go of each other on our last bus ride back to Community Middle School. Honestly, I would never cherish this moment as much with another group. 

         To be honest one of the best parts of this trip was our hotels. Poor KGB had missed this since she was with her grandparents, but as you all know Oliver was going up on stage and presenting to all the teachers that were packed closely together in the room. and trust me...That was a big room. The night before we had planned to you know prep up Oliver as usual but this was Oliver's reaction "OH MY GODD!!! OH MY GOD!! WHAT IF I SCREW UP..." As you can see from this little sentence..He was a hot mess. After we prepped him, we got a call to our hotel room, right when Kunal Nayar made one of the most funniest jokes in Big Bang Theory. "AHHHHH THERE'S A GHOST IN OUR ROOM!! HELPPPP!!!". Sundhar was screaming on the phone like a little girl.( no offense sundhar) Any way, let's walk away from the story and focus on something else shall we...

       
        When we walked into the Convention Center, we walked in with pride since we were the only kids there to make a nerve-wrecking presentation in front of teachers, principles, advisers, and other staff members of schools. When I look back at our Washington Trip. All I remember is how much fun we had, how we bonded with each other, and trusted each other. No matter how much we prepared, it still felt like we were winging our presentation.

       I was so honored to meet Governor Wise, the president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and to also talk to him and tell him our Maker program here, at CMS. I am so proud that the our first year CMS PRISM teacher has not only made her mark with so many awards, she has made our first one, right there.. In Washington D.C.

       I honestly love you guyz, and cannot have better friends. I hope we can do this again with our Atlantic City Trip, except with one new member added to our team. Well, that's it for this post guys. I'm off now, but don't worry I'll post more about Atlantic city and keep you up to date on what we do. 

                                                                  ~Sharanya Vutla                                                                 

   

Washington

Washington,hmm.... if that is what you're asking there is a lot to say. Since there is only so much time, I will give you guys the gist of what happened. One thing that the Maker Ambassadors learned from this experience is that you can never be too prepared for anything. This trip may have been for educational purposes, but we leaned many life skills as well, it's funny how 48 hours out of your regular life can teach you so much.
I am probably not supposed to be saying this because it ruins a teacher's image, but the Superintendent was hilarious. We saw the side of teachers we never usually get to see. They were so relaxed, yet annoyed that they had to deal with us crazy kids. My side of the story is that, I was pretty  nervous. Being home away for two days, with four other kids I didn't even know very well.
Anyway, the most memorable part of this experience was at the hotel. Oliver was going to be interviewed the next day, and we were all nervous that he was going to screw things up.  At least, I was. When it comes to Oliver, you can never be to sure. So, back to the point. We all decided that it would be a good idea to quiz him, and prep him.
All of a sudden, a blood curling scream, okay, well maybe not blood curling, but still a screech none the less.
"Ahhhhh! Ahhhhhhh! There is something in the bathroom. There is a shadow in the bathroom." That voice was from a fellow classmate, Sundhar. Again the same dialogue was repeated.
It was hilarious.
Ask any one of us Makers, and that will probably be the most memorable moment. Not only was it entertaining, but also something that we all will remember forever.

Dutch Neck Science Day - April 17

We are off to showcase and inspire once more! Please make sure you return your permission slip no later than Tuesday, April 14. 

You will have 30 minute sessions with students in grades 1-3 about the Maker Ambassador program. Decide within the group who will lead the Makey Makey and littleBit sessions. Go to our Google Doc and add your thoughts for challenges, equipment needs, and lessons. 

Don't forget that you need to be at Dutch Neck by 8am and that you need to be picked up by 2:45pm. We do not have a Maker Ambassador bus!