I’ve been listening to different renditions of “My Favorite Things” — the Coltrane version, the Julie Andrews version, a version I’m playing with science teacher Mr. Looney on mandolin, a version my wife recorded a few years ago. Given the lyrics, I started thinking of some soul-affirming places and objects at work I might reference in my own rendition of the song.
The western end of the 600 Hallway
It has a beautiful view, and it’s the only place that gets good cell reception for phone calls. Many times from here I’ve returned a voice message from my sons’ daycare, staring in meditation at the blue mountains while I get told that one of the boys is sick and needs to be picked up ASAP.
The art exhibit in the guidance office
Every month the works here are changed by the art teachers, Mr. DeMark and Grove. This specific exhibit pleases me for many reasons. First is the art itself, always impressive in its technical skill and charming in its guilelessness. But almost equally pleasing is the frequency with which the art is displayed. From my observation, most of the time student art is usually just put up and left to collect dust over the course of the year. At this highly-trafficked part of the school, there is always something new to look at and enjoy.
The cricut in the library workroom
I use this bad-boy just about every week, printing out names to add to my wall of jugglers. This machine has also given me the opportunity (privilege, even!) of introducing some of my colleagues to the wonderful world of Cricut printing. It’s the sort of thing that inspires you to do more. One day I will get around to learning how to use the 3D-printer and design a bust of my face for the classroom.
The composter
Built by students in Ms. Bingaman’s Principles of Engineering 4th Block class, this heavy duty composter is fed with shredded paper from Mr. Mitchell’s students and food-prep trimmings from the cafeteria staff, transported by Mr. Lange’s students in the IP Program. Eventually the compost will be used to supplement the seedlings cultivated by Ms. Barrett’s students. It all makes me so happy. I will have to find replacements for the googly eyes, which are not meant for the outdoors, much like my own eyes.