Like it or not, things change. We left school last Thursday, excited for the upcoming five day weekend. We were headed into a long-awaited, mini spring break. Spirits were high. Warmer weather had arrived. Winter-migrating birds had returned. The grass was turning green again. Spring had finally come back to Iowa. Life was good and you could sense the joy on every face. Little did we know, however, was that change, major change, was just around the corner. Life was about to take an unexpected turn for us. A change that none of us would like. Change often comes quickly and sometimes hits harder than we care to imagine. Change comes unexpectedly. Change comes whether invited or not. For us...on Saturday...change came. A mere 48 hours after we joyfully exited the building for our long weekend, things suddenly changed. The change hit swift and hard. You see, we lost a sweet 13-year-old boy to a tragic accident. We lost a sweet, caring, energetic boy who always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a spring in his step. We lost a beloved friend, student, and child of a colleague. Life as we once knew it is gone. Instead we are left to wallow in the wake of grief and loss. Isaac Hoven - a sweet 13-year-old boy who loved life to its fullest, left us far too soon. He will be missed, and the void he leaves is immense. Now all that is left are the memories we have of our interactions with him. His presence with us is gone forever, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.
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Oh my gosh! Could it really be happening? Could winter really be waning and spring arriving? Please tell me it is so! I hate the cold. I hate snow. Plain and simple, I hate winter. Winter is a very depressing time for me. Everything is brown and dreary. The trees drop their leaves and sleep for weeks at a time. The days are shorter and nights are longer. Even some of the birds and animals leave us for a while. I love spending time outdoors, but during winter it is too cold to spend time outside. However, without the dreary winter, spring would not be quite as magical. Traveling home from a trip to Des Moines this weekend I spotted several large flocks of geese flying in V-formation, headed north. For someone who hates winter like I do, THAT, in itself, is a good sign! The weatherman is even cooperating - temperatures for the next 10 days are forecasted to be above normal. The warm temperatures are extremely welcomed. Signs of spring are showing up everywhere, and I am finding more to be joyful for. In spring I find my moods much happier, my steps a little lighter. When I see a flock of geese flying in formation, I am amazed at the wonder of Mother Nature, and the intelligence of these big-bodied birds. We could all learn a lot from geese. When geese fly in formation, the leader does the hardest work. It is his job to carve a path through the air. When he flaps his wings, he creates an "upwash" - the downward push of air as the body cuts through the air. The birds behind use the upwash to their own benefit. By putting their wingtips in the upwash, they get a "free-ride" of sorts. Their task is made easier by the efforts of the bird(s) in front. The birds save energy by using the good air from the bird(s) in front. When the lead bird tires, he takes his place further back in the flock and a different bird takes the lead. They share the workload so that each member of the flock takes his turn. But it doesn't stop there. Not only do the geese share the workload, but the ones behind honk "'words" of encouragement to those ahead. If the human race would observe geese and take notes from them, we could learn a few things. We all need to do our fair share of the work and not simply get by on the "upwash" of those who lead. We need to take the lead once in a while and let those who lead take a rest. Sometimes we need to do what is difficult, but if we have supporters to encourage us along the way, we are more likely to be successful. So, the next time you hear the chorus of a flock of geese flying overhead, take time to look up. Look up, enjoy the view, and think about the science behind the V, and let your heart swell with joy at the wonder of it all. Bring on the geese! |
AuthorMrs. DeJong has been teaching at Oskaloosa Middle School for 29 years. She has a strong passion for all things technology and loves working with middle school students as they explore technology in their world. Archives
August 2016
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