Day Three: Excuse me sir, you must be in the front row...

It's about 12:45 in the morning and we are just wrapping up an incredible day in DC and Baltimore.

In spite of the weather forecasts, we have survived another day in our Nation's capital and while the rain may have dampened our raincoats it could not dampen our spirits.  Honestly, the weather wasn't too bad...we avoided most of the rain.

We had our usual breakfast at Magills and took off for the city.  I did hear one of the boys telling how much he enjoyed the Biscuits and Gravy...he said he had three servings.  Ms. Payne and I warned him that it was that tasty. We headed into the city for a group photo at the Capital Building.  Unfortunately, we encountered our first deluge...yes, first.  Here are some photos:

The decision was made to scrap the photo and try to take in some monuments.  As we were driving to the Lincoln Memorial, the weather took a turn for the better and we headed back to the Capital building for another attempt.  I'm not sure how it works, but we made it and I think it will be quite a group photo.

After our group picture was taken, we headed back towards the Lincoln Memorial.  We visited three memorials during this stop.  Obviously, we saw Lincoln sitting above the reflecting pool, but we also saw the Korean and Vietnam War memorials.

 The Korean War Memorial is one of my favorite DC memorials.  First, the historic significance of remembering what is known as "The Forgotten War" is incredibly important...but there is more than just that.  It is filled with symbolism.  There are 19 soldiers walking on patrol in the memorial.  Each branch of the military is represented.  There is an Air Force Communications Officers, A Navy Corpsman, and two Marines accompanying the Army soldiers.  The photo above shows the Corpsman (Medic) and Marines.  There is also a wall next to the memorial with engraved photographs of men and woman who played a role in the Korean War.  On a sunny day, the reflection of the soldiers is clearly visible.  In this view, 38 men are shown.  This signifies the Line of Demarcation on the 38th parallel separating North and South Korea.

 The Lincoln Memorial seems to be the odds on favorite of most of the kids.  All trip, they've been saying how much they wanted to see it.  With the rain coming down pretty hard earlier, we almost had to cancel it, but we did not.  I think it is great that they wanted to see it.  These students have not yet learned about the role Abraham Lincoln played in American History, but roughly 150 years after his presidency, his legacy lives on with the necessity of a classroom.  Don't worry parents, when they are at the high school next year, we will be sure to teach them about Lincoln and how he shaped America.

The vantage point from atop the Lincoln Memorial is a clear picture of the Washington Monument and the Capital building in the distance.  It is there, you might need to squint, but it is there, lol.

 These four brave young ladies posed in front of Lincoln's statue to give perspective on the size of the sculpture.  Lincoln is massive and so was his impact on ending slavery and preserving the union.  He is one of my favorite Presidents and I think the most critical in shaping America for the future.  I think it is fitting that he sits overlooking the reflective pool and is flanked by the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials.  Lincoln was a man who despised war.  He often sat and pondered the events of his lifetime.  He knew he was not perfect and he understood basic human nature...he allowed those characteristics to guide his decisions.  The Secretary of War during his presidency often scolded Lincoln for pardoning too many young men who fled the battlefield.  Lincoln didn't flinch.  He knew that these men had families and that war was ravaging their homes.  He thought about how his actions impacted others...I think we need more Lincoln's in our government today, regardless of political affiliations.

These two young ladies took a break from the emerging sun and sat beneath a quoted passage from Lincoln's second inaugural address.  They were not aware, at the time, that their choice of seating location would spawn an impromptu history lesson from myself...but they seemed to appreciate my lecture. :)

The Washington Monument is under construction because of the earthquake a couple of years ago.  This pose is a common photo-op for concerned American tourists who want to help in the construction of the monument.

Students from Bus 1 and 3 joining in some fellowship and relaxation on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  They said they were having a great time and they truly enjoyed the Lincoln Memorial.  They had already visited the Vietnam Memorial and were about to visit the Korean War Memorial.

 As far as I know, Saugus, Massachusetts only lost two soldiers during the Vietnam War.  Their names were Richard Devine and Stanley Egan.  After a quick talk from our tour guide, I mentioned these names to our students and told them where they might find the names upon the wall.  The photo above is for Stanley Egan.  This part of our trip was one of the most poignant for me, and for all of us.  You can see some roses left at the base of the wall...along the entire wall there were many flowers, letters, and other mementos left to fallen comrades.  These touching and affectionate gestures had an impact on many as the kids read through some of the letters.  There were several Vietnam Veterans there as well and I was very impressed with the manner in which our students acted.  Not only did many of them seek out Richard Devine and Stanley Egan's memorial, but they did it with reverence.  I was very proud of them.
 

Richard Devine is remembered by fellow Saugonians.

 After our visit to these three memorials, we, on Bus #2, had to wait around a little bit for our bus driver.  I took the opportunity for some group photos.

This is them pointing at me.

This is them Disco Dancing!!!

This is them standing on one foot.

This is them realizing that they stepped on some gum...they didn't.

This is them celebrating because the bus just pulled up...it didn't

Eventually, the bus did find us.  He took us to the Mall and our guide introduced us to many of the Smithsonian Museums.  We stopped at the Air and Space Museum for lunch and were off to enjoy the many sights and sounds of flight.  I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet up with my Brother, Nephew, and Niece for lunch.  They moved to the DC area in August and I hadn't seem them nearly as much as I would have liked.

After Lunch, our buses broke into groups led by their chaperons.  The kids got to decide which museums to visit.  I was touched by the words of one student who opted for a shorter lunch break so that we'd have more time for museums.  I realized that these kids "get it."  They understand what I have understood since my first time traveling outside of the country..."One must travel to learn."  Mark Twain's words are as true today as when he first penned them.  I truly enjoyed this part of the trip.  The kids decided on the Museum of Natural History (Dinosaurs) and the Museum of American History (Cool stuff from our past).  We spent about an hour in each, but could have spent days!!!

We eventually survived our second deluge...torrential rains as we boarded our buses.  Once on the buses, however, the rains subsided and we were off to Baltimore for the Orioles game.  The title of today's blog is in honor of the game...

Belmonte Middle School Teacher, Patti Romano on the field representing our school.

Mrs. Romano being accosted by the Orioles Mascot...notice she's not wearing a Red Sox Hat.

Our seats...last row!!!

We owned Section 340 and much of 336 too.

John was busy all night delivering Soda, Water, and Lemonade.  He took orders and then delivered...nothing but the best for Belmonte Middle School.

Where we first met upon entering the Stadium.

I crept down for a closer look during the second inning.  

 The game was tied at the end of the 9th inning and we needed to return to our hotel.  By the time we got here, we had learned that the good guys from Boston has lost to the dreaded Os.  We still had a great time and while some of us are a little homesick, we are excited for our last day.  I am going to try to upload more photos to the Picasa Album for this trip at some point tomorrow.  The wifi connection is not stellar here and I apologize for that.  I am humbled by the many kind words that I've received the past few days.  I never thought that I'd have the readership numbers that I am seeing and I am very pleased.  I expect that this trip will put my little blog over 10,000 views and I am blown away by that...so Thank you!!!

Mr. Lavoie, currently in shock that it took me an hour to write tonight's blog...oh well, it was worth it.  

Day Two: Cherry Blossoms and Waterfalls...among other important DC sites

Today was another great day in Washington DC!!!

We started by having breakfast at a place that caters to large groups.  We shared the place with middle schoolers from Swampscott.  It was a buffet style restaurant with a wide variety of options.  Many of the kids grabbed some cereal and I saw one young man with a plate full of bacon (boy, was I jealous).  Not as many of the kids tried the traditional southern breakfast fare of grits and/or biscuits and gravy.  We did our best, throughout the day, to encourage them to expand their breakfast horizons.  I'm thinking some of them will at least try the biscuits and gravy.

The first stop for us was Arlington National Cemetery. We drove passed the Pentagon on the way in and the kids seemed surprised at the size of the building.  For those reading who have never seen it, the building is very large and can hold over 30,000 employees...that's more than the population of Saugus.  The building is the largest office building in the world according to Wikipedia.

At Arlington National Cemetery, we were reminded quickly about the dignity and solemnity of our visit.  A caisson was being escorted through the cemetery.  After we paused, to allow it to pass, our guide told us that there are approximately 27 funerals a day.  The flag flies at half staff a half-hour before the first ceremony and stays at that position until a half-hour after the final funeral of the day.  It was a somber experience and made us realize the sacrifices our soldiers have made for us over time.

We visited a number of important locations inside Arlington.  We saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Eternal Flame, the grave sites of Edward and Robert Kennedy, and the final resting place of a number of other important American servicemen and political officials.  Our guide was good to point out many of those who were originally from Massachusetts.

For me, and many of the kids that I talked too, the most impressive thing we witnessed was the changing of the guard.  The young men in uniform whom we watched were so perfect in their work.  Their steps were all in unison and the routine was so well rehearsed.  I still cannot get over it.  I was recently in London, England and witnessed the changing of the guards at one of the British sites...ours was much more impressive.
 

The weather has been hot since our arrival and we really started to feel it today.  Whenever possible, we stopped underneath some shade and learned a little more history from our guides.

 After Arlington National Cemetery, it was time for us to visit some other sites. We took some time to visit the Holocaust Museum and to learn about the struggles experienced by Jewish people during the Second World War.  We participated in an exhibit known as Daniel's Story.  This told the tale of a young Germany and Jewish boy.  We walked through his house and met some of his friends, but then things changed.  The Nazis took over and began restricting Daniel's freedoms.  Eventually, his family was relocated to a Ghetto and ultimately a concentration camp.  After completing the story, I had the opportunity to speak with a couple of the boys on Bus #2.  They were really impressed with the exhibit.  I was very impressed with the attitudes and reverence paid by all of our kids throughout the day.

On a side note, next April, I will be leading a tour of high school students to Germany, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.  We will be visiting two concentration camps: Dachau and Auschwitz.  The trip is open to all Saugus High School students who are in good academic standing and who have no disciplinary issues.  The youngsters attending this trip, as long as they attend SHS, will be eligible to attend.  I've taken Freshman with me on all trips that I've run and encourage you to consider this experience for your child.  If interested, you can check out more information by clicking here.  I'll be hosting an informational meeting in the Saugus High School library on June 25th at 6:30pm.  Anyone interested can receive additional information by emailing me at rlavoie@saugus.k12.ma.us.

 We had a quick lunch at the Ronald Reagan building and then made our way to see the Martin Luther King, Jr memorial.  This monument was quite impressive and literally and figuratively showcased the progress that Dr. King had made in the Civil Rights Movement.

From the MLK, Jr. Memorial we walked towards the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial.  If you've never been to DC, you have to understand that famous monuments are everywhere even when you don't expect them.  The Capital and the Washington Memorial seem to dominate the skyline.

 The FDR memorial is one of the cooler places we visited today.  The shade provided by the nearby trees and the gentle breeze complimented by the rushing of water at the multitude of waterfalls quickly made this site one of our favorites.  The memorial is divided into four sections, each one representing a term of FDR's presidency.

 After visiting these memorials, we drove past Embassy Row and saw a plethora of foreign flags hanging proudly outside of the corresponding embassies.  At the conclusion of this jaunt, we arrived at the National Cathedral.  This cathedral stands over 300 feet tall and is very reminiscent of the cathedrals I've seen in Europe.  It is always a cool thing to see someone who is visiting their first cathedral and I saw many wide eyes and jaws dropped.  We had a really interesting tour and I think the kids learned quite a bit.

We returned to our hotel and began our preparations for the evening's dance.  I tried to grab a couple of photos of students from other buses.  If you are reading this blog and haven't seen your child, I apologize.  I am trying...but there are so many kids, lol.  Feel free to encourage them to come up to me if the opportunity presents itself and I can try to work them into a photo.

 As you can tell, the kids all looked great and they were excited for the dance.  We learned we'd be sharing the boat with students from Dover-Sherborne.

Our boat was the Cherry Blossom.  It was a traditional looking river boat with two decks for dancing and food galore.  The kids seemed to have a great time and I think some made some new friends.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the dance.  Some of the chaperons had to volunteer to stay off of the boat because of the capacity allowed on the Cherry Blossom.  We decided to grab dinner at the Chart House.  A fine dining establishment overlooking the river.  We were surprised to learn that the tour company was picking up the tab for our inconvenience.  It was a pleasant surprise and dinner was great!!!

Well, It is almost 12:30 and we've got a long day ahead of us.  I was pleased to see so many people reading this blog and even commenting.  Your words were welcomed and appreciated.  I hope that this type of platform is an innovative way to connect you to your child's experience in our Nation's capital and that you are enjoying these posts.  Till tomorrow...

Mr. Lavoie, currently splitting time between his blogging and the Bruins game which has just entered another overtime period.  My fingers are crossed that the B's will win, but my eyes are telling me I wont know until the morning.

Day One: A 12 Hour Bus Ride and One Fancy House!

Hello,

What a day today has been!!!

Normally, when I am traveling it is a long first day, but these middle school students are troopers.  We met at Belmonte around 5:30am.  The four buses were waiting for us and we loaded water and suitcases onto each coach.  I was assigned Bus 2...with Mrs. Hamer, Ms. Payne, and Mr. Woods.

It was raining, but the kids helped make quick work of the process and before we knew it...we were off.





It seemed like we were on the road for a good long while, when I looked up and saw an "Entering Wakefield" sign.  I suppose that's when I knew we were in for quite a long day.  Sometime around Waltham the traffic broke and we started our journey in earnest.  We drove down the Pike and turned on to I-84.  Entering Connecticut is always a bittersweet experience for me.  On one hand, it signals that a trip has truly begun - We are out of our home state.  On the other hand, for such a small state, Connecticut seems to go on forever.  After passing through Hartford, we happened across the exit sign for Newtown, Connecticut and Sandy Hook.  It was a sobering experience for me and I even heard some of the kids mentioning it too.

We eventually came to the Tappan Zee Bridge spanning the Hudson River.  I think it was here that I first noticed some of the kids claiming that they could see the White House...they were a little off.  We turned onto the Garden State Parkway and stopped at the Montvale, NJ reststop.  There were multiple choices for the kids, but most of them went to Dunkin' Donuts or Burger King.  After a quick bite to eat, we continued down the road.  We had a little bit of a strange traffic issue while on the Garden State.  A trooper began swerving between the lanes slowing the traffic down to about 15 mph.  There were a few maintenance vehicles patrolling with him.  We figure there had been an accident down the road and they were cleaning up the roadway.

Soon enough, we were on the New Jersey Turnpike and then Delaware and then Maryland.  On Bus 2, we had a slight issue with the lift hydraulics for the "kneeling" bus.  It was safe to drive, but it made us a little more prone to feeling bumps in the road...I swear I am a little seasick as I write this blog.  We drove past Baltimore and began our approach to Washington, DC.  As we drove into DC, we could grab quick glimpses of the Capital Building.  Some of the kids, being too excited to really think about it this time, we yelling out that they had seen the White House.  Traffic was pretty bad and we eventually made it to the National Place for dinner.

After a bit, we began preparing for the first leg of our tour.  We were going to be visiting the White House and a few memorials.

Along the way, we passed by the Treasury Department.  It was the first real "historic" structure that we saw up close and I think the kids were impressed.  Many of them stopped to take pictures...and I even heard a few say it was the White House.

Finally, we were there...The White House.

After we had our share of pictures, we once again boarded our bus and headed off to the World War Two memorial.  Our Tour Guide, Jim, is one of the head guides at the memorial and he gave us a very detailed and specific tour.  The other buses didn't seem to have the same detail in our tour, but I kept reminding the kids with me that they'll remember it longer and that it may help them in classes at the High School next year.

We posed for a Bus 2 picture along the columns.  We are a photogenic group.

A few of us grabbed a couple of other quick photos from around the memorial too:

As the night grew to a close, we boarded our bus one more time...this time, our destination was our hotel, just outside of Washington.  Unfortunately for us, the convoy took a wrong turn.  Thomas Paine, a founding father and author of Common Sense, once wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls..."  Our kids could have complained and they could have whined, but instead, without prompting from any chaperons, they broke out into song.  It wasn't Miley Cyrus or Lady Gage...nope, it was Francis Scott Key.  The kids belted out the National Anthem.  It was super cool hearing that song with the backdrop of DC still visible.  The kids, without knowing it, made the trip extra special for me...and I could tell that George, our bus driver, enjoyed the performance as well.  George had told me earlier that he was a retired veteran and I am sure their tribute to our nation was heartfelt.

All in all, it has totally been worth the 12 hour drive.  I can't wait for tomorrow.  I am going to include a link to the Picasa Album I've created for the trip, but I am not sure if it will work for you.  The Album name is Belmonte DC 2013. If it doesn't work, then please let me know.

Have a great night...and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in Springfield, Virginia with the capital on one side of him and the bright lights of a Dunkin Donuts on the other side.

Connect-I-Cut...the state that never ends

We just crossed through Hartford and picked up our new bus drivers. Bus 2 has George... seems like a nice guy.

Blogging from the road presents unforeseen challenges... like bumpy roads and spotty cell phone service. Some of the kids are resting while others seem wired. We will be stopping in New Jersey and I just found out there is a Dunks there.

Mr. Lavoie, currently on Bus 2 in South bury, Connecticut.

A capital is more than just a big letter that starts a sentence.

Tomorrow morning, I will be heading to Washington, DC with students from the Belmonte Middle School.  I've got to admit, I am more than just excited for this trip.  While I don't really know the kids as well as some of my past journeys, I am excited to finally see my capital city.

I've been to 10 European capital cities.  A capital city is an important feature of one's national identity. It holds the history and culture of a people within its city limits.  You can get a real sense of a nation by walking its capital's streets.  London and Paris are very similar, in my mind, because of their size, their shared history of conflict, and the shear amount of cool sites one can experience.  Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower are iconic European structures, but it is easy to get lost in the depth of each city.  Madrid and Berlin are both modern cities.  They maintain a historic charm, but it is easy to get caught up in their hustle and bustle.  It is also amazing to see the modern world spring up among the avenues and boulevards of each capital.  In Budapest and Dublin, one can find examples of the violent histories shared by revolutionaries standing up to governments they did not agree with, all a midst a people who welcome you with open arms and a smile.  Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague share that old world feel that truly makes you feel as if you've entered a different world, but each displays a sense of modernity as their cultures shift in this global age...and then there is Rome...as a capital city goes, there really is nothing that compares in history, culture, and the overall experience.

I've only been to DC once before.  It was for an awards ceremony for my brother.  He had helped save someone's life while in the line of duty and I cannot remember a time where I was more proud of him.  The ceremony took place in the heart of the city and while I was able to see many of the sites, my family only stayed for a day.  I remember my other brother and I splitting off from the rest of my family in the afternoon so that I might have a chance at seeing the Declaration of Independence.  It was an incredible feeling.  The signatures of so many men who put aside their differences, if only for a brief time, to share the possibility of an idea.  It gives me chills.  I am so excited to get back down there and see more of the city.

As a US history teacher for the past 13 years, people are typically stunned when I tell them I've only spent about four hours touring the city.  I am the guy who passes out pocket Constitutions to his students and carries one with me wherever I travel.  I've been teaching about the founding of our nation for almost as long as my travel companions have been alive.  I am in awe when looking at the itinerary.  We are doing so much in such a small amount of time.  I cannot even choose one place that I am most excited about...amazingly enough the Sox game is nearer the bottom of the list. (Don't get me wrong, I love the Sox...but I also love Fenway, lol)

With the places that I've seen and the capital cities that I've visited, I am glad that I am finally able to experience the District of Columbia.  I think there is definitely a Roman feel to Washington, although there is a wide variety of architectural designs in the city.  The design of our capital city was inspired by the capitals of Europe much like the design of our political structure was inspired by the different ideas of European political philosophers.  Like our population, DC is a composite of cultures and traditions.  While it never emerged as the economic center of our nation, Washington has born witness to the ideals of the American way.  There is a movie that I like to watch, it is called the Contender.  It's a political thriller and the cast is loaded with great actors and Christian Slater.  One of the characters, a nominee for the office of the Vice Presidency, refers to Washington DC as the chapel of Democracy.

Tomorrow, and over the next three days, I'll be walking the streets of America's capital.  I am not a religious person, but I am excited to go to the church that emancipated the slaves and gave women the right to vote.  I will never forget that feeling I had when I first saw the Declaration of Independence in the National Archives.  It was the feeling of my own country's contribution to this world.  I am fairly confident that I will be feeling that same sentiment several times over the next few days.  A capital is more than just a city...it is a reminder of who we were and a symbol of who we are...more than all that, it is a place that will shape who we will become.

For those new readers of "Where in the World is Mr. Lavoie?" I hope I didn't get too preachy.  I like writing and I hope you enjoy reading.  Hopefully, when you next read this blog, I will have included some links for pictures and other stuff.

Mr. Lavoie, currently in the middle of packing and saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Okay, so I am not really saying the pledge, but I wrote that so the NSA leaves this blog alone!!!  

ps. The "who we were...and who we are" comments are inspired by Stephen Speilberg's Amistad. Another great political thriller...from 1840.
 

My thoughts on Graduation...and other relevant ramblings.

Today is June 1st.  A week ago, I was in Saugus, California.  I had just witnessed their graduation and I was touring the Getty Museum, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and other interesting parts of Southern California.  I have often thought that we must explore other places to better appreciate our homes and to fully understand ourselves.  This past trip was one of the most unique experiences of my life and I am eternally grateful for it.

Last night, I was at Stackpole Field.  I was celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2013.  As I watched the ceremonies, I began to think about the past two months of my life and how frantic they have been.  So much has happened and I've had over 20 clock changes to contend with...I really haven't had a chance to stop and reflect.  Graduation made me realize that I needed to do that...So here goes:

I have become increasing impressed with Mr. Jason Merrill over the past six months.  We both started at Saugus High School at the same time and I've always respected his work ethic and his ability to work with all students...especially those who struggle at times.  Jason, however, has worked extra hard over the past few months and, to me, it all culminated with one of the most impressive graduation speeches I have ever heard.  Mr. Merrill is not known for his oratory skills or his commanding presence behind a microphone, but perhaps he should be.  His speech encapsulated so much and was delivered in such a manner that many SHS graduates actually stopped, listened, and felt what he had to say.  Some of the kids, and maybe a few of Mr. Merrill's colleagues, wept because of his words.  He quoted a passage that I thought was very true of the world in which we live.  I found the passage online.  It is called "The Paradox of Our Age" and it has been attributed to the Dali Lama, George Carlin, and even a Columbine High School Student.  Mr. Merrill did the research and believes it was written by a Pastor from Washington State.

I am posting a YouTube video with the words on it...but Mr. Merrill's presentation was much more impactful.

 As I sat there, thinking about these words...in fact, all of his words, I realized how lucky we have been to have Mr. Merrill at Saugus High School this year.  I've already thanked him privately, but I am now doing so publicly.  This year has been so crazy and many people have chipped in, but Jason has gone above and beyond.

I also thought about this class.  For the past 13 years, I've worked at Saugus High School.  In my second year, I started teaching 9th graders.  From that point forward, I have seen Freshmen come into our school.  I've seen them grow into mature young adults. I've seen them leave our school, as graduating Seniors, and become productive members of our community and our world.  The Class of 2013 is a special class for me. They shouldn't be...not because of who they are, but because of extenuating circumstances that were way out of their control.  You see, as Freshman, the Class of 2013 students that were enrolled in my history class only had me for half of a year.  Ms. Alongi came to SHS and student taught them.  Then...by the time I could teach them again, I had left teaching to pursue an Administrative position for the Saugus Public Schools.  I didn't really have the opportunity to get to know these kids as well as I could have...but they are special to me nonetheless.  There are so many of them that will stick out in my memory for many years to come.

The world in which we live is different from when I graduated in 1995.  Social Media has made it possible to keep in touch with the ancillary people from our past. Our virtual friendships have led to real-life reunions.  This spring, via Facebook, I have seen so many of my former students graduate from their respective colleges.  It really makes me proud.  I don't know how many of the Class of 2013 I will keep in contact with.  I don't know if I will see them graduate from their colleges in four years.  I do know that they have taught me some very valuable lessons.  The most importance of which is that I am a teacher.

It seems ironic that it took kids to teach me that I am a teacher when I was their teacher...or maybe its just confusing, but to me, it is very clear.  Without going into too much of an explanation, I will just thank them for the lesson.  I needed it...and I cannot wait to return to the classroom next year.

Teaching is such a rewarding profession, but it also can be a somewhat lonely one too.  Every year, a group of young people come walking into your life.  They sit down and look at you all year long.  You teach them the important content that the state prescribes.  But much more than that transpires.  You build, along with them, incredibly important relationships.  You teach them more than history, chemistry, or statistics.  You give them examples of how to live their lives.  The bonds that are built between teachers and students have never been more clear to me than this year.  The teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary and in Moore, Oklahoma gave everything for their students.  A classroom becomes a family.  You get a sense of when some students are struggling at home and you try to help those who are in need.  These families are sometimes dysfunctional, but for 180 days (roughly) you are family.  Then...as the summer starts to roll in...your family disappears.  Sometimes you are reunited with some of your former students and sometimes you never see them again.  One of my favorite movies is To Sir, With Love.  This movie, made in 1967, showcases the sentiments I am expressing.  Sidney Poitier begrudgingly takes a teaching job in London's East End.  The year changes him and changes his kids...and then they graduate.

...and then we do it all over again.

Hope I didn't get too deep.  Just needed to sit and write a bit...

Mr. Lavoie, currently in awe of the Class of 2013...Congrats and Good Luck!!!  You've made us very Proud.