Today we ventured to the Jane Addams’ Hull House. (Why is it called Hull House?) The house was much more “intricate” than I had expected. I had very little background knowledge about Jane Addams and her work in Chicago. (I know, I know , but it’s true.) I am very interested in learning more about what she did. I think Donna is doing a lesson on Hull House and I’m going to see if I can mooch some of her ideas to use in class. I also want to learn more about the other women involved such as Starr. I am also struck by the concept of the Bowen Country Club. Wouldn’t it be great if we had activities like this for our kids today? Get them out of the city and in touch with nature at no cost to the family?
I was really looking forward to our Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat tour this afternoon. Too bad the weather decided not to cooperate. I really admire the guide for standing outside in that weather. Her explanations were informative and relatively easy to follow. We were able to see the majority of the buildings from below deck. I was disappointed that the view of the Sears Tower was obscured by the clouds and fog. I think that would have been a dramatic scene to see from the river. I also don’t understand why they are changing the name of the Sears Tower to the Willis Tower? Why would they do that? Who cares that Sears no longer occupies the building. It will always be known as the Sears Tower.
You are right, there are some problems with the school schedule but I think it could still work. Assuming the garden is planted in April we would have 2 months before school dismisses to work it. During the summer months students could volunteer to work. We recently changed our graduation requirements (affects incoming sophomores and freshmen) to include completion of community service hours the garden would be a great place to satisfy that requirement. In addition, our junior and senior IB students have to satisfy additional hours of community service. I think scheduling and organizing the students would be the key to the summer months. We would also need teacher and gardner available during the summer months. I think your idea of an elective credit is great. We are also considering changing our schedule to an earlier start in August, longer breaks, and a later dismissal. If that happened, the working the garden during the summer would be easier. However, before we can change our schedule, the district has to spend the money to bring in air conditioning. That could take years to happen. Thanks for your suggestions!
By: pkquinn on June 19, 2009
at 10:02 pm