It's Been a Minute

It has been a while since I last posted. Things have been very busy with the program, the TEP open house, and the various on going projects.

First, thank-you for all of those that were able to come out to the TEP open house last weekend. It was a lot of fun for me and I hope those who came got a better understanding of the program and had some of their questions answered. If anyone has any further questions, please feel free to contact me by sending me an email at: najarro@dolphin.upenn.edu . Also, I give tours and take prospective students out to lunch, so if you are in the area call the GSE admissions office and ask for a tour.

Now, for a recap on what has been occurring...

First, my math club is taking off and has been a great success. I have approximately 7 students who stay after school for an hour twice a week. We work on various problems but I introduced them to algebra this past week. I am excited to observe the progress over the next couple of months but thus far it has been a great success.

The school website is still under construction. Due to the demand of the program, I decided to focus on content and layout and leave the actual writing of the website for winter break. I have been taking pictures of the school and designing possible layouts on paper. I have set the relaunch date for January 5th, 2009 - the first day back from break.

I have also started collecting computers for my students. Many of them do not have computers. I do not have the money to buy computers for all of them but I do know how to build computers. Thus, I have been collecting computers and rebuilding them with different parts. As a result, I have had several laptops donated as well as almost new computers. It is very excited and I am anxious to give them to my students.

Lastly, everyone in the program is focused on their lesson plans. We have to write and instruct a lesson in Literacy, Math, and Science. We have to write a lesson plan, submit it for review, and then record our lessons for analysis as our final term 3 project. It is long process but an opportunity to get a feel for the planning and execution of a lesson.

Well, I must return to my work. I should mention it is beautiful outside. Fall is amazing on the east coast. I am from CA and have not experience such a fall season.

I hope everyone is well.