I had the privilege of going behind the scenes and beyond the capitol dome, when we visited Jefferson City, last week. Special keys and a guide were needed for this exclusive trek. In the end, I emerged atop the dome and looked out over the City of Jefferson in all directions.
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A quick and strenuous walk around the capitol, around the block, and up the yellow brick road (Make that red.) reveals more pieces to Missouri's puzzle: history, beauty, and architecture. If only we had more time to explore! COMING SOON: STILL MORE FROM OUR FIELD TRIP TO THE CITY OF JEFFERSON
The Missouri state capitol really is a sight. The lawns are manicured, the colors are vivid, the skies are robin's-egg blue (at least on the day we were there), and the sidewalks are bustling with people speeding to and fro with business at hand. Physically speaking, the capitol building itself is adorned with all the accoutrements of stately splendor: columns, statuary, and relief sculptures, all capped with a regal dome. COMING SOON: STILL MORE FROM OUR JEFFERSON CITY EXCURSION
Welcome to the Missouri Supreme Court building, where students were given a short tour of the library (housing the laws of all 50 states) and the courtroom. Seven justices adjudicate from the big chairs. COMING SOON: MORE FROM OUR CAPITOL EXCURSION
Excitement came inside with our class. Students were in awe at the decor of our state capitol, with one of the most valuable art collections in any of the 50 state capitol buildings. We weren't allowed to snap any photos in the senate or house chambers while our legislative branch was in session, but we were able to see our senators and representatives at work. Plus, we were introduced on the senate floor. The whole day was a whirlwind of activity, with the Missouri museum being the last, brief stop before boarding the bus to return home. COMING SOON: MORE PHOTOS AND NEWS FROM OUR STATE CAPITOL VISIT
The road from Joplin to Jefferson City is a long one. Starting before sunrise, our bus ride was pleasant and quiet (and so was the return trip). A four-hour bus ride with 40 kids can often be a trying time for two teachers, but Mr. C and I came back with our sanity. COMING SOON: MORE DETAILS FROM OUR VISIT TO THE STATE CAPITOL
No discussion of Irving Elementary School is complete without its history. Irving was once located in a different location in town, and a hospital (St. John's) was at the current Irving location. Built in 1907, the original building was destroyed in the 2011 tornado that carved its way across Joplin. The new building was completed, this winter, and students were moved into it for the second semester. Displays within the school reflect the proud history of the school. With the new floor (part carpet and part tile) and baseboards in place, the entryway to the new gymnasium and community safe room appears to be nearing completion.
Following our freeze mob and greetings, Mrs. Nicodemus treated us to a brief tour of Irving Elementary School. We were amazed at the modern design of the new school. COMING SOON: MORE ABOUT OUR VISIT TO IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
COMING SOON: EVEN MORE ABOUT OUR VISIT TO IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
When we arrived at Irving Elementary School, Principal Nlla Vance led us to the fourth/fifth grade "learning park", a centralized gathering area in the hallway. Our Cecil Floyd students dispersed in the area and froze into place. We held our poses for three or four minutes, gaining the attention of the students in the fourth grade classes (and a few others), who wondered what was happening. The excursion to Irving was a reward for good behavior. While some students in other classes didn't quite understand the concept of freezing in place, most did quite well, as can be seen in this short video. COMING SOON: STILL MORE ABOUT OUR VISIT TO IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Friday's walk to the new Irving Elementary School on the corner of 32nd and Maiden Lane took our fourth grade classes through Cunningham Park. Students picnicked and briefly took advantage of the playground in the park before striking out for the final excursion to Irving. Cunningham Park was destroyed in the 2011 Joplin tornado, and the amenities of the park, rebuilt in the recovery effort, include elements of memorial. The walking excursion was a reward for good behavior. COMING SOON: MORE ABOUT OUR VISIT TO IRVING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Writing is difficult enough, but sharing one's writing can be difficult. Students can really be self-conscious when someone reads or hears their writing, so this kind of activity takes most of them out of the comfort zone. Taking such a positive risk is just as valuable as the actual writing or reading practice.
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