The problem for the Incredibles in the Disney/Pixar movie by that name is that they were hiding their talents.  They suppressed their skills and failed to use them to benefit general society.  Is it possible that we do the same?  No, we don't have literal superpowers, but we do have abilities that we hide.

There has been much talk lately about getting students to take risks.  Some do not understand the idea.  Of course, we do not mean for them to take risks like plunging headfirst into a pit of vipers or jumping in front of a speeding truck.

We mean appropriate, positive risks, like approaching unfamiliar math problem and attacking it with the skills they already have.  By taking a risk, we mean allowing others into our minds by sharing a writing.  We mean not being afraid of jumping into an unknown text and finding the clues to comprehension.

Sometimes, when we fail to take risks, we fail to help others, we fail to wonder, and we fail to move forward.  Sometimes, when we fail to stretch our skills, we do not grow to see our dreams come true.  We fail to be incredible.

Much has been written about the power of positive thinking.  Check out these notable quotes in regards to our attitudes.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.