Park+Journal


 * Jun 27, 2011 4:43 pm**

This text has caused me at time to be inspired but also challenged to reflect on my own technology involvement and the motivation that drives interaction. It has also, at times, caused me frustration as I wonder if Schultze is truly anti-technology. About the time that I get a bit tired of his statements against the internet, though he seems to offer insight that seems both more positive and forces the reflection that I am finding quite valuable.

As I brainstorm my project proposal at the same time that I am seeking a full time position for the fall I am reminded of the passion and the call that I believe God has given me to help young people.

Yesterday in church we sang one of my favorite songs: Here I Am, Lord. I have long considered this a song of my calling to be an educator, so again it was an important reminder to have faith that I will again have an opportunity!


 * June 29, 2011**

I'm in Lewiston Idaho, on my way to Montana for an interview! Mom and I are very excited as a move to this area would move us closer to extended family in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and closer to Patty in Colorado too! It is absolutely beautiful and green with all the rain that they have had this spring. Thank you all so much for the prayers and good thoughts for my job seeking!


 * July 2, 2011**

Mom and I have had a quick trip to Havre for me to interview for a position with their schools. We had hoped to have time to stop for a visit with some of the family too, but I am in the midst of my doctoral courses and so I have to rush back. The district folks are checking my references and all indications are really positive. I activated my materials for Montana because Oregon has cut their State education budget for the third year in a row for over 10% and there just isn't any jobs with stability. I was excited about Havre because it would bring me (and Mom especially when her house sells) up to be quite close to you folks in Saskatchewan, everyone in Alberta, and even Patty in Colorado will be just 600 miles away! Patty, Mom and Aunt Elsie have been so very excited that I hope that I have been able to make this happen for everyone!

The projects for my courses would be great fits for this position as one is to develop a research proposal that focuses on the impact of tutoring/mentoring programs on freshmen students, and the other is to develop a comprehensive school counseling website.


 * July 12, 2011**

It is amazing to realize how very much I have defined myself by being an educator. This past year when I was not in a school for the first time in almost 20 years was one of great soul-searching. . . who am I beyond a school counselor/educator? I have learned that I have many interests and roles to play in my life, and have come to a better understanding of just how much of an impact working with a few administrators who did not behave professionally nor ethically has had on my life. I have shared with some that my first experience with an administration that was investigated for unethical behavior against students with disabilities was very hard, harder even that losing my Dad, because I had so much faith that he was in Heaven and not out of my life. The experiences with unethical behavior in part led me into the administrative program, and ultimately the instability of Oregon's education funding and system has caused me to apply for, and now receive a position in Montana, returning my Mom (when her house sells) and me very close to our large extended family in W. Canada. I now have a true focus for this project to design a comprehensive school counseling website as my primary position will be as a High School Counselor.


 * July 13, 2011**

I just finished my very large research proposal for my other course, which was a true labor of love. I am very excited to have my new district interested in me setting into place a form of a Sparks-based peer mentoring and support program for ninth grade students at risk, and it was the most difficult paper I have ever completed. The detail and specific criteria was a challenge, but has been a great help in answering the questions that my new administrators have about Search Institute and how the Sparks Program may be a solid and positive foundation for peer mentoring.


 * July 14, 2011:** Visited Jim's Journal


 * July 16, 2011**: Great day of accomplishment as I found just the resources that I was looking for to develop my project. It has helped so much to have an actual school counseling website to develop and a new district very eager for me to do so! Life is Good and there is so much that can be helpful for parents and students from a well-designed and easy to utilize comprehensive site. I am excited to spend time Monday formulated the resource. . . I plan to do so on a wiki for now as a draft and then will meet with the rest of the counseling and administrative team to refine and decide how to proceed.


 * July 16, 2011:** Visited Amanda' Journal


 * July 20, 2011:** Worked for a number of hours on my project yesterday. The biggest challenge is putting a comprehensive website together outside of the district website as I will need to share my project as a draft with the counseling team and then put final resources together on the web. I have putting the pages together on a wiki since that seemed to be the most efficient. Now my challenge is how to put together a presentation to share with everyone you folks on Aug. 1st. I tried to do a powerpoint yesterday, but was not completely satisfied with how it was coming together. So am wondering if I can set up a powerpoint with links to the wiki. . . suggestions would be greatly appeciated. I also am still trying to figure out how to embed youtube video into powerpoint for my project from EDFL 700, but may need some help on that too. My hope is to have drafts complete by the 2nd week in Aug. when I begin in Havre, as they are quite interested in both my Research Project for EDFL 700 and this project. I truly can see why I bring chocolate chip cookies regularly for my district technology team. . .I am still so much of a novice with technology that I need extra guidance.


 * July 28, 2011:** Feeling very positive about the work that I have done on my project/draft of a comprehensive counseling department page. I talked with the other high school counselor today and she and the counseling secretary are excited to see what I have put together and then collaborate to make it "ours". I sent a message to Scot that I am hoping that the video conferencing will have the capability for me to walk everyone through the wiki that I have created for my project. That way I can truly share the resources, layout, and links with everyone. Lifewise things are really coming together as I met with Gary and Sue today to map out the remainder of my course requirements for the doctorate, have the storage unit ready for the movers to pick up on the 4th of Aug, and will sign my rental agreement for my house tomorrow.

There is so very much to take care of, but I am getting to the point where I am just eager for the 4th to come so that I am on my way. I have a couple of days training on the 11th and 12th and then will begin full time at Havre High School on Aug. 15th.

Had a nice and enjoyable time visiting Jim and Amanda's journals.


 * Aug. 1, 2011**: I very much enjoy the time to share, listen, and learn about my classmates that I don't get to see when online during video conferences. It was a wonderful way to spend some time this evening! Thank you.

Here is the link for my project wiki:

http://cgcproject.wikispaces.com/