The One Where Bri is in the Record Books

 

Earlier today at school, I was talking about Bri to one of my students (who I also had in 5th grade).

 The student said, "Oh, I didn't know you had a daughter."

To which I replied, shockingly, "You had me in fifth grade and you forgot?"

She asked about Bri and I said, if you look up her name and Danvers High School, you might find a picture.

 While she was having trouble finding the name, I decided to look Bri up...and I find out something super cool. As a member of the DHS track team last year, she actually made their record book, kept by Max Preps.

In the 100 meter dash, as a junior, she ranks in the top 20 all time with her score from last year, as you can see below.

 

Even cooler was the fact that she is in the junior record book as well, with a record that will probably stick for a while.  Needless to say, I was super proud!!!
 

The One With the Veterans Day Breakfast

 

 

This Friday, November 8, we hosted the 22nd annual Veterans Day Breakfast at Kennedy Middle School. This tradition has become a cherished tradition at our school, with the Morse Institute Library (which helps organize it) and with Metrowest Veterans.

 As always, it takes a ton of work to pull it off. But it is so worth it. Fortunately, we have a great Civics team, with Brian and Jeff, as well as fabulous 8th grade teachers, which helps it run seemlessly.

 This year we had some of our same veterans, including Mr. Leupold, who was in World War II and turned 100. We also had Mr. Radock's daughter, who worked at Johnson when I was there, come with his memorabilia. We have several parents and grandparents of students arrive as well...which made for an amazing day!!!

 The students were spectacular. My decorating crew - aka the Weather Service crew - were official greeters, too. And they did a phenomenal job.

Thanks so much to all those veterans who gave their time, treasure, talent - and in some cases their lives - to protect our country.

Happy Veteran's Day

Happyt Veterans Day!!! 

The One With the Veterans Day Parade

 

 

Earlier today, we were in Boston to attend the fourth annual Boston Veteran's Day parade, otherwise known as Boston's Salute to Service. 

Both Bri and Kiff were in attendance for the parade, though it was Bri's last parade. Unlike years past, when Emmie and I watched from the Boston Common, we actually sojourned down to the Boston Public Library area and watched the beginning of the parade, then followed the band all the way to the end.

It was quite a parade. Clearly, word has gotten out about the parade, unlike the first year, when there were only a few spectators. There were quite a few DHS families in attendance, which was fun to watch as we went through the streets.

I think I took about four videos from different locations. The band played their standard military tunes, which were always amazing!!! The wrapped up at City Hall Plaza, booming their music off the buildings that lined the streets there. I found a picture on the Berkeley Beacon above of Nathan, Natalie, and a few other band members from today.

While we were there to see the Falcons, there were several other fun groups as well. There was a small Civil War re-enactment group. There were several military groups. The USS Constitution sailors also showed up, as well as an East Boston Junior ROTC group.

Afterward, they went over to Quincy Market and had lunch. Emmie and I did as well, and did a little quick shopping, like we always do. All and all, it was a great and glorious day for a parade.