Happy Notification :)

Congratulations on being selected as REEF's Earthwatch teachers for 2009! You are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime and we are very excited for you. Having successfully completed the REEF and Earthwatch selection process, we know you will each be an excellent ambassador for REEF, RUSD, and Earthwatch

Yvonne, you will participate in the "Costa Rican Coffee from Community to Cup" expedition from July 4-11, 2009.

“Costa Rican Coffee From Community to Cup” aims to help increase sustainable coffee farming practices in the Tarrazú region of Costa Rica , with the ability to be replicated in other farms and coffee regions. Volunteers will use GIS tools to improve understandings of relationships of soil conditions, coffee, plant cover shade, slope, aspect, erosion, water courses, nutrient cycling and farming practices. Also, this project will examine how fertilizer and shade tree management relate to coffee production, environmental sustainability and certification criteria.

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Thank you, REEF!

Thanks to the generosity of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation, I'll be heading out somewhere (maybe to Costa Rica) this summer for a spell (perhaps to help with a study of Sustainable Farming Practices). I found out a couple of days ago, and have been so excited that it has been hard to focus on the things that need to be done around the house. The Costa Rica destination is not 100% guaranteed at this time.... but no matter where I am sent, I know it will be another life-changing experience for me.
Yippee!
For information about the Costa Rica trip, visit the Earthwatch website.......

Earthwatch is now accepting applications for our Live >From the Field fellowships during the 2009-10 school year!

Earthwatch is now accepting applications for our Live >From the Field fellowships during the 2009-10 school year! Applications for the fall 2009 semester are due April 6^th 2009.

Visit www.earthwatch.org/lff for more information

Live From the Field fellows join Earthwatch research teams during a small portion (7 to 10 days) of the school year and share their experiences with classrooms at home using blogs containing, photos, videos, lessons, and activities. Live From the Field Fellows also connect with students through live video or phone conferencing at scheduled times during their expedition.

Visit www.earthwatch.org/lff for more information

Earthwatch Institute

Earthwatch Institute "engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment." "Earthwatch is a diverse community of scientists, educators, students, businesspeople, and resolute explorers who work together to get the fullest benefit from scientific expeditions. In addition to 150 dedicated staff in the United States, England, Australia, and Japan, Earthwatch supports more than 130 scientists each year and builds networks of hundreds of students and teachers."

Doesn't that sound like me?

What a terrific opportunity.

So I decided to complete an application and see what happens.

I haven't been this excited about the possibility of something happening in years.
(And those of you who know me know that I can get pretty excited about things.)

Just think of the opportunities to share with my students in the library. Impact the world a student at a time.

Science Olympiad-The Thrill of Victory

A little brag time here :)
The students that I was coaching for a competition in the area of Environmental Chemistry took 3rd place! That is wonderful!

It was a long day, with a drive out to Cal State LA at 5:45 am. Then the airplane team realized they had forgotten their wings, and since, well, most people came on a bus, I drove back to Riverside and picked up the forgotten wings (and some notes) and took them back in time for the 10:15 competition).

Overall, Gage placed 4th out of 27 teams in all events.

A good day.

The kids were happy. So were the adults.

Thanks, Lisa, for heading up this crazy event.

Now on the Riverside's Regional event next weekend.

Ear Trumpets

One of my family members mentioned the tediousness of my constant "Pardon-ing?" as we were out doing errands. Yep. This person was tired of having to repeat.

(I did ask if I should say "Huh" or "What" instead......)

To make life easier for those around me, I've decided to invest in some technology.

Requiring no batteries, these handy devices direct energy into a working ear. Of which I do have one.

They've been used by some pretty advanced, creative people (such as Beethoven- not that I am creative in that fashion). Some people think I'm creative, others just know I'm annoying, some think I am creatively annoying. At any rate, this device will definitely help with communication. And it will add a "golly-gee" factor at the circ desk, just what the trendy librarian of today needs.

Peruse their online catalog, and e-mail (or post your comment) with the model you think most suits my personality.

Three of my favorites are the:
Silk Lined Mourning Ear Trumpet

















Or the Celluloid Collapsible Ear Trumpet















Or the one made of a shell:


















Feel free to peruse the website and let me know of your favorite before I place my order. Lots of changes in our life the last year, and your opinions to help guide us along are always appreciated!