Sunday, February 22, 2009

A Year in Review

Okay, so the results from the race came back...and I can't lie, I'm just a little disappointed. I clocked in at 1:12, which is cosi cosi, but I still feel I could've done a little better. That's nine minute miles. I thought I was going a little faster than that, but I think maybe since I started so far back, I was passing people the whole time, so it felt like I was hauling the entire race. When in actuality, I was running...nine minute miles. Next year, if I do a little training beforehand, I think I can beat that time pretty easily.






He's Back!



Okay, I'm going to get right to the point. Life is pretty good right now. I've been reliving in great detail the glory days of my 1o-year-old youth: last Friday, I went out to Kailua and boogie boarded with my aunt Becky. The wind was kicking up the waves pretty high, and we caught decent waves together. We used to ride waves every summer at our property out in Tokeland with my dad and brothers. It felt just like that all over again, minus the wetsuits. The next day, I went to the Boyz II Men concert, which was simply amazing. And then, finally, on Wednesday, Griffey returned to Seattle after his nine year break from glory. My phone was going off the hook and I can't even explain how stoked I was when I got the news. I dedicated the last two days of the week in my 8th grade Italian class to showing Griffey highlights and explaining how important he was to sports and society in general. I think they were inspired, because all three of the Wheeler basketball teams won yesterday. I had told my 8th graders on the boys and girls team that this was the most important game of the year because it was against my roommate Greg's school, and he had been talking smack all month. The kids stepped up big time and it was really fun to watch.

Teaching is still tough. My class is like an oversized rubix cube that I just can't figure out. Except that it's not made of plastic- it's made of ADHD. This week we got two more students, bringing the count to 22. In that setting, twelve kids is pushing it. I'm going to do all I can to make sure it doesn't end up like this next year as well.

Anyways, I've been doing some reflecting lately and can't believe how quick a year has flown by and how much things have changed in 12 months. I think we've all come a long way. Almost exactly a year ago, I was sitting in a small hospital room with my mom praying that my older brother would make it. Things were looking pretty grim at that point. I vividly remember the concerned look on the doctor's face as he described all the things that were going on with Pete's lungs. It was one of the few times in my life that I felt like there was no ground beneath me and nothing to hold onto. But my parents, the doctors and nurses, and my brother proved how important faith and resolve are. When everything else falls through and there's nothing to grab onto, you can always, always embrace faith. Faith in anything- faith in God, faith in others, faith in yourself, faith that things will work out for the best. It will pick you up.






I'd like to give a shout to a couple of my other brothers as well, Andrew Engel and Matt Miller. Both are doing service in faraway places- Engel with Peace Corps in Tanzania, and Miller with JVI in Micronesia. I wish you guys were here with me to celebrate Griffey's return. If you are out of Gold Bond, let me know and I will send you some. GIF to GRIFF, per sempre.


Monday, February 16, 2009

Great Aloha Run

2.16.09
About a month and a half ago, I registered online for the Great Aloha Run, an eight mile race that spans from Aloha Tower in Honolulu to Aloha Stadium in Aiea. Eight miles was a lot, and I don't recall ever running that far. Still, I figured that healthy eating combined with nightly jogs (increasing in distance leading up to the race) would ensure that I was ready when the big day arrived. I was wrong. I tried training, but flat feet and bad calves hurt too much to allow me to build up my distance. I pretty much gave up with two weeks to go, trading my nightly runs for afternoon trips to the gym to lift. The upcoming day of the race became a big question mark that just got bigger and bigger...until today. Here's my detailed account of the race.

February 14, 2009. Waikiki.

I had a revelation. "I'm not going to enjoy it. I'm not going to be able to do it. Even if I try, I'll probably just hurt myself. What's the point. I should just eat the registration fee and sleep in on Monday." At the time, it seemed like the greatest idea in the world.

February 15, 2009. Blaisdale Arena.

We lined up in the crowded convention center to pick up our race packets and computer chips. It was a pretty exciting scene, with tons of sponsor booths set up and all sorts of vendor selling different running gear. Something inside of me changed right then and there. Maybe the race wouldn't be so bad. I got my computer chip and passed it through the scanner to check to see if the right info showed up. Daniel Talevich, Waialua. "Is that right?" the volunteer asked. "Perfect," I replied.

February 16, 2009. Waikele.

The alarm on my phone buzzed off at 5 a.m. It was go time. I'm not going to lie- I felt pretty good. Kelly Mumme, another TFA teacher, had let myself and Justin Pines stay at her apartment since it was close to the stadium. Justin ran at Princeton and this was his day. But his enthusiasm had rubbed off on me a little and I was feeling pretty gitty and ready to get to the starting line. The drive to the stadium went by quickly and I scarfed down a banana, a couple Advils, and some water from my Camelback. I knew that in less than two hours, it would be all over. What happened during that time, however, remained a mystery.

Starting Line.

The line to the outhouses was about a block long, so I skipped it. Instead I stretched out and did a warm-up jog. I tried to find the perfect pace, slow enough to be able to loosen up my calves as
I ran, but quick enough to maybe, just maybe, finish with a respectable time. That's when the thought of running the entire thing became more of a possibility. I still didn't know how I would be able to do it without any training, but deep down I wanted it pretty badly.

With about 10 minutes remaining before the gun went off, I wove my way into the crowd of racers. It stretched so far back that I couldn't even see the starting line, but I figured once I finally reached it, the crowd would thin and I could start jogging.

I massaged my calves a little bit and got really focused. The battle was about to kick off- my heart vs. my legs and feet. Will and drive vs. pain. I decided right then and there that I wanted to run the whole thing. I didn't care how I was going to do it- but I would.

Mile One. Aloha Tower.

Bad sign. I'm surrounded by strollers. And old people. Probably not where I want to be to start out. It takes about 20 minutes to just reach the starting line, and when I get there, it's still packed. I say a quick prayer, cross the line, and turn on my iPod...to Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop."

The first mile is all about weaving through traffic. I try to follow the other runners who are also trying to manuever around the strollers and old folk. The left edge is the most open, and I make a little progress. Maybe it's better to start off slow so that I can loosen up without overwhelming the feet and legs too early on. By the time I hit the first mile marker, I'm feeling pretty good, but my left foot is already cramped.

Mile Two. Ala Moana Blvd.

iPod Song: E-40 "Go Hard or Go Home."

I'm feeling great. Left foot is still giving me a little trouble but my calves feel fine. My iPod's got me really fired up but I'm trying to maintain a steady pace because there's still an eternity to go. There are still tons of walkers flooding the course, but the left side is pretty clear and the medians are serving as express lanes. Passing pretty much everyone (even though they're walking) is giving me a lot of confidence. But I have to stay focused. I play the E-40 again because the beat's working for me. When I hit the second mile marker, I think about how my body's holding up and wonder whether I can do that three more times. Probably.

Mile Three. Ala Moana Blvd.

iPod Song: E-40 "Go Hard or Go Home" (still)

I'm cruising now. Closing in on 5K distance and still holding up pretty well. The feet are getting a little tingly, but every time it happens, I slow up just a bit and change up my form and things get better. Calves haven't turned into rocks yet, and I can't believe it. When I hit the third mile marker, I'm already thinking what I should do at the finish line if I still have a little left. Should I sprint it, or do some sort of end zone dance? Maybe I'm thinking a little too far ahead...

Mile Four. Nimitz Highway.

iPod Song: E-40 "Go Hard or Go Home" (still)

We're running under H1 now, so there's a lot of shade and it's very wide. With all the space, I'm tempted to jet, but I have to stick to my pace. I can't wait to hit the fourth mile marker. I'll be halfway! I'm still listening to the same song I've had on since the beginning, but I don't want to change it because I'm still feeling it and I'm worried that switching tunes will also offset my Chi. I'm cruising along when I come across Maile, one of my good TFA friends. I ask her how she's doing and then keep on moving. I'm surprised that she's the first familiar face I've seen. But I'm in the zone. Where's that mile marker? It's been forever...

Mile Six. Nimitz Highway.

iPod Song: "Get Buck in Here"

...So I guess I missed the fourth mile marker. But it's a great boost when I look over at the mile marker expecting to see a 4 and actually see a 5. I'm a mile ahead of what I expected. Only three left! Can I run a 5k in this state? My feet are a little sore, but the calves are still good and I'm not winded. I got this. I start to think about how soon I should step it up and push my pace a little for the finish. Two miles out? Maybe. I gotta get to that sixth mile marker before I really know.

Mile Seven. H1.

iPod Song: DJ Kaled "We Takin Over"

We've emerged from under the overpass and out into the sun. I'm a little nervous that the new heat is going to drain me pretty fast. Then we hit the first hill. Just a gradual climb but enough to make my feet start to feel like water balloons. Bad news. It means the calves are starting to cramp. I look out from the freeway and can see the stadium in the distance. About two miles away. So close yet so far. On the descent, I slow my stride a little, letting my feet and calves recover a little by working less but going the same speed.

Mile Eight. Aiea.

iPod Song: Kanye West "Stronger"

It's game time. I still have a little left in the tank, so I shift into a faster gear. The stadium's straight ahead, but who knows where the finish line is? I should've done a little research. When can I break into my sprint? Just then, I see a line with a grandstand and a crowd surrounding it. Already? But I still got a little left! I break out into an all out sprint, all the way through the painted line. But there's something wrong. Everyone's still going. Oops. It was just a stand for photographers. I slow down again and now realize that I'm pretty drained.

We round the parking lot of the stadium. For all I know, we could be running all the way around it, which would be another half mile. I'm tired but I still have a little left...enough to finish strong if only I knew where the finish was. Just then I hear a volunteer shout, "Just around the corner!" I kick up my legs and up the pace. I can really feel the burn now and I'm finally breathing hard. The course takes a sharp right turn right towards the stadium. Of course! We finish IN the stadium! I take the last straightaway in a full out sprint, my legs kicking way up as I rush down the hill and onto the turf, and through the finish line.

I slow down to a walk, and the pain doesn't take long to finally catch up with me. As I exit the stadium, my feet are so cramped that I can barely walk. But it doesn't matter. I exceeded my expectations by miles and miles. And next year, I plan on doing the exact same.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Classroom Management


Last week my house hosted a day/night festivity that we coined "JungleFest." It was a huge success, and one of the reasons was because my roommate Kyle and I sent out daily emails during the week leading up to the event that contained some humorous classroom management tips. Enjoy!

TIP ONE

Greetings from the Jungle,

Seeing how we are a mere five and a half days from the MOST GLORIOUS EVENT OF 2009, we thought it fitting to email you with an important classroom management tip and a
JungleFact each day of the week leading up to aforementioned event. Please note that the
purpose of this email is purely to educate on classroom management; JungleFacts are only
offered up as a pleasing dessert to the main entree.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIP ONE: When things seem to going eerily well in your classroom, be aware of your surroundings and take quick action. Choose a random student, call him/her to your desk, and say, very simply, "I know you did something wrong today. What did you do? You don't have to tell me, but I know, and you know I know. And if I hear it from
_______ (insert student's best friend's name here), your consequences will automatically
be raised to a level three."

It doesn't really matter what level three is or if this even makes sense in your current
management scheme, because CNN has trained our youth to associate fear and danger with
continually changing threat levels. The student will honestly tell you everything that
they did in vivid detail--you must simply choose anything they say and deliver harsh
chastisement on a single, specific action. Often this can lead to a stronger bond with
the student, and this tactic has been demonstrated to lead to an increase of student
achievement of 63 points average on the NHTCB Scale of Student Achievement (2nd edition).

JUNGLEFACT: Only 6% of the earth's land mass is classified as "jungle." 1% of this can be
found at 68-268 Olohio St, Waialua, HI, 96791. About 4% is located in Zach DiIonno's
hair, with the remainder spread through Brazil, Costa Rica, and several other countries.

TIP TWO

Greetings from the Jungle,

As we are now only FOUR days from the most Incredible, Glorious, and
Junglyest event of The Millennium, it's time to provide you with
another daily classroom management tip and JungleFact. Please note
that the purpose of this email is purely to educate on classroom
management; JungleFacts are only offered up as a pleasing dessert to
the main entree.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIP TWO:

Nicknames are an effective way to create a positive culture of
achievement and confidence in the classroom. When students are working
hard and showing mastery as measured by the Smithson-Caulishaw
Remedial Operations Test of Education 4th Edition (SCROTE 4), call
them by a positive nickname that embraces the word "Prime." Successful
examples include Prime Time, Prime Rib, and Optimus Prime. This highly
boosts confidence and also allows you to bypass the process of
learning names, giving you more time to track student mastery.

If data from the SCROTE 4 indicates that certain students are not
demonstrating mastery, simply drop the nickname and call them by the
name of a pet. When they correct you, simply respond, "Sorry for
calling you Dr. Whiskers, but I guess I got you mixed up with my cat,
who scored the exact same score as you on yesterday?s vocabulary
assessment."

JUNGLEFACT: About 57% of all species live in the jungle environments.
This includes creatures such as Greg Teich, Kyle Bond, D. Talevich,
Jess P, and also Amanda Frahm and any military personnel she decides
to associate with.

TIP THREE

Dearest TFA friends--


GREETINGS (YET AGAIN) FROM THE JUNGLE! As we approach the destined day of our most Jungly of Fests, it is time again for another daily classroom management tip. Remember, the point of these emails is purely to educate on classroom management; JungleFacts are only
offered up as a pleasing dessert to the main entree. Without further ado, here is your
Classroom Management Tip Number Three.

Students love personal challenges, and it is an established fact that personal challenges
lead to a spike in student achievement according to the Greschberger-Rottschild
Underachievement Non-Deviated Longitudinal Evaluation (GRUNDLE). Before class gets
underway, gather the class' attention and announce that you have a very special challenge
for a particular student. Then, with the eyes on you, announce the following: "If
__________(insert student name there) can stop themselves from doing that thing they
always do, then the whole class does not have to stay ten minutes after. However, if
___________ does that thing, or makes that face, then everyone has to stay ten minutes
after."

Being vague here works to your advantage; it gives the student time to self-reflect, and,
in some cases, rapidly change an entire range of behaviors based on best guesses as to
which behaviors must be curtailed. To signal that the challenge is real, peek over at the
student intermittently and shake your head gently, as if to suggest their certain failure
and remind them that the fate of the class rests in their critical thinking skills. At
the end of class, hold them for five minutes. It keeps them wondering.

JungleFact: The Amazon anaconda can reach 33 feet in length. This jungly Anaconda,
however, is dwarfed by the Jim anaconda, which can reach 42 feet in length and has been
known to frequent the JungleHouse.

TIP FOUR

Future JungleFest attendees,

THE JUNGLE IS ALIVE WITH THE PROMISE OF SWEET VICTORY. We are a mere day from the sweet JungleTime we've been craving all week. To make sure the Jungle is at it's prime, several members of the JungleFest Planning Team (JFPT) are taking sabbaticals from work tomorrow. The Jungle will be ready--will you?

Without further words, let us move on to another important Classroom Management Tip.
Remember, the point of these emails is to educate about proper classroom management
technique--the JungleFact is simply added as a bonus.

Classroom Management Tip Four:

Nothing is more important than student motivation as aligned with benchmark mastery
tracking. One of the most effective ways to ensure that students are invested in their
content is to make absolutely clear that their self-worth as a person is directly related
to their ability to master the content. It is also important that this information is
related visually to all students (especially our English Language Learners, who may have
difficulty understanding the relationship between the two variables); to that end, you
can create a public chart demonstrating individual student mastery with the accompanying
level of self-worth for that day. If a student masters the benchmark for the class
period, his/her self-worth is visually moved up the chart; if they fail to master the
benchmark, their self-worth is moved down. During self-worth adjustment, it is important
to make clear comments, such as "Congratulations__________(student name), you're worth
more now that you were just 50 minutes ago" and "I'm sorry__________(student name), but
maybe if you had've worked harder you wouldn't be worth this little today." This is an
important investment process for two reasons: one, it demonstrates to the student that
being born does not automatically make you a person of general worth, and two, it shows
the student that she/he is only as important as the benchmarks she/he has mastered. This
technique has led to benchmark mastery increases of up to 40% in several classrooms in
countries with little to no recognition for basic human rights, and is just now finding a
following in American society.

JungleFact Four: The Amazon Jungle has been described as the "lungs of our planet"
because it provides the essential environmental world service of continuously recycling
carbon dioxide into oxygen. On Saturday, allowing yourself to be the breath of life in
the Jungle will lead to a 23% decrease in carbon dioxide, and, ultimately, global
warming. Also, Greg killed a chicken and it's under the house.

TIP FIVE

Aloha Junglites-
You can hear it in the wind, The Kai, and the sounds of The 'Aina.
Junglefest is TOMORROW. Rest up tonight because tomorrow will be epic.
Here is one more classroom management tip followed by a JungleFact.
Remember, the point of these emails is to educate about proper
classroom management--the JungleFact is simply an additional bonus.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIP 5
A strategy called "Natural Education" (NE) or "Nature Therapy" (NT)
has become a new trend among many teachers. Supporters argue that
incorporating nature into curriculum gives students a soothing and
enriching new medium for learning. However, this stance lacks
conclusive data, and reliable assessments such as the Greenburg
Optimal Assessment To Diagnose Individual Character and Knowledge
indicate that filling a classroom with plants and gerbils and taking
students outside every once in a while actually leads to a 44.4%
decrease in efficiency and a 58.37% drop in content mastery.

While flawed, the concept of NE and NT is at least on the right track.
A new and more effective technique has taken the use of nature in the
classroom to a new, highly successful extreme. Into The Wild Education
(ITWE) is a strategy that sends students out into rugged, uninhabited
parts of the world to fend for themselves and survive (while obtaining
80% mastery of all benchmarks and objectives). As one of the pioneers
of ITWE, Professor Grizzly Adams (St. Louis '95) sent his students out
into the harsh wilderness of the Yukon in the spring of 1998. Equipped
with a pocket knife, 3 quarts of rice, a jar of Gold Bond, and 30
packets containing daily assessments (he laminated them so students
could not use them to make a fire), the students were air-dropped into
the untamed barrens to survive and achieve. The results were gleaming-
the students scored in the 98th percentile on the Colfax-Hammond
Ontological Diagnosis of Effectuation 8th Edition (CHODE 8) and
reached 120% mastery on all benchmarks and objectives (they
successfully taught a pack of transient wolves prime factorization and
fraction multiplication). The most outstanding part of ITWE is that it
complies with the goals and policies of No Child Left Behind, though
Dr. Adams is currently petitioning Congress to change the name of NCLB
to NCLBEOTWWCBTBMIWMLICTBIWRSF (No Child Left Behind Except for One or
Two Who Were Caught By That Bear or Maybe It Was a Mountain Lion, I
Couldn't Tell Because I Was Running So Fast).

JUNGLEFACT
Natural habitats in a jungle are classified among four different
layers: the emergent layer, the canopy, the under-story, and the
forest floor. The JungleHouse also has various layers of habitats that
support a variety of life, with the exception of Greg's bathroom,
which is uninhabitable for even the most durable species, like rats.