242 Newsletter - Blood Moon

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Either there has been a quiz on historical figures in the classroom lately, or Albert Einstein is trending on Twitter. I don’t know. Regardless, we’ve had some students throwing simple, curious questions about in recent days. It’s been energizing.

First, we had our evening seminar with nutritionist Julie Nicoletti last week. As always, I prepare our speaker with the phrase, “Be prepared if there aren’t any questions.” And, as always, the kids amaze. Her dynamic presentation concluded with over 45 minutes of thoughtful questions from our students about what snacks they should carry in their backpacks between meals, what the difference between coffee and Red Bull is if had in the morning, and why counting calories daily can prove counterproductive. We are currently editing down the video of her presentation and soon will have it posted for the community to view.

 

I also received a strange request from a handful of students earlier this week. Could I come to school super early, wake them up and take them outside? Apparently the mystique of a “Blood Moon” had them yearning to gaze upward. Perhaps the thought of werewolves or witnessing the Cullen’s dash by drove their desire. Whatever their motivation, they were curious. It was an opportunity on which I wanted to capitalize. Unfortunately for them (but better for my final REM cycle), the high winds and heavy rain spoiled our plans. At breakfast I received the brunt of the students’ frustrations, as if the weather was somehow within my control. To deflect, I shared with them that I was fairly certain Dr. McDonald controlled it, as he does on Family Weekends. Sorry, PJ. You’ve got some kids who may be less than happy with you.

 

Nevertheless, I left the dining hall that morning excited to know they understood the difference between penumbral, partial and total eclipses. I asked them how they knew. Their reply, “Google.” I guess the internet isn’t all that bad.

 

Those of you whose plans to view it were ruined by weather, or for those who simply chose to press snooze on your alarm, you’ll have two more chances next year, April 4 and September 28, 2015, to view the final two eclipses in this tetrad of rare events. Meanwhile, I hope you and the students continue to ask many more creative and curious questions.

 

Have a wonderful weekend,
Chris