With our expedition fast approaching, I have a few days back in good ol' New Orleans to brief my substitute and get things underway for the start of the school year. It has been strange being out of touch with folks back home for a month's time; the Crescent City hasn't missed a beat while I have been away. New Orleanians are relieved the Deepwater Horizon seems to be in the final stages of a permanent fix. An article in the New York Times published this week not only re-emphasizes the uniqueness of Gulf ecosystems (which have been highlighted in media throughout the summer) but also offers productive ideas and optimism regarding the Gulf's tenacity and potential to continue as a world class home for harvestable marine life. With a fine oyster poboy as my first food purchase once I arrived back home, I am excited about the possibility of increasing the vitality of the region, once the storm has passed.
While our PolarTREC expedition will see me in the field during the first week of school, for the past few days, Schwarz staff members have reported to work for the professional development. Alternative Schools in the Recovery School District are seeing some changes this year: Schwarz, one of two alternative schools in the district, will now service students in grades 7-12. Construction is in the final stages for a brand new set of portable buildings that will house the 7th and 8th graders. Along with new grades, we have several new staff members geared up for a fantastic year. All of the Schwarz staff converged on the halls, armed with primer, paint, and brushes, to give the school a fresh coat before the students arrive. I'll report Monday to finalize plans before my Arctic-bound departure on Tuesday!
Schwarz teachers and staff don paint clothes and brushes to give the halls a new sheen before the first day of class.