In the final few days before I leave, I feel a bit overwhelmed with the details of sub plans, final packing lists, etc. As I was running down my list of things to do, I remembered the phrase - "It takes a village to raise a child." In this case, being a PolarTREC teacher requires a village of supporters to make this experience possible. I wanted to take a moment to give some "props" to just a few of the people who are making this amazing experience possible. First and foremost, there are the amazing staff at the ARCUS office who are answering all my ridiculous emails at all times of the night. It's just the beginning! There is also the staff at Polar Field Services who coordinate all the logistics of the trip. They have sent me all the necessary gear, booked flights, made sure I have a place to stay in Barrows and food to eat - all the really important stuff.
On the school side of things, I have an amazing team of teachers and administrators supporting me and my students to help make this happen. I am a new staff member at the site, but it has been fantastic to feel completely taken care of with sub needs and other logistic needs. There are several key individuals who have earned extra points in my book - I'm going to name just a couple, because there are LOTS! Kristin Tucci, the VP of Operations, has helped me to think through logistics of subs and helped secure two amazing teachers who will cover my classes while I'm out.
Impact Academy VP of Operations decked out in Spirit Week gear. Gotta love PJ day!
For any teachers reading this, think of all the work that goes into one day of sub plans - figuring out what to do for 6 weeks has been extremely challenging. Thank goodness, I have Jen Wekselbaum, my planning partner, who will be helping to lesson plan while I'm out. My students will continue to have a rigorous and engaging class while I'm gone thanks to her.
Jen is taking a short nap after an intense planning time.
On a personal note, my husband has been so helpful in this last week of preparation - taking care of small details like helping me with grading, getting sea sickness medicine, and helping me to get more socks (my feet get cold).
[photo three - coming soon]
From the beginning of this project, I knew that there was a lot of preparation that would go into the trip. It's been great to have an incredibly supportive team of people making sure that all goes well, not just for me but most importantly for my students.
Just a few days left until I leave on Friday - September 25th!!!