13.

Social Studies-

Folklore surrounding the number 13 appears in many cultures around the world: one theory is that this is due to the cultures employing lunar-solar calendars (there are approximately 12.41 lunations per solar year, and hence 12 "true months" plus a smaller, and often portentous, thirteenth month). This can be witnessed, for example, in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" of Western European tradition.

Some people consider 13 to be an unlucky number, but there is no evidence to support this. 

Triskaidekaphobia The fear of the number 13. People with triskaidekaphobia try to avoid things numbered 13. 

Math-

In mathematics the number 13 is a “happy number,” which is a number which eventually reaches 1, when replaced by the sum of the square of each digit. For instance, 13 is a happy number because 1 squared plus 3 squared equals 10; and 1 squared plus 0 squared equals 1.

Whether Superstition or Rationality, in I.School 13 is 1 (you) plus 3 (to build).

  1. What have you learned?

  2. (what are you talking about?)

  3. What are you building? (What is your motivation?)

Day by day.

12. Back Up Plan

#1. You are number One. What about number Two? 1-2

#2. Back up. Have a back up plan to your #1. ALWAYS have a plan in I.School. Now that you are here and you realize your time is of Value, (you wouldn’t have time to read this if not) and you’ve also seen how screens suck your time, but you don’t really know what to do with your time because you have not had many opportunities to think on your own. So imagine you are in school. There is downtime. You want something more than to gossip, or complain, or look at your phone. Now what? A foreseeable obstacle is that if you are in traditional school and you are not “doing” something, someone will give you something to do.

Problem: What to do? Stay busy. But things that benefit you, the I.

Solution: Always have a plan,I.Suggestions:

Get out I.Notebook. Continue to plan for your own future, write down ideas. It will look like you are doing something for regular school. “Planning”

What do you really want to excel at? What were your 9 values? Can you use downtime to review or train your brain around one of them? Make lists of: (whatever level you are at) an example for me was say, going through dance steps, or memorizing the planets in order later turned to more details of each planet; or bird classification, the constitution, US Presidents, whatever, as long as it Serves you.

You can write, or are you ready to practice silence? What about subtle stretches?

Wouldn’t it be better to take time to make a plan benefiting future-you, rather than wasting your precious time? As has been done to past-you.

Imagine solitude. Push Past the notion of “it will be so nice to just sit around…” Pass the “things will be better when.”

Nope. Right now. This minute. As an Abyss. Turn inward. As a Plan to back up.

Ha- Back Up and Back In. But have a plan. Your plan.

It does not need to make sense to anyone but you. Get original, get creative.

Have the courage to self-discover.

11. Stella. Stella the Cat.

I.School

Time for Stella the Cat.

This is Stella. Stella the Cat. Stella is a very old cat. How old, we are unsure of because we adopted her as an adult cat. The tag read:

“Name:__Stella___Tabby;

Age: 3 estimated.

That was 20 years ago.

Our children were 4 and 8 (est.) years old when Stella, the cat became part of our family. We had a dog at the time. He died. We got two other dogs. They have since passed away. So, Stella has outlived three dogs.

The 4 and 8 year olds are now estimated 24 and 28 years old and have been long moved out of Stellas domain. Empty nest.

She was a cranky cat for most of the past 20 years. At least 16 or 17 years of it. We attributed it to breed (I had never had a cat and caved when my sweet kids begged to bring her home- so I had no clue). Friends of feline lovers told us Tabby’s can be temperamental.

Well, looking back we had two dogs, two kids, busy schedules, busy life. Chaos. Now, since I have been home and it is quiet. And I have time for her, attention to give, and cat like consistency, Stella had been a very sweet, affectionately tame Tabby.

Environment. Time and Space. Conditioning. All contribute to shaping personalities. (Debatable, but let’s move on for now).

The reason I bring up Stella the Cat. “Stella,” is because of my interest in education.

Regardless of opinions, you ARE being conditioned; in an environment; over time (years in school); in a particular space. A classroom.

______________

Consider the Time you spend in school. 5 days a Week. One day to recover, one day to plan the rest of the 5 days. For school.  For me- a ‘retired’ school teacher, Sundays were nice. Until 2 o’clock. At two, my head- space went to school preparation. In addition to two kids, two dogs, and one Stella the cat. Time and space to think were sparse. Then back to school.

Now consider the Environment. Classrooms. Are they calm? Do you have individual time, attention and direction to get what you need? Today? Are your days consistent or chaotic.

Are you satisfied with overall educational experience?  Are you cranky? Anxious? Bored? Inspired?

Okay. What do you want? And Here is where me and my I.School get stuck. Hypothesis-

______________

Here is the problem. People, students do not have time nor the environment (space) to discuss. To ask questions. To have time to figure out individual intellectual pursuits and passions.

This is problematic because it is the lack of such simple and basic concepts (like time to think for themselves) would help kids,

See my dilemma?

It’s challenging to talk to people about education reform because they don’t have the time. And if they do have the time, many lack the ability to have better conversations about what reforms would look like because the conversions start sounding the same.

Conversations sound the same because we probably went through the same or similar conditions- conditioning through public education and; we watch/read the same news about education. Same topics include, but are not limited to:

1. Data. Testing. Violence. Drugs. Anxiety. Suicide. Social Media. Did I leave anything out? Then,

2. Blame. It’s the parents, the schools, the teachers; it’s the politicians, the libs, the commies, the far right/ left (take your pick).

See it?

When I criticize public education. And I do. It is mostly followed with agreement, (I have yet to hear high praise of education, unfortunately), but then it takes an algorithmic turn. If they (person or persons)  don’t like what I say- there are typically only four or five responses:

  1. I become the one in question. I find myself defending reform in schools. (Like, I thought we were in agreement here), but talk turns to me and ‘my leanings’. My agenda. Assumptions as to my personal character prevents advanced dialogue.

  2. Boomerangs. People who initially agree with problems at first, and then turn. (Wait. I agree with the complaining about education, but there is no other perceivable solution so said person ends up defending it.) “well it could be worse…”

  3. Emotional Curve balls. Anger, laughter, sadness, fears- burble up. Emotions prevent, or at least get in the way of logic here. “This teacher ruined my life;” or “If it was not for that teacher I would not be where I am today. I am so grateful!” Emotional.

  4. Dodging the point.” If it wasn’t for …” name it. Historical inaccuracies of how “the good ole days” were really that good. People do NOT like having their stories altered, I have come to find out..

  5. Everything else. Any topic Except: The current situation of students. Isn’t that simply sad?

  6. *Bombs. When it comes to blaming the kids,”kids today, are lazy or apathetic” or Any critical remarks aimed at students…. Well, I get all “Stella” the cat/ Seller stare, mama bear Fire in the air… me! And it is not pretty. Sometimes I’m not nice. I can be a real Ass, as I have come to find out. Sigh. Currently, I am here to report of my re-conditioning conditioning. I just, simply can not bare to hear blame- on the least blame-worthy, underrepresented group of people, I know. Kids. Change the Subject. Stay calm. For now, I.

The point is: it is the Time and Space Conversations Themselves that are the problem. We can’t change problems if we can’t even talk about it.

And, If the problem is simple, then the solution is simple.

I.School stands for Imagination (other I’s to be determined later.).

G. Guess what we could do with a little Imagination?__________________________

Stella the cat sits with me daily. I don’t know how much time we have left with her, but I appreciate the time I do have. I remember past days and times leaving for school thinking- “oh, I wish I could just be like Stella the cat today. Eat. Sleep. Play. All day”. So many days I just wanted to stay home.

Relatable? Maybe or maybe not.

But I never expected to have a +23/4 estimated aged cat named Stella in a mostly empty house 20 years ago. Why? There was no time to think about such things.

In schools, then, and today, there is no time nor conversations to be had about what students want. Individual time to self-discover. Attention to needs, and a direction best suited for individual student personalities.

Yet, it will be you, post-public school you, ultimately left with the consequences of not having time nor environment to “know thyself.”

No it is not your fault.

Yes you can do something about it. Simple.

Begin by taking 5 min. 25 min. Or One hour a day. Every day for I.Time!

If, I were to ask myself a few questions in my imaginary back in time scenario, I might ask:

Do you like kittens? How about old cats with missing teeth?

Puppies? How about old dogs needing help to pee and poo… your help?

Costs of pet care may change, will you be financially able to support that?

Will you have the time to nurture a cat? That. I did not think about enough. I also did not consider how much love I feel for this feline. How guilty, painful I feel for not having more time for her. And how heart breaking it is going to be to leave her for a trip. She has family, but it’s not me. Yea, the guilt is a tough one.

The point is- we simply do not have time to consider real life, authentic consequence of our choices simply because we do not have time to consider. By design.

Sleepy? “Well you should have gotten more sleep.” (UGH!)

And, who is to blame? Kids?

Change the subject. This one goes to 11. This is Stella. One Stellar Cat.

10. What's your story?

Zero. Cipher. Start with an open mind. Frustrated? Good! Begin.

  1. Basics. You are #1. What do you need?

  2. Open. Articulate. What are you talking about?

  3. Build. Solid Values on which to self-advocate.

  4. Truth. The whole truth, nothing but the truth.

  5. Right! you have the right to remain silent. Protect relationships, right.

  6. Balance. Seriously/Playful. Where do you need balance?

  7. Choose. What do you want? and are you sure?

  8. Strength. What makes you weak? What makes you stronger?

  9. What Values are you willing to live for. See #1.

  10. Now, what do you want your story to be? Repeat 1-10. I + 0 = I.

  11. And have a little fun along the way.

  12. Create something you.

Zero. Cipher.

9. Values

What are your values?

In I.School, we will use the University of Texas at Austin’s definition of values as, “Individual beliefs that motivate people to act on way or another. They serve as a guide for human behavior.”

There are internal and external values. One can determine the extrinsic-external values through the actions of a society. Simply watch the news. And if you don’t like what you see on the news. Ask, how does that reflect your personal individual values? What motivates you? Your behavior. Does it reflect societies values? Okay. Level Nine explores the topic of values.

Suggested ways to test values- Can they be consistent? Available. Free. Non-injurious. Moral. High quality of functionality (beneficial). Intuitive, perhaps? Directive but not too specific.

Here are mine: I.Values

Time, Truth, Trust

Dream, Draw, Dance

Strength, Balance, Flexibility

Interchangeable. Fits in solid philosophies. Endurable.

Now You! The I: ______ 9 Values. One at a time. The MOST important is that YOU, the I Believe intrinsically in these values. Take Time.

8. Strength

In 1888, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche first stated, “Out of life's school of war—what doesn't destroy me, makes me stronger.” This sentence has become an overused and often parodied aphorism that, in my opinion, nevertheless accurately portrays the picture of resilience and affirmation for overcoming adversity.

If one were to assume hierarchical powers, have the power to destroy, what would be weapons of choice? Any distractions from reality. Weapons of Mass Distractions. WMD’s.

So what is it? What consumes thoughts, words, actions? Daily.

Build on natural strengths. Today. Or, not.

7. Choose

“Choose your future, Love your choice.”

December 2024 I chose to give the gift of time. No physical gifts, please. For one year, one I.School experiment. This is how it went down: I caught some resistance from one adult and one child who are wonderful gift givers. Thoughtful, personalized gifted gift givers. Not me. I find the time Ive consumed shopping, and the emotional weight of present-exchange hierarchy a reverse gift. Too much stuff. Too many unrealistic expectations.

I chose time. Our small family gathered for a simple meal. We played games, enjoyed live music and told stories at the dinner table. Simple.

I chose to gift time. I told my small family to take whatever time you would spend on buying gifts, to utilize that time (one hour?) on themselves. Go and do, or not do anything you want for one hour. Happy Holidays.

Time gifted, is time open ended (for a time). We are not used to such luxuries as time, so it may take a few years to stick. But the reviews came in and they were a success.

“I thought it was another crazy mom idea at first. But it was nice to be relieved of additional pressure to buy a gift for those who have gifts.” (i.Adlib)

I.School taught me quite engaged listening to stories of others in a quiet setting is THE gift. I enjoyed this past holiday more than I imagined.

I Chose Life.

4. Truths

Pick your Truths carefully.

  1. There are Four core emotions. All four are fundamental to growth and wholeness. Three of the four are less desirable, yet gratefully necessary. Can you guess?

  2. Four Noble Truths. Suffering exists. We create suffering through attachments. There is a way out. Follow the Eightfold Path.

  3. You were born. You exist. You will have a story. You will die.

  4. What Truths will guide you?

3. Build

February

Doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. IS a. not Einstein and b. What did you expect? c. Change.

Four Years ago I started this I school project. I made a wheel and, attempted to anyway- convey that Education is of the upmost important value.

“How did we get here?” I get asked.

Education. Whomever controls education, controls thoughts, speech, thus actions, behaviors habits of the Masses. Under a notion of freedom. How free are you?

No matter your own values, “the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.”

What young minds are taught in Public School, education shapes their minds and the World.

My hypothesis is this: It’s not what is being taught necessarily, it is what is being neglected? If you want answers, look at the who, what why and how of Universal Standardized testing. Like, you may want to read the fine print, or risk, Repeating same ole same ole, like Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day for a very very very long time.

I think I have enough research provided in I.newson.org

Let’s get to the I.School 10 in 10 Plan in order to serve any creative student looking to change the Conversations- to be more in line with the Individual student. That’s you. :)

Posted stage 1 of I.School. 2020

Full Circle. Groundhog Day, Again.

Groundhog Day 2025

Groundhog Day. Again.

I’ve grown quite attached to this sneaky little holiday. If you are still having the same ole conversations about how days feel like “Groundhog Day,” Dig a little deeper. If you have not seen the movie, now is your chance. There is meaning and purpose in anything you choose. This is not a test. This is real. Life. Your life. Here are some AI generated topics about the movie Groundhog Day:

The philosophy of Groundhog Day explores themes of existentialism, determinism, and the cycle of rebirth. The movie's main character, Phil Connors, is stuck in a time loop and must learn to change himself and make good choices to break free. 

Existentialism

  • The movie's philosophy is rooted in existentialism, which focuses on how people cope with the absurdity of life. 

  • The movie's lesson is that people can escape their dilemmas by adopting the right attitude. 

  • Phil Connors is like Sisyphus, pushing a rock up a hill that always rolls back down. 

Determinism and free will 

  • The movie explores the idea of soft determinism, which is the combination of physical determinism and free will.

  • Phil's choices are not inconsistent with determinism because he has different initial conditions each day.

Rebirth 

  • The movie's depiction of the cycle of death and rebirth is similar to Buddhist beliefs.

  • Phil Connors has thousands of days to transform his karma and break free by making good choices.

Making the most of life 

  • The movie's message is that people should make the most of their time and do what they can to make things better.

  • Phil Connors learns that he can make his own weather, and that he can create his own personal summer and winter.

Now What?

Project 2025

I.School

2025

Project.

I.Newson.org

A Cautionary Tale

I.School is different. I can’t really explain me back to me. But my students comments echo in my memories. I hear “Newson, I wish I had some warning before I took your class.” “I didn’t know what to expect, you can’t really explain Newson’s class….” And yet, through word of students mouths, I got to teach my passion, my love of learning, with people I love. I taught Philosophy, for over a decade, which was started in 2003. I say “my philosophy class”, but I just copied curriculum and borrowed textbooks and ideas off giant shoulders.  I wanted a class. A class that is different, and yet as old as the observers of the stars. I started ‘my own class’ out of frustration and an instinct. The instinct was a witnessed need, a craving, a hunger for something more. Something more than what school currently offered students, and myself. So I offer you less.

Hackled by standards and data, I somehow managed to sail under a bridge of compromise to start a philosophy class in high school. It wasn’t difficult to justify a social studies class under the vague premises of state and national curriculum standards in 2003. Unfortunately, I do not for-see any chance of starting a philosophy class today, 2025. Why teach kids to think for themselves? Especially philosophy. Philosophy is just the basis for every world religion, non religion, every form of government, political systems (including the Constitution of the United States), and education. It is not the learning I object to, its the lack of learning I find so sickening. The brutal soul crushing mockery of an education that we call it, AND knowing we can heal and change- IF those in charge, um, Listen! Listen to kids, teachers, communities, moms, dads, and did I mention kids?  “Hey, Newson!”

“You should write a book. You should get back to the classroom. You should edit your work. You should shut up. You should just relax, calm down.” Yea, I have heard all of that, and Please stop should-ing on me. I do not want money, fame or more money. (Haven’t we learned from TV child actors?) Time is my most precious commodity and I got to spend a life time of it with kids in the classroom. I feel like one of the richest moms in the world. So, I’ve got this. I ‘mostly’ know what I am doing. I’m spending my time more wisely.

That is my point. Time. Two barriers get in my way with communication about I.School. One is, “I don’t have the time.” And Two, “I don’t know what to say” (with the time I do have).  So, that is my start. I knew going into this I.School project in 2020, two things. One: This is going to take some time. And two: This is going to have to be cryptic. Why? In teaching history, I learned that ancient stories have symbolism for a reason. To reach many levels and stages of development. What you see and read in myth can be interpreted through many perspectives. More on that later. For now, this is my idea of school rebellion. Learning.

I’ve done my time. I’ve marched (‘boots on the boulevard’), spoken up for kids, written “strongly worded e-mails”, to no avail. I will no longer spend my time wasted. Wasted time on faculty meetings that could have been clarified in an e-mail. Wasted time administering standardized testing. Time wasted arguing best practices for kids when Clearly, kids are the ones wasted. Disregarded, used, and blamed for actions out of their control. I.School is for individuals who simply want to learn. Something. Different.

I.School is different. I am not interested in comments, likes, happy stickers, or any other form of flattery. It’s not that I don’t care, I do. I just care about something else much more. Honest and frank conversations about learning. And quite frankly, I don’t need nor want publicity. What I want is silence. Silent contemplation of I.School topics. For now. I.School is not up for debate. My school. My rules. If democracy was a classroom, I would frankly be a poor teacher if I allowed the whole class to decide day to day lessons by vote and simple majority. Nope. Just listen. Listen to me and “frank”, apparently. For now.

You want change? Change the subject. Change the story.

Play a game. Let’s.

A Game

My game. My imaginary game with my imaginary rules.

Can you imagine a game of opposites? Imagine waking up in the morning after a good night sleep, excited to experience another day? Imagine waking up with a purpose and a direction? Eating, nourishing without obsession? Feeling good about your body? Exorcising as expression and release? Sleeping consistently? Enjoying crazy-healthy relationships yourself and with at least one other person? Imagine the intensity of (anxiety, depression, x-factor) only in its opposite form? Joy, laughter, love at multiple levels? More genuine, human, deep conversations?

Me neither. Until now. I.School is a game. A comedically serious game of life. I’m making up the rules as I go. Such is life.

Either I die like this, or. Something else. I chose the later. I’ve been studying the rules of the game currently at play with education. The “pay as you go” programed part of the game. I did not realize I had been in the game without knowing the rules. I was just told “do this, and then you’ll get that.” I didn’t ask more questions. No, I take that back. I asked a boatload of questions that continually got shut down shut out and dismissed. I now see that was part of the game.

Apparently public school teachers are losers of the game. We willingly chose a profession that does not make game money. Which, turns out are ideal game conditions for me. I am a loser at at “the game” but imagine a game of opposites. Imagine having just enough security to sleep, nourish, enjoy life without the “victory spoils”. Being the “loser” means freedom. Freedom to me means having enough. Simple, basic needs.

Too much power=too much pressure. No thank you. I quit. I’m too lazy for that. I’m a loser.

A loser with a lot of knowledge. Knowledge of the game. So, my game is this: I.School is a game and a riddle. It may look like chaos, but once you begin to see patterns and connections. Created for your level of maturity. Levels are immeasurable at this time, but keep going. It gets immeasurably better.

Winner of the game is up to you. “What if I die, now, doing this?” The whole death thing may not be up to me, but when I ask that question now? I would be at peace. I am doing what I Love, with and for the ones I Love. My game. My rules.

Rules of I.School The Game

  1. You, the student are number one. anything you do physically, emotionally, or intellectually must be in the best interest of the student. You. #1.

  2. Interpretations are essential for understanding. Any interpretations of I.School ideas that are not in the best interest of the student, U, goes against everything I work for. Therefore, you are out of the game. “Knock knock.” An open door.

  3. Admission back into the game is welcomed. Do better this time. Build better. Tick Tock.

  4. Frameworks are based on variables of truth. Brick by brick. Your building. Your house. Think very carefully about what you want before you build something substantial. Truth-Full.

  5. I work for you. 24-7. Teacher in service. I will provide information as I see necessary. Underground. This is your life after all. I work for you, but I will not captain the ship. Just guide you, if needed. Silently.

  6. If you do have questions, feel free to ask while I am available. *You get one question. One. Per session. Session= once ever. Balance.

  7. Some participants of I.School will get a chance to move on to various levels of interests and maturity. Chose wisely. Or not.

  8. Cruel and unusual information will be shared with those who can mature to the next level. It needs to be very clear- that when I say- “this information will alter your perception.” You will not be able to undo, unsee, ideas. I can not be more serious about this rule. Ask with caution. “That which does not kill you makes you stronger”? How about, what does weaken I?

  9. With that being said, if you can stand some values, truths, lies and fairy tales with an honest pursuit of genuine knowledge and learning, you will not be sorry. It’s well worth the struggle.

  10. Rules of the game are still pending. Although there are no monetary fees- because learning should be FREE- no age limits. Nothing stopping the integration of I.School ideas into anyone’s daily life- I hold complete command and responsibility of I.School rules. My story.

What better time than here? What better time than now?

Supplies:

*Unsure. I am making this part up as I go.

  • A notebook. An open mind. A desire to learn.

    In the ‘mean’ times

    Here’s What:

    My made-up history theme. You know,“In the Mean Times”.  Like, “back in the Olden Times, Middle Ages, Dark ages. Stone Age, Paleolithic Times”. Times. Periods. Epochs. 2020-x cetra. Mean times.

    Mean Ages? Mean-Times. And when I put it like that, it sounds like I mean, mean. As in the pejorative sense of, grrrrr. Angry-mean, which changed meaning in 1857 (around the US Civil War) to “Unwilling to share.”

    Which changed from c.1200, when Mean (Old English), ment “common; general; public; universal; “Possessed jointly; Shared by all;  Together.”…. It’s true, but tell someone that or share on social media, and see what ya get.  I’ll bet it gets mean. Sounds like _______, rhymes with ___________.

    Hence the change. Mean talk? Thats the point.

    So What?

    Understand that many words change meaning over time. Sometimes the words we currently use not only have changed meaning over time, but ‘newer’ meanings sometimes mean the opposite of its original intent. It gets confusing. Which is the point. Because the who or whomever interprets the ‘meaning’ of words, thus Stories, “wins.”

    And where do we learn words? Meaning of words? Stories?

    It would be wise to spend time researching the origin of words and stories, if only you had the time.

    Now What?

    Don’t have your own time to spend researching? That’s the point.  In the Mean Times,

    Let’s say you want better communication skills. Which is what I hear a lot in the field of education. “We want real, genuine, authentic, down to earth” conversations. I hear many words like ‘authentic’ to explain how people want to get real. Really?

    The reality is there is much ‘mean-ness’ out there.  Lots of talk. Talk, gossip, slander. Real-mean talk. But what does it mean? Words used in mean-anger, for example, are mean! They pack a powerful punch. Thats the point. It’s meaning-purpose over time IS to create division.

    In the mean time- stop and ask your self, “is this really what I want to spend my time talking about?” Or ask, “did I really mean what I just said?” Focus on “I”.School.

    Mean, by definition means to “genuinely intend to convey or express.”  “Doing something good,” Finding the means between two extremes.  Middle way. Central.

    When you look back on the Mean Times, how do you want to see yourself?

    Take time to figure it out. Or not.  “It’s now…. Or”

Nothing

Here’s What: Origin.

(N.) “figure which stands for naught in the Arabic notation," also "the absence of all quantity considered as quantity," c. 1600, from French zéro or directly from Italian zero, from Medieval Latin zephirum, from Arabic sifr "cipher," translation of Sanskrit sunya-m "empty place, desert, naught" (see cipher (n.)).

A brief history of the invention of "zero" can be found here. Meaning "worthless person" is recorded from 1813. As an adjective from 1810. Zerotolerance first recorded 1972, originally U.S. political language. Zero-sum in game theory is from 1944 (von Neumann), indicating that if one player wins X amount the other or others must lose X amount.  Online Etymology Dictionary.

“Empty Place.  Desert.”  And Cipher: From zero, it came to mean “any numeral.”  Nothing has infinite possibilities.

“A secret way of writing: Coded messages. “The key to a cipher.”

“Worthless person” in *1813 was a;

Figurative sense of “something or someone of no value, consequence, or power.” (*1570)

Code for those someones treated with no value. Worth- less mass = have all the power.  Once realized has infinite possibilities.

ALL

Or

Zero: De-Cipher!

10~10 Game Plan

It started with a question- What do I want? What do I need? I.School! Okay then, What would that look like you crazy gal!!?

Like adult Kindergarten.  Using Months 1-10, starting in March I would want to include:

Music

Movement

Calendar: Months, Seasons, Days o’ Week

Story Time. Word.

Art: Colors and meanings

Free Time

Movement- Recess

Snack Time

Reflection, journal Time

Skills Lab

Math & Science and other language

Structure days. Anchor each number 1-10.  Assign a “meaning” to a number. (My) I.Example:

1- You. Are #1.

2- Open.

3- Build.

4- Truths.

5-Silence.

6- Balance.

7- Choices.

8- Strength.

9- Values.

10. Story. Your #1 x  0 = Full circle. New starts.

You may want a simpler anchor like- One is sun, two is shoe, three tree etc… Just know that those anchors will become habit forming. The more you do it, the more it will mold to memory. You will use this to ground yourself in desired outcomes of I.School.

Other Tips and Tricks

  1. Get a Playlist of 10 songs. Any of your favorite songs. Assign each song to your anchor number. Example: #1, a song about grounding. “Ground” in the title or lyrics;

  2. Color coordinate days of the week. Pick a color. Anchor or assign a color for each day of the week. It does not have to be noticeable. Subtle. Just as long as you know. Pick one. Advanced students, pick two. ( I.Example: Monday- blue/white; Tuesday- Red/orange Wednesday- Green/brown; Thursday- Purple; Friday- Pink; Saturday- black, Sunday- yellow)

  3. Order. Find Three to Five ‘anchor’ in and out of -school times of the day to build a schedule. (Example Wake, write a dream or thought. Make bed. 8:30am snack. 11:11 look outside, 2:10 stretch; dinner? Pre-bed time routine.) Build.

  4. Simply Feels Four: Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear. Truths.

  5. Silence is worthy of daily practice. Senses five focus.

  6. Schedule treats for yourself every day or every week at least. Life is tough. Balance it out. (Simple, easy, rewarding ones- coldest drinking fountain water. Draw.) Daily self- appreciative quiet rewards.

  7. Chose. Time. Wisely. Have a plan.

  8. List your strengths and weaknesses.

  9. Name Nine Values you cherish.

  10. Reflect. Are your Tips and Tricks Intrinsic or Extrinsic? Do you focus I on the outside in or reversed? I.School mainly focuses on the Intrinsic motivators.

The Purpose of I.School Tips and Tricks are set up to sort of trick your brain into re-conditioning the conditioning. If you think you have no power, you will be right. If you focus on small sensory, daily, self-chosen routines, my hope is that your brain will get the idea you are more in control than previously thought.

Suggestions on the “What do you want” question-

Time to sleep. Attention to I needs. Direction- Actions more toward your values. Self- sufficiency? Less dependence on “everyone else,” more self-reliance.

Reflection questions might include:

Is it reasonable? Sustainable? What will happen after years of quiet re-conditioning conditioning?

Learn. Repeat. Count. 1-10.

Curriculum

As of 2025, the 23-48 pages of NAEP standards for English and Math have been reduced to one page. One page. Seven principles. The Seven Principles of Universal Design:

  1. Equitable in Use

  2. Flexibility in Use

  3. Simple and intuitive Use

  4. Perceptible Information

  5. Tolerance for Error

  6. Low Physical Effort

  7. Size and space for approach and Use

Although not technically ‘in use’ yet, the Seven Principals of Universal Design are designed to make use of the used.  Consider the past 150 years of US curriculum.

I.School intends to start at Kindergarten. Or, as I like to think,

Kin-

Kind-er-

Guardian-

Basics. Proficient in learning. Advanced when ready.

If you feel used, retreat.

If you don’t want to feel used, learn.

Learn the system that is using you; so that, you use the system more than the system is using you. More or less.

Retreat into to the I. Inner space of thoughts and actions in order to redirect course. Run and explore internally.

Seek as close to the origin of anything worth seeking.

Curriculum (n.) “a course, especially a fixed course of study in school.” 1824.

Are you fixed?

Is this the course you chose? If so, proceed. As fixed.

If not, how would you like to redirect?

Is it realistic?

Does it involve the world changing around you? People changing for you? Changing systems, environments, planetary trajectories? Good luck. Proceed. That is not I.School curriculum.

I.School curriculum is not a set of data, nor standardized, fixed tests and results. For use. (One third of NAEP staff are well paid behavioral psychologists.)

I.School sucks curriculum. Meaning, it’s going to hurt. At first, then empowering. If you trust me, a kinder, guardian (to be tested) I would like to help you, help you. The I.

Let us Begin. Again.

2025 I.School Project Outline

Women and Children First

Intro-

Random Post. Thought.

Silly I, thought Women and Children First was interpreted as- help those most vulnerable. “Save women and children… first.” Where did I get such a notion, I wonder.

"Women and children first", known to a lesser extent as the Birkenhead drill, is an unofficial code of conduct whereby the lives of women and children were to be saved first in a life-threatening situation, typically abandoning ship, when survival resources such as lifeboats were limited. However, it has no basis in maritime law. Wiki

There are only two instances of chivalric maritime that I found. One was the Birkenhead boat evacuation in 1857, which was a “celebrated exception” to the women and children first motto. Meaning, the norm defied the motto. It possibly was publicized to get more passengers to board steamships that were not equipped with enough life saving boats. After the PS Normandy sank killing 31 people (12 of those were women) and was found negligible and “infringed on preventable disasters,” Articles.

In the opinion of the Board of Trade, it will not be possible to compel the passenger steamers running between England and France to have boats sufficient for the very numerous passengers they often carry. They would encumber the decks, and rather add to the danger than detract from it.

Although “noted with dissatisfaction” for the lack of life preserving equipment, the British Trade Board did not enforce further regulation in 1870.

The next publicized exception was the luxury liner, Titanic, 1912.

Titanic was equipped with 16 lifeboat davits, each capable of lowering three lifeboats, for a total capacity of 48 boats. Despite this capacity, the ship was scantly equipped with a total of only 20 lifeboats.

Hollywood’s 1997 version of Titanic events played out “a love story on steroids”. “Its most feverishly publicized demo were the swarms of girls in their teens and early twenties who went to the movie to swoon, and weep, and gawk at Leo (DiCaprio), who instantly became the biggest star on the planet.” EW.

Oh, women-children first, I guess. My misunderstanding.

Happy New Year! Again

It’s the end of January. How are those resolutions coming along?

It’s New Year for I.School. What do you want? Now.

I.School: Time and Space.

Basics: Time to Sleep, receive appropriate nourishment in a Safe Space.

Proficient: To develop knowledge and skills in order to mature and develop.

Advanced: Individually become more In-dependent , less dependent on others ad-vices.

A Start: Basic, Simple, Fundamentals.

Time- Is Limited. Scarce. Valuable. Real, yet deceptively illusory (consider how time goes by in a boring class compared to how time ‘flies’ when you are engaged in something more meaningful to you).

Space- We will define as Head-space (what you mostly think about and talk about); Physical environments. Also illusory. Relative.

Now, imagine holding a glass of water. Full. If you approach I.School already knowing, or thinking that you know, I.School may not be for you. You are all full up. Now, if you are empty, exhausted, and you don’t know what to do, and ready for New ideas this year. Come on in!

Low expectations- really low expectations and an open mind is ideal.

I.Year Outline 2025

Zero: start at nothing. No to low expectations. Nothing=Infinite.

I. March, ask, what Are you marching for? Defending? Protecting?

Alice in Wonderland

II. April, In or Out? Doors open.

Aesop

III. May, Flower-ship.

The Three Little Pigs.

IV. June, Colors.

Song of the South.

V. July, Liberty.

Rapunzel.

VI. August, Six.

Beauty and the Beast.

VII. September, Seven.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

VIII. October, Eight.

The Little Mermaid.

IX. November, Nine.

Cinderella.

X. December, Pandoras Box.

Each Month- A Lesson. Basic, Proficient and Advanced.

Basic- Numbers, Colors, Shapes.

Proficient: History, Mystery, Math.

Advanced: Levels of Fairy Tales. Story Time.

Initial Draft Outline of 2025

I.School 1-20-2025

No matter how you spend today, I.School is there. You and I.

Do you have your I.Notebook?

Into- What do you want? What would your imaginary I.Schedule look like. Hour by hour.

End of book- How would you ideally like to be, by the end of your I.Life?

How can you make that happen? Repeatedly.

Truth. You are going to die, someday, but the real question is how do you Choose to live?

Reflect in I.book- Take as much time as you want to reflect. The better you learn thyself, the more full filled you might be. Empty.

Yin Yang. It’s not all good. It’s not all bad.

Distraction. What do you like? Look up at the sky. Mountains. Water. Pick a constant thing to focus on.

Express yourself. Create something today. No matter how small.

What is one of your Nine Values, you could appreciate today?

What memories do you want to look back on today?

(See what I did there? I snuck in my 1-10; 10~10 plan.)

I.School is Always there, as long as you want.

I-10 Basics

I.School Outline:

Start at Zero 0. With an open Mind. O Nothing. And within nothing, Infinite potential, everything or anything. Now count to 10. Base 10. I Count. You Count. (these are my assigned values/thoughts associated and assigned to each number. Create your own, or use mine. I share.) one through ten. Numbers. Letters and Words. Basics.

  1. I. That’s you. #One. Sun. Stay grounded

  2. II. A door. Mouth. (I’ll explain)

  3. III. Build

  4. IV. Truths

  5. V. Silently

  6. VI. Balance

  7. VII. Choices

  8. VIII. Strengths

  9. IX. Values

  10. X. Your Story. The story of I.

    Repeat.

    Back to Zero.

O What do you want? What do you need? What did you learn? Ask-

  1. Where do you stand?

  2. What are you talking about?

  3. What are you building- Daily?

  4. What do you know to be True?

  5. Can you be? Silently.

  6. Is your life balanced?

  7. What choices do you have?

  8. What are your strengths?

  9. What are your Values?

  10. What’s your story? What do you want it to be? (if answers include: if and when situations, environments, other than you the I, change- Bzzzzzzzz, Try again.) Does that make sense? Example, I will get what I want when I’m out of here, when the President changes, when my mom or dad change, when the weather changes, when the price of tacos goes down, when I get (x).. on and on. What about you, the I, right here right now?

  11. I.School puts the FOCUS on you wright here right now whenever you want it.

  12. What do you want? Independence. A lessened De-pendency on others. Self-Worth. Self- appreciation faults and all! #1 and #2. One and Two. You and your beautiful soul. Build a relationship with the self. Unconditionally. Forgivingly. Now- step 3? Get to building a better life.