A Survivals Guide to Institutionalized Public Schools

Summer School Edition

Too much?

Step 1: It is not your fault.

Step 2: You may feel like a victim, and for all thoughts and purposes you probably are. Now, stop talking about all your faults and sickly acronyms (even just for One hour a day!). It just perpetuates the victimhood ness. No, it is not your fault. But you are still here. Now what?

Step Three: Plan. Make a plan for the life you want to build. No pressure. Have some fun with ideas. The more you focus on a plan for your imaginary life- hey, it’s better than complaining about circumstances beyond your control. First, it’s a nice escape. Plus, if you can not even imagine a life outside institutionalized public education- then, proceed as conditioned.

Step Four: Seek truths. Original Stories of what ever is in your best interest and…

11:37 AM Pause, this is good stuff-

Sitting in a library in Lillooet BC. June 7, 2025 Overhearing this conversation:

Librarian: Hi, welcome in. How can I help you?

Man voice: You can give me a pretty smile!

Librarian: (calm voice) Don’t be rude. How can I help you?

Man: Make some copies of this. I want to check out this book but not that one. And could you do it with a smile?

Librarian: (calm and steady) Here are your copies. Here is your book. I’ll put the other one back. Is there anything else I can get you?

Man: I’m still waiting for that smile.

Librarian: I’ll be here for the next two hours sir.

Man leaves.

I.School Lesson of the day for survivals guide to institutions.

Stay Calm. Be clear. Know your limits.

I have a lot to learn from this tiny, kind older woman in a tiny, kind library.

After the exchange, I complemented her on her poise as to what could have been unpleasant banter. She said, in the same calm voice, “I don’t like being told to smile. Especially by men. I did it for too long.”

I thanked her for the lesson on grace and integrity.

She said nothing back but gave me a big Smile.

I.School is everywhere.

Lessons from Lillooet

I just keep thinking- it’s not necessarily what we learn (and teach) in school, but what we don’t.

Lillooet, Canada. BC

I’m watching Indigenous TV channels. Late night talk shows in First Nation language. A Morning kids show teaching First Nation language and concepts. A Documentary called “1491. A Land Before Columbus.” Never before seen- perspectives in US history classes. We (I) taught curriculum based on notions of non-existence, or primitive, cave dwellers prior to a certain era.

But where do we get those stories? In the 1491documentary, there is evidence of advanced civilizations including over 2,000 languages, prior to colonization, for example. Just in BC. Yet

Native prayer hour with a lit candle on the screen. Would never get through censors in US television.

There is no access to US networks like Hulu and Peacock. Copyright.

I just keep thinking- It’s not just that we are learning in school, it what we don’t. Teach, that there is a world to be kept from exploring in public education. And maybe that’s the lesson.

Down the rabbit hole

Day 46 on a long tour of I.travel. Sitting in a motel room in Canada- Like far into Canada.

I’m still here. Writing every day. Thinking of school and kids every day. March- was Alice in Wonderland. April- the Rainmaker. May. A return to the Three Little Pigs. and

IV. June

Theme:  Song of the South, Disney’s 1946 live action/ animation movie.

~pause~

Never heard of it? Okay, well here we go.

  • Song of the South, the movie, has been criticized for its racist portrayal of African Americans and plantation life. 

  • Officially ‘not banned’ in the United States. “Disney has voluntarily removed it from circulation”.

  • Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that the film is “not appropriate in today's world” and will not be re-released.

  • The film has been commercially available for decades in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Argentina, and Brazil. 

Intro:

“Now, this here tale didn't happen just yesterday, nor the day before. 'Twas a long time ago. And in them days, everything was mighty satisfactual. The critters, they was closer to the folks, and the folks, they was closer to the critters, and if you'll excuse me for saying so, 'twas better all around.” Uncle Remus.

Uncle Remus is a collection of African American trickster stories told by the fictional character Uncle Remus. The stories were compiled and adapted by Joel Chandler Harris, a journalist and children's author. Harris published the stories in book form in 1881. Later adapted by Disney.

Uncle Remus, played by James Baskett defended the film and his character in it, saying, "I believe that certain groups are doing my race more harm in seeking to create dissension, than can ever possibly come out of the Song of the South.”

*P.S. The sincerity of this months theme is near and dear to my heart. I was 4, in 1972 when I saw Song of the South in a Denver movie theater. I watched it one time. I have never forgotten the stories, the songs and the acting. I hope I do it justice, Hattie!

“I don’t see color.”

How dull.

What might be another reason Song of the South is not available in the US?

How many other stories are outside of U.S. borders? I wonder. and How curious, Alice.

Down the Rabbit Hole.

Here is the thing- Leaving education, leaving home, leaving the conventional life (what ever that is), is weird. Of course it will be weird. It’s literally ‘outside the box’. Classroom box and box of screens.

Down the rabbit hole means- rising above (or below) the current conversations.

On Vancouver Island, I watched slugs. Slow, alien looking, slimy creatures with antenna-eyes. They are all different colors and different shapes, but having lots of time, I watched them. Everywhere.

June’s theme is Song of the South. A movie; followed by March’s- theme of Down the Rabbit Hole; April’s Rainmaker, and May’s Three Little Pigs.

Connection is= Nothing! Curious, irrational nonsense. Unless….

Time + (head) Space becomes -insert greater symbol- Greater than currently occupied.

What is the current Opportunity Cost of your Time and Space?

What Do You Want? How do you know? and what does it matter if there is no time nor space to explore?

Curiously, I’m following an instinct. Curiously, I’m following an insect, no- rather a caterpillar like Slug. Unfortunately, curiosity is not very welcomed in public schools. Like Song of the South not so welcomed in the moves, I wonder why?

Slugs: Slow, yet fast when studying them. Gender neutral- fascinating and complicated. When touched, they retreat within themselves (I cannot think of a better way to describe this)- then resiliently keep on going.

Vancouver Island is home to various slug species, including the native Banana Slug and several other invasive slug species. Banana Slugs are the largest terrestrial slugs in North America and the second-largest on Earth, often reaching lengths of up to 25 cm. Other slugs remain a threat to the ecosystem.

June

June

The further away I get from the institution of school, while researching, and while learning, the clearer the picture gets.

Almost comical in its simplicity. What if? we simply stopped talking about _______.

Pretty much anything other than what is on a screen or in school.

At least it would be a start.

Driving Ms.Crazy

Last night in a cabin.

After one month on the road, here is my realization. Less stuff. More Time to experience.

I.School is a say YES to life. as is. What you want is: to create your own life. Now. Like, now. Design destiny. hey, it is not as easy as it sounds. but as witness- it can be done.

Ask. Who are you? What do you want? and How are you going to do thatt?

Last night in a cabin. In Tofino BC. On my Birth day.

Funny story. Stop me if I have told this already. Sitting in a faculty meeting. In May 2018. Final days of a semester of teaching. side note- I had been to the emergent care twice that semester because of the stress, feeling like a heart attack. Anyway, I thought this is no way to end. Sitting in a meeting? Same old blah to the blah about next years data scores and the what‽ do I care? I CARE about kids. Kids. Students, you know the whole reason we are here. I care about their mental, physical- amazingness that they are. ALL of them. and I thought, “oh no, this is not how I want my story to end.” Okay. now what? Well, when I die, I sure as hell don’t want to do it in a library, with “Martha” taking attendance. “Jeff” mocking administration. (funny and true, but again, is this how I end?).

Is it never enough? Demands on public educators. It never ends. So, now what?

Plan your escape.

My escape was imagining anything. Anything but sitting in a meeting with Martha and Jeff- No offense to them, it’s just not how I want this to go down. for me, So I imagined. I imagined driving a van around the United States. Simple right?. Only, I hate to drive. and I am a terrible passenger (anxiety and such), but my imagination was better than Martha and Jeff sitting in a meeting in May when everyone present in the meeting- would like nothing more than to leave for the summer. So, instead of letting myself get all worked up- heading for another heart attack scare, I imagined.

Totally worth the time! Spaced out Ingrid imagined a life outside the sufferable conditions of conditioning.

Traveling is scary to me. So, I planned. Music, meditation, (not medication- not as dependable)- mantras, the list goes on as to the lengths I have taken to be a passenger- to someone I trust.

Driving Ms. Crazy! is my mantra, (Thanks, Mr. Newson, with all my heart)

Fast forward five years. I am sitting.

Last night in a cabin. In Tofino British Columbia. (it is quite remarkable). Furthest distance West we could go. In a van. with a plan, to see Newfound Land, Furthest East we can go. Next stop.

It pays to plan, even if it is imaginary. Cuz, I would rather have a heart attack in Tofino watching surfers, than in a Library coffin. I mean, morbid, but True as me sitting in a cabin in Tofino.

Last night in a cabin before Mr. Newson (Morgan freeman) drives Ms, Crazy, (moi!) Ingrid, creator of I.School. to our next destination.

Lesson of the day- less is more. Less stuff more Tofino.

I.School May, 2025

March: Alice in Wonderland.

Circles, math, literature, history, symbolism, metaphors. Rabbits, Cats, caterpillars, queen of hearts. science, dreams. Interpretations Madder!

April: The Rainmaker.

Psychology- how music and memories make and create realities. Unless erased.

May: Three Little Pigs

Create your own story. Build beyond the straws and sticks. Build slow. Substantial. Even in fearful conditions.

4 Minutes

To the ocean. Is something I only could imagine. Until now.

Oh, hello,

I.School Rules:

#1 Write.

Weather: Raining. Beautiful Rain!

Song: River, by Leon Bridges.

Thought: I can’t believe I am here. It took day dreaming, self-centered ness, and a passion. A passion for teaching. a passion for kids. Starting with myself. The kid in me is in paradise! Rain, beaches, partner, lust for life!

**Hint: Look at the patterns. I.School. Numbers One through Ten. Count.

Create your own story.

Sincerely, Firestarter.

Mother's Day Story

How are Step-Mothers and siblings portrayed in modern stories? “Wicked Step-moms.”

I like my Step-mom and my step sister. Seriously.

I think about them often, on the beach wearing socks and boots- gifts from my wickedly funny step-mom and sister. :-)

Now that is a different story.

Somewhere on an Island

I keep thinking about Alice. Down the Rabbit Hole. White Rabbit with pink eyes catching her attention- as if she had a choice.

While I have not seen a white rabbit, white headed eagles are abundant. While I have not seen a caterpillar, slugs on the island are also abundant. One touch and the slugs retreat- but only for a moment. Then they resume full speed. Resilient. They look slow, but they are deceivingly fast if one stops and observes. That is, if one has the time. As the White Queen, I am observant.

White rabbit. Caterpillar.

Math: A circle. (A hole. A rabbit hole). Radius (ray, like from the sun, from the middle); Dia-meter (two, meters? who knows,); Circles, holes, wholes, are infinite. nothing. Which encompasses everything.

White rabbit, Red Queen.

What could that mean? Science. Fibonacci. Rapid reproduction of rabbits. And what do you know? What do you know about reproduction? Not much.

Exactly. That is the point.

Somewhere on an island, I keep thinking of Alice. Follow the white rabbit with the pink eyes. Have some tea. It is simply Mad!

Meet the Red Queen but not until you meet some other characters. A cat, four sure. And what about the others? The stories left behind?

Lesson: Follow the patterns.

What does Alice’s Story tell us? And why does it change, but not change? Look at the simplicity. That is the lesson.

Mean-Times, I am somewhere on an Island.

Days 1-10

I.School Field Trips

Colorado to Wyoming to Idaho to Oregon to Point Roberts to Campbell River BC- thus far:

If you are escaping public education and would have a piqued interest in, well, something different, look no further than I.School. An abundant of senseless tours and educational learning with absolutely no grades, no bells, no point. Learning for the sake of learning.

Step 1- Get really sick of public schools to the point of no return;

Begin- Fantasizing future travels during faculty meetings- faculty breakfasts, faculty bowling/golfing/ usual distractions from actual learning.

Personally- I started drawing, distracting myself beyond boredom, and writing scathing personally humorous sketches around public education- because,-why not? Most times spent in meetings are worthy of shockingly mockingly scathing retort. Don’t agree?

Simply listen to the hushed voices leaving Any faculty meeting, Any time of the school year. Too afraid to speak up, too afraid to ask questions, too afraid to upset the current regime- whomever thinks they (administration) have power of the current regime. They do not.

Nope. I personally related to- and had more conversations with staff secretaries, janitorial and custodial personal. They ALL have the real power. Once, we had a principal gone for 10 days. Administrative leave. No one knew.

Another time- the “administrative secretary” was gone for two days. Two Days! Chaos arose.

Another time, the head janitor had a three day leave of absence ,and the school halls looked like a third world country- as seen on TV.

I.School Lessons in teaching. Bottoms Up! Supportive staff from the ‘lowest ranking’ are the rulers of school. They have all the power.

Gravitate toward the interesting. Teachers, peers that seem on the fringe, but not too scary. They usually have knowledge. Or at least interesting conversation.

If only school as a whole were entirely more engaging, more interesting and more self- propagating. Imagine that… Then snap back to- that will never happen. Especially when we don’t have time nor head space to discuss much beyond Screens and clocks.

Don’t think things will ever change? Then you will be right. I propose in I.School we have interesting conversations.

Tired? I.Repeat-

If you are escaping public education and would have a piqued interest in, well, something different, look no further than I.School. An abundant of senseless tours and educational learning with absolutely no grades, no bells, no point. Learning for the sake of learning.

Step 1- After tired. Re-tired, try Step 2: Plan an escape. Imagine sitting in school, say-in a desk, testing, in a meeting, pep rally- Plan. What would you rather be doing than sitting here. Really think beyond the “I want a million zillion dollars…” then what?

Prioritize wants and needs with the ‘what you have right now’ mentality. That million zillion dollars may be more imaginary than your actual imagination.

I started really thinking about what I would want to do say at 1:19 on a Monday morning. Normally I would be teaching my 5th or 6th block of the day. Don’t get me wrong- I always enjoyed students! Yes, even the toads. All kids deserve to learn. To have time to learn in a safe environment.

It is Monday May 2nd- sitting in a public library in far north British Columbia. Far away from meetings, closer to learning and hopefully someday teaching again.

No internet service. No problem. Hand writing is more dependable and more trustworthy. When I write it down it makes it more real. Transcribing it is more jumbled- but accurate.

Monday, May 5th 2025 Cinco de Mayo But first,

Notes from the road.

Little America, Idaho. American Flags over bridge to golf course.

Bill board-baby “My Heart is beating, mom. Chose my life.”

Stinker Gas Station: Sign, and then Attendant verbally- “Would you to donate for victims of domestic violence?” (Me, ugh!!! “Um, not today?”). Attendant: “would you AT least like to round up?” (Me- understanding some basic psychology of advertising and emotional manipulation- so many things going on in my head with just one question. “Would you like to help women?” The very question is a trap. A logical fallacy of “either/or” in a coerced situation for both the attendant and customer, I. The learning continues.

Either or/ More or Less. Road trips make me anxious. Traveling. Riding in cars, flying, but especially cars. So in my past imagination world of traveling around the US in a van (a combo of childhood Barbie camper van play time, coupled with an escape from a-dull-ty faculty meetings) I had to figure out how.

Job #1. Stay calm. I’ve got music playlists, calm meditations. Counting 1-10, breathing, podcasts. Very organized and rated from 1-10. 10 being ‘threat level’ time for Mario. Thats another story. Point is- The What is one thing. (Travel, for I) The How is another.(Staying f-calm) And thats what you can (I) build towards every day. It is Way more motivating to do breathing techniques when its for personal gains- rather than “brain breaks” in between data testing.

Same desk, different perspective. Instantaneously.

Because Road trips have made me anxious, but the adventures give me such joy’s in Life, Either or? Ingrid. I want more adventures, more learning, less- of what I left. Yes, I am less clean, I have less stuff; I am more joyous waking up next to a river, listening to birds. Learning. Tests are daily, creatively challenging ways to adapt.

Story time along the road. Columbia River. What is in a Name:

Following Lewis and Clark’s Journey, I read about the Nez Perce War. Old and Young Chief Joseph. US Cavalry- Chose: More or Less? “Give up all your lands and assimilate; Or die.” June 1863. Reminded me of The Godfather, “Either your brains or your signature will be on paper.” This is no fiction. This is real. Reading as many primary documents as I could, and watching a YouTube series. My perspective changed.

The name Nez Perce, was French for ‘nose-pierce’ which was most likely inacruate, for the nimiipuu bands living around the River.

nimiipuu ironic and more literal translation, means “we the people.” Known for compassion and fierce resistance to French and English Colonization.

**Lesson- nimiipuu bands and what happened to them. (“I will fight no More”) “do not sell the land of your fathers bones.”

____________________________

April 27th. Vancouver BC- Driver kills- crowd who was celebrating Lapu-Lapu. Filipino resistance to Spanish Colonization.

Killed Magellan. What? I never knew that? I taught “Magellans circumnavigation, and he died along the way. Did not know why, or how. A poisonous arrow to the leg!

Saw: I.TRAVL licence plate.:)

Grocery List- Elk Falls: Salad, Seltzer water, Salmon, Bear Spray,

**Wrote Lyrics to “Kiniski’s Ferry-Waif Cut Tavern/ French cut ruining man” Ask Eric to create melody.

May 5th Cinco De Mayo,

Mexicans fought off Spanish

Lesson to research.

_____________________________

Watched Slug/ Snail. Birds. Trees. River. Smells lUSH!

May

April Showers

Bring and Ship May-Flowers. Anchored. Away. Which is what we, I.School did. Planned. Packed, again and again then set sail across the US and Canada for a (generational Gilligan’s Island theme song insert). .. A (more than a 3 hour tour). A

12-17 month voyage in a Van, Vessel. I.School's little magical school Bus! Which We fondly call Apa, (after, The Airbender’s magical beast).

No, I did not do my video of the Rainmaker, by the 5th Dimension. (yet) Bummer, because I can see myself unabashedly air singing this to every class I have ever had- (in my tent, I actually am still lip-sinking to you) then talking about various interpretations of the song.

The history of the song. The mystery of the song- “Like, why don’t we hear that song today?” Then after obvious cool- kid comments about how silly or outdated the song is, okay, well then…

There are plenty of 1970s songs echoing in every gas station from Denver to Vancouver, so why not the Fantastically talented 5th Dimension? Or-

branch into math, Degrees. 90 and 110. Weather or not you agree. (Pssst- that is a riddle). Or

ACCEPT Your Greatness!!!

Sorry, nonsequitor. And still- ACCEPT your Greatness !! (Seriously).

Muy greatness is not a writer. I accept that. I.am Socially awkward. May be, Not a fan of many a folk. Yet, as I grow older and I hear- “be the best version of yourself.” That stuck. Okay. My best version of myself was, is and will always be (oh so dramatic!) in the classroom. Well then, lets get started.

Why is that? Because students (albeit legally obliged to attend state-sponsored public schools) are and will always be my best version of me myself and I. Alone. Strive to be the best version of what I think I potentially can be.

TV, movies, parents, kids, friends, may have perceptions. That will be so. So, what will your best version of yourself be?

I’m blessed with being a teacher-student to the best of the best. And students- taught me (I curse them for this) to be Great!

______________________________________________________________________

MAY I? Build a house. Story. May 2nd- 11 Days on the I.Tour.

Basic- The Three Little Pigs.

Understands symbolism of: Pigs. Straw. Sticks. Bricks. Wolf. Numbers 1, 2 and 3.

Differentiates psychological outcomes of alternate endings.

Recognizes multiple perspectives. (nature of wolf. pig. consumption). Fear.

Applies symbolism to personal I.School philosophy.

I-Level Assessment. I.Student exemplifies-

Recall of Basic 3 Pigs Story. Use and knowledge of Symbolism (at least 3-5 ideas). Applies to life. I.School Plan 1-10.

~double score if, more questions and curiosity arise. Such as-

Pigs cry: “not by the hair of my chin chin chin,”

Why the verbal proclamation of swine facial feature to deter one Big Bad Wolf? Do wolves fear Goatees?

There is a version called the Three Pixies and the Fox. Wiki

Lesson? Time is better used to consume Knowledge, than to be consumed by fear of Knowledge,( is Time well spent? Protected?) What do you think?

The story is often told to children as a cautionary tale to watch out for one another. 

I. Is for Intention.

I is for Intentions.

What is the Intention of stories like Aesop or Alice in Wonderland? "Intention is- “purpose, design, aim or object; will, wish, desire, that which is intended," I have heard interpretations of Alice in Wonderland’s Caterpillar and the Hooka. huqqah "small box, vessel" (through which the smoke is drawn), related to huqq "a hollow place." Extended in Urdu to the whole apparatus. Eytemonline. Although Lewis Carroll is rumored to have used smoking apparatus’ it is still a rumor. I.School would like to turn attention to data and statistics to the intentions of Tobacco Industry. In their own words. Warnings of smoking is still advertising. Aimed, like a children’s book, for kids.

 In Their Own Words: Tobacco Industry Quotes On Marketing To Kids

see also, Their Own Words: Tobacco Industry Quotes on Nicotine

FACT: The cigarette companies spent over $5 billion in 1996 on advertising and promotion campaigns -- almost $14 million every day.

Federal Trade Commission, "1998 Federal Trade Commission Report to Congress for 1996, Pursuant to the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act," 1998.

 FACT: Teens are more likely to be influenced to smoke by cigarette advertising than they are by peer pressure.

"Influence of Tobacco Marketing and Exposure to Smokers on Adolescent Susceptibility to Smoking, " Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Ocotber 1995.

 FACT: Marlboro, the most heavility advertised brand, constitutes almost 60% of the youth market but only 25% of the adult market.

Centers for Disease control and Prevention, "Changs in the Cigarette Brand Preference of Adolescent Smokers, U.S., 1989-1993," Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 1994

 In public statements, however, tobacco executives claim that they do not market to kids. Recently released internal tobacco-industry documents tell a different story. These quotes below show that tobacco ads affect kids and that the tobacco companies consider children to be their next generation of customers.

 "Evidence is now available to indicate that the 14-to-18 year old group is an increasing segment of the smoking population. RJR-T must soon establish a successful new brand in this market if our position in the industry is to be maintained over the long term."

Planned Assumptions and Forecast for the Period 1977-1986 for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company," stamped "SECRET," March 15, 1976.

 "Realistically, if our Company is to survive and prosper, over the long term, we must get our share of the youth market. In my opinion, this will require new brands tailored to the youth market."

Claude Teague, RJR, "Research Planning Memorandum on Some Thoughts About New Brands of Cigarettes for the Youth Market," February 2, 1973.

 "For legal reasons, we have been unable to directly survey smokers under 18 years of age (as will be shown most smokers begin smoking regularly and select a usual brand at or before the age of 18).... Over 50% of men smokers start smoking fairly regularly before the age of 18...."

D.W. Tredennick, RJ Reynolds, July 3, 1974

 "But it must also be true that influential young smokers.... have made brand selections based on product characteristics or advertising and promotion communication."

D.W. Tredennick, RJ Reynolds, July 3, 1974

 "If it was legal to sell to 'em, we'd be glad to. But it's not.

Walker Merryman, Tobacco Institute, WHCS-TV, Portland, Maine, August 5, 1992, in a discussion about tobacco use among youth.

   

 [source: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, phone: 202.296.5469]

If one tobacco company can influence and target kids in the 1970’s, then what influence do other industries have on kids in 2025?

Down the Rabbit Hole 2025

I.School Field Trip

Two middle aged recovering teachers hit the road. Sounds more like a joke- “two middle aged folks walk into a _____.” No joke. This is I.School!

Step One, figure out what you want. Step two, do that. Step three, figure out what you want more and what you want less.

When we tell people we are retired and taking a 17th month road trip, in a van, down by the river- responses sound more like the five stages of grief (which is not exactly true. TAL Good Grief! Episode 738.)  Denial, “No way, how can you do that‽” Anger, “No way! How can you $ do that!?” Bargaining, “no way, how can (I) you do that?” Depression, “…no, way… how can you…  do that?” Acceptance, “No? Way, Can I do that!” While often presented in a liner fashion, the five stages of grief are more opaque. More 5 dimensional, than linear. Step One, figure out what you (I) want. For me, it started out with what I did not want.

No joke. Stop me if I’ve told you this again, * I was sitting in a Tuesday morning faculty meeting, after admitting myself to urgent care the day before. Monday morning, I thought I was having a heart attack. Stress, teaching, blah blah. But Tuesday morning, as I watched a power point presentation on data, status of projected outcome of statistical analysis due to the low math and English test scores, bar graphs and linear equations that baffle head-bobbing educators, I thought, “what if?” What if I died of a heart attack right now?That thought led circulated to “what if?” What if it did not have to be this way? What would I want my own school to look like? Step one. Check. Step two is knowing I can not ‘do that’ now, (money, job, bills blah blah) per say, but I can further occupy my mind creatively with the thought of, “what if?” Then COVED. Perfect! Now, I can play. I can create. Experimental school is scary. And it has to start sometime. So,

I quit! I quit school because I want to learn.

I miss kids. I will always miss kids, Students. And I want more for them, which is less (school) and more learning.

I chose Time over comfort. This adventure is not about being more comfortable. We sleep in a van. This is about the adventure, the learning, and education.

Math Framework

NAEP Math Framework Cuz, the more ya know-

2024/2026

Number Properties and Operation (including computation and understanding of number concepts)

  • Quantitatively Order; Order continuous quantities- interest in Space, area, volume and Time.

  • Number Sense; Estimation; Comfort- “is a major expectation by 4th Grade” NAEP. i) Order rational or irrational numbers, including very large and very small real numbers. (Page 20 NAEP Math Framework 2026). A) Add and subtract- strategic decomposing and composing.

  • Order of number and Operations PEMDAS; Reasoning  trends. Solve real world problems.

  • Ratios and proportional reasoning  Apply basic properties of operations; Use proportions to solve problems (including rates of change and per capital problems)  (pg 22)

Measurement (including use of instruments, application of processes, and concepts of area and volume)

  • Measuring physical attributes- compare world quantitatively; domain of whole numbers; Compare objects with respect to a given attribute, such as length, area, capacity, time, or temperature.

  • Systems of Measurement; Connection to measuring is vital to mapping space and time; c) Estimate measure in another system- Kilometer to mile; US dollars to Canadian dollars, Fahrenheit to Celsius. (Pg. 26)

  • Measurement in triangles to solve problems consistently using Sine, Cosine and Tangent as ratios of sides in a right triangle; Interpret Pythagorean theorem; Pi,

Geometry (including spatial reasoning and applying geometric properties)

  • Dimension and Shape- Land measurement; practical of rules- by 4th grade “expected to be familiar with a library of simple figures in space and plane.

  • Transformation of figures and preservation of properties; Mirrors historical development

  • Relationship between geometric figures; Preservation of properties to solve real-world problems. Analyze properties.

  • Position, direction- logical implications and conclusion regarding ratio. f) fin an equation of a circle given its center and radius and , given an equation of a circle, find its radius.)

Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability (including graphical displays)

  • Data representation include conversations the entire process of collecting, organizing, summarizing and interpreting data.

  • Characteristics of data sets; Interpret (mean, median, mode, range and standard deviation) Compare. Approximate trends; Predict; f) Recognize or explain how an argument based on data might confuse correlation with causation.

  • Experiments and Samples; Identify bias; Evaluate characteristics of experiments;

  • Probability- determine whether two events are independent or dependent; Using assumption, randomness, unfamiliar contexts, predict events. h) Determine the probability of independent and dependent events. *objectives that proved opportunities for questions in mathematical literacy. j) Interpret and apply probability concepts to practical situations, including odds of success or failure in simple lotteries or games of chance; K) use the binomial theorem to solve problems.

Algebra (including expressions, equations, representations, and relationships)

  • Patterns, relation, and functions; recognize and describe in words of symbols, numerical and visual patterns.

  • Algebraic representations; f) Given a real-world situation, determine if a linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, logarithmic, or trigonometric function fits the situation.

  • Variables, expressions and operations b) Write algebraic expressions, equations, or inequalities to represent a situation.

  • Equations and inequalities; b) Determine the role of hypothesis, logical implications, and conclusions in algebraic arguments about equality and inequality; h) Solve quadratic equations with complex roots.

Note: This is a culmination of 2020 Math Framework and Current adjustments.

The problem of #2 Talk

There seems to be a point in serious educational conversations that get derailed. Detained. Conversations simply stop.

I call this a hostile, hostage conversation situation. HHCS-

Can we agree there are hierarchies? Top down business management systems.

Two areas dominate conversations. What we spend much of our time talking about is directed by top down business management systems.

What else is there to talk about? How about that Planet Parade? Cool HUGH!?

April

“April Showers Bring May Flowers.”

Question: What does that mean to you? Are you open to other interpretations?

Theme: April means “To open.” Color: Blue. Body part skill: Mouth.

Basic.

Thoughts Rain Showers? Sure. Rain brings water to ground making flowers grow and bloom. Excellent!

Proficient-

Now brain storm. Other meanings. Showers________, May_______ Flowers_______.

Example, Meteor Showers. Such as The Lyrid meteor shower which occurs between April 16-25 every year and will next peak in the early hours of April 22, 2025.

Mayflower- Ship? What do you tink you know about that? Proficiently.

I-Levels

Basic- Understanding of Aesop. Like lessons of behavior, talking and morality.

Proficient-

Uses basic understanding of lessons. Proficiently working on when to Open and Shut Door- Mouth.

Advanced:

Proficient use of closed time, door-mouth to Learn.

Open ideas as to other interpretations of words and events.

A Curiosity as to Meteor Showers and/or the Mayflower. Or May flowers.

*super advanced- did outside research.

**double super advanced- I student is even more curious.

What is said in open may be different than behind closed doors:

Companies Committed to Kids. Wiki

Sincerely, Alice

Thank You for the March Madness Adventure down the Rabbit Hole.

I read your books- Alice In Wonderland. Alice Through the Looking Glass.

I watched every Disney Movie about your story.

Enjoyed Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with the Colorado Ballet.

Analyzed various interpretations of Lewis Carrolls’s interpretations; and subsequent Victorian Era, scandalous accusations that were more nightmarish than fairy tale.

Researched Archetypes of Alice- Similar to Dorthy’s Oz, and was introduced to

Inanna. An Ancient Myth about a girl going through a transformation, and asked: Who Are Youoooooo?