Same but Different

As I visit different areas, educational talk is never far away.  I have asked informal questions about the various school questions and have found that everyone is positive, but can name the problems...large class size, lack of sufficient funding, state mandated assessments.  Sound familiar?  When asked about diversity--these are frming communities--I got a few strange looks.  Diversity has always been here-it is nothing new.  It just is a part of the schools.  I was told that the hispanic people want their children to succeed and support the schools anyway they can.  Different state, same concerns, same desire by teachers to "change the world".  A difference will be made, because we will work in whatever situations presented to he lp these children.

Diversity is Everywhere

We have seen such a diversity of agriculture, weather, soil, and people.  Today we met Tom.  He is athird generation farmer who is only farming today because of the kindness of his neighbors.  During WWII, his entire family was placed in an internment camp because they were Japanese.  The neighbors took care of the land, paid the taxes and kept all in working order.  What a great story!

California, Here We Are

We have arrived without any delays.  We started at 7:30 this am in Raleigh; with time change, it is now 3:30 in Los Angeles ( it is 6:30 to my body)!  Great day listening to farmers talk farming on the plane as they starred out the windows!  My education friends and I have found some common conversations also!  Looking forward to a great dinner then Pyramid Flowers in Oxnard and Reagan library in Simi Valley in the am.  Avacado and lemon ranch after lunch.  Can't wait to hear from these farmers!

California Bound

NC LEAD class leaves for California tomorrow.  Looking forward to experiencing CA agriculture practices.