ACTIVITIES

So my goal of a weekly Thursday report of what I was up to didn’t last long. I was on track to get this week’s out until I wasn’t.  If you make it through my short report, you’ll have an understanding of where things went off the rails.

Worked with the Peninsula Pottery to set up new wheels at M-A. It is fun to see new equipment and how it changes the look and feel of a space. M-A didn’t change all the wheels due to budget constraints, but even little changes make a difference.

The school week was off to a usual start with most of us looking forward to a “regular” week in terms of the schedule. We made it to Wednesday when it took a turn. Mid day and all staff email was sent from the Principal, announcing an important meeting and while it was outside of contract hours at the end of the day it was important the we all be there if we could, and by the way, the District Superintendent will be there too.
Speculation of the topic started, was it about the potentially upcoming ICE raids and how to respond if someone shows up to your classroom? Was it a change in site leadership with the litigious environment we work in? What could be so important to have such a meeting with the Superintendent come to campus?

In a traumatic turn of events, and an announcement that I can’t imagine anyone was expecting, we were told a colleague of 9 years had taken their life on Tuesday night. The next hour was spent covering some large picture logistics of communications to the parents community, what the following day would look like in communication with students, ways to help support students and staff, and more.

So, what was looking like an average week became a week that will be engrained in my mind for many years to come. Certain events trigger a reaction or recollection of other traumatic events, emotions and whatever else comes with this territory. It’s a challenge.

Rest in peace Sam Harris.

ARTS AROUND

Having been a bit distracted this week, I’ll keep this to a late reminder of tonight’s opening at the Main Gallery in Menlo Park. More to come for what’s around as I build this concept into something more.

VISUALS