Sean Gardinier's MoBlog

Daddy Day Care

2011-07-25T14:12:00.001-07:00

Ah, it's been quite some time since I've posted on my moblog. Everything is going well this summer and I've been learning the essentials of taking care of our son while Michelle starts her new job. Knox makes noticeable progress every day and it's fun to see all the developmental changes in early stages.

The Urban Jungle of NYC

2011-05-25T07:10:00.001-07:00

At the top of the canopy, the vastness of the Manhattan jungle is impressive. Our kiddos are loving the view!

One World Trade Center

2011-05-24T11:49:00.001-07:00

As we near the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I wondered how our students would react to visiting Ground Zero. Most on our trip were only 4 years old on that tragic day. They seemed to be most interested in the future and snapp?ed many pictures of the construction of the One World Trade Center.

Gateway to America

2011-05-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

I checked for my last name on the Ellis Island's web database with no luck. I'm not sure how my DNA crossed the Atlantic but I have a feeling the emotion and dream was the same as immigrants have felt here. Turns out that the events at Ellis Island were mostly not positive as previously assumed. A lengthy process was endured here that broke dreams for so many.
Security remains tight for access to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Our most iconic symbol of freedom remains in confidence despite threats, war, and terror. -Mr. G

Lexington and Concord

2011-05-22T08:41:00.001-07:00

"Let it begin here!" This morning we visited sites of the events on April 15, 1775 that changed the course of American history. A seemingly unintentional battle that intensified throughout this day contains the first casualties in the American Revolution.
After a presentation on the events at the Minuteman Museum, the story and sites visited all came together for us. From the first colonial casualties at the Lexington green and the first two fallen British Regulars to the mass of 4000 colonial militia that brought down an unwelcoming folley on the British retreat along the bay road, the experience here is rich and moving. Even for a teacher, the learning here is more memorable than chapters studied in a textbook.
Pictured are our group at the Lexington green, Minuteman Statue at the green, and our reinactment of the first British casualties at Old North Bridge.

Beantown!

2011-05-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

We've arrived! Flights went very well. Our bus checked in to our hotel and we're heading to Quincy Marketplace for dinner. -G

2011-05-20T19:29:00.001-07:00

Getting ready to travel to the east side and don't remember if there's restrictions on small stowaways. Leaving at O' dark-thirty tomorrow. East Coast or BUST!

Growing Strong!

2011-04-14T16:21:00.001-07:00

Knox is 9 lbs. 11 oz. today.

Spring Break, Wahoo!!!

2011-04-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at my exotic destination for spring break!

Knox, Meet Your Great Grandparents!

2011-03-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

Catching Some Zzzzzz

2011-03-26T14:37:00.001-07:00

Knox is falling into a good routine of feeding, sleeping, and evening awake time.

Little G

2011-03-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

I've told many others, I'm not a fan of babies but I really like this one!

First Doctor's Visit

2011-03-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here's Knox at his first checkup. Looks like all systems are go! At the end of his first week, Knox is back to his birth weight and his bilirubin levels are returning to a healthy level.

Knox Evan Gardinier

2011-03-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

We're home now and extremely excited about our new addition. Everyone is healthy and well. This was taken on the morning of Knox's birthday.

Look what rolled in last night!

2011-03-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

Our son arrived early this morning! 7lbs 7 oz. 19 in.

Rubik's Cube Rotation

2011-02-19T08:13:00.003-08:00

I currently have 12 week blocks in a mini-elective where the focus is centered around learning how to solve the famed 3x3 Rubik's Cube. On Tuesday, I will see 30 new eager kiddos. Success rate varies from about 35-85%. Anyone want to throw down for an insane pizza party if I can get 100% of a class to solve the cube unassisted within 12 weeks?
Mini-electives are 30 minute classes meeting 4 days a week.
Here's some of my last group 7th graders who wanted to leave a nice surprise for the next group.

The Darwin Podcast

2011-02-19T08:13:00.001-08:00

Finishing up our unit in Evolution with a podcast where students tell about Charles Darwin, his legendary voyage on the HMS Beagle, evidence collected, and the development of his theory of Natual Selection.

Solar Powered Ventilation

2011-02-11T12:08:00.001-08:00

Testing out our new solution to ventilate the crawlspace under our house utilizing a solar powered gable fan. The fan will be installed in the cover to the access port and the solar panel will sit on the roof.

Famosa Slough Student Volunteers

2011-01-12T17:14:00.001-08:00

Offer extra credit and kids readily volunteer for great events like volunteering at our local wetland. Famosa Slough is adjacent to our school and I find that most students don't even know it's here.

Awesome Cell Model

2010-11-19T09:52:00.001-08:00

This is the best cell model I've had from one of my students. Huge props to Amy for her hard work, creativity and skill. Its also the most educational pillow ever! Next is our cell division comic and hopefully Amy's will feature "Phyto".

Superworm Races

2010-11-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Go Zophobas morio! Last week, we studied a living organism as part of our Introduction to Biology. Kids learned about Superworms (related to mealworms) not through research but by collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Here are a group of my kiddos measuring distance traveled in 5 minutes.

Ice Cream!

2010-11-05T16:49:00.001-07:00

Its been insanely hot these past few days in San Diego. Last year, I started coordinating a school-wide incentive program that rewards GPA achievement. Today, we were able to reward students earning a 3.0 or higher with an ice cream social. With the weather this extreme, the ineligible students appeared to be very dissappointed that they were missing out. Next week, we reward 3.5 and higher.

Stable Mates

2010-11-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have 4 wheels, right?

In progress...

2010-10-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

The New G-Ride

2010-10-15T16:39:00.001-07:00

Motorcycle of the year (twice) is living up to its reputation in the first week of engine break-in. The Street Triple has a sport bike engine (from the Daytona 675) retuned and geared for torquey street riding. Commuting is fun again!

Habanero Monster

2010-10-03T16:10:00.001-07:00

This is one monster of a catepillar that seems to have thrived on Habaneros for quite some time. Camoflauge bought this guy some time before I noticed some interesting fallout and entire peppers dissapearing. How it manages on the spiciest pepper on the planet, no clue! Taking this maniac to school tomorrow to show the kids. I'm very curious to see what this will turn out as. Anyone seen this species before?

Adams Street Fair

2010-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Highlight of the Fair goes to a punk band playing on the roof of El Zarape! Kara and Michelle can probably recall the lyrics from a song likely entitled, "Crack Daddy".

Triumph Demos

2010-08-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Triumph is in San Diego this weekend doing demos of their motorcycles. I'm in line to ride their Street Triple and hopefully can demo the Daytona as well.

Integrated 21st Century Interactive Classroom

2010-08-18T10:33:00.001-07:00

i21 is Here!
...well, partly. Went to a workshop for the new equipment rollout. I received a new teacher laptop (ThinkPad - district is ditching all macs) and was introduced to the new student netbooks (pictured). Along with a 1:1 ratio of netbooks, I will have a new presentation station installed connected to a Promethian Interactive Board that includes student laptop management and response systems.
As to be expected, all of this was planned to be ready to go at the start of the school year but has been delayed. I'm sure they'll roll in when its most convenient!

Human Sun Dial

2010-08-07T11:15:00.001-07:00

Its been quite some time since I've posted here. I blame it on Facebook for aquiring much of my blogging habits. I was in San Francisco earlier this week and came across this awesome sundial in the parking lot of a science museum. I'd like to find a good place to do this at my own school. It shouldn't take much to map this out on the ground. The hours I could map on any given day though best on a clear and long day. The months need two time points at each solstice for calibration. Sun Dials are latiude specific so local calibration or calculation is necessary.

Flight of the Conchords

2010-05-31T09:39:00.001-07:00

At the Bowl after just returning from a great week on the east coast with my wonderful 8th graders, Always great to see FOTC.

NY Invasion

2010-05-26T08:41:00.001-07:00

Many of the kids are sad to be leaving New York this morning. We packed the past couple of days with numerous adventures around the city. My group of boys even did some bartering for some bling that they proudly wore to a nice dinner and a Broadway show, The Addam's Family. The picture with me in it is after the play with my two favorite librarians that I work with. Off to Philly.

Freedom Trail

2010-05-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was packed mostly exploring the American Revolution. Started out the day with Lexington and Concord, lunch at Quincy for the Boston Special (lobster roll and chowda), and the afternoon exploring the significance of sites on the Freedom Trail. Headed to New York now!

Boston Invasion

2010-05-23T07:31:00.001-07:00

Our first night went very well. Kids appeared to be alert and excited this morning at breakfast. The travel, time change and excitment is bound to take its toll at some point today. Dinner last night was exactly what I've been craving - clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp, oh my!
Today, our focus is the American Revolution with tours of the Freedom Trail, Lexington and Concord, and Harvard (part of the smaaaart revolution).

The Lightning Thief

2010-02-19T14:37:00.001-08:00

The English department at my school organized a field trip for all of our 7th graders to see The Lightning Thief at a local movie theater. The AMC staff did their best serving 500 7th graders at their concession stands. Our students seemed to enjoy the movie. Many would think so many kids would make it unbearable to have and enjoyable movie experience. In fact, I've had worse movie experiences with the general public than with my students today. Charged with sugar and the end of Friday in sight, we have to manage two more periods at school. Wish us teachers luck!

Snow in Big Bear

2009-12-30T10:09:00.001-08:00

Traditionally spending New Year's in Big Bear with numerous close
friends and family.

Charterland Ahead

2009-12-17T20:15:00.001-08:00

Today, a representative of the charter association came to talk to our school staff about details for switching to a charter school. While our school has significant community support for this to happen, the majority of the staff has numerous unanswered questions and feels uncertain about charterland. In order to start the ball rolling, over 50% of the staff will need to sign a petition. If they want the possibility by next fall, the vote will need to happen in just a few weeks. Doesn't seem like enough time for the staff to make a confident decision!

Work Lunch

2009-12-16T13:03:00.001-08:00

You know when a project is due around here when students flood my room morning, noon, and night. Very busy project season.

Correia Guitar Jam Part 2

2009-11-08T09:13:00.001-08:00

Here's a clip from our blues guitar assembly on Friday. The kids are in the back jamming the rythm.

Correia Guitar Jam

2009-11-06T13:57:00.001-08:00

A blues band worked with our guitar students this week. The guitar course was so popular that they found a way to add a second section AND create a mini-elective for more students. The kids are jamming with the band. I need a phone that can handle low-light shots! I can't remember the band or artist but they sounded outstanding.

Trick or Treat!?

2009-10-31T11:43:00.001-07:00

While the colors resemble Halloween goodness, fiery trick lies in this platter of our fall pepper harvest. I'm certain there's enough capsaicin here to melt through the platter! While the cayenne died out after fruiting, our habenero plant is intensely flowering again. The second season for this plant is in overdrive. Producing the hottest pepper on the planet is fun though I have no clue what to do with all of it. Perhaps, I could make an intense acid cleaner or a salsa only Mexican locals can handle. Any ideas? As for trick or treaters, beware! Muahahaha!

Joshua Tree Serenity

2009-10-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Wilderness in Joshua Tree is awesome! Different flora and a plethora of cool rock formations. Hooray for plate tectonics, weathering, and geologic time!

Desert Dance Moves

2009-10-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

This Joshua Tree seems to be in motion to the music of the desert!

J Tree Hike

2009-10-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hiking out on Boy Scout Trail. I recall doing this backcountry hike as a young tenderfoot! Half-way, Dana lost her sole on this hike. Sole not soul!!!

Joshua Tree Weekend

2009-10-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a weekend of exploring and camping at Joshua Tree National Park.

Sunday Ride

2009-10-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

Jay has a route planned for us today.

Adams Street Fair

2009-09-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

A short walk from our house, the Adams Street Fair is an awesome experience featuring some Punk Rock, art, and numerous booths of goodies!

The Killers

2009-09-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I are enjoying an evening with The Killers at the Viejas Arena at SDSU.

Angel Win

2009-09-13T15:12:00.001-07:00

Michelle and I at Angel stadium ;-) Angels win 3-2 to the White Sox.

Angels in the Outfield

2009-09-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

After a 90 minute bike ride along the wash from Costa Mesa, we finally arrived at Angel Stadium with seats in the outfield. Got here around 5th inning, enough to enjoy the sun and America's favorite past time. Umm, go Dodgers! I haven't been to an Angel's game since I was really little. I did, however, experience numerous Dodger games during the days of Tommy Lasorda, Steve Sax, and Fernando Valenzuela.

Biking to the Angel Game

2009-09-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

Great day for an afternoon ride and ballgame.

Let Freedom Ring

2009-08-22T13:55:00.001-07:00

Michelle points the way to our Liberty Bell. Neat to see and cool exhibit. A national treasure in all respects.

Independence Hall

2009-08-22T13:39:00.001-07:00

Michelle and I are exploring Philly today, about to jump in to see the Liberty Bell.

Philly Hitch!

2009-08-21T16:18:00.001-07:00

Mr. Ozeni, an awesome teacher buddy, is now officially married. Here's Michelle an I with Go and Mary at North Hills Country Club (about an hour from Philly). Go and I are in our traditional pose. Tomorrow, Michelle and I plan on hitting the city for some Philly Phun.

Closing the Achievement Gap

2009-08-18T15:49:00.001-07:00

Our superintendent, Dr. Terry Grier, shared a number of important points during today's press conference at my school. The central theme was to continue raising test scores while closing the achievement gap between students of color and white and asian populations. He also mentioned that budget cuts do matter but so does everyone's commitment to improving education. He invited businesses and community members to assist public schools, ensuring that together we can continue to see improvement.
As for my students, they rocked the test last spring with 96% scoring above proficiency and 66% scoring advanced. I also had about 8 students who scored perfect or near perfect on the algebra CST. Not all bad considering that these kids skipped a year of math.
From our district news: San Diego Unified STAR Test Results Reach All Time High

Press Conference!

2009-08-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

California Standards Test results are being officially released today with a press conference at my school, Correia Middle. The media is here to hear Jack O'Connell , State Superintendent of Public Instruction, explain the current trends in test scores.

Emerald Bay Alumni Weekend

2009-08-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Enjoying my old Boy Scout tromping grounds for the Emerald Bay Alumni weekend.

Del Mar Races

2009-08-01T18:39:00.001-07:00

Enjoying a day at Del Mar. Wahoo, just won a pony to win bet! I'm still having a tough time with the latitude change from the big island.

Koastal Hike

2009-07-25T16:10:00.001-07:00

Another day and another adventure on the big island.

Thurston Lava Tube

2009-07-23T19:55:00.001-07:00

A bit crowded here with national park tourists but cool to see. The Kilauea Iki trail does a large loop and the Thurston Lava Tube is at the end (or start).

Lava Steam Vent

2009-07-23T19:07:00.001-07:00

Iki iki saawing! wallawallawing! Andrew climbs a lava mount steam vent in the Kilauea Iki crater.

Kilauea Iki

2009-07-23T19:01:00.001-07:00

We're currently in the middle of Kilauea Iki crater where lava pools have blackened the landscape.

South Kona Fruit Stand

2009-07-23T14:28:00.001-07:00

This is our favorite fruit stand on the island.

Kona Sunset

2009-07-22T22:00:00.001-07:00

Too many clouds on the horizon to see a green flash this evening but we got to see one two nights ago. Andrew and Lindsey here enjoying the sunset. Aloha!

Wahoo!

2009-07-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Michelle and I on the dive boat heading out to witness the majestic flight of the manta ray.

Safety First!

2009-07-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Dana, Larry, and Lindsey listen attentatively to the boat and safety orientation.

Kona Boat Dive

2009-07-22T19:04:00.001-07:00

Heading out this afternoon for a couple of dives with Jack's Diving Locker in Kona. The first dive will be nearby and the second will be during the evening with manta rays. Andrew is stoked to get some footage with his new camera and housing.

Pololu Valley

2009-07-21T20:46:00.001-07:00

Had a nice day today on the big island. We all went on a hike down to Pololu Beach in Kohala. This is the north end of the island. At the beach we spotted numerous Portugese Man of War jellyfish that washed up on shore. We also witnessed a rescue operation for an injured hiker.

Kona Koast

2009-07-21T14:29:00.001-07:00

Kukio Beach is very relaxed and not visited by many ithers besides those staying at the adjacent Four Seasons Resort. Turtles are swimming just below Lindsey and my long lost brother from Oahu, Bryan. What a crappy place, huh!?

Tank Swap

2009-07-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

We did a dive this morning at Makukona and now we're back in Waikaloa swapping out tanks for an afternoon dive south of here at Two Steps (Place of Refuge/Honauana Bay). Here's Larry, Michelle, and Andrew loading the tanks from a found shopping cart.

Hapuna Bay

2009-07-18T11:04:00.001-07:00

On the Big Island for a couple of days now. Yesterday, we spent some beach time just north of where we are staying.

Rob Padilla 'Sweet 17'

2009-07-05T19:10:00.001-07:00

I've been working on a number of projects this summer and this is one that had to get done. This is an original painting by Rob Padilla titled, "Sweet 17". The painting was once stretched but we got it from Rob as a rolled canvas. I built a wooden frame and restretched the piece. Michelle and I really enjoy this particular painting of his. We went through a number of Rob's awesome paintings and were torn between this and another painting. We walked away with both! The other one, I stretched first and will hang in another room of our house. One project complete and many more to go this summer.

Big Bear Boating

2009-06-20T13:32:00.001-07:00

Enjoying an afternoon on the lake with friends. Happy Summer!

Punk Rock the Car Wash

2009-06-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Art Around Adams is this weekend. These guys setup shop at the Adams Ave Self-Serve Car Wash. Look closely at the sign behind them! Punk rock.

Caroline's Graduation

2009-05-24T10:36:00.001-07:00

At Cal State Fullerton for my sister-in-law's graduation. Congratulations Caroline!

Songs & Banter

2009-05-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

Cheeks are sore from smiling and laughing for 2 hours straight. 2 hours with the Conchords is better than 1 hour with the Conchords! New Zealand rocks the party!

Flight of the Conchords in San Diego

2009-05-20T19:22:00.001-07:00

Michelle heard earlier today that the Conchords are in town and foux du fafa, we're here! Rumored to be a sold out show, we somehow scored great seats for an evening of banter and folk parody. Its Wednesday and conditions are perfect!

Balboa Park Lunch

2009-05-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Body Worlds is really more like body-parts! Amazing that so many of my students can take down lunch so readily after an experience like this.

Field Trip to Body Worlds!

2009-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

We're headed to the San Diego Natural History Museum to see the Body Worlds exhibition.

Jimmy Buffett in Vegas

2009-05-16T21:32:00.001-07:00

Celebrating Michelle's birthday this weekend, we're in Las Vegas with friends and family to see Jimmy Buffett. The arena is a sea of Hawaiian shirts and beach balls.

Alpine Wright Field

2009-05-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our IT-E3 group met at UCSD to introduce sensors to potential new teachers to the program. After, we headed out here to Alpine to visit Wright Field. The natural preserve area, part of land trust, is adjacent to their middle school. They are using the area for science and enviironmental studies (an elective class). Pictured are our teachers examining a vernal pool. These rare seasonaly wet habitats are home for unique flora and fauna adapted to a short wet season within an otherwise dry ecosystem.

CST Testing

2009-04-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last day of testing for our 7th graders but the 8th graders have another 4 days. Testing is one of those necessary evils of our educational system. Recently, our school cluster has been directing more responsibilty toward the students to do well by assigning more courses and even a shorter lunch to those who score below proficiency.

Cancer Forum

2009-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

In science class, my students are currently working on a cancer research project. We invited family and friends who have experienced cancer.

Disc Golf

2009-04-10T13:37:00.001-07:00

Enjoying a round of disc golf at Morley Field in Balboa Park with our friends staying with us from New York and my brother-in-law, Ed.

Sing Us a Song

2009-03-28T23:10:00.001-07:00

Billy Joel and Elton John

2009-03-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

At the Billy Joel and Elton John concert. Andrew invited us to see his work, we watching the show from the lighting booth. Awesome!

Futbol!

2009-03-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

Took my students to our local soccer arena for some well deserved afternoon play! I've worked them very hard in algebra the past month and the road ahead will be just as tough. They have worn me out in soccer in return.

Whale Baleen

2009-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

An instructor from Scripps Aquarium shows a group of my students a section of a whale's baleen and their favorite food.

Whales!

2009-03-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

We just spotted 3-4 gray whales!

I'm on a BOAT!

2009-03-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Off to go whale watching!

Field Trip

2009-03-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today, we're headed to the harbor to go whale watching. Hooray, field trip!

Shred the Gnar!

2009-02-22T12:33:00.001-08:00

Good times, on the lift with Lee and Nick! Its a bit drizzly today.

Experts Only

2009-02-22T11:03:00.001-08:00

Michelle and Dave are posing with our favorite signage: EXPERTS ONLY, no easy way down!

Carving Up the Bear

2009-02-22T11:01:00.001-08:00

Having a great weekend up in Big Bear for Dana's birthday. Here's Mikey "Snowtros", me, and Dave.

IT-E3 Birding

2009-01-17T14:05:00.001-08:00

Birding this afternoon with Jim Peugh and our IT-E3 group. Today's visitors include snow egrets, yellow leggeds, willets, coots, pin tails, and herons.

IT-E3 at Famosa Slough

2009-01-17T11:24:00.001-08:00

Today, my IT-E3 group is visiting Famosa Slough to explore environmental sensing. David Kimball and Jim Peugh of Friends of Famosa Slough, are guiding us in sensing, ecology, and birding.

Famosa Slough Work Party

2009-01-10T11:37:00.001-08:00

A group of students, current and past, are pulling weeds, planting, and restoring our community wetland, Famosa Slough. Its agreat excuse to get dirty, enjoy the outdoors, and earn science extra credit!

Snowboarding at Bear Mountain

2008-12-29T10:03:00.001-08:00

Weather is awesome! Southern California weather with Northern California conditions. Michelle and I are at Bear Mountain this week enjoying a winter wonderland with family and friends.

Tractor Power!

2008-12-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

We called a contractor to move snow out of the driveways while we shoveled and snow blowed the walking paths.

Snow Blowing

2008-12-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Slow going even with a small blower!