And That Wraps Up 42 Years! The Lion's Gate Competes its In School Field Trip Program. The Imaginairum Theater.

Central Elementary. 1983-1984                  Renaissance Academy 2024-2025

                        

And That Wraps Up Year 42.  

     "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." That saying sums up my thoughts at the end of each school year. Every one of my 42 years has presented challenges that made me question why I entered the field of education. Yet, every one of those years has also brought its joys and successes, reaffirming my choice to dedicate my career to education. 

     From 1983 to 1990, I taught sixth grade full-time at Central Elementary, and from 1990 to 2013, I taught one period of 6th-grade math daily from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. I would conclude my math lesson, dismiss the students, and hurry to the Voyager simulator for my morning field trip flight. For the first two years the Space Center was open, I also taught one period of 6th-grade social studies right after our field trip, from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. 

     I retired from the Alpine School District in 2013 after 30 wonderful years to pursue my goal of returning to the classroom full time. In 2013, I began teaching 6th grade and assisting Bracken Funk at The Space Place at Renaissance Academy, where I remain. On Saturdays, you can find me back at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, assisting Mr. Porter, the Space Center Director, with the volunteer program. 

     I'm proud of what my students achieved this year. We had fun with my government World War I simulation. They worked very hard in math. My four sixth-grade math classes scored 69% proficient on the state RISE math exam, while the Utah 6th-grade RISE math proficiency stands at 38.3%. 

     Teaching is a rewarding career, and I encourage young adults to consider it when they consider their post-high school lives.  You will find it the most demanding job you've ever done and the most rewarding.  Another benefit is your summer vacation. And then, at the beginning of August, it all starts anew when a new batch of younglings walks into your classroom ready for a new adventure.

The Lion's Gate Space Center at Lakeview Academy Wraps Up Their In-School Field Trip Program. 298 Missions!  

    Our friends at the Lion's Gate Space Center completed 298 missions to wrap up their in-school field trip program. All students at Lakeview Academy go on missions in the school's two starship simulators, the Apollo and Artemis.  

     The space center program plays an essential role in Lakeview Academy's educational program, which means the Lion's Gate staff and volunteers always needed to be at their best, which they were.  I was privileged to spend a day with them when the CMSC Space Center's volunteers came out for a mission.  We all left impressed with the professionalism and quality of the Lion's Gate Space Center experience.  

     The Lion's Gate Space Center will soon add two more Starship Simulators and a Space Station Simulator to its growing fleet of ships.  "Wow!" is all I can say about their successes.  

     Keep it up, Lion's Gate Pride!        

Imaginarium Theater. 

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