Sallie's last day at SJS

Sallie Ann had her picture drawn by 5A today and we hope to have the book bound and sent with Sallie Ann as she travels. Sallie spent time in 5A today listening to the story Hoot and she also helped 5B study for their Religion and Math tests tomorrow. Sallie has been picked-up by her family and she will be going to Georgia over the weekend. Thank you for visiting with us Sallie Ann!

Sallie Ann had another fun day in fifth grade at SJS. She got her picture taken with many of the fifth grade students, she helped during an M&M math activity and she got to help teach about differences between the North and South during the time of the Civil War. Sallie Ann also had pictures drawn of her by all of the students in 5B. She is looking forward to visiting 5A tomorrow where they are going to draw a picture of her. These pictures are going to be made into a small booklet which Sallie Ann can take with her when she leaves. She is also looking forward to some fife and drum music tomorrow!

Sallie is spending the day in fifth grade at Saint Joseph School today and she is learning about the division over slavery that occurred before the Civil War in the 1830's. She is also learning about which states were considered slave states and which were considered free. Tariff-this is also a word that Sallie learned today. She did not know that a tariff is very similar to a tax. Sallie also found the Supreme Court case of Dred Scott to be very interesting and she didn't understand why he was not awarded his freedom. Sallie will also be joining in on a discussion with a Deacon from the church, who will be teaching her, and all of fifth grade about the Sacraments. Sallie also learned a little about ratio and probability while sitting in on a Math class. She seems excited about being here! I hope tomorrow she can do some other fun activities with fifth grade!

Clara Barton's Home Part 1

On Sunday, I went to Clara Barton’s home in Glen Echo, MD. When I arrived at the home, Ranger Finta gave me a tour of Clara’s home. Here are some facts I learned about the house and Clara during my visit. Clara’s house was built as part of Glen Echo Park by two brothers and can hold 30-40 people. In 1897, Clara moved into the home when she was 75 years old. According to Ranger Finta, the most people Clara had spend the night at one time was 25. To Clara, the house was more than a home. The house was an office for the Red Cross and a storage place for supplies. In the main hallway there are many hidden cabinets that were filled with the supplies. The cabinets held blankets, food, bandages, soap and clothes for those in need. There was something very interesting that I learned, in order to cover the ceilings in the house, Clara used the same material that she used for bandages. This material is called muslin and it is sort of like cotton.

This is the front of Clara's house.

Did you know that Clara had a cat named Tommy and there is a painting of Tommy in the house. Tommy lived until the age of 17.

Clara thought that a telephone was important to have because the Red Cross needed to communicate and to stay in touch with those who needed help.

Clara Barton actually worked at this desk

When Clara was 82 years old, she stepped down from being the leader of the Red Cross. One year later, at age 83 she started the National First Aide Association of America.

After the tour, I had a chance to interview Ranger Finta who was kind enough to take time to talk to me. Ranger Finta told me that one of the best resources for teachers and students on Clara Barton is the website. She said that you can take a virtual tour of the house and become a Junior Ranger online. To become a Junior Ranger online, you complete the program and send Ranger Finta your certificate and she will send you a Junior Ranger badge. Ranger Finta also said that she could send resources to your school. Her favorite part of Glen Echo is telling everyone about Clara Barton’s life and accomplishments. Ranger Finta feels that Clara does not get the recognition that she deserves in American History. There are also some primary source documents online. Her favorite thing about Clara Barton is her perseverance. Ranger Finta admired Clara for never quitting and her determination to start the Red Cross. Another great resource is the house itself. The house contains 1/3 of the original furnishing, collections and items that Clara used.

For me, it was amazing that I was standing in the house that Clara lived and worked in. I was walking the same stairs and halls that Clara walked. It was very emotional for me.

Ranger Finta is showing me how they tied on bandages

In my next post, I actually get to meet Clara Barton.

Middle School Computer Fair--- States

Wednesday, May 20th was the state wide competition for the Pennsylvania Middle School Computer Fair was held at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. As you know, my friend Sarah and I entered my project in the Web Page Design Category. Sarah and I took 1st place Wednesday.

Here is a photo of Sarah prior to the start of the judging:


and here is Sarah with her ceremonial check:


Congratulations to Sarah and I. Next up for my friend Sarah is the National Educational Computing Conference where she will be participating in the student showcase. I will be traveling to many different places and the next time I will see Sarah is at the end of June before NECC (National Educational Computing Conference).

If you want to know exactly where I am going go to Civil War Sallie.

Jordan on Secession

Bailey on Grant