The Summer of John

I love being a teacher. Although the summer has not officially begun; I have three out service days I have begun the process of preparing for nearly three months of unfettered “Pete Time”. For instance, this past week I was paid to go to dinner “On the Hill” in St. Louis and go to a Cubs/Cards game at the new Busch Stadium. Despite being sans beer because I was chaperoning the 8th grade trip. I was none the less paid to go on vacation.

A view of the Arch from below

I was glad to get home and look forward to closing up the school year so I can officially begin the yearly endeavor known as the “Summer of John”. For those who are not Seinfeld fans here is the contextual reference.

I have been quite busy the last few weeks. The good news is that pass quickly, the bad news is that I’m exhausted. I understand that much of the exhaustion stems from self made work and fun but it’s still quite real. In the last three weeks here is a brief summation of activities both professional and personal.

1. Taught and graded the 5 paragraph research paper process to 65 eighth graders.
2. Helped coach the “H” middle school track team to its first championship in four years.
3. Planned, set up, cooked, and partied my way through another fine BBQ Fest with the folks at Magically Piglicious.


"Guarding" the booth



4. Helped coach the varsity track team to a second place finish at the West Regional Championship.
5. Revisited my role as best man for a wedding on the Mississippi River during BBQ Fest.
6. Reviewed for, gave, and grader the 8th Grade World History Exam
7. Attended Baccalaureate and Graduation for the “H” class of 2009
8. Chaperoned 65 eighth grade trip to St. Louis(Photos).
9. Helped coach the varsity track team to a 7th place finish at the State Championship in
10. Murphreesboro, TN with one of my throwers was able to launch the shot a personal best of 34’4.5” to garner a 4th place finish.(photos)
11. Visited some friends in the “Boro” and was able to catch up.

As the “Summer of John” begins so to does Pete Big Bear emerge for his hibernation to begin his blogging. The only for sure items on the calendar for Pete are a return to the St. Albans School of Public Service and an extended stay in Erie, Pa to visit with the family.

Longer, more detalied background for the "Summer of George"