Somehow I wanted to get my students excited about my trip to Japan. Therefore, I asked them each to create a scrapbook page about themselves. I distributed disposable cameras to individuals in my class and instructed them to take photos of their homes, family, and friends. They did a great job documenting life as they know it. I also helped my kids create a blog about Northview Middle School. If you are interested in reading what they put together, check this out: www.nvmsjapan.blogspot.com. Hopefully I will be able to find some Japan teenagers who would like to communicate with my students via email or "snail mail." If you are so inclined, I know my students would like to read comments from anyone who takes the time to read their blogs.

Today my students gave me a "going away" party. Mr. Powers, my aide, and my class brought in their favorite American junk food to share. They wrote me messages on the board and then we took these photos. It's hard to leave them for three weeks!