Happy Halloween

New Tech guys in Halloween style.

The term "Halloween" is a shortened version of "All Hallows' Even," as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day," also known as All Saints' Day. Historically, both celebrations were observed on the same date, and All Saints' Day was a day of religious festivities in various northern European traditions. One of Halloween's most prominent symbols in America is the carved pumpkin, commonly referred to as a jack-o'-lantern. These lanterns originated in Europe and were initially carved from turnips or rutabagas. The Celts believed that the head was the most powerful part of the body, containing both spirit and knowledge. They used the "head" of the vegetable to ward off superstitions. Halloween is an international holiday celebrated on the evening of October 31st and is increasingly recognized in the morning and afternoon as well. Common Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, ghost tours, bonfires, costume parties, visiting haunted attractions, carving jack-o'-lanterns, reading scary stories, and watching horror movies. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought various versions of these traditions to North America in the nineteenth century.

Melody

There is much about America that is not widely known outside of the country, and for those within it, these may not seem significant. America has many aspects beyond what we commonly recognize or assume. Listen to this melody played on a unique musical instrument, and take note of the various instruments in the background of the picture. I am truly impressed by the diverse art and music forms found in America. Today, I had the best A-day ever, as I was able to keep all the children focused on their work for nearly the entire 90 minutes. I absolutely love it!

turning the odds in

Here are the pictures from a classroom activity where I led a discussion with a group of students at the end of the class to deepen their understanding of the concept. Although I often plan to take such pictures, I tend to forget during the class or run out of time by the end. I use various tools to capture students’ attention, such as simultaneously projecting the operations of the TI-84 calculator on a projector screen while explaining the content using overhead projectors. I also create PowerPoint presentations and suitable worksheets for both class instruction and practice. As an Indian math teacher, I find that planning is typically done for you through textbooks. However, American classrooms present a different challenge. It’s not just about having the content in mind and being able to work through problems independently and instantly, while demonstrating them on the board; students need activities to keep them engaged throughout the lesson. If I’m not well-prepared on any given day, the class can quickly spiral out of control. Even when I am prepared, there are still days when certain students take the lead in disrupting the class. As a teacher, it’s essential to have a variety of ideas ready to engage students and hold their attention. I must cater to the differing needs of various students simultaneously. One might ask for a pencil, another may need to sharpen theirs because the lead broke, someone else could be dealing with a tissue issue, and another might raise their hand because they didn’t understand the first step of a problem. Additionally, someone might need to go to the restroom, while another student may distract themselves by checking a text message. There may even be students who cannot see the problem on the board because they forgot their glasses or have issues with their contact lenses. Sadly, all of these situations can arise at once while I’m still trying to teach and ensure the lesson is completed on time. Sometimes these requests can be quite trying, but other times they are genuine concerns. How do you handle this? In American classrooms, it’s important to stick to the rules and establish procedures. These procedures help shape classroom behavior. During new teacher orientation, one popular phrase is, "Don't smile till December." In the two and a half months I have been teaching, I had the opportunity to observe five different schools, and one thing that amazes me is the significant variation in student attitudes from school to school. Some first-year teachers have mentioned to me that students may even change their behavior from teacher to teacher. Interestingly, the same students may behave differently on different days with the same teacher. When freshmen enter my class with behavioral issues, it is often due to their relatively new transition into high school. Meanwhile, sophomores compare the technology I use with what they experienced the previous year. Many of them feel that my direct instruction denies them the opportunity to work on individual laptops for their projects. They are correct in their assessment, putting aside differences in culture and education systems. They wonder why we should struggle to understand a topic taught in a different way. Why can't the teacher communicate in a manner that makes sense to them? I recognize these thoughts running through their minds, and I want to respond patiently while doing my best to facilitate their learning. My point is that unless they try different approaches and methods, they will remain at the same level of knowledge. My goal is to learn the ways of r(t)eaching them as much as I can and implement what I discover in the classroom. Often, the results are very positive.

I understand that between a challenging beginning and a satisfying conclusion, there will be ups and downs.

A Day With A Difference

Yesterday was a Teacher Work Day, and we were busy preparing the report cards for the first nine weeks of the term. While progress reports are issued every three weeks, report cards are more formal and the data will be submitted to the School District. I plan to write a detailed post about the grading system soon. It’s the festive season back home, and I want to thank my friends, relatives, colleagues, students, and everyone else for filling my inbox with emails, e-cards, and messages of Diwali and birthday wishes through various platforms like Orkut and Skype. I especially appreciate the New Tech staff for taking the time to wish me on this occasion. I also acknowledge the kind thoughts of those who wanted to reach out but couldn’t. I understand your situation. This Diwali was a very different day for me in many ways, but I embrace it.

Yester Year Village

The N.C. State Fair has provided me with an opportunity to understand American villages and their handicrafts and art. North Carolina boasts a significant and unique heritage. The "Yester Year Village" at the fair showcases all the traditional crafts of rural America under one roof. Although the fair has become more commercial over the years, many people appreciate its role in promoting agricultural art and village crafts. The exhibitors at the fair are very friendly, demonstrating their skills before the audience, which allows visitors to appreciate their talents. When I asked them if I could take their pictures, each exhibitor was cooperative and pleased to gain exposure for their profession and promote their art. I could sense their affection for their craft; they all genuinely love their respective professions. Some of the traditional rural crafts featured include quilting, rug braiding, wood carving, skiff building, basketry, soap making, pottery, and creating decorative items and toys from agricultural waste.

Decorative items from corn

God is blessing me.

It was a wonderful coincidence that when I chose to visit a church today, it happened to be its 142nd anniversary. The White Rock Baptist Church is celebrating 142 years of a strong and relevant congregation here in the city of Durham. I spent three spiritual hours in this serene church, witnessing baptisms, sermons, and prayers. The church is truly beautiful, and the large organ above the dais is a major attraction. This was only the second time in my life that I visited a church, and it was the first time I spent a significantly long time there. My visit sparked my curiosity to learn more about Christianity and baptism. From what I gathered, baptism (from the Greek word meaning "immersing" or "performing ablutions") is a ritual act involving water, by which an individual is officially admitted as a full member of the Church. Traditionally, baptism has been seen as necessary for salvation. It is one of the seven sacraments of the Christian Church and is often referred to as the "first sacrament," the "door to the sacraments," and the "door to the Church." All sacraments were instituted for the spiritual benefit of the recipients. However, five of them—Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, the Eucharist, and Extreme Unction—primarily serve the individual in their personal spiritual journey. The other two sacraments, Orders and Matrimony, mainly impact a person as a social being, sanctifying them in their duties toward the Church and society. I am grateful to the Fulbright Commission for giving me this wonderful opportunity to participate in a teacher exchange program. It has allowed me to explore new places, meet diverse people, witness various events, and learn about different cultures. Looking back at my blog, I feel proud of the activities I undertook during these two months. This experience will surely contribute to my personal growth and maturity.

'Fair'y post

Today, I had a great time visiting the North Carolina State Fair. The fair is a true 'melting pot' of North Carolina's rich heritage, agriculture, arts, crafts, and music. It provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their farm products, cattle, and pets. I saw cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and turkeys, among other animals. There were also games, rides, competitions, and exhibits, offering unlimited entertainment.

Apple candy, Cotton candy, Pan Cakes, Hush Puppys, Elephant ears and Hot dogs are the popular food items.

I tried this 'freak out' ride. Uff... scary...

O.K find, Where am I?

I checked out one more activity from my 'to-do list'.

Lots of video and pics in the coming posts...

Meeting the Members of Board of D.P.S

The board members

Last evening I was invited to meet the Members of the Board of Durham Public Schools. I was introduced to the Board by the Supeintendent and Dr. Logan. They welcomed me and wished me for the success of the program. It was an honour and a moment of pride to me.
I had a chance to express my views and share my experience as a Fulbright Excahnge teacher.

I thank the Board members for their time and I appreciate their kind guesture.
I was presented a T-shirt, a kind of -making me as a member of the Durham Public Schools. There were print and electronic media covering the event.

In the lap of America

Almost two months of teaching and two and half months of stay in America-
I feel like this. There is a lot that I can relate my stay here in America with this picture.

After almost two months of teaching and two and a half months in America, I have come to feel a certain way about my experience here. I can relate my time in America to this image: I've found places where I can feel comfortable, and I have worked hard to reach them. I had to climb up and establish myself in my comfort zone. It took time, and I still need to be cautious and hold on tightly to avoid falling. I must endure any inconveniences I feel while presenting a smiling face to others. My stay here has become more meaningful than I initially expected. I have kept myself busy with work and activities to help distract from homesickness; this is the only way I can adapt to the situation. It's also what has allowed me to appear "groovy" to my friends. However, I genuinely miss my family, friends, colleagues, students, and my school. I miss you all

I miss India.

500 N Duke Street, 54-102

My apartment buliding

The front view.

Welcome home.

Please be seated. Coffee or tea? Which one do you like to be served?

I have been staying in this apartment for the last two months. It has become my world after 5 PM every day and for most of Saturdays and Sundays. My laptop and TV feel like family members, while the kitchen and the loft bedroom are my occasional retreats. My apartment is located downtown, directly across from the Durham School of Arts and close to the bus terminal and Amtrak train station (only two trains run through Durham). Interestingly, my hometown, Ongole, is famous for its oxen, while Durham is known for the Durham Bull. In Ongole district, tobacco is the primary crop, and downtown Durham features numerous tobacco warehouses, many of which are being converted into luxury apartments. My apartment building, Bullington Warehouse, was once a warehouse and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Durham is often referred to as the "City of Medicine," renowned for its Research Triangle Park and Duke University. If you want to learn more about Durham, click here. Don’t forget to take a 360-degree tour of some important places!

Astrologer

See this interesting idol in Indian outfits and different get up, a toy astrologer in America.

I caught him behind glasses inviting me to check my future (Hot springs, Arkansas.)

Mrs. Elliot

After finishing my classes at New Tech around 11:30 today, I left to visit Durham School of Arts, the U.S. magnet school of excellence for 2006-07. This visit provided me with further insights into the American school system. I truly appreciate—and frankly, envy—the infrastructure and facilities available in American schools. The technology and resources, such as stationery, at the disposal of American teachers significantly enhance the educational experience, making it very different from schools in India. During my visit, I had the opportunity to observe three classes, each unique in its approach. The Integrated Algebra and Geometry classes were more formal, while the Geometry class was oriented toward technology. The Physics class, on the other hand, focused on student-centered learning. All three classes managed to engage students effectively and met their objectives in different ways. I particularly like the Smartboards used in American classrooms. They give the impression that the entire world of knowledge is at your fingertips. These boards are not just display screens; they are touch-sensitive and allow for writing. They serve multiple purposes, including displaying countdown timers to help students manage their time during assignments. However, with these advanced technological tools, it is crucial to plan each minute of your lesson meticulously and execute that plan effectively during class. I observed this approach being executed nearly flawlessly in Mrs. Elliot's Geometry class. The seamless switching between the overhead projector and the Smartboard, along with her question-and-answer strategy, managed to capture the focus of her middle school students remarkably well. Having observed five different schools, I genuinely respect how American schools cater to students with various learning abilities. They acknowledge and support visual and kinesthetic learners, while in India, we tend to tolerate such students less and often label them as slow learners or unfit for studies. (Am I boring you with my admiration for America? Hang tight; I’ll discuss the shortcomings in another post.) While it's up for debate whether the American school system is truly superior and successful, there are valuable lessons we can learn and incorporate into our own teaching practices. This visit to Durham School of Arts has changed my perspective on the American education system, making me more decisive in forming my generalizations.

(I invite my colleagues and fellow fulbrighters to respond, share their ideas and experiences which can enhance my/our understanding. That can really serve the purpose of the visit)

Walking Through the Wild Wood (Orienteering)

Hi Vamsi,

You said you were ready for the Sunday trip. I need to let you know what to expect on this Sunday trip. It's probably unlike anything you've every done or even imagined.

The sport of orienteering is from Norway and Sweden and it is very popular in Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech and Slovakia etc.) It involves using a very detailed topographic map to find places way out in the forest far away from any trails or people. This is a small local event (maybe 100-125 people) and there will be 6 different courses from short beginner courses to long hard advanced courses. I'll teach you what to do and take you on an appropriate level course. However, I do want you to know that we will be wondering through the forest, it will be cool (cold by your standards), wet, muddy with cob webs, logs and thick brush and if we are lucky some deer. There will times you will feel lost and bewildered and wondering why are we doing this but you will be perfectly safe with me and I think you will have a fun adventure but it be a very different experience for you.

Vamsi - If this sounds too strange and unusual, you do not have to do it! You will need to have clothes & shoes that can get dirty and wet. I will pick you up about 10:45 in the morning. We might meet some of my students at DSA at 11:00. We'll be back around 3:00. We will be going to Um stead State Park (about half way to Raleigh). It is a typical American state park -forested with trails for hiking, biking and jogging. We will be at a camp with small cottages that are used by groups during the summer - very rustic place and typical of American state parks.
Well, Let me know if this is what you want to do for a Sunday trip.

What you need:
1. An e-stick
2. Old clothes you can wear in the forest - long pant & long sleeves will reduce scratches
3. Warm, DRY clothes and extra shoes if it is wet -HA! HA!.
4. INSECT REPELLENT - despite the cool weather, ticks and chiggers are likely to be a major problems - be prepared!!!!
4. A lunch / snacks and drinks - no place to buy anything.
5. A sense of adventure, a desire to have fun and a smile. I will have compasses and some of those e -sticks.

Micheal

A magnet, a map and the wood. Letz navigate.

Still no idea what I did on this Sunday?

Farmers' Market

Visiting the farmers' market has become part of my Saturday routine since it is just down the street from me. One of the vendors, the lady in the picture above, speaks Tamil. Even if I don’t buy vegetables for the whole week, I go to the farmers' market just to talk to her. I enjoy seeing eggplant (brinjal), okra (lady's fingers), hot peppers (green and red chilies), tomatoes, and yogurt (curd) being sold there. Most of the other products are typically local. The market is one of the few places where I see a lot of people. Unlike the colorful, crowded, and busy streets in India, the roads in Durham have more cars than people walking.

http://www.durhamfarmersmarket.com/

Joe - The Plumber

Last Wednesday marked the third and final presidential debate, and the spotlight shifted from President Obama and Senator McCain to a surprising figure: Joe the Plumber from Ohio. Joe has become a media sensation after his unexpected role in the debate between the two White House rivals. As a tradesman who has worked 12-hour shifts for years, Joe plans to buy his own small plumbing business. However, this decision would increase his earnings to over $250,000, making him a target of President Obama’s plan to tax the wealthy. Joe pointed out this concern to Senator Obama during a campaign event in Toledo the previous weekend. At that moment, he had no idea that their brief conversation would soon become the centerpiece of John McCain's critiques of Obama's economic policies. During the debate, Senator McCain reminded Barack Obama that Joe the Plumber did not want to vote for him because his taxes would rise under Obama's plan. Throughout the debate, both candidates repeatedly addressed Joe directly as they discussed the issue.

If you want to see the conversation between Joe and Obama, Click here.

You can also view the debate between Obama and McCain on this issue -

Gr8 moment

'Good Afternoon Esteemed Colleagues,

After much anticipation, we received an unofficial announcement today that Hillside New Tech High has been selected as one of four Learning Laboratories in the state of North Carolina! I want to thank each of you for everything you do to make our school a great one. Your jobs are not easy, and sometimes praise and appreciation are scarce, but please know that your work is VALUED! We now have even more to do to ensure that we meet the expectations of our parents, students, DPS, the NC New Schools Project, and the New Technology Foundation. As a team, I am overly confident that we will exceed their expectations and become a model school for the nation. Remember, we have to “stretch” to reach for the stars. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU for making me the happiest, newest, and proudest principal in our country! Sincerely, William T. Logan, Ph.D. Principal Hillside New Tech High School --- "Few moments in life create memories that last forever." Yesterday afternoon provided such a remarkable moment for the extraordinary educators who are poised to make an impact in the academic landscape of future America. I saw not just joy, but the pride of achievement in the eyes of our teachers and in our inspiring leader. It is a matter of pride to be able to shape future educators, and I am confident that each of you has the strength and commitment to meet the expectations of the New Tech Foundation. Best wishes to you all. I am happy to be among you.

Vamsi Krishna

Wacky Tacky Day

The New Tech School is celebrating homecoming in conjunction with Hillside High School.
Each day, students will be given an opportunity to get into the homecoming spirit.

The celebrations are:
Monday-Twin Day
Tuesday-Celebrity Day/Rock the Vote Day
Wednesday-Wacky Tacky Day
Thursday-80’s Day
Friday-School Spirit Day (Orange, Blue, & White)

Today is Wacky tacky day. Basically it's a day to wear anything you want and get away with it. Try to be creative with the ideas
Some techniques followed by the students:-
Dress the hair in funny manner, Tie bunch of ballooons to the ends of their hair, Gaint T-shirts, with decorations/funny quotes on them, Painting wacky stuf on T shirts or cut them to make them look weird, Wear something with lots of coloerful polka dots, Ware a long loose skirt and cut very long zig-zags on the bottom.

When I asked some students how do they feel, they said,
"It's an excuse to be weird and 'out there,' "
I like dressing ridiculously, and this is fun,"
It is gr8. It is funny. It is weired.

Let me see the fun ahead on 80's day tomorrow. I am enjoying it.

Trusted Counselor

Today, there was an observer from the New Tech Foundation, Linda Ullah, who visited our school and provided some suggestions. She took the time to meet with me and welcomed me to the U.S. Linda is curious about the differences between the education systems in the U.S. and India. Interestingly, her husband is from Bangladesh, and she has traveled to many places in India. We also had a meeting with our school mentor today. I would like to share some information about the mentor system here in America. As I understand it, for every 20 new teachers (the first three years of a teaching career are considered "new"), there is a mentor assigned. This mentor may work across two or three different schools, depending on the size of the school district. The mentor's role is to serve as a trusted counselor, drawing from their extensive experience in the teaching field. Unlike principals, mentors do not inspect classrooms; instead, they assist with classroom management and organization. Teachers can approach their mentors to discuss any issues related to classroom experiences and the teaching profession freely and without hesitation. An interesting aspect of this system is that the mentor position is permanent, meaning every school has an official mentor available year-round, working directly under the Human Resources authority of the County. At New Tech, we have a vibrant and dynamic mentor, Mrs. Eleanor Johnson (the lady in the blue top), who has 30 successful years of experience in teaching. She also works at Jordan High School. Mrs. Johnson has a specific schedule to meet with all six new teachers at least once a week. These meetings are informal, straightforward, and incredibly useful. Her wise suggestions and comments have made my transition much easier. One invaluable piece of advice she gave me during the exchange program was to avoid comparing “Mr. Krishna” with “Vamsi sir” back home. This advice helped relieve a lot of pressure and allowed me to enjoy the exchange program more fully.  

By the way, did you notice the items on the table? She brings a variety of snacks and drinks to each meeting. Next Friday, she promised us lunch during our meeting!, haha, staff meeting ho to aisi!)

Harrisburg

I noticed something interesting: the fall colors. The northern regions change colors much earlier than the south, and I was captivated by the spectacular scenery while driving through the hills of Pennsylvania. I'm excited to see how Durham looks when its foliage changes color.

Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is an intriguing city with several notable features. One significant aspect is its large Indian population. Additionally, Harrisburg is home to the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station, which is known for a major accident that occurred there. Another prominent feature of the city is Hershey, home to the famous chocolate company that produces well-known brands such as Kit Kat, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Swizzles Licorice, Mounds, York Peppermint Patties, and Hershey's Kisses.

It's fascinating to see the passion people have for casinos. I recently visited an American casino and was amazed by the atmosphere, the numerous slot machines, and the significant amounts of money being wagered. Regardless of age (as long as they are over 18), people spend their weekend evenings here. It's a give-and-take scenario: I might win your money, or you might win mine, but most of the time, we both end up losing to someone else through the slot machines.