Historical Inauguration

Most of the time teachers LOVE Snow Days---- today... well I would have just preferred a delay. For 2 reasons- quarterly assessments which take an extended time and we were going to watch the inauguration. Regardless of rather or not I voted for Obama- this inauguration is going to be a historical one. This would be a historical event to watch- almost like some watching "the first man walk on the moon". One of the things I like about 5th grade is that you are able to have "discussions" regarding major events happening in the world around them. For months- we've talked about the election then the inauguration. We'd talked about how this was proof that "all men were created equal". I'll never forget one of my bright Hispanic students writing last week "one day I'll be the first Hispanic-American president". I believe him- and I'll be proud to say that I had some tiny hand in his early education.

Today we were going to eat lunch in the classroom (a rarity) and watch the Swearing In and Inaugural Address. I realize that some (not all) of them will take a break from playing in the patches of snow laying in their front yards to watch these events. Others will miss this great event- never realizing its impact on their lives. Tomorrow we will discuss the inauguration I'm sure, just not not in the present but rather the past. 

Reflections:

-Exactly a month ago today I was visiting DC one last time before Bush left office. I saw the moving vans (the start of the moving process) on the White House lawn, I saw the review stage being erected in front of the White House. I saw the bleachers along side streets being erected. I saw the Obama's portraits in the American History museum. 

- My very outspoken friend Ash this morning "Did you see Michelle's outfit this morning. On election night she looked like she stepped straight out of the hood in her black and red. Today- her gold inaugural dress is much more appropriate- except those black shoes! That's a fashion bloop! She needs me to be her fashion advisor".... this made me laugh!

- Students all over the world, not just American, are watching this historic event.

- I got a little teary eyed watching the Bushes leave the White House one last time.

- My friend Erin is going to their farewell departure at St. Andrews Air Force base.

-Former President HW Bush looks really frail.

-I have a much better view of events that most of the millions there in person.

-I find it very ironic that the inauguration of America's first "African-American" president coincides with the day we celebrate the life of MLK Jr.

-Maybe its better that I didn't watch this inauguration with my students the more I think about it... it would have been hard not to respond to "ignorant comments".