Reimagining Education at Northern Parkway School

Reimagining Education 

The conceptual idea of an innovative program at Northern Parkway School in the Uniondale School District, founded by Assistant Principal Sheilah Dr. Jefferson-Isaac and coined The Dreamkeepers is based on the work of researchers Dr. Vanessa Siddle Walker and Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings.  In the book, “Their Highest Potential – An African American School Community in the Segregated South” Siddle Walker shares the story of one school community in the segregated south. This school, Caswell County Training School, succeeded in providing nurturing educational environments and thrived with parental support even when faced with enormous obstacles.  Siddle Walker’s research shows that the teachers and principal of this school believed their jobs extended well beyond the classroom and because the educators were genuinely interested in teaching the whole child (academically and socially), students had no choice but to be successful.  Coupled with this research and conceptual model for change was the book “The Dreamkeepers  - Successful teachers of African American Children” by Gloria Ladson-Billings. Ladson-Billings wrote: Culturally relevant teaching fosters the kinds of social interactions in the classroom that support the individual in the group context.  Students felt a part of the collective effort designed to encourage academic and cultural excellence.  As members of an extended family, the students assist, support, and encourage one another.  The entire group rises and falls together.  Thus it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure that the others in the group are successful. 

The Dreamkeepers program at Northern Parkway School consists primarily of six core elementary school teachers who will use a “Whatever It Takes” model of community, accountability, and culturally relevant teaching, to embark on an educational journey with the same cohort of over 100 African American and Latina/o students, for the next four years.  They are reimagining what education can look like and feel like for students, known as The Dreamchasers.  They are committed to providing experiences for students that enhance their critical thinking, communication skills, creativity and foster collaboration. 

Just Fine (The song that represents my summer of conferences)

I'm a bit of a procrastinator and so I although I've been planning on writing this post, it wasn't until reading Brenda's latest blog post (@PrincipalMN) and thinking of a song title that represented my summer, did I finally sit down to write.  Of course, I was motivated by the opportunity to get my fav Mary J Blige in a blog post!  So why did I choose "Just Fine" to represent my summer?  Just Fine sums up how I feel after a summer of conference hopping that began on June 30th and ended on July 20, 2017l.

June 30th - EdCampldr in Long Island, New York
I have been a part of the EdCamp Long Island scene for a number of years and have grown my professional network across Long Island as a result.  Although school had just ended a week before, learning never ends! I attended my first Breakout EDU session, sat in on a conversation about Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, and co-facilitated a conversation about Parent Camp.  

#learningisjofyul with Uniondale colleagues. 

 "Having a really good time, I'm not complaining

And I'm a still wear a smile if it's raining

I got to enjoy myself regardless

I appreciate life, I'm so glad I got mine"

"Just Fine" Mary J Blige

July 8 - July 10th, Principal's Conference  - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I attended my first NAESP national conference and walked away feeling a bit perplexed at the mix of emotions I felt after the conference.  On the surface, I had a GREAT time! Socially it was like attending an all-star festival of educators that I've only known through Twitter and Voxer.  Like Jay (@posickj) shared in his blog post: People either get it, or they don't.  The connections that we make via social media can have a lasting impression on our lives as educators.  I also had a chance to spend time with Long Island educators and with a colleague that I had worked with over 20 years ago (even though we work less than 10 minutes from each other).  Below are just a few pics that made #NPC17 such a joyful learning experience! 

Members of #PTCamp Voxer
group since 2014

Former Roosevelt SD Colleague 

Long Island Educators 

At the Crayola breakfast with Todd and Brad

Met Kaylen Tucker! 

I have to admit, professionally and academically I left feeling a bit empty.  Sure I went to some engaging sessions, obtained some useful tips and resources but I can't say my heart and soul was moved as there was no fire that was lit.  It was a bittersweet feeling but I was quickly on my way to the next conference stop and accepted the time in Philly for what it was. 

"No time for moping around, are you kidding

And no time for negative vibes, cause I'm winning

It's been a long week, I put in my hardest

Gonna live my life, feels so good to get it right"

"Just Fine" Mary J Blige

July 11th - July 12th - Learn Fresh All-Star Educator Summit - Denver, Co.

Being selected as an All-Star Educator for this organization was such an honor.  Take a moment to visit NBA Math Hoops and follow the them on Twitter (@NBAMathHoops). My students have been participating for the last 3 years.  Reach out to me if you are interested and would like more information.  NBA Math Hoops is developed and distributed by Learn Fresh, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in association with NBA Cares. Learn Fresh seeks to eliminate racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps, and ensure that all U.S. students are engaged in school and have a solid foundation in fundamental skills.   

"Feels so good, when you're doing all the things that you want do 
Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new
It's a really good thing to say
That I won't change my life, my life's just fine"
"Just Fine" Mary J Blige

July 17th - July 20th  - Reimagining Education: Teaching and Learning in Racially Diverse Schools - Teachers College, Columbia University 

Day 1 - Why Reimagining

Day 2 - Racial and Cultural Literacies

Day 3 - Equity Pedagogy 

Day 4 -Culturally Sustaining Leadership

Hold up, wait a minute...a conference filled with All-Star educators that was specifically designed to talk about the promise, potential and brilliance of Black and Brown children?!?! Please, please, please take a look at the conference curriculum and bios of the Speakers that were present and read their research if you are not familiar with them.   Here are just a few tweets and pics from this powerful conference. 

With Kass Minor! 

With Team Uniondale! 

This conference was just what I needed to fill that gap from the National Principals Conference. Socially, as with all of the other conferences, I enjoyed the experience.  But more importantly the work that has been done and needs to be done for Students of Color was front and center.  That is my life's work and that was "Just Fine" for me! 

 "Got my head on straight, I got my mind right
I ain't gonna let you kill it
You see I wouldn't change my life my life's just fine"
"Just Fine" Mary J Blige 

#laststopli

Welcome to #LastStopLI project based on the book Last Stop on Market Street.

*Celebrate the uniqueness of Long Island communities
*Create connections between educators on Long Island
*Create connections among students on Long Island

The idea for LastStopLI began at #EdCampldr (2016) after I facilitated the session #BreakingNews  - How to talk about social issues in education centered around race.  As Monique (@MDarrisawAkil) shared in her blog , "the session was devoted to discussing the recent racial unrest in our country caused by the deaths of Black men by the hands of the police and then the murder of five policemen in Texas. What ensued was a thoughtful conversation that acknowledged not only the pain that we feel but the confusion about the role of educators in tackling this topic in the classroom. We debated what we should discuss with students; who is responsible for vetting the message?”  We ended the conversation by asking what's next – and the idea of a LI student book study began.  I thought, perhaps starting small and breaking down the invisible walls that exist between children and communities on Long Island is better than not starting at all.  Thanks to the book suggestion from JoEllen (@JoEllenMcCarthy), brainstorming with Alejandro (@A_RiveraNY) & Rosa (NieveslrRosa), discussions around racial discourse with Don (donald_gately) and technical support from Lisa (@LParisi)- here we are.  

  The How, Why, and What's Next of #laststopli can be anything and everything WE make it.  

The project will run for the 2016-2017 school year.  

All tweets should include #LastStopLI

Thanks to all of the teachers that collaborated with pen pals across Long Island.  However, there is one teacher, Ms. Susan Piano, that deserves a special shout-out for really embracing the #laststopli idea with her partnership teacher, Ms. Foley.  Together they had their classes from Uniondale and Farmingdale write each other, share videos with each other (Video Video 2), Skype with each other, and ultimately visit with each other with a meet-up at the end of the school year.  Here's Sue Paino's reflection: 

Our pen pal experience with Ms. Foley's second grade class at Albany Avenue Elementary was an amazing, moving, inspirational experience that's hard to even put into words.  Two different communities of children cam together and were instant best friends...hugging, holding hands, etc. They did Venn diagrams together and the similarities they cam up with outweighed the differences. This is the beauty of working with young children.  They only know love.  They see color.  They know they are a different color than another, but they don't see it as an issue.  That's a learned behavior.  This is why it's so important that we as educators instill and nurture a sense of acceptance in our students and seal the gap that may come along as they grow older and other influences may try and get in the way of their thinking.  The love and acceptance of our children should be an inspiration to us all.  

#laststopli

Check out a few #laststopli tweets: 

Did you join the #laststopli initiative?  Do you think projects like this can really make a difference?  Why or why not?  Please comment or  tweet/share your reflections using #laststopli. 

My #OneWord for 2017

A couple of days before the start of 2017 and I finally found my #oneword.  But before I share, let's take a look at a few words that first came to mind.

JOY - Personally, I think of joy as a " state of being" that I hold onto fiercely.  As I shared in a tweet, "My joy is trying to exist in that sacred space between happiness and sadness".  It's a constant balancing act to remain joyful, but when you truly believe that you are in control of how you feel and how you react to people/things/events around you - it becomes easy to exist in a state of joy.
Professionally, I believe that #learningisjoyful and serve as an advocate for joyful learning experiences for students.  So choosing joy for my #oneword felt like a cop out since I live with it everyday. 

POWER or CONTROL- The power to control your emotions, feelings, actions, and words was something I also thought of.  Being in control can be a positive attribute but wanting the power to control others can be perceived as negative.  I didn't want to have a negative connotation association with my #oneword so I kept waiting for that right word to come to me. 

INTENTIONAL - Doing things with a direct purpose and knowing my "why" (https://youtu.be/LZe5y2D60YU) led me to believe that intentional would be a good #oneword for 2017.  But for some reason, it didn't stick with me!  

I kept thinking...what #oneword will help me maintain my joy, remain positively powerful and in control, and intentional in my actions?  Finally, it became clear and I chose: 

In a world where I am constantly balancing my professional life, professional goals, personal life and personal goals, it's hard to focus on one thing at a time.  As a Sagittarius, I am true to my sign!  I am known to ...juggle a million projects, hobbies and friends - the more, the merrier!" (http://astrostyle.com/sagittarius/)

While enthusiastic Sagittarius helps us take risks and big leaps of faith, we can bite off more than we can chew. Under this sign’s influence, we need to know our limits. Otherwise, we can get excited about starting new projects, but fail to follow through. (http://astrostyle.com/sagittarius-horoscope) 

So yes, as a natural multi-tasker, I live for thrill of doing it all!  But maybe, for 2017, I won't try to do "it" all.  I'll focus on no more than 1 or 2 things, ok, maybe 3 at a time.  I will take time to focus each day and ask myself: 

1.  Is "it" bringing me joy or will it bring me joy?

2.  Is the "power or control" of "it" driving me or limiting me?
and 

3.  What is my intention, purpose or why for doing "it"? 

Answering these questions truthfully may allow me to say NO to a lot of things and YES to things that really matter.  And with less things to juggle, I will be able to FOCUS on the things that really matter.  

Wishing you a Joyful 2017! 

Do you see what I see?

Do you see what I see? 

Sunday evening, I received this (edited) email from a local community organization:   

Dear Members,

(A local) Supermarket will have a hot dog cart out front on Saturday and Sunday Oct 15 & 16.  They are providing the cart and all the food.  They are offering it to us as a fundraising opportunity.

All we need are some students and a parent or two to oversee the students.  This is a great opportunity for the students to get volunteer service hours for helping out. 

Did anything or any word move you?  Make you think, question, or pause? 

An hour later...

...while reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, I read this:  

Did anything or any word move you? Make you think, question, or pause? 

Words matter.  Context matter.  The lens in which I view this world matters.  

Can you see what I see?  Can you feel what I feel?  

Flashback Friday!

One of the best things about working during the summer as a school administrator is getting a chance to read and reflect with minimal distractions.   Today I decided to tackle my closet and review the contents of about a dozen binders that were just collecting dust on a top shelf.  As I went through the binders, I was quickly reminded how so many "innovative" educational ideas are really just ideas that have been dusted off and repackaged.  Not that I have a problem with that.  But it makes me wonder (1) If it didn't work 20 years ago, why do we think it's going to work now?  And more importantly (2) Why didn't it work?!?!?!?   A lot to think and I will probably continue to ponder these questions as an educator but back to Flashback Friday.

As I was reviewing the contents of an administrative observation report binder, I found one of my own observation reports.  It was from 1992, my 2nd year as a classroom teacher that was written by my former principal and mentor Mr. Charles McIlwain (Roosevelt, NY).

Here's a screenshot of the observation report.

Again,..lots of thoughts behind it, but for now I thought it would be fun to share!  

Teacher: Ms. S. Jefferson Date of observation: 1/28/92

Ms. Jefferson began her class by explaining to her class the objective of today’s lesson: Social History: Essay - describe how Rap Music influences the lives of young people. (Rap Music, Rap Artist, Incidents or Messages).

The teacher also explained to the class that this assignment is good preparation for end/year requirements (150 words) - Students were given a work sheet to serve as a guide for the first draft.

It was quite interesting to note that there were differences of opinion as to what was negative or positive influences often stated by "Rap Groups".

The teacher has a lot of influence on the class because of her age and is recommended to continue this type of dialogue more frequently for the sake of our young people

Ms. Jefferson has a very good rapport with her students and displays a genuine concern for energy providing the necessary leadership that

these young people need and deserve. Ms. Jefferson is a true asset to our staff and student population.

Ms. Jefferson is extremely patient, kind, caring and provide the time for individuals and group assistance. She is constantly encouraging students to seek additional assistance during non-class time and after school. Ms. Jefferson arrives at school very early and remains very late in the PM for students assistance.

Ms. Jefferson is a very young teacher and has all the ingredients in becoming a Master Teacher and should often practice being firm, fair

and demanding at all times. This will come shortly if practiced on a continuous bases. Excellent lesson.

Do you have observation reports from your first few years of teaching?  Are your hopes and dreams still the same? If you are an administrator - does your leadership style and expectations align with your teaching style?  For me, I think I have been pretty consistent - meaningful, relevant learning experiences for all students.  #learningisjoyful 

Shhh...Artists and Musicians are Reading

Whenever I get stuck on a blog theme, I always go back to #learningisjoyful.  Why?  Because I believe/advocate/promote/inspire/encourage/demand joyful learning experiences for students. What makes #learningisjoyful such an easy tag line?   For me, it's because joyful learning experiences can happen anywhere and anytime the learner is engaged in something that sparks joy!

Independent reading time can be and should be a joyful experience for students!  This year, I have been encouraging all of the special area teachers in my building to add intentional reading time to their programs. It's been my goal to help them appreciate that reading either to students or allowing time for students to read independently does not take away from art, music, and physical education classes but can actually enhance their program.  The feedback so far has been great - take a look:

Ms. Axel - Elementary Art Teacher 

At clean-up time, I have been using the books that comprise my personal collection of art books (picture books, biographies, books that deal with feelings) and this has enriched the art program.  The students do not rush their work but instead of finding something to do if there is 5 minutes left in class, my student know that they can select an art book and read!

Mr. Allen, General Music and Band Teacher 

By reading books about Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, and Duke Ellington, my students have learned about famous musicians struggles and triumphs.  Additionally they have discovered famous music venues such as the The Cotton Club, Carnegie Hall, La Scala Opera, The Lincoln Memorial, and Constitution Hall.

Mrs. Green - General Music and Orchestra Teacher
I have found that reading to the students at the start of a general music class sets the tone of the lesson.  It is usually a calmer and more thoughtful lesson after reading.

Mrs. Prill - General Music and Chorus Teacher

I love to read stories and children's books about musicians.
It helps introduce them to different genres that I also follow up with videos and of course music!  The best was when I was sharing information about trombones and jazz and the students told me about a book that our art teacher Mr. Sumner had just read to them - Trombone Shorty! Another favorite of mine is Opera Cat, it really opens the students up to learning about opera.

Mr. Sumner  - Elementary Art Teacher

Benefits of reading - It opens your life up so that you can experience history of the world.  Everything that has ever existed, every though, every dream, every big moment, you can read about and dream your own dream.  In some case even visit some of these places or visit through the internet.

I read to my students in my elementary art class because I LOVE reading picture books, secondly because of the great illustrators that capture the feeling of the authors.  Authors give the world a gift that we should always cherish.

How have you spread the love of reading in your school?  Please share some of your #learningisjoyful reading experiences!  

#learningisjoyful with Minecraft

#learningisjoyful

A couple of weeks ago, I overheard a few third grade boys talking about Minecraft in the cafeteria.  I was really intrigued and decided to ask them a few questions.  They were soooo excited to tell me about Minecraft that I invited them to have lunch with me in my office to learn more about it.  Minecraft has been around for a few years but the educational experiences that come from experiencing Minecraft seem to be gaining new life. I’ve always wanted to learn more about it so I figured why not have the experts in the field teach me.  Yes, these third graders are experts and passionate about Minecraft.  Their vivid language, vocabulary and examples of how to play the game went way beyond what I could master in one setting, I was in awe and as a result, we have decided to meet once a week so they can continue to teach me.  The only problem is that it started off with four boys, but a few more boys heard about it as well as a few girls. What started off as a small lunch club has the potential to grow into something amazing! What a great problem to have...I just have to figure out how to make it work!

What are your students passionate about?  Have you taken the time to ask them about their favorite joyful learning experiences?  Remember - you do not need to be an expert in everything- what can you learn from the experts in your class?  

My One Word for 2016

 I recently participated in a Voxer book study with approximately 30 fearless women - most of whom have never met each other.  Over 31 days we shared, reflected, and supported each other while reading Notes to Me - Inspirational and Motivational Reminders for Women by Dr. Kimberly Giles and Dr. Tammy Jenkins.  An added bonus was these two powerful authors participated in the Voxer book study with us!





A few of my favorite inspirational and motivational reminders were
Day 4 - Love Yourself - A reminder that self-love is about remembering to be tender and kind to ourselves and remembering to take care of our minds, bodies and spirits daily!
Day 15 - Hey Gorgeous, Yes You - Just know it doesn't matter how tall, short, thin, or fat you are  - Gorgeous is a state of mind and all about how you feel about yourself...We are all gorgeous in our own way.  Take the time today to embrace it! 
Day 16 - Joy - You deserve joy not just every now and then but each and every day.  Go get your Joy!!

But back to my One Word for 2016 

At the conclusion of Notes to Me - the authors share:

"Imagine being able to challenge yourself daily, gentle challenges like the little pushes in the right direction that one needs to act and make some positive changes to your life.  Imagine being able to feel confident and able to say "No" to some of the many demands that are placed upon you, without the need to make up an elaborate excuse."

So here it is - my One Word for 2016 

For 2016, I will not only IMAGINE a life filled with joy, balance, purpose, gratitude, peace, confidence, focus, and love -  I will remind myself each day that I deserve it, set goals to achieve it, and forgive myself on days that I fall short.

...and I will keep Notes to Me, close by as a constant source of inspiration when needed!

They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.5)

Just spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!

Chapter 6 - Discussion, Recommendation, and Implications (page 83 of my dissertation) 

Implications for School Leaders

The girls in this study responded to various questions about gender and race; however these responses were limited.   Perhaps this is because they have not been confronted with specific biases that test their awareness of gender and racial issues.  I assert that their parents and teachers never acknowledged the potential impact or influence or race and gender on their educational and mathematical experiences.  Parents may wish to shield their daughters away from this issue but successful teacher of
African American students do not ignore them (Ladson-Billings, 1994).  Teachers need help to understand the strengths and needs of students who come for diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, who have specific disabilities, or who posses a special talent and interest in mathematics.  To accommodate differences among students effectively and sensitively, teachers also need to understand and confront their own beliefs and biases.  When we discourage students from engaging in public conversations about race and social justice, we lose an important component of education.  In a multicultural society, it is crucial to help students consider diversity, understanding and the places where the two intersect and clash.  We need to create classrooms that involve students in quest to make sense of their world.  Such classrooms authentically address equity, educate the whole child, and value each and every student (Brooks and Thompson, 2005).

They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.4)

Just spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!

Chapter 6 - Discussion, Recommendation, and Implications (page 82 of my dissertation)

What do they mean by good? 

African American fifth grade girls in this study believed that their teachers are in control of all of the learning that takes place and passivity in the mathematics classroom is the key to academic success.  The girls often equated being good as "being quiet and listening to the teacher".  The girls did not describe and I did not observe opportunities for the girls to become empowered and independent thinkers.  The girls were comfortable sharing that being quiet in class meant that they were good students.  If they continue to believe that not having a voice or an opinion in class is the key to success, they will learn only how to play by the rules established by their teachers.  Mathematics classes need to become places where originality, independent and creative thinking, and imagination are valued (Turner, 1995). 

They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.3)

Just spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!

Chapter 6 - Discussion, Recommendation, and Implications (page 81 of my dissertation)

One reoccurring theme that was evident from most of the participants' responses was the need to know mathematics in order to "pay bills and count your money".  This simple view of the importance of mathematics may by one reason that African American girls do not pursue mathematics on higher levels.  The need to "get a job" and to "make money" appeared to be the only reason the study of mathematics was important to the participants.  If African American girls perceive mathematics as important only because they have to know how to count money and pay bills and not as an avenue for a variety of educational and occupational opportunities, they will not actively pursue mathematics.  In trying to get students to understand mathematics, teachers may have overemphasized to these African American girls how mathematics relates to everyday life and ignored the connections between mathematics literacy and career flexibility.

For these African American girls to seek out mathematical opportunities beyond the obvious, they need innovate and creative teachers and role models to help them make the connections.  African American girls have the potential and academic ability to become leaders in the mathematical community.  However, the key is to alter the way they view mathematics at an early age.  If African American girls are to become women with an interest in mathematical related careers, their views of mathematics must start to become more wholistic and meaningful.

They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.2)

Spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!

Chapter 5  -Research Findings (page 68 of my dissertation)

Teacher's Self Assessments - Confident and Knowledgeable Teachers

Students' understanding of mathematics, their ability to use it to solve problems, and their confidence in doing mathematics are all shaped by the teaching they encounter in school.  To be effective, teachers must understand and be committed to students as learners of mathematics.  They must know and understand deeply the mathematics they are teaching and be able to draw on that knowledge with flexibility in their teaching tasks. Teachers must become aware of personal beliefs, values and expectations that guide their interactions with students.

They Count Also: African American Girls and Math (Dissertation review p.1)

Spent the day reading my dissertation and just wanted to share!

Review of Research (page 15 of my dissertation)

Adenika-Morrow (1996) reported that  "in no academic area does the nexus between race and gender claim more casualties than in the area of mathematics and science-and no group has been more excluded than African-American girls. Studies of women generally overlook women of color, and studies of students of color de-emphasize gender difference" (p.80).  Adenika-Morrow (1996) also suggested that it takes a significant amount of courage for African American females to make nontraditional educational and career choices.  Because of the need for some African American women to become financially independent at an early age, Adenika-Morrow suggests that African American females generally made safe career choices (service and clerical positions, teaches, nurses, and other low-paying female dominated jobs) and avoided obstacles in which they would have to negotiate their way into White, male dominated careers.

Reflections from a 1st timer after #nerdcampli

There are emails that you wish you never opened, emails that make you mad, emails that make you laugh and emails that you want to cherish forever.  The following email is one to cherish.  It came from a first time edcamper after attending #Nerdcampli.  I was given permission to share the email but was respectfully asked not to include names.  For anyone thinking about attending an edcamp - I hope these words inspire you to try one.  

Wow!!  What an incredible afternoon. While I generally don't respond after conferences, I feel I need to say a few things about today's events:

First, thank you for telling me about it!  I am going to be signing up for the one in July as well. 

Second, hearing (and meeting) Lynda Mullaly Hunt was both an honor and humbling experience. What she showed us is that those students who are 'invisible' are really the ones we need to make the MOST visible. I read her novel Fish in a Tree again when I came home. I actually could see some of my students in her novel and will be approaching their education differently. 

In the next session, while I was very interested in listening to how to introduce YA novels to students and make connections to them, it was Mrs. Hunt's session that still played in my mind ('my mind movie' if you will).   I was able to have many conversations with other educators and administrators after her session and wrote down many other books/novels/stories that my students will be able to relate to as well. 

I also will be ordering "affirmation" cards from Vistaprint for my students.  

I apologize for the length, but never have I been so moved, humbled or touched by someone the way I was today. 

I hope to make my invisibles--visible!!

With deepest and sincerest gratitude,

(A very PROUD teacher)

This is just a sample of the responses and reflections shared by our teachers after attending #nerdcampl1.  On behalf of the entire Northern Parkway Admin team - thanks for taking a chance on a Saturday attending this un-conference.  #learningisjoyful