As many of you know, 5th graders here at Melrose travel to Washington, D.C. to support both the science and history curriculum. This was the first year that I attended with students, and I must say, it was an incredible trip!
Check out some of our photos. What landmarks can you recognize?!
It all began with a group of 55 fifth graders, waiting patiently, expectantly along Jefferson Blvd, just outside the campus of USC. There we waited 2.5 hours waiting for the chance to see our nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama. While we may have had to eat our lunch while in line (no food or drink was allowed inside) and we had to go through security with the Secret Service (that means our umbrellas had to be left behind), the energy was positive and exuberant.
Just as our Melrose STARRS pasted through security, we could hear our Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, speaking to the crowd, estimated at 37,500. The students erupted into a roar and we headed straight into the crowd. Our attempt to get to the front railing was admirable, yet short lived. We quietly made our retreat to Trousdale Parkway for a spacious greenbelt to take in the festivities.
From our new spot, the students heard the sounds of the band Ozomatli and host Jamie Foxx. We heard gubernatorial candidate, Jerry Brown and sitting California Senator Barbara Boxer address the crowd. Then, it was time for the keynote speaker, President Obama. Check out the slideshow from our adventure. Thank you for the opportunity to share this special day with your children. October 22nd, 2010 will go down as a very important date.
Here are some of the photos I took when I was in Mexico a few years ago. I had the opportunity to visit the pyramids at Teotihuacan and the Museo de Anthropologia. This is significant because some of the same artifacts I photographed were on display at the Olmec exhibit at LACMA on Thursday, on loan from the Museo de Anthropologia in Mexico City. The students made wonderful connections and had a great time being historians!
Pyramid of the Moon
Pyramid of the Sun
Look! The Gathering! We saw this!
The Jaguar... very important!
Here are some sites I look forward to sharing with you those of you who will travel to Washington, D.C.!
Almost 4 years ago now, I traveled to Africa. It was the most amazing trip! Where have you been?
This giraffe was actually hard to spot at first. Can you see why?
Savannah and me... don't worry, she is just resting and people-friendly!
The beginnings of a pride
My travel mates and Morakane, 8 weeks old
Hello huge lion!
SAFARI!
Elephant bull... rather close to the jeep!
Sunset at Olifants
EDMUSINGS & BEYOND 
