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Leafy Vegetables Strawberries May - September
June 17, 2018
Mid June - Mid July
Issue No. 24
Cabbage
June - November
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SOUTH EDITION
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New York State Teacher of the Year visits the White House Fourth-grade Brockport Hill School opportunity to meet with many of the curateacher and current New York State tors and administrators who guard some Teacher of the Year, Christopher Albrecht, of what many believe to be America’s most has spent this school year on an enriching beloved treasures was deeply meaningful. journey. Among his numerous classroom Albrecht was in a group that visited the visits, speaking engagements and profes- Museum of Folk Life and received hours of sional development opportunities, he says instruction on the importance of cultural two words have stayed at the forefront of variety in the classroom. He said interacting with the curators in the Smithsonian his mind: fortunate and loved. In May, Albrecht reunited with all of Learning Lab was fascinating and he can the other 56 ambassadors of education, envision himself working there down the representing the 50 states and territo- road after retirement. In late June, Albrecht ries, for an extraordinary experience to will return to Washington, DC to work on work with legislators, collaborate with educational policy. Directly following this the Smithsonian Institute and meet with conference, Albrecht will participate in the political leaders in the nation’s capital, American Folk Life Festival. “By meeting these amazing curators, I am Washington, DC. Albrecht said the trip was full of activity but an experience he now getting the opportunity to collaborate with the Smithsonian. It is a dream come will never forget. “It brought me joy to be able to have my true,” said Albrecht. “This wasn’t just a wife with me through most of this experi- celebration, though, there was a great deal ence,” said Albrecht. “She is my sounding of learning involved. Studying cultures, board and understands the amazing jour- music and why people are the way they are is something I can bring back to Brockport ney a teacher’s career path takes.” He arrived in DC on Sunday, April 29, with me.” The following day featured advocacy where he described the scene of a family reunion. Having met the other state teach- meetings in the US Capitol Building. Albreers of the year at the previous February cht arranged sessions with representatives weeklong intensive training in San Fran- from Congressman John Faso’s Office, Congressman Brian cisco, Albrecht Higgins’ Office and said the warmth Senator Charles and excitement Schumer’s Office, filled the atmowhere he brought sphere when they a number of topics reunited. In fact, to the table, includhe said seeing peoing school safety, ple from all over the importance of the country again early childhood and strengthenintervention and ing those relationshifting the grade ships was his falevels for foreign vorite part of the language classes. whole trip. Albrecht discussed “Everyone is so the importance different,” said Alof strengthening brecht. “The range the ties between of state teachers of communities the year is vast. and schools, and There are kinderstressed that there garten teachers, is a huge diversity math teachers, music teachers Albrecht promised his class he would take a photo of culture from one and language arts in front of Washington’s portrait with their class flag. school to another. Therefore, he said a teachers, but we are all bound together by our common lot of the decisions that are best for a school need to be made as local as possible. passion for teaching.” The coveted trip to the White House was The next day Albrecht and the other teachers of the year spent two hours meet- another memorable moment for Albrecht. ing with United States Secretary of Edu- He was humbled to serve as an honored cation Betsy DeVos to discuss important guest with his wife and other teachers of the topics such as educational equity. Teachers year as the national teacher of the year was had the opportunity to ask questions and named and recognized by President Donald voice concerns before splitting into break- Trump. His classroom flag made the journey out sessions, of which Albrecht attended with him, too, as he promised his class he would take a photo with the flag in front of “Rethinking Education.” A highlight of the trip in Albrecht’s Washington’s portrait. To his class’ delight, opinion occurred later that day when the he fulfilled his promise. Albrecht’s adventure continued with a teachers visited the Smithsonian Institution. Albrecht has been a member of the visit to the United States Naval ObservatoSmithsonian Institute since 1995, so the ry and the residence of Vice President Mike
Christopher Albrecht and his fourth-grade class. Pence and his wife, Karen. Each person was welcomed with a hug and a handshake from the second lady and music from the United States Marine Band. Albrecht described the interactions as natural and unscripted in a warm, inviting environment. The second lady even introduced their pet rabbit, Marlon Bundo. “We were told that Vice President Pence would not be there. Suddenly, he was in the room with us. My wife and I spent nearly five minutes talking with Mr. and Mrs. Pence,” said Albrecht. The week in Washington, DC concluded with a gala on Thursday night, where Albrecht sat with Thomas Gentzel, the executive director and CEO of the National School Boards Association. Albrecht said the evening featured a mixture of enjoyment and deep conversations about state testing challenges, safety, and how to narrow the gap between policymakers and people in the classrooms. Gentzel is deeply involved with community service, one of the pillars Albrecht has focused on throughout his career and is continuing to promote during his tenure as NYS Teacher of the Year. Intertwined throughout the meetings and professional development opportunities during his time in Washington, Albrecht made visits to national museums and historic monuments. He took in the sights and sounds of the capital city; reflecting on the protestors exercising their first amendment freedom of speech outside the White House and witnessing the joy and awe of middle school students on class trips. Albrecht left Washington, having to exit early, to return to Rochester to check an item off his bucket list: presenting a TEDx Talk. This talk will be available this sum-
mer after it goes through the publication process. He says he will continue to cherish the upcoming months as he fulfills his responsibilities as NYS Teacher of the Year and makes connections with teachers throughout the United States that will be with him for a lifetime. “Though the trip to Washington, DC was amazing, this year has been an incredible learning opportunity. It has helped me gain vision and make connections that will allow me to use this great gift to benefit our schools nationally, in New York and locally. I look forward to making a difference with what I have learned,” said Albrecht. Provided information and photos
Christopher Albrecht meets Vice President Mike Pence.