Studying the Impact of Superstorm Sandy- Fire Island, NY

Funded Feb 9, 2016

We started preparing for the trip one week before we left. I had my students complete a thinking task; students were to defend their position on whether this hole, that super storm Sandy created on Fire Island should be closed. Student's were super excited and eager to see this hole, or rather the breach!

Students loved the trip. Besides the fact that they were kind of freezing, students were still quite engaged while walking. They were laughing, smiling, asking questions and overall happy. They were finding cool things on the beach and enjoying the outdoor spirits. The park rangers who guided our group even complimented us by asking if the students were in an Advanced Placement class.

The engagement in the classroom the following week was simply amazing. I had two students tell me I was their favorite teacher. Additionally, I'd like to share this story. Two days after the trip a student of mine in my 4th period said "teachers don't care about us." I'm not sure what prompted this response or the conversation preceding this statement, but moments after this was announced, four students who had gone on the trip stood up in the middle of class and said "that is simply not true. Ms. Di Bari cares. She funded this amazing trip, it was totally free and she cares a lot about us." Well you guys are the ones that made this happen, so thank you kindly!

This has put a big smile on my face and has put a big smile on my student's faces. Their argumentative essays are also quite something! This has made my first year of teaching the most rewarding year yet. Thank you so much.”

With gratitude,

Ms. DiBari