From the Principal…
When hiking friend, Nick, asked if I would like to attempt the John Muir Trail (JMT), I jumped at the chance. I wanted to see if the High Sierra Mountains of California were as beautiful as photos I’d seen. I wanted to climb my first 14,000 foot mountain. I wanted to spend twenty-one days on the trail carrying everything needed in my pack.
I learned much from those days on the JMT. The physical challenge was greater than expected. The beauty was much greater than I could imagine. History and stories surrounded the most unlikely locations, especially at 14,000 feet.
I felt thankful at every step of this trip but realized that the sense of adventure came from the unexpected learning that occurred. Some of the best learning occurred where things were hardest.
That unexpected learning can happen right here at home. I often see small adventures in learning happen in our classrooms as students and teachers take on challenges, try new things, or approach a problem from another angle.
There are more than enough adventures to last a lifetime if we have an enthusiasm for learning and exploration. Adventures in learning are what we want for all of our students.
If you want to read more about the JMT hiking trip go to OzarkMountainHiker.com
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While we’re on the subject of adventure, be sure to read page 2 of the newsletter linked below where Rebecca Tate shares her summer learning at Mount Vernon. She was selected among hundreds of applications to be part of a small group of teachers for a one-week seminar. Miss Tate experienced a week packed with new learning that will benefit our students and our staff.
To read the entire September newsletter including photos, open this link:
I'm a retired educator. I enjoy learning and sharing with others. If you like the outdoors, check out my other blog: ozarkmountainhiker.com 
Principal Notes 