YEAR IN REVIEW 2008

The beginning of 2008 was not much different than the beginning of the previous year.  I was teaching eighth grade social studies at Corporate Landing Middle School and kayak fishing as often as possible.  In March a friend from my days in the Marines contacted me wanting to know if "I know anyone who might be interested in a marketing position" at his institution, American Public University to which I applied in the affirmative.  Unfortunately, I had to leave the middle school with about a month left in the school year, but managed to complete the teaching of the curriculum and preparing my students for the states standards of learning (SOL) test the week after my departure.  I later was informed that my students did exceptionally well on these tests and felt a little less guilty for having to leave before the end of the year.  My inclusion class, including autistic, ESL, special needs, and a variety of at-risk, socio-economic challenged students, from which the best students were pulled to be on the advanced team, managed a greater than 90% pass rate on the state tests.  For those who don't know, this was a great achievement for them. 

I am learning to fish for Smallmouth Bass and am having some success at Point of Rocks on the Potomac between Virginia and Maryland.  I did return to Virginia Beach to fish in a charity tournament in August and the TKAA annual tournament, benefiting Project Healing Waters in September.