In a few hours, I’m leaving for DC to spend the weekend with my dear friends Cara, Christie, and Danielle.  We’re going to the the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the American Studies Program – but what we’re really going for is to see each other!  There are
a few other Fall ’98 Alumni coming so it should be a fun time.   I’m picking up Cara and Christie at the airport and Danielle and her husband are driving in from Gettysburg, PA.

On Saturday morning, they’ve asked me to speak on a panel about education.  The other speakers include:

1.  A private school science teacher who’s been teaching at least 15-20 years longer than me.

2.  The Executive Vice-President of the Council on Christian Colleges and Universities

3.  The Deputy Chief of Staff of US Department of Education

4.  Me, first year teacher (I feel a little under-qualified).

I am supposed to be representing the public school voice – I think I’m probably the only one they could find!  So anyway, it should be pretty interesting to add my “in the trenches” perspective to the USDOE.  I’ll let you know how it goes!

More than anything though, I am looking forward to spending time with my three friends – it will be the first time that we “Apartment 4” roommates have all been together for any extended period of time since we left ASP 7 1/2 years ago.