Welcome to Another School Year: I'm Celebrating the Start of My 40th Year in Education. A New Soon to Be Space Center Family. Imaginarium Theater.

My first sixth grade class.  These Youngsters are around 51 years old this year

       Has it been 40 years?  Where has the time gone?  My 40th sixth grade class appeared on my classroom doorstep last Tuesday.  There are 93 of them. They arrived dressed in their school uniforms and ready to learn.  I'll teach all of them math and half of them history (the non-Chinese DLI students).

Learning about the middle ages.  1983-1984

     I started my career in 1983 at Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove, the same school where I student taught the school year before with Mr. Mike Thompson.  I was assigned to student teach in Springville but BYU made a clerical error and assigned two teachers to that position.  They called me in and asked if I'd be willing to switch to Central School in Pleasant Grove.  It was my choice. I decided to go with Central.  The rest is history. 

Recording a Reader's Theater. 1983-1984

     I taught 6th grade from 1983 to 1990.  In 1990 I opened the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. I directed the Space Center for 23 years before retiring from the Alpine School District in 2013.  I continued to teach 6th grade math during the 23 years I directed the Space Center.  My math class started daily at 9:00 A.M. and ended in time to start the Space Center field trip. 

Field Day at Central.  1983-1984

     Sixth graders haven't changed too much over the years but I have, as one would expect having arrived at my 64th trip around the sun last June.  I can still put in the long days required of a teacher but my legs sure feel it at the end of the day. 

Field Trip to Hogle Zoo. The Girls Loved Randy.

     I'm debating on whether or not to renew my teaching license at the end of this school year or slip away into the abyss.  I'm still enjoying the classroom so I'll see how I feel at the end of the year.  The kids keep you mentally sharp and active and I appreciate that.  

                                     Our Final Day and Final Class Photo.  May 1984

     I have a great 6th grade team. We are all older and share the same teaching philosophy so that is a big plus.  I've got a great classroom aide who keeps me focused when I drift away while performing an equation on the whiteboard. I'm at a great school that values unique and creative approaches to teaching so that is another big plus.  And finally, good students from good supporting families that appreciate a teacher with a dwindling crop of white hair. 

The Last Goodbye on the chalkboard

     Finally, I want to wish everyone a happy and productive school year wherever you are.  A new school year for many is a time of renewal and fresh starts.  Let's be successful together!  

Mr. Williamson   

       

Congratulations to Another Soon to Be Space Center Family

Jordan Smith and Brylee Perry

     One side benefit of volunteering and or working at the Space Center is the possibility of finding your one true love. It happened in the past and is happening now.  

     Congratulations to Jordan Smith and Brylee Perry who became engaged on August 10th. Jordan was the Phoenix Set Director until he retired from Starfleet several months ago and took a civilian job on Earth.  Brylee is the Galileo's current Set Director.  She assures Jordan that she will be able to arrange prolonged visits to Earth on a regular basis.  

  

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