Untitled poems

By Kira Euard

(1) 

Life has made us both into vectors 

Disguised as lambs

And it has fooled us into thinking 

We both are the innocent ones

(2)

The sun is more my friend than the moon 

And that is not her fault 

I happen to just look at the light in myself more fondly 

In the day, than I do at night

(3)

You slip into the waters of your contempt

And you beckon me towards you

With one graceful gesture.

Instead I turn and leave 

Because being without you

Is better than feeling lost.

The Common

By Pamela Lopez-Rodriguez

A hot shower

Getting to pick what you want for dinner

Eating three meals a day

Owning the newest shoes

Affording college

Driving a car instead of taking the subway

Receiving a birthday present annually

A bed to snuggle in

Living

                         

                                         - privilege

My classroom

By Ileana Escalante


My classroom smells sweet and feels cozy and welcoming. My plants glow, greeting me with winks of green and, when I’m lucky, a few flowers.

My classroom trembles with “good vibes” and warm thoughts and this insatiable desire to help everyone. It roars with you-can-do-it’s and you-are-amazing’s.

The sun through my windows speaks promises of blue skies and better days. It brightens my walls and my words and my hours.

My students sit down and breathe and hopefully feel like they belong. They grab a marker and an old sock and spread words on those desks, knowledge... they got this.

Sometimes they dance and laugh and remind me why I teach. Sometimes they cry and trust and open up their hearts, longing for a helping hand. They like to be hugged and greeted and seen. They like to be reminded they matter.

In my classroom, they do.

I memorize their eyes faster than I memorize their names. Sometimes, when I kneel by their desk, they memorize mine. They know I care.

Sometimes my classroom looks messy with some papers on the floor and forgotten water bottles. Those times, I yell at the kids and we take out the broom and we clean and we remember that we’re in this together. Those times, I also remember why I teach.

There are times when we eat in my classroom. We make tortillas and honor our culture and the millions of wrinkled hands that have taught us how to make them. Then we sprinkle some cheese on them and chew, to the rhythm of bachata and cumbia and merengue, together.

My classroom makes me feel alive...

After 39 years of teaching, Mr. Gowdy cleans out his classroom at Handley with the help of his brother Tim.

Making History: JHHS Teacher Jim Gowdy reflects on a career spent making the events of the past relevant to Winchester's teens

By Star Friend

History teacher Jim Gowdy will retire this year after 39 years in education, 38 of them spent at Handley. Like many educators retiring this year during the nationwide quarantine, Mr. Gowdy will not be able to celebrate his retirement with his students and colleagues at school this May, but after 39 years of teaching, he has learned many things he can share about the profession. His students and coworkers will remember his unwavering enthusiasm and his ability to see the positive in every lesson and challenge.

I asked Mr. Gowdy a few questions about his experiences over nearly 40 years as a teacher. Here are his answers.

Q: You have been a teacher for 39 years, correct? Have you always taught history at Handley?

A: I taught ONE year at James Wood Amherst Campus and 38 years at Handley.

I started at Handley teaching US / VA History. I switched to World History I & II as the SOLs became more important.

I have taught US/VA History, World History I & II, US/VA Government, World Geography, Computer Programming, Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow, and Academic Enhancement.

I co-taught Inclusion classes with Mrs. Foltz. I taught in the Alternative Program called Career Intern Program (CIP) with Mr. Melvin Rhodes. I have taught in FOUR versions of the Freshmen Academy. This year's graduating class was my last academy.

Q: What is the biggest change to occur in education or at Handley since you started teaching?

A: FOUR changes in education have affected me the most.

First, computers came to Handley around 1985. The Handley Trust bought 25 TRS-80 (Tandy Radio Shack with 8080 processor) computers and created a lab in room 1331.

Second, the use of Standards of Learning (S.O.L.) to evaluate if schools and teachers were doing a good job teaching students.

Third, development of I.E.P. or Individual Education Plans to help students with disabilities.

Fourth, the change from traditional to block scheduling AND the fact that Handley has grown in size. (Handley was 600 or 700 students in four grades when I started)

Q: Can you recall your proudest moment as a teacher?

A: During renovation, the administration had given me a block with NO students. I was supposed to go and get students from other classes and remediate. NO one would give me a student to reteach. About three weeks into the semester, Mr. Mark Potts (another World History teacher and now a Superintendent in OHIO) were talking. He told me IF he could just get ‘rid’ of FOUR students he thought the rest would pass the SOL test.

So, Mr. Potts and I talked to Assistant Principal Mike Madden. We asked him to let us redistribute Mr. Potts’ World History I class. I took the “FABULOUS FOUR” and he kept the rest. When the SOL results came back ALL but one student had passed. Mr. Potts and I shared a soda IN the Triangle Dinner to celebrate.

Q: What do you think you will miss most? Is there anything you won't miss?

A: I will miss my colleagues and staff at Handley the MOST! Some of whom I have known and worked beside for over 30 years. I also miss the former teachers at Handley who have gone on before me...the LONG Maroon Line.

I will NOT miss the paperwork that has become a part of education.

Q: What will you do in retirement? Any chance you'll work as a substitute teacher?
A: I have considered getting another job or teaching part-time.
I would NOT like to substitute!


Q: What is your advice to new teachers?

A: Come early and be ready for class.

Associate with your fellow teachers and staff. Borrow from them until you get enough understanding of how kids learn.

Edify or talk well about your fellow teachers, administration, and staff. When you get into ‘trouble’ they will be the ones who CAN fix your problem.

Know that the secretaries run the school. PUT yourself in their good graces. (Bring them flowers or chocolate)

Marry a strong person. (because they will have to listen to you…)

Learn how to use the technology but remember that teaching is NOT just using technology.

A photo of Jim Gowdy early in his teaching career.