It is CrAzY to think that this is our last week of school for the 2015-2016 school year.  I do not know about all of you but it sure has gone by fast.  We all struggled and gained throughout the year.  We had success and failures this year. We grew both physically and academically.  Our writing has grown into a blog and our blogging has grown into creative thinking.

Blogging is a journey and I am proud of what my students have accomplished.  We took on the Student Blog Challenge and some of my students were rewarded by placing in the top 5 for the Eddie Awards!  None of us expected to win.  It wasn’t about winning.  It has always been about growing and learning.  I have seen my students grow in writing.  I have heard their ‘voice’ start to develop in their writing.  Blogging has allowed us to write to a global audience.  We have traveled around the globe reading and commenting on posts from students on every continent (except Antarctica).

In a globally connected world, it is vital that our students be exposed to cultures beyond the school walls.  The Student Blog Challenge has helped my students connect globally and they have learned about the world beyond the textbook, beyond a video.  They have communicated directly with real life people in countries thousands of miles away.  I have tried to explain to them that writing is the most powerful tool they will ever learn to use in life.  Writing can be used to bring down governments or build them up.  Writing can spark ideas in others, move emotions, and even can help others learn.

I’m proud of all of you! Don’t ever let anyone silence your voice!  This world is yours, stay connected, be creative, and keep blogging!

~Mr. Geiman