They may be first graders, but it always amazes me how intelligent these young people are, and how quickly they welcome me into their classroom with big smiles and warm hugs.

In Junior Achievement we start talking about neighborhoods and being good neighbors. Then we transition into jobs people work and services that are offered in the neighborhood.

One of the lessons that we teach talks about how the neighborhoods are planned out. Businesses are together, usually separated from the residential areas; and services like the fire department might be strategically placed in the residential area. Of course, on an Air Force base some of that gets thrown to the wind. The fire department is located next to the flight line; which very few neighborhoods have a flight line. So needless to say, we adapt the lessons, there are only five total, to fit where these kids live.

The teacher I have worked with for the past four years is Jacqueline White, and we have gotten along very well. I am sure that my classroom is run significantly different than Mrs. White’s when it comes to discipline; like when and when not to talk. But Mrs. White will step in and let the kids know when they need to pay attention to Mr. Wilson if things start to get out of hand.

You would think that after six years, four with Mrs. White, of bringing the Junior Achievement curriculum to first grade classrooms on base, that I would have these lessons pretty well memorized. But as any classroom teacher will tell you every classroom is different, because you don’t have the same personalities, 16 in this class, every year. Once more, you adapt. Some of the lessons that this year’s class really liked, last year’s class just didn’t seem to grasp.

I also query students whether they will attend school at North Plains next year, of which 50% usually raise their hands that they will be moving somewhere right after school ends. Again, another dynamic unique to the MAFB.
I always try to end my Junior Achievement time with a special “treat” for the kids and Mrs. White, and this year I need to thank Ted Bolton from the Northern Sentry and Al Schon from Oak Park Theater for providing each student with two tickets to a show at Oak Park Theater.

We end our final session talking about starting our own business, and how we would advertise our business once we got it started. If you check out the Northern Sentry you will find an advertisement every single week for Oak Park theater. Ted allowed me to exchange advertising dollars for Oak Park Theater tickets. So, thank you Ted and Al.

Finally, there is always something humorous that happens during my time in class. This year we were talking about the Sonic restaurant and how they have great corn dogs…to which one little girl added “and great shakes.”
The conversation could have ended there, but another student walked up to the desk where I was sitting and added “my Dad told my Mom that she better quit ordering Sonic shakes because there were making her fat.” I won’t reveal the young man’s name…to Mrs. White and her first grade class at North Plains Elementary. Have a great summer!!!

New Campgrounds Open!
One of the questions I get asked most is where I would go if I had the time and the opportunity. I automatically think about areas close to Minot, say for a daycation, or even a weekend camp out. I am pretty excited about 2 new ND State Parks that are opening this summer.
I found this on the ND State Parks web site:
Pembina Gorge State Park and Rough Rider State Park campsite reservations open May 5.
I am familiar with both of these areas, and I highly recommend them both. I will continue to feature other popular, and not so popular, areas over the summer.

Lookin’ Around Town
It will be another year of transition at Roosevelt Park Zoo, but I was able to spend a few minutes enjoying the new giraffe, now named Khari. Like any toddler, Khari likes to look around and is certainly a great ambassador for the giraffe exhibit and the Roosevelt Park Zoo. Now that spring has arrived, so will the list of new babies at the zoo.

You can’t help but get excited when you look at the new plans for the Roosevelt Park Zoo. Yes, the flood of 2011 has certainly changed the landscape of the zoo, but it will emerge bigger and better than ever.

Today’s Chuckle
You’re not really famous until someone claims they sat beside you in school.