me arts ed

Full moon and pussy willows

Pussy Willows

What more could one ask for on the first day of Spring? A snowstorm to remind us that even though the calendar says Spring is officially here that doesn’t mean we’ll have warm weather, flowers, and/or warm temperatures. Ahhhhh, nothing like a Spring snowstorm! I was in Hancock county yesterday as part of the Commissioner’s Listening Tour and the snow storm forced me to stay overnight. The best part about the weather is that I have absolutely no control over it.

On my walks during the last three days I’ve seen, smelled, and heard the signs of Spring.  A coyote crossed the road about 100 yards in front of us, two morning doves stood cooing, and robins sang in the trees overhead. I clipped a couple of pussy willow branches to bring home. The time change has taken some getting used to, as usual. But all is right with the world when only in Maine (depending where you live) a few inches of snow fell. It is so interesting to me with mud season upon us to see the gravel road change day to day. The markings left by tires in the mud on the soft road and wind blowing dryer air is slowly doing its part to lessen the blow to the roads. Perfect maple syrup making weather, temperatures dipping to below freezing at night and above during the day. And, a full moon that woke me up two nights this week and forced me out of bed earlier than planned. One of my favorite parts of this time of year is to step on the frozen puddles and listen to the crisp crunch under my shoes.

It is a time of wonder and my wonderings lead me to questions like:

• I wonder why there isn’t a more interesting name for frozen puddles?
• I wonder what speed the sap runs inside the maple trees?
• I wonder when the skunks will begin to move?
• I wonder how many bears will wake up today?

Full Moon

And I wonder how many students are asking questions that go unanswered because they aren’t encouraged to find the answers to their wonderings? Yesterday was a great opportunity for me to listen to students, educators, parents, and other community members communicate with Commissioner Bowen about education. They asked thoughtful questions, gave their opinions and suggestions on what is “going well” and about their “concerns” with the Maine Department of Education. This was the third of the regional forums that are taking place throughout the state. Last evening there were about 50 in attendance at Ellsworth High School. I suggest you attend one of the remaining forums in your community so you can listen to others and be heard by the Commissioner. Remember, he has only been on the job for two weeks and he wants to know what YOU think and believe that will help him as he moves forward to create a strategic plan for the Department of Education! I view this as an opportunity for all of us to learn from each other. For as many of you heard me say before, “none of us is as smart as all of us”. I appreciate that the Commissioner is traveling to hear what you have to say and hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Commissioner Bowen touring with students at Sumner High School

Spring snowstorm