Pilar's Place

 Apologies. I am late in posting. Time management has never been one of my strong suits, especially when dealing with ADD. But alas, I try and do the best I can.  Today is Febuary 23rd. I am 3 weeks late in posting about Black History Month. Though late, I have tried and continue to learn what I can about Black History and those involved with history. As a teacher of Black and Brown students in NYC, I owe it to my students to learn and understand. My school is generally good about helping and pushing all of us to be the best we can be for our students. The curriculum does not always allow for in depth studies. It would be nice if that changed. As hard as it is, I will hold out some hope for the future. With lack of incorporating into the curriculum, this is where the doors and bulletin board decorating comes into play for students to peruse and comment on.  Black History Month Celebrating Black Authors of middle school books. Past, Present & Future figures in Black Hi...

 Happy New Year!  It's been a very long time since I last posted (a little over 11 years.) It has been years of ups & downs. There has been a divorce, change of residence, part-time work in retail, Graduate School to obtain my teaching certification, a career change at 48 years old, children growing, fighting off poverty, fighting against toxic people and work environments, switching jobs, learning and unlearning, the death of a child and the rebuilding of my life. To say it's been a lot, is an understatement. But like a phoenix, I continue to rise. Today marks the first day to a new year. Today marks the day where I put this year's word, intention, into focus, while continuing with last year's word of manifest.  So, a stranger I will no longer be, as I give a glimpse into my life as I figure out what this life means to me and for me, with a child no longer in this life and another forging their own path in college. 

of all the people who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Ten years later, I have learned to let go of the pain...to remember the good...to  live...to laugh...to get on with me life. Just a few faces of some from the FDNY who were dear to me, others just acquaintances. I shared a meal with each of them and they all left a lasting impression on me. Betsy Martinez Captain Patrick Brown Capt. Terry Hatton (on right) Father Mychal Judge    Lt. Billy Burke Firefighter Chris Blackwell (3rd from left) Lt. Timmy Higgins Lt. Pete Martin (on right) Lt. Timmy Stackpole Firefighter Angel Juarbe Rest in peace dear ones...you will never be forgotten.

Last week I had the pleasure of watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 in the movie theater. I was enthralled with watching Harry move forward with his task of destroying Lord Voldemort. I was on a cinematic journey, which unfortunately came to end that day as the story came to an end. I have watched every Harry Potter film and taken the journey with him through his childhood, life at Hogwarts with his friends and the task at hand for him. However much I enjoyed the cinematic journey of those 8 films, I wouldn't have been able to do it without JK Rowling, the author of the books. Her storytelling took me on a journey in my mind. A journey that lasted for 7 books. I find that I enjoy going on literary journeys and have been doing so for quite some time. My first literary journey was with Anne Rice's Vampire Lestat. I was able to journey with him to Europe and New Orleans. I met David Talbot, Louis and Marius to name a few. I took a journey with Edward and ...

Many, many years ago when I graduated from college, I swore that I was done with school and would never go back. School was always a chore for me and never interesting. I never thought I would go to college. This was mostly due to financial reasons. However, I got accepted into the local city university and had the first 2 yrs of my tuition paid for. My grades were all over the place. Nine years after I began college, I finally graduated with a Bachelor's degree. My nine years were highlighted by several jobs, a hiatus from school and then eventually part-time at night. I had finally done it and wished not to do it again. Fast forward 15 yrs and here I am doing it again. Due to a change in career direction, I found myself back in school again taking courses that would allow me to go to Grad School. Yes. Grad school. This time around, the classes and professors are interesting. I enjoy my time in school learning. Tonight I took the Miller Analogies Test, which is a requirement in o...

As the Memorial Day weekend is upon, people all over are celebrating the beginning of the summer season with BBQs, friends, pools etc. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Please do not forget the men & women of the armed forces who gave of themselves for us.

With school budgets looming on the horizon, I thought that I'd take a moment to sing the praises of art education in the public schools. Last week, the Warwick Valley Central School District held their annual art exhibition. The exhibition is usually devoted to the elementary school level. This year it showcased work from grades K-12.    As always, the work that is produced by these children is phenomenal. I look at it and wonder how any one can even think of cutting art education from the schools. Warwick has already eliminated art enrichment classes from the curiculum. However, there was a possibility earlier this year, that art would be cut entirely from the program, along with Music. But thank goodness that it never happened. Looking at art work by young students should remind us all why art education is important. It's not just about drawing and painting. Art teaches us about history and different cultures. Art teaches us about literature. Art teaches us math. Looking at...