Magellan

The 20th of September is here and with it an important date in history. Today  is the day Ferdinand Magellan began the voyage with which he is credited for circumnavigating the globe in 1519. Leaving from Spain with a fleet of 5 ships, he not only discovered the Strait of Magellan, he became the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean. The journey took three years, destroying 4 of the 5 ships along with many crew. Little known is that Magellan did this famous trip in 2 voyages: in two different directions, not point A to point A. Knowing that,  he had a slave from Mallaca (Malaysia) named Enrique that returned with him to Europe.  Enrique returned to Mallaca after Magelan died by the westward route.  Therefore, Enrique should be credited as the first to circumnavigate the globe in one direction however, that is not our European history. Go figure. Lesson to learn from this story is that OUR history programs us to think a certain way.  Take a moment to think outside the box. Have an exceptional weekend…Go PUPS! (cue: Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey).

End Of Summer

Labor Day has past marking the traditional end of summer, and the return of everyone to regular school activities. Vacations and long weekends are in the distance when the beautiful valley weather returns and delivers us from the searing heat.  That is basically how I see September.  It is a month of transition, where we see the weather improve, busy days increase, and call-ups are made in baseball (Go Giants).  Just remember that students are also in transition.  They are getting you know their new teachers and learning their tendencies. Let us all show our students that we will exceed their expectations.  Aim to be the ones to make the difference today, tomorrow, and every day to come.  Have a fantastic weekend. Go Pups! (cue Warmth of the Sun, The Beach Boys)