Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/34960
its” to connect with parents. When he in- formed some of the parents about his sum- mer plans, they expressed appreciation for his willingness to go the extra mile and in- crease his understanding of their culture. “Besides the expected ‘wow, wonderful,’ they expressed the feeling that it is impor- tant for families and teachers to understand one another,” says Sautter. “They believe that when adults understand each other, children learn better.” When he returns home, he plans to put his knowledge to work in ways that will benefit his school and community. That in- cludes sharing newfound knowledge with fellow teachers, along with Spanish music, games and literature he will be collecting. He also plans on conducting a workshop for students’ families at his school about specif- ic ways that parents can assist their children with academic work in an English-language classroom. “The workshop will be conducted in Spanish and designed around important in- troductory literacy and math concepts, us- ing materials that most families have at home,” says Sautter. “It will help families feel confident that, regardless of their English abilities, they can assist their children in their learning.” J Sing out eff Bellaire is 61 years old and going to camp this summer. “I can’t wait,” says Bellaire, a network microcomputer specialist for Hayward Unified School District and president of the Association of Educational Office Technical Employees. This classified employee loves to sing, and he will be attending Jazz Camp West for eight days in woodsy La Honda for the second year in a row. Fellow happy camp- ers will include other vocalists, instrumen- talists and dancers of all abilities who will attend workshops, receive personalized in- struction, perform in concerts and engage in late-night jam sessions. “It’s a very wonderful community of people coming together to support other people doing their musical thing,” relates Bellaire. “You have 250 people ranging from teens to geezers like me. It’s an island of music. And everyone makes tons of friends.” Working with computers all day is seri- ous business, and it’s great to have an outlet for self-expression and creativity, says Bel- laire, who sang in bands when he was younger but gave it up to make a depend- able living. But when he heard about Jazz Jeff Bellaire practices singing in preparation for Jazz Camp. Camp West from a friend, he realized how much he missed music. “I looked at the clock, realized time is running out, and decided it was time to get back into music,” he says. “Also, I think it’s important for everybody to go outside of their normal envelope once in a while.” Last year, after returning from camp, he felt rejuvenated from the experience. “It opens you up,” he says. “I let down my barriers. I felt like a changed person. And I can’t wait for that to happen again.” Swim away W hen Laura Williams applliied for a fel- lowship with the Earthwatch Institute to study the coastal ecology of coral reefs in the Bahamas this summer, she never dreamed she would be selected. “My stu- dents heard me screaming when I found out I was a finalist. They can’t wait to hear about the things I will learn.” e The special education teacher at Uni- versity Heights Middle School describes herself as “beyond excited” as she plans for the upcoming 12-day trip to Nassau, where she will study plant communities and the impact of humans on the fragile coastline. Most of the time, she and fellow teachers and researchers will be snorkeling. Williams, who works part-time as a pho- 14 California Educator | JUNE 2011