Eighth Grade Recognition

Well, it wasn't called 8th grade graduation, but it behaved like one. It began with marching the kids in to that graduation song, announcing each person by name. There talks by student council members and the principal, and music provided by the challenge choir. Special awards were given out to outstanding students, and special recognition was given for achievements like 4.0 GPA and student of the year.

Jacob was recognized for many academic achievements (one of two with 4.0 cumulative GPA, high scorer on the ACT, third place Knowledge Bowl team in the state of Ohio, honor roll, member of the mock trial team) but he did not receive any of the subject area Outstanding Student awards. One was given per section, and the awards all went to the other 4.0 kid. Outwardly, Jacob didn't seem too disappointed. He was especially not disappointed when a classmate dropped a 5lb. Hershey's chocolate bar off. It came from the teacher who ordered the awards and got it as an incentive gift. This teacher felt Jacob deserved some recognition for his achievements, and Jacob agreed that the chocolate was much better than a plaque.

He has grown so fast, especially in the last couple of years. He's at least a eight inches taller than he was in sixth grade. It's hard to believe that I will have a high school student living in my house next year. I think that I must be getting older, too. I certainly have more grey hairs, and I can easily keep track of most of them, too. I am pleased Jacob had a successful middle school career. He's determined to do something with international relations, like the foreign service. He's the most eager to begin worldwide travel and other adventures.

Canal Park

I was able to take a half day off work a couple of Fridays ago, so we decided to go on another family hike. This time we hiked a 1.5 mile trail in Canal Park of the Cleveland Metroparks in Cuyahoga Heights. This trail took us to the tow path trail and around an area called Hidden Valley. This is an area that is under a railroad spur that connects the north and south parts of Cuyahoga County and was once a place for many family farms. The Cuyahoga River and Ohio-Erie Canal also flow this park. There is also a nice visitor's center with exhibits detailing the industrial and natural history of the area.

What I found most surprising was the beauty of the area. It being late spring, the trees are now fully leaved, many of them are still flowering, and the wildflowers are blooming as well. It was a calm, sunny day that just reached the low-80's. This park is particularly nice for learning a bit about the industrial history of Cleveland, and seeing how much reclamation has been made to make this area a nature preserve. We could see the train bridge, sewer pipes, gas lines, electrical towers, giant oil tanks and other structures. We also saw swifts, a great blue heron, mallards and lots of Canada geese. I am amazed at how well the Cleveland Metroparks mark out peaceful respites within the and surrounding the city and suburbs of Cleveland.

The path we followed was fully paved, and took us on loop off the tow path near the Cuyahoga River. There were some implements from an abandoned farm and a couple of cut throughs to the river. This is where we could see the giant oil tanks. Cleveland used to have a large number of oil refineries, but now imports all of its oil. These tanks are 15 stories high and hold millions of gallons of fuel. They were built in the 1950's. People can build some really big structures.

I think the kids enjoyed the walk. They found some switch grass to make swords with, and Joseph kept poking his siblings. Abby walked about half of the way, and then hitched a ride on my shoulders. She even managed to use the pit toilets. The kids liked seeing the 15 or so goslings.