Hour of AI, Sicker than Dogs

The second week of December is a big week for computer sciences! I’ve participated in Hour of Code for the past two years, this year Hour of Code was slightly changed to Hour of AI. Recent trends between coding and AI are revealing these two are tightly intertwined. I signed up to have 4 community volunteers come and help out in my classroom Wednesday. I had three employees from IDLA and another lady from Idaho Stem Action Center. Each year Code.org comes out with a new activity that teaches block coding, this year AI was used at three different levels to generate a lead singer, a stage, and a music mix. I think students really enjoyed the event. The lady from ISAC said my students were able to do more than most of the 7th graders she worked with earlier. She was helping with the first graders! That was quite a compliment! Hooray. 

Phillip and Evelyn had a combined choir concert on Tuesday. I loved the narrator reading a Christmas book between different choirs. EVMS choirs joined the CHS choirs this concert, so that is why Evelyn was singing at the same concert. Everett was also involved as the student in charge of the stage lights! Everyone sounded really good. 

Evelyn came down with a nasty cold on Thursday. She ran a fever for 4 days with chills, cough, upset tummy, and the works. Justin got a home test to see what she had before we rushed to the instacare. He said Influenza A immediately registered, no need to wait 15 minutes for that result. Justin wanted me to try out a home doctor service our insurance provides. It was very slick! Within 30 minutes I had 5 prescriptions for Tamiflu after each kid and myself met with a virtual doctor. As of right now Evelyn is still the most sick, she is still not doing very well. Everett, Josie, and Justin are all running fevers. I started Phillip and I on Tamiflu just in case, at least reduce any symptoms. Evelyn was very sad to miss MCO rehearsal and the combined rehearsal Saturday morning. 

Thursday was the 67th day of school. The teachers decided to dress up and 6-7 all day long. I made a headband and Josie painted 6-7 on my face. I forgot this decor was on my face when the school district curriculum specialist Aracelie walked in my classroom to discuss the book reservations Justin and I had. We had a very productive conversation. Looks like the book will not make it past this school year. The books were chosen almost at random, very few folks on the committee actually read the books. We are the only parents with concerns about this book. Our main point was that if parental consent forms were required before the book was studied more parents would be informed about the content. I was impressed she did not blink an eye discussing a sensitive topic with a lady wearing a 6-7 headband and face paint. 

I was gone most of the Friday working from 8-12:30 at Reagan, grocery shopping, taking Phillip to therapy, and then running a couple errands with Phillip. I was exhausted. Phillip and I had a lovely time at the Asian store buying ingredients for Pho. The sickies needed soup and Pho seemed like a good remedy. Combined rehearsal was amazing. It is such a treat to be part of the transformation from choir rehearsals to concert ready. We ironed out details for the props and robes. Cara will arrive to the Brandt center early on Tuesday to help steam robes. I have to work both Tuesday and Wednesday, which will be very difficult. Our curtain call is not until 3 pm so we are going to school and work, getting out at noon so the kids don’t miss so much school. What a challenge. Jared is picking up Amelia in Burley to help her get home for the holidays! She is excited to attend the MCO concert. I volunteered her and Jared to help out and volunteer in props or security. The Nelfs dropped off some treats and Legos to keep the sick ones entertained. Thank you Nelves.