Time to turn in the Home Work

[Mark Gudschinsky]

One of the main reasons Alexander decided to build his Amphora (other than finding pirate treasures, sailing the oceans and discovering ancient artifacts) was to use it as a "Book Club" project for school.

The idea of a "Book Club" project is instead of doing old fashion book reports, a student creates a display, or paints a picture, or makes something out of paper mache to introduce the book they've read to the class. The idea being that these projects will inspire other students into further reading.

Well with some notice to his teacher and the Principal; Swimmer is going to school tomorrow. There is an accompanying display board of construction photos and pictures of Amphoras from around the world. (Ben and Sam's Dragon, Bucks blue one, Mike Stevenson's original, and one other off of the other forum.) We searched out and bought a library bound edition of the book which Alexander is going to donate to the school library. He has been rehearsing his oral presentation of his project, and his donation speech. It appears that they are in for a show.

We'll see just how he does, and how the whole package is received.

But I'm fairly sure that Swimmer on prominent display in the center of school will disrupt the whole place for at leat the first half of the morning. I'm also fairly sure the school district hasn't seen anything to compare with Swimmer for a "Book Club" project. I don't know about reading, but there is a good chance at the end of the day a bunch of kids are going to be trying to press their parents into boat building.

I mentioned to the school staff that there might be an opportunity for a bit of good press for the school. At first the staff was somewhat skeptical (they have no idea just how much Alexander has planned.) However, when presented with some photos of Swimmer they jumped right on board (no pun intended.)

As this school year ends. Little does the staff suspect what's in store for them next year: Laura who is planning a skipjack has already decide that when she gets her boat done it's going to school too.

[Dave R1]

Wow! That's pretty cool. I've been following the construction of Swimmer and I think it was a great choice for a Book Club project. You might want to have your phone number changed to avoid all the calls from disgruntled parents.

Actually, I hope that some other kids get to build boats. There's going to be a waiting list in the library for that book.

[Johannah]

Alexander, you are just the coolest!! 8) :shock: Perhaps for High School, you could construct a schooner as a Physics project? Think of all the math and Newtonian mechanics (pulleys!) involved. I look forward to your continued adventures and those of your sister. All these great ideas are an excellent way to keep your dad out of trouble.

[Barnacle Jim]

Mark,

I would give Alexander an "A" plus for the project. Glad to see the emphasis on reading. (I am a college professor, a Ph. D. and an Assistant Department Chair.)

Even more important than any grade, though, is the time you and your son spent together. That would warm anyone's heart. Alexander will always remember the boat you and he built together. He really will.

Isn't there a younger sister sister who also had a part in this project as well? Miss Pat and I remember seeing a young girl in red boots. What a wonderful project for everyone in your family.

Do keep us posted on what happens next! All of you have embarked on a remarkable adventure. After Alexander's presentation, there may well be a whole fleet of boats in your area. There is no question that other kids will want to build their own boats. I hope that dream can come true for them.

[Tom Holder]

Well done. As the husband of a grade school teacher, I want to say that if there were more parents like you out there, we would have fewer kids on the "worry about" list. Congratulations to you and your family.

[MikeStevenson]

Good for Alexander! I was talked into entering my Amphora in the San Diego Fair as a hobby project. It was fun, but not as fun as building and using the boat. I would expect at least a morning's disruption at school. If Alexander can drum up another person to build a boat, they might think about a Skipjack or Mini-Cup. Let us know if he wants a set of Skipjack plans. We'll be happy to send them up as an incentive...(or what ever they feel interested in.)

Mike

[Mark Gudschinsky]

Well the reception at school was as predicted. Wows and complements from all, even the cool 6th graders who are practicing to be jaded teenagers were impressed.

There was a crowd of students surrounding the boat all morning with the staff shooing kids off to class as the bells rang. When the kids left, the staff would stop to admire the boat and Alexander's display board. Swimmer comes home tomorrow after the school's "Spring Concert" (Laura is preforming and Alexander is playing clarinet in the band.) The concert will give attending parents a look at Swimmer also. So far as I know the media hasn't shown up. So if they don't appear at the concert, I know where the local news paper is. Even they won't be able to miss Swimmer parked in front of their building with a couple of cute kids sitting in it.

Swimmer is a big enough deal for a couple of young kids that proper recognition is in order.

A Dad's go to do what a Dad's got to do.

[Mark Gudschinsky]

Good for Alexander! I was talked into entering my Amphora in the San Diego Fair as a hobby project. It was fun' date=' but not as fun as building and using the boat. I would expect at least a morning's disruption at school. If Alexander can drum up another person to build a boat, they might think about a Skipjack or Mini-Cup. Let us know if he wants a set of Skipjack plans. We'll be happy to send them up as an incentive...(or what ever they feel interested in.)

Mike[/quote']

I like the idea of entering Swimmer in the fair. Alexander will have to decide though. The fair is two weeks long. That would be two weekends with out his boat!

The plans are a generous offer. I will keep my ears open for a youngster who is motivated as well interested with parent to back them up. It would be great if all of the interest Swimmer has spurred could be turned into something substantial.

[Greg Luckett]

Alexander and Mark (maybe Laura too?),

You all are so COOL!

My boys are still excited about sharing and doing projects with Swimmer and Dragon. This is all, in large part, due to your sharing stories and pictures. Please keep doing so.

Greg, Sam, and Ben.