Where could the 5th grade go to learn about how scientists work, admire beach stones, sample marsh gases, collect crabs, get squirted by squid, and ask questions about everything you see and be answered by scientists? To the national science "village" of Woods Hole in Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod!

On Monday, May 20th after a long bus ride we disembarked in rain boots and mud shoes, at Little Sippewisett Marsh ready to explore the marsh with our guides.

A seine net was stretched across the water entering the marsh and guided fish and shellfish our way. We caught crabs and scooped up fish, easing this diversity of young organisms into our collection tank. We learned that the marsh is like a nursery for ocean organisms. Meanwhile, we took a core sample to bring back to the lab to study gases in the marsh soil.

We then traveled to  Woods Hole and at the laboratory in The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratories, we learned how to measure the amount of oxygen in layers of marsh soil. Studies conducted here and in the Arctic show how ecosystems respond when humans add elements to the environment, like nitrogen in fertilizer.

After lunch at Waterfront Park, overlooking the ocean-going research vessels, we learned that scientists study marine animals not just for the sake of learning about that animal, but because those animals are models for other systems, including humans. For example, most of what is known about how human brain cells work was learned by studying squid brain cells.

We ended the day at the aquarium meeting Bumper and LuSeal, the aquarium's harbor seals, listening to how a seal is fed and trained..

Our 5th graders were great ambassadors of our school. They took every opportunity to ask questions and many used this experience as fieldwork to find out information related to their persuasive speeches. It was hard to leave this special "village" whose people and animals shared so much with us. Parting words to us were: "This is your village. You have a place here and are always welcome back."

The Yawkey Center at Boston College was the setting for an elegant dinner marking the end of the 2^nd year of the Lynch Leadership Academy in which Ms Annie Sevelius was a participant.

The feeling in the room was of warm collegiality as fellow principals and participants gathered together to celebrate a year of growth and inspiration. The program is designed to train school leaders who can direct dynamic school change, driving the kind of student achievement that enhances the lives of urban children and their families. "It was a year of exchange and learning from each other, I feel that this year has had a direct impact on the culture, rigor and professional climate at our school" said Ms. Sevelius.

The Dudamel Brass Ensemble added spirit and flair to the celebration with their selection of bright tunes.