Lunch n Learn on Blogs, In Praise of Wasting Time, and Trivia ~ January 23, 2020

Don't forget to bookmark our blog...

The Harker LID Blog*: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

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LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

SVCUE

On Saturday, March 7, SVCUE will be hosting their annual professional development event at Harker’s BUCKNALL campus! It’s like home court advantage for PD (if there was such a thing).

This event offers a wide range of workshops, and I’m sure that you will find a couple sessions that are interesting and applicable to your classrooms/subject area. AND there are five Harker faculty who will be presenting: Eileen Schick, Larissa Weaver, Cindy Proctor, Lisa Diffenderfer, and Diane Main (yay for Harker’s Learning Leaders)! Lastly, the event is only $40 and includes breakfast and lunch!

 If you are interested in attending, here is the registration link.

Bring your lunch, and learn online! 

If you missed a previously held session, you can still avail yourself of the materials here:

September – Remind

Slides

October – Chrome Extensions

Recording

Slides

November – Productivity Tips & Tricks

Recording

Slides

December – Google Drive Tips & Tricks

Recording

Slides

Here are the topics for the remainder of the year:

• January

• Blogs 101 - Mon., January 27 @ 11am - 11:40am
• Blogs are great ways to communicate, empower your students to improve their writing skills and to open the doors of your (virtual) classroom. Learn about blogs (and how they differ from Google Docs or websites) and how they have been used in schools and classes.
• Join the video conference

• February
• Outlook Tips and Tricks for Inbox Zero
• Just as it says! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the email influx? Learn some strategies and logistical ways to manage your inbox and never (ok...rarely) feel overwhelmed by email again!

• March
• Google Slides / Presentation Tips & Tricks
• This session will focus exclusively on Google Slides as a presentation tool and explore its functionality and collaborative features.

• April
• Chrome Extensions Part Deux
• There's NEVER enough time for all the wonderful, time-saving features of Chrome extensions.

• May
• Social Media for Professional Learning Growth 101
• Learn and explore the ways you can engage with professional learning networks online to push your thinking, creativity and expand your professional learning network, as one way to connect with other educators worldwide.

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INNOVATIVE TOOL, TIP OR STRATEGY

I (Liz) recently read In Praise of Wasting Time, by Alan Lightman. 

Alan Lightman is a physicist, essayist and novelist, as well as Professor of the Practice of the Humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

His research about the speed of our lives and how that manifests itself in our children and in our own current psychology gives much to consider and act upon.

So what does this have to do with Learning, Innovation, and Design? Everything. 

Before we can grapple with how to best design lessons and innovative projects, we must first identify the reality of just how much has changed and specifically identify the effects of these new realities. Only then can we determine the best antidotes and subsequently, nurture each whole child and our own selves. If you'd like to discuss this further, send me an email and we can chat about its implications for innovative learning and design.

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TRIVIA

Photo Credit: Vitor Antunes via Creative Commons License

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

TRIVIA MASTERS IN 2019-2020
Matt Ortiz
Lisa Masoni

And now, for the questions...

1. One of the first electronic computers, located in Philadelphia, occupied 167 square metres, weighed 27 tons and consumed 150kW of electricity. What was it called?

2. Which general term refers to all kinds of harmful software, including viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware?

3. What Mac keyboard shortcut can you use to bring up a menu of emojis? (Bonus points if you can write a sentence in emojis.)

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Talking to Kids About Violence, SEL for Teachers and Trivia ~November 7, 2019~

Don't forget to bookmark our blog...

The Harker LID Blog*: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

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LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

The LID Team, in collaboration with LIFE and Counseling, work to update important resources on the Parent Portal.

Last March, we posted a link from Common Sense Media in the Digital Family Resources section of the Parent Portal, and it seems as though it may be helpful for any of us who finds a need to have these conversations - this week, in particular:

Hate Online, Real-World Violence, and How to Talk to Kids About Them
Tragically, we find ourselves in a position to talk to our kids about mass shootings regularly. Some of the shooters' motivations aren't entirely clear, and sometimes—like the ones of the shooter in New Zealand—they are expressly stated in written and recorded messages of hate. What can we, as parents, do to help our kids make sense of these horrific events?

First, it's important to recognize the role online platforms and social media play not only as sources of the hate people encounter, but also as a means to spread those messages, encourage participation, and even share livestreams of the shootings themselves. If you have a little kid who hasn't seen or heard about the incident, there's no reason to bring it up; however, it's always great to plant the seeds of acceptance, peaceful interaction, and accurate information about all kinds of people. Older kids and tweens may have heard something, but it's best to let them take the lead so you aren't the one to give more details than they're ready for. Teens likely know what's happened, so you can make sure they have accurate and complete information and find out how they're making sense of it all. Of course, in all cases, we want to offer hope: Sometimes that comes by taking actions to help which can empower kids—and parents—to spread some light in times of darkness.

Liz is continuing to offer monthly Lunch n' Learn Sessions online, so you can come in and participate from the comfort of wherever your computer is, and they will be recorded for viewing later, as well. Feedback will be solicited at the end of the year to determine topics for the following year!

Here are the topics for this year:

• September 30, 1:00-1:30
• Remind
• Link to Slides

• October 16, 12:45pm-1:30pm
• Chrome Extensions
• Link to Slides

• November 19, 11:30am-12:15pm
• Productivity Tips and Tricks
• Join Liz for toe-dip into a couple great applications, strategies and websites that can shave seconds (and ultimately minutes and hours) off your daily tasks
• Video Conference Link

• December 3, 11:15am - 12:00pm
• Google Drive Tips and Tricks
• Explore some best strategies for organizing and your Google Drive, including learning more about Shared Drives and some extra fun tips within Google Docs.
• Video Conference Link

• January
• Blogs 101
• Blogs are great ways to communicate, empower your students to improve their writing skills and to open the doors of your (virtual) classroom. Learn about blogs (and how they differ from Google Docs or websites) and how they have been used in schools and classes.

• February
• Outlook Tips and Tricks for Inbox Zero
• Just as it says! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the email influx? Learn some strategies and logistical ways to manage your inbox and never (ok...rarely) feel overwhelmed by email again!

• March
• Google Slides / Presentation Tips & Tricks
• This session will focus exclusively on Google Slides as a presentation tool and explore its functionality and collaborative features.

• April
• Chrome Extensions Part Deux
• There's NEVER enough time for all the wonderful, time-saving features of Chrome extensions.

• May
• Social Media for Professional Learning Growth 101
• Learn and explore the ways you can engage with professional learning networks online to push your thinking, creativity and expand your professional learning network, as one way to connect with other educators worldwide.

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INNOVATIVE TOOL, TIP OR STRATEGY

*THIS IS A REPEAT FROM OUR LAST BLOG POST, BUT WARRANTS REPEATING*

Sometimes, we just need a reminder to care for ourselves. Here's hoping you have a chance to do just that during the upcoming Fall Break Weekend.

Social Emotional Support for Educators

Teacher's Aid Podcast:
https://www.bamradionetwork.com/genre/teachers-aid/

Free Self-Care Course for Educators: https://divergentedu.thinkific.com/courses/self-care-for-educators

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TRIVIA

Photo Credit: Vitor Antunes via Creative Commons License

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

TRIVIA MASTERS IN 2019-2020
Matt Ortiz

And now, for the questions...

1. On this date in 1874, Thomas Nast drew the first cartoon depicting the elephant as the Republican Party symbol. What other cartoon did Thomas Nast popularize?

2. Name the singer / music group:

"When I look into your eyes I can see a love restrained
But darlin' when I hold you don't you know I feel the same
'Cause nothin' lasts forever and we both know hearts can change

And it's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain."

3. Which of the following titles does November NOT hold:

• National Blog Posting Month
• Fun with Fondue Month
• Holy Souls in Purgatory Month
• Sweet Potato Awareness Month
• Wild Turkey Awareness Month

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STEM Cottage, Lunch n Learns, Self-Care and Trivia - September 23, 2019

Don't forget to bookmark our blog...

The Harker LID Blog*: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

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LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

There's really no better way to bring the 2019-2020 school year than to begin with a fresh start, a fresh role and fresh students! At the Preschool, the STEM Specialist is now Amanda Crook, who has been at the Preschool since its inception and who has been known by her Preschool Colleagues as a strong STEM advocate and now it gets to be her day's work! She began by redesigning parts of the STEM Cottage and the new design is inspiring for all classrooms, regardless of grade level or discipline. One of the most exciting aspects of the space is the new Makerspace. 

In other news, Liz will be offering monthly Lunch n' Learn Sessions online, so you can come in and participate from the comfort of wherever your computer is, and they will be recorded for viewing later, as well. Feedback will be solicited at the end of the year to determine topics for the following year!

Here are the topics for this year:

• September 30, 1:00-1:30
• Remind
• New to using Remind? Need a refresher? Join us!
• Click Here to Join the Video Conference - just click on this link at 1:00pm (or a little before to check your audio and video) on September 30.

• October 16, 12:45pm-1:30pm
• Chrome Extensions
• Learn how to fully utilize the Chrome Browser, make the fullest use of bookmarks and adjust your settings to expedite searching and use of your browser. Lots of fun tips, too!
• Video Conference Link

• November 19, 11:30am-12:15pm
• Productivity Tips and Tricks
• Join Liz for toe-dip into a couple great applications, strategies and websites that can shave seconds (and ultimately minutes and hours) off your daily tasks
• Video Conference Link

• December 3, 11:15am - 12:00pm
• Google Drive Tips and Tricks
• Explore some best strategies for organizing and your Google Drive, including learning more about Shared Drives and some extra fun tips within Google Docs.
• Video Conference Link

• January
• Blogs 101
• Blogs are great ways to communicate, empower your students to improve their writing skills and to open the doors of your (virtual) classroom. Learn about blogs (and how they differ from Google Docs or websites) and how they have been used in schools and classes.

• February
• Outlook Tips and Tricks for Inbox Zero
• Just as it says! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the email influx? Learn some strategies and logistical ways to manage your inbox and never (ok...rarely) feel overwhelmed by email again!

• March
• Google Slides / Presentation Tips & Tricks
• This session will focus exclusively on Google Slides as a presentation tool and explore its functionality and collaborative features.

• April
• Chrome Extensions Part Deux
• There's NEVER enough time for all the wonderful, time-saving features of Chrome extensions.

• May
• Social Media for Professional Learning Growth 101
• Learn and explore the ways you can engage with professional learning networks online to push your thinking, creativity and expand your professional learning network, as one way to connect with other educators worldwide.

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INNOVATIVE TOOL, TIP OR STRATEGY

Sometimes, we just need a reminder to care for ourselves. Here's hoping you have a chance to do just that during the upcoming Fall Break Weekend.

Social Emotional Support for Educators

Teacher's Aid Podcast:
https://www.bamradionetwork.com/genre/teachers-aid/

Free Self-Care Course for Educators: https://divergentedu.thinkific.com/courses/self-care-for-educators

________________________________________________________________

TRIVIA

Photo Credit: Vitor Antunes via Creative Commons License

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

And now, for the questions...

1. "Autumn Leaves" is one of the most popular autumn song of all time. Which of the following musicians never recorded it?
Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, or Roger Williams?

2. What substance trapped in maple leaves after photosynthesis stops turns a red color in response to cooler temperatures and shorter days?

3. What are the 3 Zodiac signs of fall?

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* You may be looking for Infinite Campus updates here, and may be sorely disappointed and maybe even a little sad that you didn't see any. Each individual's use of Infinite Campus varies greatly and since this blog's audience is for ALL Harker Faculty and Staff, across all divisions, we're opting to keep this blog focused on LID's mission and methods and appreciate your understanding. :)

Teachers as Lead Learners, Monthly Tech Tips, and More Trivia! ~ April 12, 2019

Don't forget to bookmark our blogs...

The Harker LID Blog: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

The Great SIS Adventure (recent updates on 4.12.19): http://greatsisadventure.blogspot.com

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LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Students at the Lower School learned how to use Thinglink (shout out - or s/o - to Shelby Guarino for presenting on this as a LID Vision Workshop), that simply and elegantly allows for lessons in visual literacy and multimedia across all content areas. What's best, though, is that those students then taught teachers how to use the tool. What strategy, tool or philosophy could YOUR students teach other teachers? 

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INNOVATIVE TOOL, TIP OR STRATEGY

In collaboration with the Santa Clara County Office of Education's Educational Technology Services Team, enjoy this monthly "Tech Tips". In particular, I would like you to be aware of the amazing FREE Leadership Summit opportunity being held on May 21 at the Santa Cruz COE (it's for all educators, since we are all leaders). Click on the link in the Tech Tips for more information. (If the image isn't clickable for you, you can go directly to the link by viewing this post right on our blog.)

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TRIVIA

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

2018-2019 Trivia Winners (So Far)

Michael Ear, Preschool Art
Marissa Lucketti, Human Resources
Melanie Ramsey, Middle School History
Jennifer Siraganian, Upper School English
Lola Muldrew, Upper School Math
Annamaria Smitherman, Lower School English
Melaina Lara, Summer Programs
Kristen Morgensen, Middle School Science
Teri Parrette, Finance

And now, for the questions...

1. If you were born in April, what would your flower be?
2. What classic board game is honored on the 13th of April? (Perhaps you can play it tomorrow!)
3. What International Day is celebrated on the 22nd of April (except here at Harker, where we celebrate it every day)?

And a fun fact: Did you know that on this date in 1633, Galileo was convicted of heresy, for announcing that the Earth revolved around the Sun? 

Talk Story, CUE Conference Resources and More Trivia! ~ March 12, 2019

Don't forget to bookmark our blogs...

The Harker LID Blog: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

The Great SIS Adventure: http://greatsisadventure.blogspot.com

SUBMIT TO PRESENT AT THE MARCH LID VISION WORKSHOP!
http://bit.ly/lidvision0319

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LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

In November, the Grade 3 students learned about trade and the barter system in Mexican California from the early 1800s to 1850. As a culminating activity, Mrs. Gough hosted a barter day at The Harker Trading Post. Her California History students established their own class Rules of Fair Trade, brought items from nature to class, and then used the barter system to trade and exchange items with each other. As they experienced classroom commerce, they learned how good communication and negotiating skills are essential to working out fair deals.

Learning through story can guide a lifetime of understanding. Keith Hirota is hosting lunch time Talk Story sessions with the middle school students. During selected lunch periods he provides comfortable space for students to get to know and learn about their fellow classmates by sharing their stories with each other. 

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INNOVATIVE TOOL, TIP OR STRATEGY

Once again, the LID Team is headed to volunteer, present and attend the Annual CUE Conference this week. As such, I'd like to make you aware of a couple items of particular interest.

First, our very own Diane Main is running for re-election for the statewide CUE Board of Directors. I encourage you all to head to https://cue.org/elections/ and read about the candidates - I will send a follow-up note when elections open!

Second, did you know that, more often than not, you can find session resources for a conference on the description itself? For instance, this particular link leads to a session I highly recommend and you can scroll to see "Session Resources" hyperlinked (this one is a placeholder, but all will be populated this week). Every session located at https://springcue2019.sched.com/ has a Session Resources link, accessible by anyone! Review the schedule and if there's a session that piques your interest, check out the Session Resources link in its description or ask me and I'll try to attend it in person this week. 

We can't wait to share what we learn with you!

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TRIVIA

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

2018-2019 Trivia Winners (So Far)

Michael Ear, Preschool Art
Marissa Lucketti, Human Resources
Melanie Ramsey, Middle School History
Jennifer Siraganian, Upper School English
Lola Muldrew, Upper School Math
Annamaria Smitherman, Lower School English
Melaina Lara, Summer Programs
Kristen Morgensen, Middle School Science

And now, for the questions...

1. Saint Patrick’s Day was originally associated with what color?
2. What country was the first to officially adopt and put Daylight Savings into law?
3. Released on April 5, 1974, what was Stephen King’s first published novel?

Shark Tank, LS MakerSpace in the Library, Inbox Zero Success and More Trivia! ~February 1, 2019~

Don't forget to bookmark our blogs...

The Harker LID Blog: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

The Great SIS Adventure: http://greatsisadventure.blogspot.com

SUBMIT TO PRESENT AT THE MARCH LID VISION WORKSHOP!
http://bit.ly/lidvision0319

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LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS


While this first activity took place in November, when air quality was poor and we were spending much more time indoors, a great strategy or lesson is timeless. 

As a culminating activity to follow the story of the week, Young Thomas Edison, Second Grade teachers Sejal Mehta and Ali Bo took their Language Arts students to the library where LS Librarian Kathy Clark set up a Maker Space activity. Students were asked to create an invention that would benefit our world today. We had inventions such as a filtered air mask (see video), voice checker, heli-boat-car, and so many more creations from our imaginative students! 

Check out this quick (under 30 seconds) video with one of our students explaining his invention!





Rebecca Williams threw her 7th grade Expository Writing students in to the Shark Tank. Students were tasked to research and create persuasive speeches to convince sharks to donate money to a nonprofit.  All classes were represented in the Shark Tank by one nonprofit of their choosing and students spent 5 minutes trying to convince sharks to donate $700 to their cause. Parents donated funds and in the end three non-profits benefited from this classroom exercise in persuasive writing. Here is the link to the video.

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INNOVATIVE TOOL, TIP OR STRATEGY

While not education related, definitely helpful for life. 

The challenge: Too. many. emails. in my personal email, specifically. I love all my work emails, of course. I don't want to click through to unsubscribe from every single email, so I end up in a vicious cycle of deleting unwanted emails, only to have them pop up again.

The solution: Try unroll.me - it's a free service that allows you to quickly and easily choose whether you want your emails to 1) continue coming to your inbox, 2) be part of a daily or weekly digest email (your "Rollup") or 3) be unsubscribed. The screenshot below shows how easy I can click on each email sender and decide what to do with it.

Do this, and you, too, can reach INBOX ZERO

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TRIVIA

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

2018-2019 Trivia Winners (So Far)

Michael Ear, Preschool Art
Marissa Lucketti, Human Resources
Melanie Ramsey, Middle School History
Jennifer Siraganian, Upper School English
Lola Muldrew, Upper School Math
Annamaria Smitherman, Lower School English
Melaina Lara, Summer Programs

And now, for the questions...

1. World War II took a toll on the NFL. The Steelers were forced to merge with the Eagles in 1943. They also had to merge with another team in 1944. What team did they combine with that year?
2. Which franchise was the oldest in professional (American) football history?
3. Officials carry yellow flags that they throw to indicate a foul. It is usually wrapped around a weight to assist with throwing the flag a far distance and to help with accuracy. WHY are ball bearings no longer used as weights on these flags, and for bonus points, what is used now?

LID Vision Workshops Recap and Trivia! ~ December 7, 2018

Don't forget to bookmark our blogs...

The Harker LID Blog: http://harkerlid.blogspot.com

The Great SIS Adventure: http://greatsisadventure.blogspot.com

________________________________________________________________

LID TEAM UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Visit this link to see slidedecks and video recordings of some fantastic sessions offering during our recent LID Vision Workshop Day

Here is the listing of inspirational, innovative and invigorating sessions and that were offered across our divisions:

• Blog Your Journey: Life, Lesson, or Life Lessons
• Digital Tools to Design "Sustainability" Moments
• Ebooks and Audio Books: Free and Easy!
• Ebooks and Audio Books: Free and Easy!
• Elements of Effective Math Lessons and Using the Post-it Plus App
• Escape Room in a box
• Feedback, not Marking
• Fundamentals of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Gettin' Trippy...Tour Creator Virtual Field Trip
• Google Slides: More Than Meets the Eye!
• Google! Create a Website or Digital Escape Room
• Harkness at Harker: Using student-centered, discussion-based learning to encourage student ownership for their own learning
• How to Start Incorporating SEL Activities Now
• Introduction to the Schoology Assessment Feature
• Live Grading With Rubrics
• Polyup: a free digital math playground (co-founder Shaya Zarkesh, class of 2018)
• Public Speaking for Teachers
• Student Feedback Surveys to Improve Teaching
• Taking Your Classroom into the Community (Locally and Internationally)
• Teaching Students to Ask Their Own Question: Best Practices in the Question Formulation Technique
• Testing individuals as a class: no paper, no computer
• What's your Wild Side? (Grade 4 & 5 only)

And HUGE thank yous to our wonderful presenters:

• Ann Smitherman
• Bernie Morrissey
• Byron Stevens
• Eileen Schick
• Gerry-louise Robinson
• Grace Wallace
• Heather Russell
• Jane Keller
• Jeff Draper
• Jennifer D. Walrod
• Kathy Peng
• Kristen Morgensen and Rebecca Williams
• Lauri Vaughan and Qi Huang
• Mark Gelineau
• Mary Holaday and Kate Shanahan
• Melanie Ramsay
• Meredith Cranston
• Ohad Paran
• Patricia Burrows and Julie Pinzas
• Robyn Stone
• Scott Odekirk
• Sharmila Misra

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TRIVIA

Read to the bottom of each blogpost and send an email to Liz Brumbaugh at liz.brumbaugh@harker.org with the correct answers sooner than anyone else, and Liz will deliver your choice of beverage to your office or classroom. 

2018-2019 Trivia Winners (So Far)

Michael Ear, Preschool Art
Marissa Lucketti, Human Resources
Melanie Ramsey, Middle School History
Jennifer Siraganian, Upper School English
Lola Muldrew, Upper School Math
Annamaria Smitherman, Lower School English
Melaina Lara, Summer Programs
Lisa Masoni, Middle School Latin

And now, for the questions...

1) What famous Christmas legend did a Montgomery Ward advertising man create as part of his job?
2) A league is equivalent to how many nautical miles at sea?
3) What is the official Winter sport of Canada?