Sawdust News September 2024
A Message from Mike
In NJ, oak trees are dropping millions of acorns. The squirrels and deer are feasting and it made me wonder, how frequent are mast (named for the nut type) years?
Turns out the pattern of mast years ranges on so many variables that I could not find a single theory. And, how do the trees all coordinate?
There is so much to learn all around us hidden in plain view which makes me happy when I start overthinking.
As we head into a busy fall, my plan is to retain that wonder by staying connected to my hands and to each of you. And I wish the same for you!
Working together builds community.
At Maplewoodshop, we strive to help you build community. We are intentional about pairing students and creating communities of four at each table. We hear from schools where the students at woodworking tables intermingle in woodworking class but nowhere else. And, as woodworking projects increase in complexity, they become group projects that can be donated to the community.
To help you do more with your program, we will be ramping up an administrator advisory board and teacher professional learning community. Watch for details and ways to sign up on October 1.
If you can't wait until then, please send me a note and I will share information with you. My email is mike@maplewoodshop.com.
Mike
Did you know?
Amazing Acorn Facts
There are about 90 species of oak in North America. All oaks produce acorns. Acorns belonging to trees in the red oak group take two growing seasons to mature; acorns in the white oak group mature in one season.
Oak trees have greenish, inconspicuous female flowers and are wind pollinated.
Oak trees of North America annually produce more nuts than all the region’s other nut trees together, wild and cultivated.
One huge oak can drop up to 10,000 acorns in a mast year!
Masting takes a lot of energy! Oak trees grow slowly in a mast year and grow well the year after.
More at Why are there so many acorns this year?.
Funding Sources
Learn about Green Energy Grants in NJ. More at this link NJEDA Approves Creation of $7M Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge.
Program Updates
Join our Customer Advisory board and/or Teacher PLC.
We are breaking up videos into shorter segments in the high school pre-apprenticeship program videos.
Students nationwide can use Thomas Edison college credits.
Releasing October 1:
To learn more about any of these new features or to get help with any part of your program, please contact us at help@maplewoodshop.com.
The Orange Pencil Award
The Linden Public School System for giving students access to this poweful program in middle and high school. AND, for walking the walk. In august, 40+ administrators worked in teams of 3 to build keepsake boxes. We are excited to see your students' achievements!
Welcome to the Family
Adam J Lewis Academy (CT)
Frank J Hubbard MS (NJ)
Maxson MS (NJ)
Rahway Alternative Center (NJ)
And welcome back to so many schools whose programs are thriving and growing!
Upcoming Events
Jewish Day Camp Network
Sept 24-25 (NY)
Raising the Bar
Sept 24-26 (MD)
NJ School Counselors Conference
Oct 10-11 (NJ)
Teaching with Small Boats Conference
Oct 16-18 (CT)
NJSBA
Oct 21-24 (NJ)