Two weeks ago – yup, I planned ahead – I was fortunate enough to chaperone a school trip to New York City for a visit to the Central Park Zoo and a matinee of Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, I’m extremely grateful to work in a district that values technology and goes the extra mile for our students when it comes to teaching them the skills necessary to navigate a digital world. Plus, we live very close to New York City, so the occasional trip can be swung for our web page design group and television broadcast team. I went with the television broadcast team back in November to view a taping of Good Morning America, but this trip was a bit different. We took a quick trip through the Central Park Zoo (a lovely little zoo that makes you forget you’re in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities) then walked over to the Foxwoods Theater to see Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark (not as cheesy as I thought it was going to be plus Jake Epstein, Degrassi: The Next Generation‘s Craig was playing Peter Parker) and followed it up with a dinner at Sbaro’s (decent food at a decent price . . . with fifty plus kids). All in all, we enjoyed ourselves immensely, and I learned a few things: it’s easy to get separated when traveling in large groups, but everyone should have a map; my students are some of the most fascinating people I know, and I’m grateful to get to spend some time with them outside of school; the people I work with are 100% dedicated to the students they teach and strive for their – the students – excellence every day; and never underestimate the power of a very good bus driver. All the photos (and there’s more than ten this month . . . sue me) were taken on April 24, 2013, in New York City. After you’re done here, go on over and visit my good friend, Jessica Lewis, and see how she spent her day. Our circle might be shorter this month, but I’m pretty sure that you’ll find some beauty in the other photographers’ work.
At the Central Park Zoo . . . I like the different sculptures spread throughout
The penguins were quite popular; sadly I couldn’t get close enough to catch them swimming
If you close your eyes, you can almost forget where you are
Dear Students: I wish for you the world . . . it’s yours if you only have the courage to reach out and grab it
We were surrounded by school groups of all ages . . . the little girl was mesmerized by the polar bear.
Who doesn’t love a sea lion or three?
Going through the aviary makes me cringe every, single time. Nothing frightens me more than birds.
Always a good sign when you can find a Shepard Fairey sticker on the street
Some of the finest people I know
Helvetica, the world’s most popular font, in action
Spring is finally here . . . and it’s really a spring!
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy seeing the city from the height of a bus
I can’t tell you why it appeals to me; it just does
See ya next time, NYC!
Unraveling This Life 
i had no idea you didn’t like birds (and i love that shot, btw)! i would imagine taking such a large group would be a little harrowing. you’re brave woman! i know you weren’t alone, but i’d be so scared of losing a kid.
i love that subway sign, that it’s not fully lit, but also your processing.
I don’t care for birds indoors, so being in an aviary makes me very, very paranoid. Even if I’m at a friend’s house with a bird in a cage, I’m on edge the whole time. I’ve never lost a kid, but I’ve gotten lost (kinda just a little). The subway sign is never fully lit, at least that I can remember.
I love this series Jill- NYC fascinates me, I’ve never been, someday :)! & what lucky students to have you as their teacher, seeing them the way you do. They’re really fortunate!!
Ironically, we lived here for years and years before we made a trip. Now, if I don’t make it in a few times a year, I get kinda antsy. I spent ages chatting with one young man and realized what a cool kid he was . . . so different to spend time with your students outside of school.
Lovely set, I really like the B&W shot taken from the bus, very timeless.
It’s a great street to take photos from . . . any vantage point is good. There’s another place on the High Line that offers gorgeous views that when you process them in B&W, you can hardly tell what century you’re in.