History of the Rockstar Log Book

 I am replacing the pages of the Rockstar Log Book, like I do every few years when the pages are covered with the names of EP Rock students who were recognized for a special effort. And it occurs to me that only a handful of people that remain at Rock were here when the Rockstar Log Book was first conceived. For most everyone, it is simply something we have always done, and students are thrilled when someone acknowledges them with the "rockstar" card, which is their ticket to ring the bell, sign the book and get their photo taken under the rockstar sign. These photos appear on the Rockstar cam on Fridays and students watch diligently to make sure their photo appears as it should.

When I started at Rock in the fall of 2010, my daughter and I purchased the leather bound book and crafted the front cover. Initially the pages were black and students had to use special markers that will show up on the pages. It was such a hit that when the first pages filled, I started replacing them with white poster board, needing to also replace the cover appliques a few years ago because of wear.

It feels a bit emotional and also satisfying removing the pages, reading the names written in the past few years. Students have started putting a date next to their name, and then look for their name or that of friends elsewhere in the book when they earn a rockstar note and get to sign the book. Such a small thing means so much to our students.

There are many things in education that change frequently - technology, curricula, favorite library books, even the chairs we sit on - and of course the faces. But some traditions remain constant, which is a good thing. Soon the new blank pages will be filled with the names of new rockstars.

Have a wonderful summer everyone!