 When you say "wolf pack", the reaction you get from people varies anywhere from fear to wonder. An often misunderstood predator, the wolves in America were totally eradicated by the early 20th century. Since the reintroduction of the gray wolf, scientists have learned a lot about the life and behavior of wolves. Often referred to as the Lonesome Howl, this familiar song of a wolf conjures up many feelings about wolves and where they fit into our society, or if they do. Say "teenagers", and frequently the same kind of split reaction is what you get. Often misunderstood and under appreciated, teenagers are a wonder to behold. When I tell people I teach High School, many times people treat me like I signed up to walk into a wolves den. One of my purposes in teaching about wolves is my own fascination with their behavior and the parallels I see between wolves and people. To a wolf, the pack is everything. It is their place of security and belonging. Each wolf has value and a place among the pack. Wolves hunt together, eat together, play together and sleep together. The whole pack takes care of the pups and each other. Wolves live and die together. People are very much the same. My goal each year is that my students and I will form a pack and have the opportunity to revel in the comfort and security of belonging. Each student cares and is cared for, each student has value and a place, each student experiences the pleasure of living and learning together. When you are part of the HallPack, we are all in it together. |