tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74467613704120119112024-02-19T07:59:49.507-08:00Alaska Bush TeachersAlaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-33613050046542529702017-05-17T15:57:00.002-07:002017-05-17T15:57:29.471-07:00<br />
School is Out!<br />
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It is over. Summer is here. We are packing for Anchorage. <br />
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I just found this blog again. Forgot all about it! This will get you caught up with us and the family.<br />
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We moved from Perryville to Chignik Lake and spent 4 years there. Last year we decided to move back to Perryville. All the teaching staff were leaving and it was a good move for us both. Joe was already principal in Perryville (PVL) and I could teach kindergarten through third grade. Today marks the end of our first year back in PVL and our tenth year in Alaska! WOW!<br />
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Perryville is at the end of our district --- Lake and Peninsula School District. We are about 500 miles out of Anchorage. The only way here is by plane or boat. The village has less than 100 residents and a school population of about 17. Preschool will have 5 next year. We will have 3 teachers here and I will have kindergartners and second graders. Joe will be principal here, Chignik Lake and Chignik Lagoon.<br />
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Our daughter and son both attend the University of Alaska at Anchorage. Hannah will student teach next spring and then teach in the bush. Nathan is a biology major and hopes to attend medical school.<br />
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We still have our two dogs - long-haired English cream dachshunds. Schultz and Carson keep the rest of us in line.<br />
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We will be staying in Anchorage this summer. We will fly out of PVL tomorrow and will be back August 21. School doesn't begin until September 5. Our school district has cut the year by 20 days --- as opposed to going to a 4-day week. They are hoping that by using this "subsistence" calendar, the students will be better settled when school begins and most fishing and gathering activities will be be over. We're hoping to see better attendance over the year.<br />
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So, this was going to be brief --- just something to get back into writing. I hope there are still people out there who want to read. Please, ask questions --- we'll be happy to respond. This life we lead now is so different from before but seems so natural to us now. <br />
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Back to packing ----- MelissaAlaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-65645243954579866362011-08-30T13:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T13:00:21.710-07:00Back at School NotesOkay, we've been back in the village for a couple of weeks and I'm beginning to be able to see things a bit more clearly now. Here's a brief account of our summer:<br />
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We left the village on May 19 and flew to Anchorage. We picked up the truck and fifth wheel. The first two weeks were spent making visits to new doctors and dentists. It had finally dawned on us that we had to move our medical life to Alaska. For four years we had always gone back to OK but this year we had decided to stay in AK.<br />
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Then we spent a month in Valdez. That city is absolutely gorgeous. We love it there. The boy celebrated his 13th birthday while we waited for the grandparents to arrive from OK. They made it in around the first of July and camped with us for about a month.<br />
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We moved to Homer in July and also visited Soldotna. Homer is another place that we really enjoyed staying at for a while. The end of July took us to Danali National Park --- Mt. McKinley. <br />
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We were back in Anchorage by the first of August and spent several days buying supplies for the year. We spent way too much but since it looks like we will be in the village for the entire year, I was bound and determined to have something "different" to eat and clothes to wear. It is cheapest to order by the case when you're sending out to the bush --- but you can only stand so many "cases" of a certain flavor and then you just want something different. Anyway, when we got home we had a LOT to put away. Thank goodness we have the apartment with a walk-in pantry and 2 large closets! Now if I can just remember where we've put it all --- sometimes dinner is like a scavenger hunt!<br />
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The boys have been fishing after school down on the beach. So far, no halibut. I'm really, really hoping that they catch some this fall. Meat is so expensive to fly in and fish in the freezer would really help out. Of course, I can't wait 'til spring and the crab boats will be here. :) The other teacher caught 2 silvers (salmon) on Sunday night. One was 31" and the other 36". He caught a flounder, too.<br />
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I have 10 kids in class so far. One is still at fish camp and will return next week or so. Today I have 1 out sick and I out for unknown reasons and 3 have gone visiting to another village. Sometimes parents don't think to well when planning for their children.... How can they learn to read if they're not here?<br />
Btw, that's 6 second and third graders and 5 kindergartners. <br />
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I am taking 2 college classes this semester and the Mister is, too. He is working on his principal certificate. I can't start one of my classes without the book. I ordered it last week from Anchorage but the post office hasn't been open since Friday. There's been a death in the village and now it's anyone's guess as to when we will get mail again. Over 500 pounds came in Monday on the plane but we can't get it. Sure do need it.<br />
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The Boy is 13 and in 9th grade this year. He seems to like it well enough. The kids made him parliamentarian for student government.<br />
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The Girl is 15 and a junior at school in Sitka. It's a boarding school. Her roommate this year is a foreign exchange student from China. She seems to be enjoying it but has said it is a little overwhelming. She had a really easy year last so this year's class line-up is a bit more challenging. She will take both geometry and algebra 2 this year as well as Chinese, US History and a Pacific Rim course, journalism and English 3. I can't remember what else.<br />
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Well, this catches you up somewhat on the lives of 4 Okies in Alaska. It has become our life and feels normal to us now. If there is something you would like to know --- write a comment. I'll write you an answer as soon as I see it.<br />
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Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-18608142346214735932011-04-29T16:44:00.000-07:002011-04-29T16:44:33.460-07:00A little bit of everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NUtUSCwtaeVeyRkz7yay6wS8hkULxEG9djyJiCZNFuzpPK-ialM0xH3yeoqZpPCKRLB7z42CrDhg8RHp2xMo7HmC5-IeplVrxXQbG2JGrfU6Kfp_ycva_dE99BHKEyO1CvXQHooX5E8/s1600/2011+04+18_0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NUtUSCwtaeVeyRkz7yay6wS8hkULxEG9djyJiCZNFuzpPK-ialM0xH3yeoqZpPCKRLB7z42CrDhg8RHp2xMo7HmC5-IeplVrxXQbG2JGrfU6Kfp_ycva_dE99BHKEyO1CvXQHooX5E8/s320/2011+04+18_0610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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How is it that the last 3 months of school can go so fast and so slow at the same time? We are down to less than 20 days before we are out for summer break. Our last day of school is May 19 and then it's just until the plane comes! Which could be at 12:00 noon or as late as 4:30 or not at all and we would have to fly out the next day --- just depends upon the weather.<br />
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We are staying in Alaska this summer. We had planned for me to take some classes but now it looks like the Mister will be taking 2 to 3 classes for his master of leadership degree which will get him his principal's certificate. I have syllabi and books for the classes I plan to take in the fall --so I'll spend the summer getting ready for those.<br />
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We are going to be in Anchorage until June 3 and then we're moving the trailer to Valdez for the month of June. We are so excited. It is just beautiful there and we need the peace and quiet. The mister can connect with the university there for his classes. We're hoping for long, boring days sitting out on the spit watching people fish for the salmon as they head inland. <br />
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The Girl will be home next Friday -- the 6th. We are really looking forward to seeing her. January 8 was a LONG time ago. I think she has had a good year. I know she's learned a lot. I know she has grown up a lot, too. Most 15 year olds have a hard time doing their own laundry, keeping up with their own bank card and expenditures and getting the homework done but she has done it. She even got herself up to go to church most Sundays. That was impressive to me because not many in her dorm go to church and they sure don't go to the Baptist church!-- Which, did you know that the first pastor at Sitka Baptist was from Oklahoma? Yep -- I think the church formed in 1959.<br />
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Tomorrow is graduation for Perryville School. We have 3 graduating. Everyone gets their certificates for passing levels of work and all 3 students are presenting a speech and a visual presentation. Then there is a potluck afterwards. The principal is here and the couselor for the south part of the district is here. The plane just arrived --- they've been trying to get in since Wednesday. The superintendent will fly in tomorrow with a principal from the northern end of the district who is giving the "big speech." Everyone is getting excited. This is a village celebration. There will be a potluck and a dance after the program.<br />
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We are getting warmer and warmer however it did snow this week. The whales are coming through our bay. The beach apparently drops off very quickly and they like to come in close and roll through the black sand to get the barnacles off. The mister saw one last week and he and the Boy have seen 2 or 3 seals.<br />
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Speaking of the Boy, he has finished several levels and feels very much at home here in Perryville. He goes to Open Gym every night they have it and he has started waiting until the last session so he can play basketball with the high school boys and men from the village. The Mister and I were leaving school last week late and walked into the gym --- it took me a minute or two to realize that the Boy was out there playing with the big boys! He'll be 13 in June and he's really growing up fast.<br />
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In case you're still reading --- and you wonder about "levels" ---- we are a standards based school district. This means that every child works at his or her own pace-- more or less. For instance, the Boy has finished the reading requirements for graduation but he still has 2 levels to finish for writing. He will be finished with the math requirement by Christmas. Once a student has reached the final levels they may continue to come to school but they are enrolled through the University of Alaska for distance learning. The district pays for these classes.<br />
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I can't think of anything else. Time is slow and fast. So much to do. You know, we were always bad in Holdenville to get into the van make it about 2 block and have to turn around and go back. Out here, when you get in that plane, you'd better have EVERYTHING you need 'cause you're NOT going back! Lots to plan for the summer!Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-50345774863792638112011-03-11T15:00:00.000-08:002011-03-11T15:00:17.779-08:00TsunamisWell, I did not realize that the last time I checked in was when we had the "big" earthquake! So... we are fine.<br />
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Thursday evening we had eaten dinner with teacher friends and had also attended the call-in session for the Girl's high school parent meeting. Our boxes from our trip to Anchorage arrived that afternoon and so we had some new movies to watch. The Mister had put one on the tv and I promptly drifted off to sleep. At about 9:30 he woke me up because the village leaders were on the radio saying that an earthquake had hit Japan. We scurried around gathering things for a tub and then they announced that we were evacuating. The 4 teachers from Perryville plus the Boy plus the 3 itenerant teachers who were here loaded into the truck with the head teacher's Chow and about 4 or 5 Rubbermaid tubs and all our winter gear. We drove up the hill to the shelter and then sat there and watched the rest of the village follow us. I stayed in the truck for a while but eventually the need for a restroom overcame that option and I moved inside. There were cots and blankets and some mattresses. We sat in folding chairs and the Boy took a cot. We waited until 3:00 when they had told us they thought the waves would hit. Everybody was really nice. We sat around and talked. Then we waited for the all-clear. Finally, about 5:30, we packed up and went home. At 8:00, our head-teacher called and said we would in fact have school. At 9:00 (regular start time) we had 3 kids and 3 teachers and 1 aide. We are all tired but it was a good morning. We got to do some individual things with the boys and then we had lunch. It's a short day today, they went home at 2:30.<br />
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It was an interesting night. Did you ever play that game --- what would take with you if....? It was no fun last night. What would we need if the waves did wash out the village? We ended up packing a Rubbermaid tote with underwear, tee-shirts, a couple of towels, some peanut butter crackers, peanuts, 3 small jugs of water, medicines, computer, nook, kindle, phone, charge cords, passports, checkbook, social security cards. It filled up fast. I got to the shelter without a hat or gloves. Although it is March and our temps are warmer, I was dressed in a tee-shirt and jeans. We did have our snow pants and coats. It was cold and we should have been better dressed. <br />
I didn't take my camera. We did take toothbrushes and paste. <br />
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We have spent time today talking about next time. We know there will be a next time. Hopefully, it won't be soon. It wasn't bad last night but if we had need to stay another night or more --- it was going to get bad really quick. We will definitely work on being better prepared. <br />
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The Girl slept through the whole thing. They did not evacuate the city she is in. Apparently the drawback does happen there but the actual waves don't come in because of the surrounding islands.<br />
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We are counting down the days until summer vacation. Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-83842559545437474762011-02-01T17:52:00.000-08:002011-02-01T17:52:41.835-08:00EARTHQUAKE!!!!!!We were in the last hour of school. We were making a story map. Everyone was anxious for the last bell because Tuesday's are "Afternoons of Fun!" Then it happened. About 3:40 the room began to shake. At first the Mister and I thought the big kids must have been running in the hall; but, nooooooo..... about the time we figured out that the earth was grumbling..... the building swayed....it probably lasted about 15 seconds. And THEN, about 30 seconds after that.... our students began to cry. They tumbled like dominoes ---- first one and then they just fell right in order down the row of desks! Had we not been scared to death ourselves, it would have been hilarious.<br />
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The village president came in shortly afterward and checked on everyone. He looked it up online and it was a 5.9 and it happened down close to Sand Point. There was no warning and no tsunami was expected.<br />
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So..... now I have news from Perryville. And here we've been telling all our friends and family, "Oh, I really don't know anything...." Hmmmmm.Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-24893725971381647972011-01-29T19:04:00.000-08:002011-01-29T19:04:08.396-08:00I need some blue sky!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRZOaP6_DKrilJCIGsrAqb7fUnc1HSCItOVXxOdn_nJfFjYC92EQUeO2m93VeUDj9eQwitc6gfOyOvQsZUIzm06XDNkNbAAjfQ6qY9gSZpdvaCKEfqN5K5Y-9B4iQySPcOP8aYlfZOgk/s1600/2010+12+14_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRZOaP6_DKrilJCIGsrAqb7fUnc1HSCItOVXxOdn_nJfFjYC92EQUeO2m93VeUDj9eQwitc6gfOyOvQsZUIzm06XDNkNbAAjfQ6qY9gSZpdvaCKEfqN5K5Y-9B4iQySPcOP8aYlfZOgk/s320/2010+12+14_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset in Perryville, AK</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R1-ID7WWDJnZ4hl6Q4YnAxCV_PlS-Fg01SFKsRjcLiwyqS-lL0jLt2zBOqEtdjh1J52-_ULZsgAeyhksztvo-nSC1L6HeFBZmA6ub3IbEo6Kuugx4qJg3Rz_CSxacEdLXFDZugxN014/s1600/DSCN5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R1-ID7WWDJnZ4hl6Q4YnAxCV_PlS-Fg01SFKsRjcLiwyqS-lL0jLt2zBOqEtdjh1J52-_ULZsgAeyhksztvo-nSC1L6HeFBZmA6ub3IbEo6Kuugx4qJg3Rz_CSxacEdLXFDZugxN014/s320/DSCN5053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">July, 2010</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have had rain, ice and wind for a couple of weeks now. I need some blue sky --- and I'm getting antsy for summer --- so I dug through the photo library. I have no idea where this is but it is somewhere on the Cassiar Highway in Canada. I can't wait to get on the road again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not much new is going on in Perryville. We do have crab boats in the bay. The teachers are so glad we're not fishermen on crab boats for this weather.... we're sure the men are glad their not teachers, either....so it all works out! The waves in the bay have been 7-10 ft. tall. Pretty impressive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spring Break is only 4 weeks away ---- can you tell I need out?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left"></div>Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-21883340823050407502011-01-20T18:22:00.000-08:002011-01-20T18:22:45.078-08:00Just stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nC-GkfD-A21f9fpnhtvq4r_UiSFDieIu7DiLQdCfKe13y-zx-QFu9wmeFYei7OyEToVR9tTQa1Tn4kmt2HlCTmOHQDEt_PRt4-fMrkC_2A8BXHclALbdtDY19bYrGT2gpGE9Hxgq_BE/s1600/2011+01+16_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nC-GkfD-A21f9fpnhtvq4r_UiSFDieIu7DiLQdCfKe13y-zx-QFu9wmeFYei7OyEToVR9tTQa1Tn4kmt2HlCTmOHQDEt_PRt4-fMrkC_2A8BXHclALbdtDY19bYrGT2gpGE9Hxgq_BE/s320/2011+01+16_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perryville, AK Russian Orthodox Church</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_gWkAUmUqu0XXmzvOwycapU3u0h2BUE26pzMLMcbOw4B8YOwDDiri7LSIL-ifz_YgyVzBLFI58hiXAhbAMRojxwvbIx_BO5xfYmW2RGwsRQr4hkzWr0xci2Yrsbe1DEQ5Xj-e-2gj1c/s1600/2011+01+16_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_gWkAUmUqu0XXmzvOwycapU3u0h2BUE26pzMLMcbOw4B8YOwDDiri7LSIL-ifz_YgyVzBLFI58hiXAhbAMRojxwvbIx_BO5xfYmW2RGwsRQr4hkzWr0xci2Yrsbe1DEQ5Xj-e-2gj1c/s320/2011+01+16_0480.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After my walk home.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqhuieToqDnDM-pu-J5KNj1k_oiJxbN6i1f3RZe8_kUI0769E9iLg0_O_30AMHVhpjAJOmpjYwmbo7aEg1IeX0Nqisr87VpqIb_SWR7oV-ZptBrRGh5szOE91TqJni8zmzeFcTxyVjBw/s1600/2011+01+16_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqhuieToqDnDM-pu-J5KNj1k_oiJxbN6i1f3RZe8_kUI0769E9iLg0_O_30AMHVhpjAJOmpjYwmbo7aEg1IeX0Nqisr87VpqIb_SWR7oV-ZptBrRGh5szOE91TqJni8zmzeFcTxyVjBw/s320/2011+01+16_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have gorgeous sunsets nearly every evening.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GBZmHVmCaa__RF5g5mNyZMRcXCYYQfW8VUASC8n_CKffMnuJnKPjjVfssCghqNR8C2xczVba2tghcTNk9SB6l-Nz8j0EoXxTFW9oONCmhEaUmzRfue0LntSMu_TLMmbrXAOwpjwgrkY/s1600/2011+01+06_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GBZmHVmCaa__RF5g5mNyZMRcXCYYQfW8VUASC8n_CKffMnuJnKPjjVfssCghqNR8C2xczVba2tghcTNk9SB6l-Nz8j0EoXxTFW9oONCmhEaUmzRfue0LntSMu_TLMmbrXAOwpjwgrkY/s320/2011+01+06_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got to the beach one day while Hannah was home.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBnUMf6mPdIDh_8ZbNieHxzHV0mV8ZzHMjfUIkulj8KmCDbt7CJP7kkxjcp1ZCUM3K9B99IbAA0KpheA6MPqlmhV5BXouXlRZBe9Yn7pUMmk2DHpdVF9wiVM2gW1jh4H2UGiB4mmOPAk/s1600/2011+01+07_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBnUMf6mPdIDh_8ZbNieHxzHV0mV8ZzHMjfUIkulj8KmCDbt7CJP7kkxjcp1ZCUM3K9B99IbAA0KpheA6MPqlmhV5BXouXlRZBe9Yn7pUMmk2DHpdVF9wiVM2gW1jh4H2UGiB4mmOPAk/s320/2011+01+07_0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hannah left, I cried, Dad was stoic.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQldFa9t4Fx4DJR4VhyReJOB_xmz0BmuNX0v58h9RY6pxSyyxo68mVswJ4Z1xpNs6-SgIJ2V6pMNM9s2pqudmGbS4Urn0CqWAez6L9-GRcT48UDVP1t1oLivz32f1qUcJh_FeAqZ8EGg/s1600/2011+01+05_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQldFa9t4Fx4DJR4VhyReJOB_xmz0BmuNX0v58h9RY6pxSyyxo68mVswJ4Z1xpNs6-SgIJ2V6pMNM9s2pqudmGbS4Urn0CqWAez6L9-GRcT48UDVP1t1oLivz32f1qUcJh_FeAqZ8EGg/s320/2011+01+05_0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's not quite as tall ---- YET!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started class last Tuesday --- Jan. 11. We've had masking every night since then -- It's part of the Russian Orthodox tradition. They wear masks and dance till really late. Russian New Year was one night with bells and fireworks, too. Anyway, I'm not so sure how much learning has taken place yet. Everyone is so tired. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are busy with testing for AIMSWEB --- the results let us monitor kid's learning on a very close schedule. The weather has been lousy --- rain - not snow! However, it did snow about 8 inches over the weekend and the Mister went skiing on the beach. Cross-country. Yes, we brought the skis even though former teachers told us we wouldn't have enough snow. Oh! there are boats here in Perryville this week and they are crab fishing!!! We are hoping to get some before they leave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are out of eggs and are anxiously waiting on our shipment from OK. If you haven't used powered eggs --- Honeyville Farms puts out a good product. Of course, they won't ship to Alaska so I have the Wilburton folks ship them on up to us. You wouldn't want to scramble them but we use them in cooking all the time. I'm bringing 5 dozen fresh eggs back from Anchorage next month if I have to hold them in my lap all the way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got our SpanAlaska shipment in this week ---- all attitudes have improved! Wal-Mart won't ship pop during the winter or mayonaise, for that matter. It had been 2 months since I'd had a Dr. Pepper. My, oh my. Some things are just good. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-47208120944211459402010-12-22T16:31:00.000-08:002010-12-22T16:31:57.873-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUbcDSA8QkrT4x9kjcZOJNCKG9Tb-ZJQvvpzpqecWlzfT3RgeqwnyqzYa_H2-6k4Md7s4nqTKS8FhQ7x21VI7D07kGgCeBQlhTj6kSxOEJ2CnYLMiE8BtsD04_mokrsAYZCRGIuv2AxA/s1600/2010+12+21_0088_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUbcDSA8QkrT4x9kjcZOJNCKG9Tb-ZJQvvpzpqecWlzfT3RgeqwnyqzYa_H2-6k4Md7s4nqTKS8FhQ7x21VI7D07kGgCeBQlhTj6kSxOEJ2CnYLMiE8BtsD04_mokrsAYZCRGIuv2AxA/s320/2010+12+21_0088_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Potluck in Perryville -- Crab Legs!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGzPqD4XNemzzNIUkJnBd_e57Lr_N-2gGogNfwJ0R6Jd3ZNXf7L_OCdM2TEOP3dODCAHCncWaOI5Uml4wq6dWtEuSrCoNiKWpOuTWSTHKWkfX2uGWDU9OJOMVUcDWMKGFpaQklfIyWCI/s1600/2010+12+21_0090_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGzPqD4XNemzzNIUkJnBd_e57Lr_N-2gGogNfwJ0R6Jd3ZNXf7L_OCdM2TEOP3dODCAHCncWaOI5Uml4wq6dWtEuSrCoNiKWpOuTWSTHKWkfX2uGWDU9OJOMVUcDWMKGFpaQklfIyWCI/s320/2010+12+21_0090_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Boy as a dinosaur in the Christmas play.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGgaSDH9ETenajSiJE8kTEdyjEKDQMrXel3Lo98YQtpenoQRh44fpoJxIP6r5rz3R11Fc-LVNnYnSOON6pFQIIjaFGQqYRoG4aPhYPnlkLP5qaHnsdruwh2xbCALtFf2x_kmHxEA7gyQ/s1600/2010+12+17_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGgaSDH9ETenajSiJE8kTEdyjEKDQMrXel3Lo98YQtpenoQRh44fpoJxIP6r5rz3R11Fc-LVNnYnSOON6pFQIIjaFGQqYRoG4aPhYPnlkLP5qaHnsdruwh2xbCALtFf2x_kmHxEA7gyQ/s320/2010+12+17_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made salt dough ornaments in class.</div><br />
School let out 20 minutes ago. I am officially on break!!! Yay! Of course, in 2 hours there's a volleyball tournament.... so I'm staying at school and working in the room until then.<br />
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The Girl made it home last Friday. We are so thrilled that we are all back together again. Splitting up the family was not something we had bargained for when we moved to Alaska. Understand... it was the best choice for everyone last summer but it's really been hard for us to all be in different places.<br />
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We are staying in Perryville for the break. We don't have to be back at school until January 10 -- for teacher in-service. The students will be back on the 11th. I have lots of plans for the break. I need to go through all the school tubs that I have packed across Alaska. I need to clean out cabinets in the classroom. I need to straighten up the storage closet at home. I need to finish my own bedroom. How does laundry accumulate that way?! <br />
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Tomorrow is cooking day for us. I am so happy that our order from Mr. Prime Beef came today. Our freezer is way empty. They delivered it to PenAir last week and then it just sat in the freezer in Anchorage. I was afraid it would be next week or later before we would get it. I got hamburger, shrimp, ribeye steaks and chicken. We've been to MPB in Anchorage but we've never ordered from them. I'll let you know how it is.<br />
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The Christmas play was last night. It was cute but really short. Probably the shortest in history. It was about Santa and dinosaurs. The costumes/props turned out well and the kids were happy. Every student in the school participated. The school had a potluck afterwards. Someone brought crab legs. I didn't try them but I did make pics --- you just don't see a lot of crab at a potluck in OK. There was a lot of fish pie and dried fish. The school fixed 2 turkeys. All in all, there was a lot of food and everyone seemed to have a good time. I went home with a fistful of cards and 3 handmade doilies that are beautiful. Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-10863028452791088772010-12-09T17:21:00.000-08:002010-12-09T17:21:55.277-08:00How Can It Be?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr09SMddf9h-OZ4fwm4x_YJv8QPsGq1UH6yCnhRAR9Jotw8CVmKWAl13jLkza8Pk6AFevGrJuF21G1QsZjEEClESedz5-4LQ6ZPRNlfi2iqZmHEgbrWIwAh7VeLReY_R-W3XelmqP3TU8/s1600/2010+11+27_Perryville_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr09SMddf9h-OZ4fwm4x_YJv8QPsGq1UH6yCnhRAR9Jotw8CVmKWAl13jLkza8Pk6AFevGrJuF21G1QsZjEEClESedz5-4LQ6ZPRNlfi2iqZmHEgbrWIwAh7VeLReY_R-W3XelmqP3TU8/s320/2010+11+27_Perryville_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXNCSJChdyYCTuT4moJXE3-TCL1APtqmMPmxjRy7Q8WYHeDY7BPllmuQx_ct2NXAlJfFhO0y6LsogMBkAiySIEQZhfsuCoiJ5ej0Fa762I5lBsMvGenG02FVwmLgnRtNReeUE4vbLzmM/s1600/2010+11+27_Perryville_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXNCSJChdyYCTuT4moJXE3-TCL1APtqmMPmxjRy7Q8WYHeDY7BPllmuQx_ct2NXAlJfFhO0y6LsogMBkAiySIEQZhfsuCoiJ5ej0Fa762I5lBsMvGenG02FVwmLgnRtNReeUE4vbLzmM/s320/2010+11+27_Perryville_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Okay... I was shocked to see the date on the last post. Do you realize Christmas is in 16 days? The Girl will be home next Friday?! Yippee! How weird to think about coming home to a place you've never been before? <br />
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School is going well here. The Christmas play is coming along. Kids are beginning to get excited about the holidays. They really will after Saturday afternoon. We are meeting to work on play props and decorations. Once the tree goes up..... their minds are gone! :)<br />
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I'm making fry bread tonight. I can't wait. The Boy said, "Fry bread!? Something fried?" We haven't had anything fried in quite a while. We are all looking forward to it. I've been saving an onion to make onion rings --- I hope it hasn't ruined! That's it about living out here. You get something special and you want to save it BUT if you wait too long ---- so sorry, so sad.....<br />
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I'm still waiting on Christmas presents to come in, too. The mail seems to be so slow here. I guess I'll wrap empty boxes on the 24th if I have to. <br />
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We get out on the 22 and don't have to teach again until Jan. 10. I'm so excited. I'm tired. I need some time in my classroom without kids. Extended time. Time to work through cabinets and drawers. <br />
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From the looks of this post, I didn't have much to say. Let me just put this one out of its misery by saying that we sure do miss you guys who read this blog. We hope you have a great holiday!Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-81801603681931376172010-11-30T16:11:00.000-08:002010-11-30T16:11:08.479-08:00Thanksgiving and Birthdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-chyxTtopSvJnw2mIjlxJ3fsST8rCj9__wMcnZNN9OHIIbqB2QoFflafW5UxO_6tyinTmYPvXDumd881pu3yD_jS9vzQesFkDjwCyrAhL6-Xzbfk0U-8_vvYeVUj7_0KCkr4i8fa6xo/s1600/DSCN5926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-chyxTtopSvJnw2mIjlxJ3fsST8rCj9__wMcnZNN9OHIIbqB2QoFflafW5UxO_6tyinTmYPvXDumd881pu3yD_jS9vzQesFkDjwCyrAhL6-Xzbfk0U-8_vvYeVUj7_0KCkr4i8fa6xo/s400/DSCN5926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I don't know where the four-day weekend went! It was over just like that...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had brought a big turkey to Perryville when we moved because we didn't know if we would be able to get one out here. We wouldn't have... So, the Mister and I got up early on Thursday morning and put it into cook. I made a pot of dressing and got my dough into rolls so they could rise. I made jello and green peas. Another teacher from school came over about 1:00 with home-made mac and cheese and a pumpkin pie with real cream. What an excellent meal!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Friday, the Boy and I put up the Christmas tree. Then I got to thinking about how something didn't seem right .... no leftover dessert.... sooooo.... the Boy and I experimented and made pie dough. Then, since pumpkin is his favorite, we made 2 pies. WOW! We're not bad at making pie!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Later, I wrote my paper for my oceanography class that I am taking as well as the 3rd test for the semester. I will be so happy when that class is over! It was a full day.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I guess Friday was full enough because I didn't want to do anything on Saturday. I can't hardly remember the day. I guess we had it, though.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sunday was my birthday. The Boy remembered it about mid-morning. The Mister had ordered for my day but of course, it hadn't come in ---- it never does when you have a specific day you want it! We ended up working at school most of the afternoon and went home to a dinner of chicken enchiladas and spanish rice with pineapple upside down cake. I didn't wash a dish all day.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For anyone who is trying to call us.... you can't. GCI is messed up all along the peninsula. Everyone is having problems. If you really want to talk.... email me and I'll call you. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> polarbearbait @ gmail.com</div>(without the spaces.)<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We're in the countdown for the Girl to come home. Only 17 more days !!!! IF the weather cooperates.</div>Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-85425845671129079682010-11-23T18:57:00.000-08:002010-11-23T18:57:43.748-08:00Perryville - First Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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</div>Perryville is situated on a lava flow. The black sand is beautiful. The ocean is to our south and there is a volcano to the north. So is the tsunami shelter!<br />
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The top pic is from the plane looking out from Perryville Village. The other 2 pics were taken as we made our descent to Perryville. It is breathtaking!Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-28050049041408468242010-11-23T09:46:00.000-08:002010-11-23T09:46:59.493-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!How can Thanksgiving be here in less than 36 hours? I guess we've spent our whole fall counting down days until this or until that, so that now here we are --- starting the holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!<br />
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Yesterday was my first full day in the classroom without the sub. The kids were wonderful. We got through the reading, re-started math and even did some writing. While that may not sound like much --- I have 4 reading levels and 4 math levels and (on paper) 4 writing levels. The reading program here is scripted, so that means a different lesson for 4 groups --- 3 groups have only 1 person in them. Math is better but it's still 4 lessons. I did rearrange the topic order so that every group is basically dealing with the same concepts. I also have an aide during those two subjects but it takes 2 hours to get through reading and then another 70 minutes for math --- add P.E., lunch, buddy reading, writing, music, and play practice and the day is gone. We think that when our head teacher returns --- the Mister will get to come back into our classroom and help out as well. He plans to start science and social studies in January.<br />
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The Boy and the Mister worked hard over the weekend to re-do the classroom. The theme is Dr. Seuss. They put up all new bulletine boards, washed the desks and put on new nameplates, moved books and materials around the room, cleaned, and brought 4 of the 14 tubs of "stuff" I thought I needed in the room. By Sunday night, we were all exhausted but very pleased with the end result. The students responded well to the changes on Monday. I think it's going to be a good year here in Perryville. I am thankful for such a nice place to live and work!<br />
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Our school hours are 9-4 ----- teachers start at 8. The kids are eating breakfast now. I've got to get down there for morning assembly. We make announcements and say the Pledge of Allegiance. It's a good way to start the day ----- Have a great Thanksgiving. Thanks for reading about our lives!Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-81142375429030268912010-11-18T17:54:00.000-08:002010-11-18T17:54:42.863-08:00Perryville, AKWe arrived in Perryville on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 4:15 pm. WOW! There is black sand everywhere. It right on the coast. There's a volcano behind our house and water in front. There's even a tsunami shelter up the road from our house. Some big rock islands jut up out of the water in front of the village. The mountains around us have snow. There are alder bushes and a "few" trees. It is a truly beautiful place.<br />
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The teachers met us at the plane. Again, we were so thankful for the help. We got everything off the plane and he took off. I went to the housing first and it is great. We have terrific views of the ocean and village. The old Russian Orthodox church is in front of us. We are about 100 yards from the school -- if that far. We have a good boardwalk so it's an easy walk.<br />
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I will be teaching in the K-3 class. I have 7 kids. The Mister is subbing for the head teacher. He has 6-12 graders and there are about 14 of them. He'll be covering social studies and English.<br />
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The Boy is happy here. He has gone to gym night and he's gotten started with his classes. <br />
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The people here have been just as nice as the Pedro Bay folks. We are looking forward to meeting everyone (there was a potluck Tuesday night for us and the sub who is leaving --- but we didn't get to know everyone!) Oh!Our apt. is GREAT! It has 2 bedrooms and a large living area. We have about 16 feet of windows on one wall that looks out to the beach. The kitchen has lots of cabinets and a good pantry. There's also a large store room by the kitchen. The floors are wood laminate. We are very happy to be here. Our Alaskan adventure continues!Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-39467819433330545762010-11-18T17:32:00.000-08:002010-11-18T17:32:59.158-08:00Last days in Pedro Bay, AKI'm writing this in retrospect and I'm sure I'll leave something out - how could I even try to get it all in?! The Mister and the Boy left last Wednesday and went to Levelock for the district volleyball tournament. PB ended up sending 4 players. They had a bye for the first game, played one game on the second day and played the semi-finals on Friday. They played for the championship and won. The Mister said the whole crowd seemed to be cheering on PB. Everyone realized that the school was closing and that would be the last thing the kids ever did as PB students. I think it was a tear-jerker.<br />
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Soooo... I was left in PB with 3 students and the end of the packing. We had saved boxes all fall and ended up using every last one of them. On Sunday, the Pilatus from Illiamna Air picked us up. We were supposed to start loading at 10:00 am but snow showers kept pushing back the time. Finally, at 2:00 we started loading tubs on to the plane. We had 2 pick-up loads and a few items in another truck to load. We think it was about 2000 pounds plus the three of us. The plane was packed. They had taken all the seats out and then packed tubs right up behind us. The Boy got to ride in the cockpit. Big stuff! We took off at 2:45 --- 15 minutes earlier than the pilot had wanted --- something about getting that plane off the ground and away from the snow!<br />
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On Saturday night, the village had cake and ice cream for us. The beautiful cake said Thank You and Good Luck Wards. It was so nice. I think Courtney brought the cake back from Anchorage. It was very good cake. One of the girls from school brought me earrings she had made and Becca, a student's mom, brought me a fresh spruce wreath with berries and a gold bow --- I've already put it on my front door. It SMELLS so good!<br />
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Verna came by Sunday morning and visited for a while and then the Jensen family came to help us load up the truck. We couldn't have done it without them. In fact, our stay at PB was so much nicer because of them and everyone else at PB. We felt so accepted and at home. People were very nice to us. I was sorry to leave the village. Those students and their families will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories of Alaska.Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-58951348541767584862010-10-26T09:26:00.000-07:002010-10-26T09:26:06.151-07:00Less than 60 Days 'till Christmas!Yep... the countdown is on! The girl will be coming home for Christmas after all! I was really beginning to wonder how we could get it worked out. I had always reassured people that she was just a day away from us but now we have come to realize that in all likelihood, she is two days away. At least she will be when we move to Perryville. You can't hardly fly from one place to the other without spending the night in Anchorage. Bummer.<br />
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For those who care and might want to come see us or visit Sitka: A round-trip ticket from Anchorage to Sitka was $441 and from Anchorage to Perryville was $804. Luckily Alaska Air was giving 3 miles on the dollar! We were able to use miles for the Perryville flight. <br />
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Point of interest: Alaska Airlines offers a mileage plan through VISA that anyone who is moving to Alaska or thinking about visiting more than once should think about getting. We put EVERYTHING through that card. The mileage adds up quick and it sure makes travel a lot easier when you can use your cash someplace else. AND, you get a companion ticket for $99, too. Check it out at: <a href="http://www.alaskaair.com/">http://www.alaskaair.com/</a><br />
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The Mister called this morning from Port Alsworth. The team played last night and won their game. They say they are having a great time. Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-7958481914974093162010-10-24T15:06:00.000-07:002010-10-24T15:06:18.307-07:00Time Marches OnThe Mister went to in-service in King Salmon this past week. The district office (DO) told him that a plane will be here in Pedro Bay on Sunday, the 14th, to pick up us and our belongings and fly us to Perryville directly. To understand this a bit better --- I have nearly 17 Rubbermaid totes in my classroom of just school stuff. AUGHH!!! We have eliminated books and clothes at a record level at the apartment. It will take at least 4 or 5 pick-up loads to get our gear down to the airport. We will have to keep out our heavy winter gear because of weather --- you never know what it's going to be like and we will cover over 400 miles of terrain. While the airplane should be comfortable --- you always have to plan for the unexpected!<br />
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The DO told the Mister that I would be substituting for the secondary Reading, Writing and Social Studies teacher while they are out for personal business. I don't know how long that will be. The Mister is set to teach the 1-3 graders. Later on I will return as his aide for the rest of the year. Maybe. <br />
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Who knows?! You know how people laugh and talk about some people who wake up in a new world every morning? Well, that's us. We just live with what we've got and either hope that we can hang on to it or that tomorrow morning will bring something better....<br />
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We went to church this morning. I will miss the singing and visiting with folks. It has been a good time for our family to have this extended family.<br />
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In case you're interested.... I am finally buying tickets for the Girl to come home at Christmas. This has turned into quite a job. She can leave Mt. Edgecumbe after school on the 16th but the late flight is apparently filled -- this happened while we were waiting to find out just where we should buy the for! Now we know where we're going to be and the logistics are difficult to say the least. I can get her to Anchorage or King Salmon but somewhere she'll have to probably spend the night in the airport. Then flights to Perryville are limited so I'm trying to get the timing right on that, too. AND, I'd really like to use my mileage with Alaska Air so that seems to be putting a wrinkle in it, too. If you're still interested, Pen Air is advertising the price from Anchorage to Perryville at $804 round trip ---- by the time this is all said and done I could just as well send the Girl to Oklahoma for the break!!! I'll let you know what I finally get worked out.....Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-40292516362630717522010-10-20T15:36:00.000-07:002010-10-20T15:36:24.288-07:00It happens just like that...We knew when we came to Pedro Bay in August that there was a chance the school could close before the end of the year. This week, we came to that spot in time where the decision was made for us. At last word, we were told that the school will in fact close down. Our timeline is still sketchy but it looks like November 19 will be our last day of classes. The district will charter a plane for us and our belongings soon after that --- probably the 20th.<br />
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We will be moving to Perryville. It is at the southern-most tip of our district. The village runs about 100 during the winter months and drops to around 15 during the summer. Most people go to Chignik to the canneries or they fish for themselves. <br />
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Perryville is beautiful we have been told. The pictures certainly are. There aren't any trees but there are mountains and even an active volcano. The village faces the Pacific Ocean and has a 3mile stretch of black sand. The teachers there have caught salmon and halibut on the beach --- however, the teacher who told the Mister this, says he doesn't go to the beach without his rifle and bear spray!<br />
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The Mister will be the 1-3 grade teacher and I will be his aide. We are hoping that next year we can both be teachers. There are 2 other teachers there now. It will be good to have the company.<br />
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The Boy has enjoyed his time here at Pedro Bay. He has been able to play volleyball and will even get to travel with the team to the volleyball Jamboree next week in Port Alsworth. He has made friends with all the kids and seems to like the discussions they have in class. He has also started learning to play the piano.<br />
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The Girl called us yesterday. She had written songs as an assignment for choir. She said the kids all really liked her songs and the whole choir is going to learn one of them. Apparently, she is going to sing another one that she wrote for graduation. She is really enjoying choir this year.<br />
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The grandparents are back in Oklahoma after spending 2 weeks in Sitka with the Girl. It sounds like they all had a great time. Plans are already being laid for the next round of visits!<br />
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We are out of school this week for teacher in-service. The Boy and I are home. The Mister has flown to King Salmon. The Boy and I are catching up on video time and cooking. I'm trying to learn how to play on the playstation II but he doesn't have much hope for me! The volleyball team is practicing every afternoon and I'm packing things away in my classroom. The next month will fly by, I'm sure.Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-42529586374068852912010-10-05T09:33:00.000-07:002010-10-05T09:33:07.855-07:00It Snowed!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The salmon pond is nearly empty. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk2Zf6F9XF8Wafl4FUom7tEN6urB9Yi_RMuJbf7fLeEQFk_ij-g1ru91XWDxYkZ9RSh8bcPlxqMKE2r7nXD5jTcoE69wgv9RDE2MkMXn62RaQn9Z6keEJXTrFgr7cnBgh4qSn-0HP7z4/s1600/DSCN5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk2Zf6F9XF8Wafl4FUom7tEN6urB9Yi_RMuJbf7fLeEQFk_ij-g1ru91XWDxYkZ9RSh8bcPlxqMKE2r7nXD5jTcoE69wgv9RDE2MkMXn62RaQn9Z6keEJXTrFgr7cnBgh4qSn-0HP7z4/s400/DSCN5636.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep... those are bear tracks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day after it snowed. the mountains are just beautiful1!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-88796991828003011442010-09-23T19:07:00.000-07:002010-09-23T19:07:28.995-07:00An Interesting SiteIf you go to <a href="http://akweathercams.faa.gov/?submit=Alaska+Cams">http://akweathercams.faa.gov/?submit=Alaska+Cams</a> and then choose southwest Alaska, and then choose Pedro Bay, you can see our weather! The new cams have been up a couple of weeks now. One shows the school and if you just go right on around that building --- that's where we live!<br />
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If you look at Sitka --- southeast Alaska --- you can see the weather at the Girl's school.<br />
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Have fun. I thought it was pretty interesting.<br />
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Oh, yeah .... if you want to leave a message about any post, just mouse over the "0 comments" and click. It should let you comment ---- only nice messages, please! Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-81988693729656098542010-09-18T15:52:00.000-07:002010-09-18T15:52:07.677-07:00First of Many FirstsMt. Edgecumbe emailed this week. They sent an announcement for the first-ever state-wide teleconference. It was Thursday night. All the parents called in and then the superintendent, the housing principal and I think, one of the nurses plus the lady who is over home/school relations. It was strange to sit and listen to parents call in and tell their own name and the name of their child and then where they were from. People called in from all over the state. Some parents we recognized. They are teachers in other districts whom we have met before. It helped me in knowing that they are all parents, too, who are wanting to know if their child is okay --- not just academically, but socially, too. We talk to our Girl about 2-3 times a week. Sometimes we use SKYPE. It is a life-saver. It really helps to be able to see her face!<br />
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The superintendent gave some numbers. Here is that info:<br />
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Enrollment 412<br />
Freshmen 113<br />
Sophmores 95<br />
Juniors 115<br />
Seniors 88<br />
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Girls 257<br />
Boys 155<br />
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Returning Students 220<br />
New Students 192<br />
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Mt. Edgecumbe DID make AYP last year.<br />
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We felt that the teleconference was well worth the time. It was very informative. The next one is scheduled for November. Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-76033662146561054772010-09-16T16:55:00.000-07:002010-09-16T16:55:42.535-07:00ClassesWell, I've had one online class this week and I'm afraid it's going to be a LONG semester. Science left me behind a long time ago!<br />
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On the other hand.... I have now finished 5 of the 10 activities I need for my Intro. to Educational Technology. And... I have an "A" so far! <br />
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It looks like we may just make the counting cut-off. Everyone has to be enrolled by the 27th here in Alaska so that schools can count the students and find out how much money the government is going to pay up for next year. We "think" we're going to get to stay here in Pedro Bay for the rest of this year. That will be great!!<br />
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Went bear "hunting" last night ---- nothing. BUT, the salmon are STACKED up in the little creek that goes through the village out to the airport. Last night they were just lined up like people waiting in line. Side by side..... not going anywhere.... just waiting.... I'm going to try and get a picture of it. There were hundreds of fish in that little creek.Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-3707600003650216832010-09-11T18:00:00.000-07:002010-09-11T18:00:28.812-07:00Just Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are pics I took yesterday. After a week of rain we have enjoyed 3 days of sunshine. The water is running off the mountains and you can hear it throughout the village. The waterfall above our house was roaring yesterday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the salmon?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were about 100 feet away --- in the safey of the truck!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcg6lADmPiASdj1LJ_8AIDPIvjDAIC781z_J6SEdkdcnzmB3yOvFa04XxuwID4yiJG_HxG-RmgV3pYUe9Uhs7pWQ6vnLHhtRuR7FbogPSHKG_AHuBmmw9RWPNpS4Q_Kq30y_dyiYjtNQ/s1600/DSCN5475_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcg6lADmPiASdj1LJ_8AIDPIvjDAIC781z_J6SEdkdcnzmB3yOvFa04XxuwID4yiJG_HxG-RmgV3pYUe9Uhs7pWQ6vnLHhtRuR7FbogPSHKG_AHuBmmw9RWPNpS4Q_Kq30y_dyiYjtNQ/s320/DSCN5475_edited-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seems that it's getting more difficult to find the bears. Our record for one night is 7. We haven't seen the Mama and her 2 cubs in over 2 weeks now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6yQCFzMV-Yh4ZZnud_Of8DGhiu6PYLdHeFLrQSLZDvpIJSlQGPddE3N_pUBG9FgHzulLQoPhxqGsQnMQ1jjcU8ucyU5nWJJkQMDyBrXJ_vdvH5DGYeR4-N6byAFaQp0HVByjI4MT0sk/s1600/DSCN5484_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6yQCFzMV-Yh4ZZnud_Of8DGhiu6PYLdHeFLrQSLZDvpIJSlQGPddE3N_pUBG9FgHzulLQoPhxqGsQnMQ1jjcU8ucyU5nWJJkQMDyBrXJ_vdvH5DGYeR4-N6byAFaQp0HVByjI4MT0sk/s320/DSCN5484_edited-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Rainbow Lodge, located here in Pedro Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uYHOVkJ95xev11b4xqeOfHGw3SbOB3PM2EcF0yafKux0aiRjItBMiDinPI6YzW5G9bwRvXZP50DwaE9oQTnr0ObFLEHgrS5TP2GXugZxsmOSU15aXd5EPGAXjr46jx1yyFPx3Q5C0LM/s1600/DSCN5485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uYHOVkJ95xev11b4xqeOfHGw3SbOB3PM2EcF0yafKux0aiRjItBMiDinPI6YzW5G9bwRvXZP50DwaE9oQTnr0ObFLEHgrS5TP2GXugZxsmOSU15aXd5EPGAXjr46jx1yyFPx3Q5C0LM/s320/DSCN5485.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMnK4GxaB0dxN3BbrLVvtz9J6lqZsYEj93braVpSIXUJfJLM_PR4LCusD_JB4T24zqAfmvRgCmNXtYTtJTTvwFdEoiNgIkOtnVj7k13WfEXfoHrkuvyS4Urr5pZbnFsvyXOJEv_df4Dg/s1600/DSCN5497_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMnK4GxaB0dxN3BbrLVvtz9J6lqZsYEj93braVpSIXUJfJLM_PR4LCusD_JB4T24zqAfmvRgCmNXtYTtJTTvwFdEoiNgIkOtnVj7k13WfEXfoHrkuvyS4Urr5pZbnFsvyXOJEv_df4Dg/s320/DSCN5497_edited-1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4-QQpIZPuzwSrMhoSCXzLUPW7HQpQ4PUjwVPC8YDWGwYlmPVZps8nCqS79EvVt4eNWpKTnL11T1yoCldvBx6ZmP80z4FeFc2qBilZH9HtWbhhxeTNak8pHwN4cOgKR0Qg0rER5QYqHA/s1600/DSCN5480_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4-QQpIZPuzwSrMhoSCXzLUPW7HQpQ4PUjwVPC8YDWGwYlmPVZps8nCqS79EvVt4eNWpKTnL11T1yoCldvBx6ZmP80z4FeFc2qBilZH9HtWbhhxeTNak8pHwN4cOgKR0Qg0rER5QYqHA/s320/DSCN5480_edited-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the old airstrip. Now it is part of the 3 mile loop around the village. The Boy was at party on this road last week. They were playing volleyball when they looked up and saw a bear coming to join them. Everyone hopped on their 4-wheelers, screaming, "Bear!!!!" and went home. That party ended rather early...</td></tr>
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<tr><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshNIfmSiBg0UwE7cLWPYAS0RDwnf2u85SJDDrd6iubirYQhHBUeIna1QiFHSDpSPplBKER-hRa-LttnIJJ2kTgtSF7yb6R9UZF5nkriT0HGSASRsZcqa1u1mE-ihmI3AhWN0UxYhip8g/s1600/DSCN5474_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshNIfmSiBg0UwE7cLWPYAS0RDwnf2u85SJDDrd6iubirYQhHBUeIna1QiFHSDpSPplBKER-hRa-LttnIJJ2kTgtSF7yb6R9UZF5nkriT0HGSASRsZcqa1u1mE-ihmI3AhWN0UxYhip8g/s320/DSCN5474_edited-1.JPG" /></a> </><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZaZUPb16edCc3eb6XblnZg9agFbdtSeYdG9m9c1bk06XcmUP5SjAajCjN8_mey8Nhyphenhyphenl3sQFexeJqvsknUAZiMNOztQklMYVgNL9MmjeBL5gctUqHBhyfxeayw-s8c2Y5UWUdVUFeAhA/s1600/DSCN5492_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZaZUPb16edCc3eb6XblnZg9agFbdtSeYdG9m9c1bk06XcmUP5SjAajCjN8_mey8Nhyphenhyphenl3sQFexeJqvsknUAZiMNOztQklMYVgNL9MmjeBL5gctUqHBhyfxeayw-s8c2Y5UWUdVUFeAhA/s320/DSCN5492_edited-1.JPG" /></a></td></div></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">This is from the sandy beach on Lake Iliamna. Have you heard about the Lake Iliamna Monster?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-45425878679521488432010-09-06T17:23:00.000-07:002010-09-06T17:23:15.507-07:00If today is a holiday, why am I working so hard?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IPfA6d2J-tn7i9s8V4JhgiZ4DKvpwhbvsVusvMA3QGVZuGY5AhiDvSSz8ICDyf76tIgFcerJvA5UdZYS_HY_zgGdmIum-0sEOA-RhJk-3QwlWU7M3JTrL6GtTpnLdRNWguFWOUtZwUg/s1600/DSCN4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IPfA6d2J-tn7i9s8V4JhgiZ4DKvpwhbvsVusvMA3QGVZuGY5AhiDvSSz8ICDyf76tIgFcerJvA5UdZYS_HY_zgGdmIum-0sEOA-RhJk-3QwlWU7M3JTrL6GtTpnLdRNWguFWOUtZwUg/s320/DSCN4032.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0wE6XHQ8L1i4k27CkPEgTyBBhPFUkhmAP_6FlQpPeMBsfH_HfPRwIxMyYcxbf876-M4e4vIVZrLS-6zzcTYhew3fKe9Ybivx4XJJ3Mp5SF0TZ6DEfo_owKNjyOc3P_t3nMZmHWp0pc0/s1600/DSCN4031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0wE6XHQ8L1i4k27CkPEgTyBBhPFUkhmAP_6FlQpPeMBsfH_HfPRwIxMyYcxbf876-M4e4vIVZrLS-6zzcTYhew3fKe9Ybivx4XJJ3Mp5SF0TZ6DEfo_owKNjyOc3P_t3nMZmHWp0pc0/s320/DSCN4031.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvUhoVmIKaRSwnmbp6whBjIxpQHjfRZmGFKvbt21Lwc4pLD4L6UD8kq-o31-Ib1S3fWbca3d5hSREuqI1fCULxB3TYidoIeF9CslRzqIcMjyxAuvTvfLHwTNRpkOeyMb6bJnhLTRBtco/s1600/DSCN4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvUhoVmIKaRSwnmbp6whBjIxpQHjfRZmGFKvbt21Lwc4pLD4L6UD8kq-o31-Ib1S3fWbca3d5hSREuqI1fCULxB3TYidoIeF9CslRzqIcMjyxAuvTvfLHwTNRpkOeyMb6bJnhLTRBtco/s320/DSCN4033.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3RuOnfKHkNgRjMrNop63L9uxQJieAmyOB11nKmuN88Q0kORYWp6rKWQWXYiRBkQz1MdqrZAcobCGCOp_TYQUKjYXjiesC3EdtJ8rSTHdnzGv3HOKIvqTq1mT3vjv6FQzU2pa6YABoZc/s1600/DSCN4058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3RuOnfKHkNgRjMrNop63L9uxQJieAmyOB11nKmuN88Q0kORYWp6rKWQWXYiRBkQz1MdqrZAcobCGCOp_TYQUKjYXjiesC3EdtJ8rSTHdnzGv3HOKIvqTq1mT3vjv6FQzU2pa6YABoZc/s320/DSCN4058.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today is Labor Day and we are laboring.... We stayed away from school all weekend so I guess it's right that we have to do something today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I started the blog today I didn't think I had anything to write, so I decided to pull some pics from our trip this summer. These pictures are from Amarillo. This RV place was great. It was incredibly clean, had pool, laundry rooms and it was really quiet. BUT, the best part, is that it was super cheap. I think we paid $20.00!! They are on I-40 and they're on the west end of the city. We just happened to drive out that far and found them. We just got our member's card this week from them. It's good for 20% off, I think. Anyway, the owners were really putting out a plea for custormers. Sooooo.... if you happen to drive your RV out that way..... stop at the Oasis. They're great.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The picture of the Boy gives you an idea of what went on for miles and miles. Really, for all the miles we drove, we couldn't be prouder of our Kids. They are great travelers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
The last pic was taken as we entered into New Mexico. I'm trying to remember the heat and dryness but it has been wet, wet, wet here in Pedro Bay. The temps have been mid-50s with a lot of fog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to a wedding on Saturday. It was good to get out and visit with community members. The ceremony was very touching and the food was great. I sure was tired by the time we got home that evening. The former pastor married the young couple and then he also preached on Sunday morning. We enjoyed going to church with our neighbors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-79066498499905636672010-09-03T15:33:00.000-07:002010-09-03T15:33:33.632-07:00Classes OnlineBack in the spring when we took this job at Pedro Bay, I thought it would be a good time to go back to school and work on my elementary endorsement for the state of Alaska. So, this summer I spent two or three whole days trying to get online and get enrolled. Part of my problem was that I didn't understand that the University of Alaska is HUGE! There are campuses in Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks and lots of smaller schools in the major hubs across the state. You might take a class here or there, but on your transcripts it all says University of Alaska. And then... there's a site to enroll and a site to keep up with your classes and a site for this and a site for that..... and of course, all the cute little things that your computer can do to show off how smart it is and you aren't! I did finally get enrolled in 2 classes but I was a frazzled mess. I paid my tuition and fees and closed up the computer. <br />
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Fast forward to this week. I remembered that I didn't have my book yet for one of the classes so I sent Amazon some money and they shipped a used copy. Saved me over $40 so I was happy. Then, I took a looksie to see that everything was ready and get the scoop on these classes. I finally found syllabi and I read that I would be using Elluminate for one of the classes. It's a program that lets everyone in the class hear the instructor and whoever else wants to talk. I used it last year but on a different computer. So I had to download that program ---- no, it didn't go smoothly! Then I wanted to print out the assignments for the other class. I don't know what happened but the Mister had moved printers around and my computer didn't like the new printer and it took 3 hours to print out 10 class assignments. I was not a happy camper. <br />
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Now, I've read the assignments and I realize that this class isn't so much about teaching me but about me showing how much I've already figured out on my own. The class is "Introduction to Educatioanl Technology." My other class in "Introduction to Oceanography." I don't know if a computer classroom is for me but it IS paid for..... guess I'll show up.....Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7446761370412011911.post-33905785134877089912010-08-31T17:08:00.000-07:002010-08-31T17:08:19.627-07:00Eagles and ThingsWe were out yesterday afternoon and got to see two Bald Eagles --- up close! They were right on the road, one across from the other. I bet we weren't 20 feet from either one. They were huge. We watched them both for a while and then we had to get back to work. No, I didn't have my camera. When will I learn?<br />
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I am busy sorting kid's books. I have 14 boxes of brand new books --- cost something like $9000.00. It's a teacher's dream! The only thing is that we don't have book shelves. <br />
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I got my book for my oceanography class that I will be starting next week online. It's paperback, used and it cost me $105 from Amazon. It was going to be $140-160 new. It's only about 400 pages. It sure makes me wonder what books would cost if I ever get to take more than 6 hours. I'm taking Intro. to Oceanography and Educational Technology this semester. I want to get my elementary endorsement on my Alaskan certificate. Only 42 more hours to go!<br />
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I am still cooking. Not happy about it, but I'm doing it. The kids are great about it. They eat, they clean up and they ALWAYS come to tell me, "thank you." I would just much rather be in the classroom all day. <br />
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Also, I am feeling much better. I took some Ny-Quil Sunday afternoon and slept a lot. Don't know if I was just tired or what. Of course, since I slept, nothing much got done as far as putting tubs and boxes away. I am utterly amazed at how much stuff we sent to Pedro Bay. My recipes have not shown up. They were my mom's and my grandma's. That makes me very sad. They were treasures to my heart.Alaska Bush Teachershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07359221193741065232noreply@blogger.com0