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!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Perryville - First Photos
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!
Happy 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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Perryville, AK
We 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.
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.
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.
The Boy is happy here. He has gone to gym night and he's gotten started with his classes.
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!
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.
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.
The Boy is happy here. He has gone to gym night and he's gotten started with his classes.
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!
Last days in Pedro Bay, AK
I'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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Less 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.
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.
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: http://www.alaskaair.com/
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.
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.
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: http://www.alaskaair.com/
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.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Time Marches On
The 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!
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.
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....
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.
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.....
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.
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....
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.
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.....
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
It 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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