Catch Up

I love this time of year.

There is a break in the long haul of days that is the first two quarters of the school year and with it some time to breathe and catch up on homework and sleep.

Last week I was able to take a few days off work and head in to Anchorage for a conference on bilingualism and multicultural school settings. I learned quite a bit from the keynote speakers that were brought in from South America, Washington, and Southeast Alaska. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel where it had a Starbucks kiosk and great views- heaven!

 Not only did I enjoy my time with some great colleagues from LKSD, but I ran into many members of my cohort from UAF. Being able to commiserate over some of the program's assignments was very helpful as sometimes I feel like I can't keep up with the assignments.

After a couple of days attending the conference, I was then able to spend some time with my parents:) We were able to drive around and see some spectacular views, eat some good food, and do some shopping.

By the end of the weekend we were all on our way back to our homes, my parents with Bogart ( plane embargoes) and me back to Toksook for three more weeks until Christmas Break begins.

Two more weeks!

BBall Showdown

8 teams
2 refs
3 teachers
1 night of fun

TGIF

 Kuspuk Friday has turned into Flannel Friday. I think I have to jump on Dawne's bandwagon and have one made in flannel material:) That way I can, too, have the best of both worlds:)

You can see in the picture above that it was quite the week. Even though we all have our smiles on, in between takes of the pictures- we are hanging on by a thread-lol. BUT that doesn't mean it wasn't a fun Friday. Right after letting our kids go- I was able to hop on the quad with the girls and get a quick ride home while they went to the post office and get a taste of Dawne's driving skills. Let's just say that the first clue that it would be an adventure would be the fact that we headed to the wrong Honda. Thankfully Jessica rediredcted us to the back of the school with the secretary in tow. Susie, our secretary, was unsure of Dawne's driving skills, and therefore came out to make sure that we would not kill ourselves on our short trek to the post office.

Well, it went, well...after Dawne figured out how to switch gears:) All in all it was quite a fun jaunt on the road.

 Once we got back it was PLC time-or professional learning community time. Half of our teachers were out and so I had a great time conversing with my Yup'ik colleagues on a lot of cool topics- they shared some stories from the Elders that explained why the mountains fog over, how some villages were created, etc. and I enjoyed being introduced more of the culture through the discussion.

Following the PLC were three Upper Elementary teachers were on our way to getting the basketball tournament underway. That will be for the next post:)

And when I got home, tadaa:


 

Another fun package-this makes two comforting packages this week- one from my parents and the other from the Heter family! Many thanks for the goodies! 

Sunday Snow Day

 Crazy weather:) But it's so nice and warm inside our little home. The traditional Christmas lights are on, the apple cider is once again warming up in the crock pot, candles are lit, lesson plans done, laundry almost completed, and homework almost finished.

And our walk this morning- a little more eventful than normal- but all is good:) Bogart showed Dawne that his love of the city dump trumps all else and I made a mental note to remember to bring my own set of keys and gloves on future walks:.

Mud is Back:(

But so are Bogart's booties- thankfully Dawne in all her strength was able to put the booties on Bogart prior to our walk outside. I am all for cleaning Bogart up, but on Saturdays I'd rather skip the cleaning of the paws process.

During our walk into the windy world that is Toksook Bay, I enjoyed the wild "waves" of the bay. It just brings me back to my days camping in Carpenteria with the gals- waking up to the sound of the ocean:)

Trying to coax Bogart into the water.

Creative use of bulldozers to tie keep the barge at bay.

"Walking the plank" so to speak.

Oh the SNOW!

It came and then...melted again:(

I was sad to see most of it gone this morning when I took Bogart out for his morning walk. However, the ground is still frozen and so Bogart's paws no longer look like he's been looking for creatures in a swamp.

It's my hope that it is a productive Thursday today as three of my students will "return" this morning. And if it's not, well, it's Thursday - which means it almost Friday!

LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN!

It was so good to see the three upper elementary teachers:

and countless 8th graders/ teachers, aides, and parents help to make the Fall Festival happen with few hiccups:)

And the happy kids were so worth all the hard work. I was also very impressed with my students that had to sit out of the event. They did their best to complete the work that was placed in front of them with no complaints- that brought a HUGE smile to my face;)

Marshmallow ghosts and spiders

Me instructing the 8th graders on the different stations they will be leading.

My Jerry Maguire look alike.

Potato sack race.

Frisbee Toss

Ping Pong Wiggle.

Estimation Jars

All in all it was good fun. Happy to see that the kids went home with treats in their hands and smiles on their face-painted faces.