A popular cliché about finding a man in Alaska is, ''The odds are good, but the goods are odd.''
A popular cliché about breaking up with a woman in Alaska is, ''You don't lose your girl, you lose your turn.''
Alaska has a reputation for a high ratio of men to women. Surprisingly though, the ratio between men and women is quite even across the state. However, in some of the more remote areas of Alaska there is indeed a larger imbalance of men to women. Seriously, what kind of woman wants to live in the wild rugged remoteness of rural Alaska? Oh, there are some; I apparently am one of them.
Or perhaps, the higher ratio of men to women in rural areas may very well have to do with occupations. Women in this region primarily work either in the area of education or health care. Men, although they also work in those areas, they also dominate a wider variety of "masculine" fields in rural Alaska.
So, with more men than women out here you’d think that women would have an easy time finding a man. That simply isn’t true. I have known several female teachers who have left their villages because of the lack of social possibilities.
And here, in Oscarville, there are no options. Zilch.
Men (or lack of) is a very hot topic out here.
It is a very real concern for some.
It is an escape for others.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
H.S. Speech Competition 2011
It is that time of year yet again for High School Speech. Two fun filled days of speech with some down time sprinkled all around, especially if you are not giving speeches. That could explain the reason I have a few posting all in one day. Of course, there was an explanation to the irregularity of number of posts in a given time frame.
Oscarville Participants: Kalila (sophomore) and Patrick (junior)
Day 1: Tuesday, November 15th
Round 1- During the first round students only give their speech in front of two judges; there are no spectators. The students practice or fret while they wait their turn to give their speeches. Students can give speeches in several categories: Dramatic, Humorous, Expository, and Original Oration (English and Yup'ik). Meanwhile, coaches and chaperones have some time to fill. I chose to grade papers, enter grades, and write lesson plans because Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it would pay to work ahead of the curve.
Round 2- The second round takes place after dinner. All students participate in Round 2 in front of an audience of peers and guests.
The average from Round 1 and Round 2 is what determines who makes it to Round 3, the semi-finals.
Day 2: Wednesday, November 16th
Round 3- This year I didn't have students make it to the semi-finals. Round 3 takes place in the morning of Day 2 and again their only audience is the judges. My students who do not make it to this round work on classwork and go to their VTC classes so that they don't have as much make up work to do when we return to the village. My students do not always like that I have them work on school work because many other students simply hang out and socialize when they are done competing. Hopefully, however, my students will appreciate their efforts and my structure (perhaps not today, but someday). This is the time frame I was able to publish post earlier today.
Round 4- The finals takes place after lunch and their is a huge audience. All speech participants, coaches, chaperones, and guests watch the final round. All the Yup'ik speeches are in one room and all the Engligh speeches are in another. As a whole we, the audience, watch the best of the best and this year especially was outstanding. The dramatic category gave me chills and had me crying (only a little), the humorous category was peppered with laughter and gasps of reactionary responses, the expository category shined new perspective on topics of interest, and the original oratation category pulled and persuaded with tugs at the heart and sparked the brain to reconsider what it might have thought it already knew.
After dinner (Pizza) and the Awards Ceremony is the event after the event, if you will....the Dance. Oh, yes, the dance. Now, I cannot speak for all coaches and chaperones, but I do believe that those 3rd year coaches (in my LKSD year) might just agree that we look forward to the dance almost as much as our students. Although there are many adults present, the third year crew seems to take the same posts now for three consecutive years: Mike and Matthew front hall, Kim hallway to gym, Erin and I landing to the library. The other 3rd year speech regulars who did not make it for whatever reason please know your absence was indeed noted. You were missed!!
As for dancing, seems like our speech high school crowd aren't too big on dancing-at least not in front of people they don't know. They love the dance, but many are too shy to dance. Bethel students tend to be more willing to cut a rug than the village students; however, by the end of the night more village students pop out for a quick dance here and there. Every once in awhile you could catch a glimpse of a coach/ chaperone moving to the beat and that is super fun.
Day 3: November 17th
Probably the most challenging day to teach....
We will stay in Bethel until 9:40am or so that way my students can go to their VTC math class and I can help shuttle teams to the airport. Then my team will be taken to the tundra where we will be picked up by snowgo and head back to Oscarville. When we get back we go right to class and it WILL be a challenge. The dance ended tonight at 10pm and the students will be exhausted tomorrow. Oh, who am I kidding? So will I for that matter.
And it all will have been worth it!!!
Speech rocks!!
Oscarville Participants: Kalila (sophomore) and Patrick (junior)
Day 1: Tuesday, November 15th
Round 1- During the first round students only give their speech in front of two judges; there are no spectators. The students practice or fret while they wait their turn to give their speeches. Students can give speeches in several categories: Dramatic, Humorous, Expository, and Original Oration (English and Yup'ik). Meanwhile, coaches and chaperones have some time to fill. I chose to grade papers, enter grades, and write lesson plans because Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it would pay to work ahead of the curve.
Round 2- The second round takes place after dinner. All students participate in Round 2 in front of an audience of peers and guests.
The average from Round 1 and Round 2 is what determines who makes it to Round 3, the semi-finals.
Day 2: Wednesday, November 16th
Round 3- This year I didn't have students make it to the semi-finals. Round 3 takes place in the morning of Day 2 and again their only audience is the judges. My students who do not make it to this round work on classwork and go to their VTC classes so that they don't have as much make up work to do when we return to the village. My students do not always like that I have them work on school work because many other students simply hang out and socialize when they are done competing. Hopefully, however, my students will appreciate their efforts and my structure (perhaps not today, but someday). This is the time frame I was able to publish post earlier today.
Round 4- The finals takes place after lunch and their is a huge audience. All speech participants, coaches, chaperones, and guests watch the final round. All the Yup'ik speeches are in one room and all the Engligh speeches are in another. As a whole we, the audience, watch the best of the best and this year especially was outstanding. The dramatic category gave me chills and had me crying (only a little), the humorous category was peppered with laughter and gasps of reactionary responses, the expository category shined new perspective on topics of interest, and the original oratation category pulled and persuaded with tugs at the heart and sparked the brain to reconsider what it might have thought it already knew.
After dinner (Pizza) and the Awards Ceremony is the event after the event, if you will....the Dance. Oh, yes, the dance. Now, I cannot speak for all coaches and chaperones, but I do believe that those 3rd year coaches (in my LKSD year) might just agree that we look forward to the dance almost as much as our students. Although there are many adults present, the third year crew seems to take the same posts now for three consecutive years: Mike and Matthew front hall, Kim hallway to gym, Erin and I landing to the library. The other 3rd year speech regulars who did not make it for whatever reason please know your absence was indeed noted. You were missed!!
As for dancing, seems like our speech high school crowd aren't too big on dancing-at least not in front of people they don't know. They love the dance, but many are too shy to dance. Bethel students tend to be more willing to cut a rug than the village students; however, by the end of the night more village students pop out for a quick dance here and there. Every once in awhile you could catch a glimpse of a coach/ chaperone moving to the beat and that is super fun.
Day 3: November 17th
Probably the most challenging day to teach....
We will stay in Bethel until 9:40am or so that way my students can go to their VTC math class and I can help shuttle teams to the airport. Then my team will be taken to the tundra where we will be picked up by snowgo and head back to Oscarville. When we get back we go right to class and it WILL be a challenge. The dance ended tonight at 10pm and the students will be exhausted tomorrow. Oh, who am I kidding? So will I for that matter.
And it all will have been worth it!!!
Speech rocks!!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Alaska State Troopers Visit
In the last week I've received many a phone call and email inquiring about how the newsworthy epic storm of Alaska has impacted my little village of Oscarville. Honestly, for the most part we only received extra snow dumps except for last Saturday when a short blizzard came through. The visibility was so low I was not able to even see the play deck out of the back door of the school (a matter of yards). The school building shook with the force of winds more powerful than I have experienced yet while in Oscarville.
Saturday we had a make up day, so it was a half day for students. Our NYO team was in Bethel competing and were supposed to return Saturday afternoon. However, the blizzard, left much snow but the temperature was not really cold. The result was that our back trail to Bethel became slushy and dangerous to travel over. One of our parents had headed to Bethel to help bring back our NYO team via snowgo and ended up turning back because the trail was not safe.
Our principal also had trouble returning from Bethel due to the sketchy condition of the back trail, so he went to stay with the NYO team until it was safe to travel back to the village. On the trail, Galen ran into couple of State Troopers who were having trouble on the trail.
The Troopers were heading to Oscarville to handle a "situation" and with them they had two filmers from the show "Alaska State Troopers". One of the snow machines was stuck in ice and water and all four people were soaked because of their snowgo swamping into unfrozen water. One of the filmers said that they were setting up survival gear before Galen came because of the severity of the cold and the possiblity of having to hunker down until help arrived. The ride from Bethel to Oscarville typically takes about 20 minutes on a snowgo; however, the Troopers and Co. had been stuck out there during the blizzard for several hours. Luckily, Galen was able to get the people out and back to Oscarville where they could warm up and dry out.
My classroom became a makeshift drying room and it was incredible how much gear was scattered about the room. I loaned the women dry clothes and hair dryers became boot dryers.
Mrs. Straw invited them all over for dinner (tacos), as well as, Tiffany and myself. Then we women watched the first movie in the "Twilight" series. A needed escape for our shaken guests and a requirement for me from my roommate to prepare for the lastest sequel movie in the series we plan to watch over Thanksgiving break. (How old are we again?)
It was imperative to get the snow go out before the temperature fell too much. Community members went out and helped the Troopers haul out the second snowgo. Thankfully the temperature dropped enough to make the trail safe for travel which meant our NYO team and principal could return to Oscarville in the night.
Troopers and Co. stayed the night at the school and then safely returned to Bethel Sunday morning.
Saturday we had a make up day, so it was a half day for students. Our NYO team was in Bethel competing and were supposed to return Saturday afternoon. However, the blizzard, left much snow but the temperature was not really cold. The result was that our back trail to Bethel became slushy and dangerous to travel over. One of our parents had headed to Bethel to help bring back our NYO team via snowgo and ended up turning back because the trail was not safe.
Our principal also had trouble returning from Bethel due to the sketchy condition of the back trail, so he went to stay with the NYO team until it was safe to travel back to the village. On the trail, Galen ran into couple of State Troopers who were having trouble on the trail.
The Troopers were heading to Oscarville to handle a "situation" and with them they had two filmers from the show "Alaska State Troopers". One of the snow machines was stuck in ice and water and all four people were soaked because of their snowgo swamping into unfrozen water. One of the filmers said that they were setting up survival gear before Galen came because of the severity of the cold and the possiblity of having to hunker down until help arrived. The ride from Bethel to Oscarville typically takes about 20 minutes on a snowgo; however, the Troopers and Co. had been stuck out there during the blizzard for several hours. Luckily, Galen was able to get the people out and back to Oscarville where they could warm up and dry out.
My classroom became a makeshift drying room and it was incredible how much gear was scattered about the room. I loaned the women dry clothes and hair dryers became boot dryers.
Mrs. Straw invited them all over for dinner (tacos), as well as, Tiffany and myself. Then we women watched the first movie in the "Twilight" series. A needed escape for our shaken guests and a requirement for me from my roommate to prepare for the lastest sequel movie in the series we plan to watch over Thanksgiving break. (How old are we again?)
It was imperative to get the snow go out before the temperature fell too much. Community members went out and helped the Troopers haul out the second snowgo. Thankfully the temperature dropped enough to make the trail safe for travel which meant our NYO team and principal could return to Oscarville in the night.
Troopers and Co. stayed the night at the school and then safely returned to Bethel Sunday morning.
Halloween Weekend
Halloween!!! What a big weekend it is here in Oscarville with lots of festivities. Friday, Oct 28th we had our Halloween Carnival. The H.S. Student Council puts it on as a fund raiser. There are carnival booths: duck match, ice fishing, ping-pong toss, bean bag toss, and face painting.
Chinace is face painting Bethany.
Jessi and Elizabeth are looking for a match at the duck pond while William watches.
Mr. Straw, our principal, with his little bunny, Ezra.
Cake walk FEVER!!
After the booth events we have a cake walk, which is the big event of the carnival. At one time we had 20 people walking the circle in hopes of scoring a cake. Fun, fun, for everyone!!
Saturday night the H.S. had their annual haunted house. This year they decided not to charge so everyone could enjoy; it was a community service activity. It is great fun to hear all the screams and laughter from the people going through the haunted house. Every year the littlest ones barely make it through, if they make it through at all. This year Anissum, one of my juniors, wanted to make a gallow to have someone "hang" from. And so he did. I love that about my students; they are hand-on capable and they get it done!!~!
Sunday the community trick-or-treated. Tiffany and I decided to dress up (using fabric as gowns) two of Cinderella's wicked and ugly step sisters. We called Valerie and told her she should be Cinderella and Nick could be Prince Charming. Hilarious!!! Yes, there are photos, but not to be seen just now or on this blog. Hilarious!!!! Oh, what can be done with some fabric, a wig, and some crazy make up. Fun, fun, fun....Halloween for all ages.
Boff and Trevor
The Straws: Nick, Valerie, and Ezra (aka the Lil' Dinosaur)
Nathan and Raeanne
Annalayne
Cake walk FEVER!!
After the booth events we have a cake walk, which is the big event of the carnival. At one time we had 20 people walking the circle in hopes of scoring a cake. Fun, fun, for everyone!!
Saturday night the H.S. had their annual haunted house. This year they decided not to charge so everyone could enjoy; it was a community service activity. It is great fun to hear all the screams and laughter from the people going through the haunted house. Every year the littlest ones barely make it through, if they make it through at all. This year Anissum, one of my juniors, wanted to make a gallow to have someone "hang" from. And so he did. I love that about my students; they are hand-on capable and they get it done!!~!
Sunday the community trick-or-treated. Tiffany and I decided to dress up (using fabric as gowns) two of Cinderella's wicked and ugly step sisters. We called Valerie and told her she should be Cinderella and Nick could be Prince Charming. Hilarious!!! Yes, there are photos, but not to be seen just now or on this blog. Hilarious!!!! Oh, what can be done with some fabric, a wig, and some crazy make up. Fun, fun, fun....Halloween for all ages.
Boff and Trevor
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Aurora Borealis
Yesterday morning (November 1st)I was walking CranB as I do every morning and was noticing how very clear the stars were. Star gazing in the mornings is incredible here in Oscarville. The clearer and crisper the air the better the viewing. Well, yesterday as I was looking up I saw the infamous Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, and squealed. Yes, I am a squealer during moments of delight, but those of you who know me already are aware of that little Segue fact. As a tour leader in Alaska I saw the lights a handful of times, but yesterday morning was the first sighting I have had since living here in the Great North. SO AMAZING!!!
I was so excited I ran back to my house dragging CranB (she didn't know what was going on but was content to follow) so I could tell Tiffany. She came outside to look; her first year and already she has seen The Lights!! In all the excitement I didn't grab my Flip camera. A regular photo wouldn't do it justice, but maybe the Flip could have caught the greens shining across the sky with flickers of blue. CranB and I went out again and ran back across the village. Even though we live in a teeny village we have street (boardwalk) lights and the viewing of the Aurora Borealis was seen best on the other side of the village, closer to the Kuskokwim River, on the far side of the two story building. If you had a map of my village this would make more sense. The short of the long of it is the viewing was better away from the lights, away from my house.
In my various viewings of the Northern Lights, the lights look different: the colors, the patterns, the time. This light appeared to be shining up from behind something, but it wasn't. The morning's air crisp and the stars shone bright; there were no clouds in the sky. And yet this green light beamed up into the sky radiating such beauty and energy. The sight simply awesome, and I full of awe.
I was so excited I ran back to my house dragging CranB (she didn't know what was going on but was content to follow) so I could tell Tiffany. She came outside to look; her first year and already she has seen The Lights!! In all the excitement I didn't grab my Flip camera. A regular photo wouldn't do it justice, but maybe the Flip could have caught the greens shining across the sky with flickers of blue. CranB and I went out again and ran back across the village. Even though we live in a teeny village we have street (boardwalk) lights and the viewing of the Aurora Borealis was seen best on the other side of the village, closer to the Kuskokwim River, on the far side of the two story building. If you had a map of my village this would make more sense. The short of the long of it is the viewing was better away from the lights, away from my house.
In my various viewings of the Northern Lights, the lights look different: the colors, the patterns, the time. This light appeared to be shining up from behind something, but it wasn't. The morning's air crisp and the stars shone bright; there were no clouds in the sky. And yet this green light beamed up into the sky radiating such beauty and energy. The sight simply awesome, and I full of awe.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Winter has arrived, or at least the weather
Our first snow of the season was actually Wednesday, October the 12th, but it only snowed a little and didn't last. Last week I could smell the cold coming; oh, what an invigorating aroma! This week the cold weather came and I believe it might be sticking around this time. Finally! The last two years I've been in Oscarville we were already in freeze up by now, so this seems a bit late to me.
This October, however, snow would fall and melt, then rain would come and chase the snow off the boardwalks, but now the cold continues. We now have slush on the slough banks and ice thickly coating the boardwalks.
It is just a matter of time until the river begins to properly freeze and boats are pulled out and snow-gos are out.
This October, however, snow would fall and melt, then rain would come and chase the snow off the boardwalks, but now the cold continues. We now have slush on the slough banks and ice thickly coating the boardwalks.
It is just a matter of time until the river begins to properly freeze and boats are pulled out and snow-gos are out.
Robotics 2011-2012
Robotics is underway yet again. Actually, it has been underway for awhile now, but we have had a slow start here in Oscarville. Tiffany is coaching our first ever Jr.FLL (Junior First Lego Lego) team (elementary); their challenge this year is Snack Attack.
The FLL (First Lego League)team consists of the junior high students and this year they have The Food Factor Challenge. The high school FTC (First Tech Challenge)team's Challenge is called Bowled Over!
FLL has to build all the pieces for the challenge using legos. It is quite an undertaking! FLL has three major components to its competition: design, competition matches, a research project. This week I had a calling out for all students to come help build the components for the FLL challenge. The elementary students were especially helpful. They were great sorters and helpers and they were very patient builders. I was so engrossed in the process I forgot to take pictures. It is so good to be that involved and we all were. I have made a mental note to take pictures at our future practices.
Stayed tuned for more Robotics updates from Oscarville!!!
The FLL (First Lego League)team consists of the junior high students and this year they have The Food Factor Challenge. The high school FTC (First Tech Challenge)team's Challenge is called Bowled Over!
FLL has to build all the pieces for the challenge using legos. It is quite an undertaking! FLL has three major components to its competition: design, competition matches, a research project. This week I had a calling out for all students to come help build the components for the FLL challenge. The elementary students were especially helpful. They were great sorters and helpers and they were very patient builders. I was so engrossed in the process I forgot to take pictures. It is so good to be that involved and we all were. I have made a mental note to take pictures at our future practices.
Stayed tuned for more Robotics updates from Oscarville!!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Kayaking Again
Over the years I have done my fair share of rowing and paddling in various waters, but you wouldn’t know it if you saw Tiffany and I in Oscarville Slough in our inflatable kayak. You’d hear laughter and see lots of movement in the boat but not distance being made in the water. Why is that? I’ve been told that maybe our choice times of going coincide with the tide making it more challenging paddling up stream. That could have something to do with it, but I think there is more to our challenge. For one, Tiffany and I share the one kayak paddle by unscrewing it in the middle and making two short paddles. Another challenge is the kayak itself. I researched and asked around about what would be best for what I wanted here on the Kuskokwim. I did want an inflatable for ease of transporting, but really I need a water vessel that has ease in the water. I am more accustomed to hard-shelled canoes and kayaks. My kayak is self-bailing which means you sit in water from the get-go. Perhaps not so bad for cool water in a hot place, but cold water in a cold place….I think a wet suit is in order!
Although Tiffany and I were geared up with wet boots and rain gear, we were wet through and through. Yes indeed our waterproof gear keeps the water in and the water out. The trouble is water finds its way between the boots and the pants and makes it way upward and we wiggle and giggle. CranBerry didn’t help matters either because she doesn’t especially enjoy being in the inflatable craft. CranBerry also disliked being wet (as if we delighted in sitting in very cold water), so rather than sit or stand in the boat she straddled the boat by standing on the sides (front paws on one side and back paws on the other). So we tried to move her around thinking it would be easier for us. Oh, no. We guided her to the front of the kayak as we shifted from our bums to our knees and back to our bums. CranB either had her rear end in Tiffany’s face or her front paws on Tiffany’s chest in a reinactment of the famous scene from Titanic.
Just as we were making progress upstream CranB decided to go back to the center of the boat making us giggle and wiggle again, and whenever that happened the paddling stoped and downriver we begin to drift. Laughter echoed in the slough as we bumped into the shoreline trying to hold on to tree limbs while we pulled ourselves together. Tiffany let out a little scream over something green and possible alive. I might have wet myself from laughing so hard, but you’d never know because I was so wet already. We had a few onlookers curious at what the crazy white teachers were doing. One elder saw us and just shook his head. We waved and laughed as we fought our way up current.
When we were ready to head back home all we did was stop paddling and we floated back. How peaceful and relaxing and quick! The current guided us back lickedly split. For all the effort and time it took us to go one direction, it was effortless to return. As soon as the boat hit shore CranB leaped out grateful to be on solid ground. Tiffany and I threw our gear up on the top bank and began pulling the kayak out of the water. We were so full of water that our clothes drug the ground and laughter began again. Thankfully Kalila, one of my students, came by and lifted the kayak out (effortlessly) and helped us put it in the container. What a spectacle we were! I fell over because my pants were falling due to the weight of the water and Tiffany was staggering on the boardwalk. So much fun!!!
Although Tiffany and I were geared up with wet boots and rain gear, we were wet through and through. Yes indeed our waterproof gear keeps the water in and the water out. The trouble is water finds its way between the boots and the pants and makes it way upward and we wiggle and giggle. CranBerry didn’t help matters either because she doesn’t especially enjoy being in the inflatable craft. CranBerry also disliked being wet (as if we delighted in sitting in very cold water), so rather than sit or stand in the boat she straddled the boat by standing on the sides (front paws on one side and back paws on the other). So we tried to move her around thinking it would be easier for us. Oh, no. We guided her to the front of the kayak as we shifted from our bums to our knees and back to our bums. CranB either had her rear end in Tiffany’s face or her front paws on Tiffany’s chest in a reinactment of the famous scene from Titanic.
Just as we were making progress upstream CranB decided to go back to the center of the boat making us giggle and wiggle again, and whenever that happened the paddling stoped and downriver we begin to drift. Laughter echoed in the slough as we bumped into the shoreline trying to hold on to tree limbs while we pulled ourselves together. Tiffany let out a little scream over something green and possible alive. I might have wet myself from laughing so hard, but you’d never know because I was so wet already. We had a few onlookers curious at what the crazy white teachers were doing. One elder saw us and just shook his head. We waved and laughed as we fought our way up current.
When we were ready to head back home all we did was stop paddling and we floated back. How peaceful and relaxing and quick! The current guided us back lickedly split. For all the effort and time it took us to go one direction, it was effortless to return. As soon as the boat hit shore CranB leaped out grateful to be on solid ground. Tiffany and I threw our gear up on the top bank and began pulling the kayak out of the water. We were so full of water that our clothes drug the ground and laughter began again. Thankfully Kalila, one of my students, came by and lifted the kayak out (effortlessly) and helped us put it in the container. What a spectacle we were! I fell over because my pants were falling due to the weight of the water and Tiffany was staggering on the boardwalk. So much fun!!!
Cross Country
This season my team consists of 1 high schooler-Kalila, 1 junior high student-Colton, and 4 fourth graders-Trevor, Irene, Bethany, and Raeanne.
Fri, Sept 2nd: Akiachak (Kalila)
The day before heading to Akiachak I received an email that there was only going to be J.H. divisions competing because too many schools weren’t coming because it was also the opening weekend of moose season. We decided to go ahead and go to Akiachak so Kalila could have a chance to compete. Akiachak is in the Yupiit School district up river from LKSD.
The only teams competing in the Mud Run (5K) was Akiachak, Bethel, Kwethluk, and Oscarville. Kwethluk flew home after dinner so that left only Bethel and us to overnight in the school. Akiachak always feeds us so well. For dinner they served fresh salmon caught by students and staff. Mmmm good.
Akiachak has two stores and, of course, we had to check them both out. Going "to the store" is a must when we travel. Sometimes I think the students look forward to that more than the event. And it is understandable, since we don't have a store in Oscarville. The one run by natives had lots of empty shelves and little selection. The other store now ran by a Welshman had stocked shelves and boxes of goods to be unpacked on all the isles. I have never seen a village store so full of variety and even fresh fruits like bananas and kiwis.
Usually we have a fun relay race the day after the competition, but since only Bethel and Oscarville stayed the night the relay race was cancelled. Fog delayed our departure several hours; small planes were not flying so we ended up catching a ride to Bethel with the Bethel team in a caravan. We were suppose to fly to Napaskiak and be picked up by a parent in our community, but with the change of plans I called Olga, our school secretary and community nucleus, and she contacted our ride and let him know we were now flying to Bethel instead of Napaskiak, but due to the fog the time of arrival was still unknown. Once in Bethel I borrowed a phone to call our ride to let him know we had made it to Bethel and he came and picked us up and took us home to Oscarville. Another great reason to always carry a book to read; both Kalila and I had plenty of time to read while we waited.
Fri, Sept 9th: Kwethluk (Kalila, Trevor, Bethany, Raeanne)
Kwethluk is the only village we go to that offers an elementary division race this is especially exciting since the majority of my team is in elementary. The elementary race is about a mile and a good distance for them to begin with. This was Bethany and Raeanne’s first time to travel so both girls were so excited yet so very shy at the same time. Trevor and Kalila both are quite social when traveling. Trevor continued to encourage the girls to join in basketball because it was “so fun”, but they weren’t quite ready for that. By the end of the junior high race my students had become more confident (louder) in their cheering. At first they thought it was too embarrassing to yell at the runners, but I told them it was helpful to the runners and a sign of positive sportsmanship. So cute they were cheering and giggling at themselves.
Elementary Girls: 1st place Raeanne
2nd place Bethany
Elementary Boys: 4th place Trevor
Sat, Sept 17th: Bethel (Kalila, Trevor, Colton, Bethany, Raeanne, Irene)
Bethel-the biggest and most challenging race of our cross country season. The course is in a sand pit and there are ups and downs and sand galore-nothing like village courses and definitely nothing like our practices in Oscarville. There is only junior high and high school divisions, but I took my four 5th graders because they had earned the right to run.
Friday when we were picked up our driver joked with the students by telling them that the first 50 runners to dinner were going to be given cheeseburgers. Fast forward to race day… Trevor crossed the finish line 47th and immediately asked where to go to get his cheeseburger. Trevor had misunderstood the joke and thought it was for the first 50 runners across the finish line. Trevor said he had run his hardest thinking about that cheeseburger the whole race. He had placed in the top 50th and was disappointed that there were no cheeseburgers. Olga, Trevor’s mother, and Barbara and Galen, Colton and Bethany’s parents, had come to watch the runners run. Trevor and Colton left after the junior high race and went out to eat at a restaurant; Galen bought Trevor his cheeseburger.
Fri, Sept 2nd: Akiachak (Kalila)
The day before heading to Akiachak I received an email that there was only going to be J.H. divisions competing because too many schools weren’t coming because it was also the opening weekend of moose season. We decided to go ahead and go to Akiachak so Kalila could have a chance to compete. Akiachak is in the Yupiit School district up river from LKSD.
The only teams competing in the Mud Run (5K) was Akiachak, Bethel, Kwethluk, and Oscarville. Kwethluk flew home after dinner so that left only Bethel and us to overnight in the school. Akiachak always feeds us so well. For dinner they served fresh salmon caught by students and staff. Mmmm good.
Akiachak has two stores and, of course, we had to check them both out. Going "to the store" is a must when we travel. Sometimes I think the students look forward to that more than the event. And it is understandable, since we don't have a store in Oscarville. The one run by natives had lots of empty shelves and little selection. The other store now ran by a Welshman had stocked shelves and boxes of goods to be unpacked on all the isles. I have never seen a village store so full of variety and even fresh fruits like bananas and kiwis.
Usually we have a fun relay race the day after the competition, but since only Bethel and Oscarville stayed the night the relay race was cancelled. Fog delayed our departure several hours; small planes were not flying so we ended up catching a ride to Bethel with the Bethel team in a caravan. We were suppose to fly to Napaskiak and be picked up by a parent in our community, but with the change of plans I called Olga, our school secretary and community nucleus, and she contacted our ride and let him know we were now flying to Bethel instead of Napaskiak, but due to the fog the time of arrival was still unknown. Once in Bethel I borrowed a phone to call our ride to let him know we had made it to Bethel and he came and picked us up and took us home to Oscarville. Another great reason to always carry a book to read; both Kalila and I had plenty of time to read while we waited.
Fri, Sept 9th: Kwethluk (Kalila, Trevor, Bethany, Raeanne)
Kwethluk is the only village we go to that offers an elementary division race this is especially exciting since the majority of my team is in elementary. The elementary race is about a mile and a good distance for them to begin with. This was Bethany and Raeanne’s first time to travel so both girls were so excited yet so very shy at the same time. Trevor and Kalila both are quite social when traveling. Trevor continued to encourage the girls to join in basketball because it was “so fun”, but they weren’t quite ready for that. By the end of the junior high race my students had become more confident (louder) in their cheering. At first they thought it was too embarrassing to yell at the runners, but I told them it was helpful to the runners and a sign of positive sportsmanship. So cute they were cheering and giggling at themselves.
Elementary Girls: 1st place Raeanne
2nd place Bethany
Elementary Boys: 4th place Trevor
Sat, Sept 17th: Bethel (Kalila, Trevor, Colton, Bethany, Raeanne, Irene)
Bethel-the biggest and most challenging race of our cross country season. The course is in a sand pit and there are ups and downs and sand galore-nothing like village courses and definitely nothing like our practices in Oscarville. There is only junior high and high school divisions, but I took my four 5th graders because they had earned the right to run.
Friday when we were picked up our driver joked with the students by telling them that the first 50 runners to dinner were going to be given cheeseburgers. Fast forward to race day… Trevor crossed the finish line 47th and immediately asked where to go to get his cheeseburger. Trevor had misunderstood the joke and thought it was for the first 50 runners across the finish line. Trevor said he had run his hardest thinking about that cheeseburger the whole race. He had placed in the top 50th and was disappointed that there were no cheeseburgers. Olga, Trevor’s mother, and Barbara and Galen, Colton and Bethany’s parents, had come to watch the runners run. Trevor and Colton left after the junior high race and went out to eat at a restaurant; Galen bought Trevor his cheeseburger.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Since Oscarville does not have a post office, I should say the joys and tribulations of sending and receiving mail. Our mailing address is a Napaskiak P.O. Box. Although Napaskiak may only be a mile across the Kuskokwim River, sometimes it seems like a much greater distance.
Because of the challenges or despite them, we enjoy getting mail very much once it makes it to us! We get mail ABOUT every other week. Packages can be at the post office, but it doesn’t mean they are always picked up right away. It is easier to pick up mail in the winter because a snow machine and sled can be driven right up to the post office. This time of year getting mail takes more effort, especially if large packages are involved because it is boating season and once you park the boat there is a fair distance to walk and depending of the tide there can also be quite a bit of mud and muck to wade through.
A few weeks back both Tiffany and I knew we had packages in Napaskiak and were eager for someone to pick them up and bring them over to Oscarville. One Saturday we knew Mr. Straw, our principal, was heading to Napaskiak and we were hoping, praying, and crossing fingers that he would go over before 4pm (when the post office closes) and even more hopeful he would bring back all the mail and packages. Tiffany and I were both working at school (as we so often do on Saturdays) and Tiffany was on the lookout for any sign that the school boat was gone which would mean Mr. Straw was off to Napaskiak. Sure enough it had left well before 4pm so hope was on the rise. You’d think we were waiting for St. Nick himself (oddly enough we were because Mr. Straw’s name is Nick).
As soon as he hit shore I heard Tiffany holler; we both bolted out the front of the school trying to look cool and helpful when we were actually bouncing all over the place thinking (no we aren’t subtle AT ALL) “where are our boxes?” Someone had already carried them to our house and left them on our porch. We dashed over to our house grabbed scissors and our mini Christmas began. Tiffany’s boxes were from her parents and mine were two boxes I had sent myself before I left Oklahoma. She received her life jacket, a definite must living in a boating village and the real desired treats of M&Ms and Mountain Dew plus some other goodies.
Snail mail is without a doubt one of the nicest pleasures and luxuries here in Oscarville. I know we live in an electronic age, but snail mail cannot be beat. It is a true tangible connection to the outside world. I subscribe to various publications and I delight in receiving each and every one of them. I read them cover-to-cover several times; the first read I always save for a weekend so I can sit down and lose myself in the pages of the newest edition. Any personal letter or card I receive is also read several times and then it becomes part of my décor. Receiving pictures, notes, and packages from friends and family reminds me that distance has no place in matters of the heart. I may choose to live in a remote little rural Alaskan village, but by no means do I want to be disconnected from those I care about.
Because of the challenges or despite them, we enjoy getting mail very much once it makes it to us! We get mail ABOUT every other week. Packages can be at the post office, but it doesn’t mean they are always picked up right away. It is easier to pick up mail in the winter because a snow machine and sled can be driven right up to the post office. This time of year getting mail takes more effort, especially if large packages are involved because it is boating season and once you park the boat there is a fair distance to walk and depending of the tide there can also be quite a bit of mud and muck to wade through.
A few weeks back both Tiffany and I knew we had packages in Napaskiak and were eager for someone to pick them up and bring them over to Oscarville. One Saturday we knew Mr. Straw, our principal, was heading to Napaskiak and we were hoping, praying, and crossing fingers that he would go over before 4pm (when the post office closes) and even more hopeful he would bring back all the mail and packages. Tiffany and I were both working at school (as we so often do on Saturdays) and Tiffany was on the lookout for any sign that the school boat was gone which would mean Mr. Straw was off to Napaskiak. Sure enough it had left well before 4pm so hope was on the rise. You’d think we were waiting for St. Nick himself (oddly enough we were because Mr. Straw’s name is Nick).
As soon as he hit shore I heard Tiffany holler; we both bolted out the front of the school trying to look cool and helpful when we were actually bouncing all over the place thinking (no we aren’t subtle AT ALL) “where are our boxes?” Someone had already carried them to our house and left them on our porch. We dashed over to our house grabbed scissors and our mini Christmas began. Tiffany’s boxes were from her parents and mine were two boxes I had sent myself before I left Oklahoma. She received her life jacket, a definite must living in a boating village and the real desired treats of M&Ms and Mountain Dew plus some other goodies.
Snail mail is without a doubt one of the nicest pleasures and luxuries here in Oscarville. I know we live in an electronic age, but snail mail cannot be beat. It is a true tangible connection to the outside world. I subscribe to various publications and I delight in receiving each and every one of them. I read them cover-to-cover several times; the first read I always save for a weekend so I can sit down and lose myself in the pages of the newest edition. Any personal letter or card I receive is also read several times and then it becomes part of my décor. Receiving pictures, notes, and packages from friends and family reminds me that distance has no place in matters of the heart. I may choose to live in a remote little rural Alaskan village, but by no means do I want to be disconnected from those I care about.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
My Voice
My voice has been muted for awhile. My struggle to keep up my blog was more than a lack of technological skills; it was a struggle to unmuffle myself. The lack of voice began before I arrived in Oscarville, unfortunately that personal quandary also affected blogging about my new home.
My inner voice has been reawakened. The sirens are in the distance coaxing me to write. The shadows that blocked my voice are fading...finally.
Of course I have plenty to share; however, there are moments, especially when new to a culture and a community that it (for me) takes a little caution in revealing observations. Although the observations may indeed be mine, I by no means want to seem intrusive to those around me. Culturally there are many differences here. The Yup'ik people have many traditions and beliefs that are captivating. The people of my community have been kind-hearted and welcoming since the first day I arrived.
I've had many unique experiences while living here and I know that there will be many more to come. Many of my friends and family have asked (downright demanded at times) that I share more via this blog. So, here I am really ready (and able) to share.
My inner voice has been reawakened. The sirens are in the distance coaxing me to write. The shadows that blocked my voice are fading...finally.
Of course I have plenty to share; however, there are moments, especially when new to a culture and a community that it (for me) takes a little caution in revealing observations. Although the observations may indeed be mine, I by no means want to seem intrusive to those around me. Culturally there are many differences here. The Yup'ik people have many traditions and beliefs that are captivating. The people of my community have been kind-hearted and welcoming since the first day I arrived.
I've had many unique experiences while living here and I know that there will be many more to come. Many of my friends and family have asked (downright demanded at times) that I share more via this blog. So, here I am really ready (and able) to share.
Monday, August 22, 2011
School Starts
District wide in-service: this year's focus is on the new Reading curriculum- Storytown for elementary and Glencoe for junior high and high school. Seems like every year there is something new to learn and implement. YEAH!!! I am really excited about the new reading curriculum to be honest. Another HUGH change is the transition out of phases and into carnegie style grading. Essentially this means that classes end each semester which is quite different than before in Math, Reading, and Writing.
Last Monday we started classes and it has been busy busy before classes started and ever since. Workers were here fixing our heater so we weren't able to really get into our classrooms until Saturday before classes started. Not to worry, we here in Oscarville are very adaptable.
My class schedule this semester: Algebra I (VTC), American Literature, Earth Science (VTC), Writing, Government, and P.E. Two of my students are actually taking classes in Bethel this semester because they are involved in a program focusing on math and science. That leaves me with 5 in my classroom here in Oscarville. Small numbers really allow that focused individual time with each student. That is crazy exciting!!!
When I first returned it was rainy and wet. Thankfully the sun has started to come out. Yesterday Tiffany, the new junior high teacher and my new roommate, and I went out on the river in the kayak. First you have to understand that both she and I are at school working the majority of the time. So, we decided to take a break and get some fresh air.
Saturday night we pumped up the kayak (it is inflatable, but it is a very durable inflatable kayak). After we pumped it up, the scene became much more comical. We decided to take it outside and store it in the container so it would be easily accessible to use. Squeezing it out of the front door was a breeze compared to getting in the container outside. Usually the container only has the winter skis and some storage items but there is always loads of room (definitely enough for the inflated kayak). Oh, not this time. The container was FULL of school food. FULL. Oh, it wasn't going to deter us. We squeezed and shoved and pushed until it wouldn't go any more. Then Tiffany climbed into the container to help maneuver it. She said she could get in, but didn't know how she was going to get out. I will tell you how. She climbed up and over it like she was a surfer on a wave.
Sunday afternoon we went out. I know I was looking forward to going and thankful that Tiffany was willing to join me. I only have one kayak paddle so I paddled out which was more challenging paddling two instead of just myself. Plus, the currents of the river had its own idea of which direction we should go.
I managed to take one photo of Tiffany before the batteries died in the camera. Look at that big smile!!
Honestly, the going is good, but the being out...just sitting and enjoying the greatness of the outdoors is spectacular. So, we decided to head back after not being out too long because the going home was upriver. That makes for more interesting and challenging paddling. Well, we decided to take the paddle apart (it is a paddle that breaks into four parts for storage. Then we paddled as if we were in a canoe rather than a kayak and it made all the difference in the world. I am lacking photographic evidence because as I went to take the first photo my battery was DEAD!
As we headed into Oscarville slough we were the show to watch. Yes, the two kassaqs paddling away. And then Olga started to talk to us from across the water and in order to hear her we had to stop paddling and the current would turn us around in a circle. So, we did several circles before making it to shore and back home. All-in-all we were out a little over an hour and a half. Just for the record the kayak did NOT go back into the container. NO WAY!! We sat it next to our house until the next outing. That was good for our first time out this year. We both still had work to do, but getting out of the school building was so great. I know I will spend more time on the water this year.
Last Monday we started classes and it has been busy busy before classes started and ever since. Workers were here fixing our heater so we weren't able to really get into our classrooms until Saturday before classes started. Not to worry, we here in Oscarville are very adaptable.
My class schedule this semester: Algebra I (VTC), American Literature, Earth Science (VTC), Writing, Government, and P.E. Two of my students are actually taking classes in Bethel this semester because they are involved in a program focusing on math and science. That leaves me with 5 in my classroom here in Oscarville. Small numbers really allow that focused individual time with each student. That is crazy exciting!!!
When I first returned it was rainy and wet. Thankfully the sun has started to come out. Yesterday Tiffany, the new junior high teacher and my new roommate, and I went out on the river in the kayak. First you have to understand that both she and I are at school working the majority of the time. So, we decided to take a break and get some fresh air.
Saturday night we pumped up the kayak (it is inflatable, but it is a very durable inflatable kayak). After we pumped it up, the scene became much more comical. We decided to take it outside and store it in the container so it would be easily accessible to use. Squeezing it out of the front door was a breeze compared to getting in the container outside. Usually the container only has the winter skis and some storage items but there is always loads of room (definitely enough for the inflated kayak). Oh, not this time. The container was FULL of school food. FULL. Oh, it wasn't going to deter us. We squeezed and shoved and pushed until it wouldn't go any more. Then Tiffany climbed into the container to help maneuver it. She said she could get in, but didn't know how she was going to get out. I will tell you how. She climbed up and over it like she was a surfer on a wave.
Sunday afternoon we went out. I know I was looking forward to going and thankful that Tiffany was willing to join me. I only have one kayak paddle so I paddled out which was more challenging paddling two instead of just myself. Plus, the currents of the river had its own idea of which direction we should go.
I managed to take one photo of Tiffany before the batteries died in the camera. Look at that big smile!!
Honestly, the going is good, but the being out...just sitting and enjoying the greatness of the outdoors is spectacular. So, we decided to head back after not being out too long because the going home was upriver. That makes for more interesting and challenging paddling. Well, we decided to take the paddle apart (it is a paddle that breaks into four parts for storage. Then we paddled as if we were in a canoe rather than a kayak and it made all the difference in the world. I am lacking photographic evidence because as I went to take the first photo my battery was DEAD!
As we headed into Oscarville slough we were the show to watch. Yes, the two kassaqs paddling away. And then Olga started to talk to us from across the water and in order to hear her we had to stop paddling and the current would turn us around in a circle. So, we did several circles before making it to shore and back home. All-in-all we were out a little over an hour and a half. Just for the record the kayak did NOT go back into the container. NO WAY!! We sat it next to our house until the next outing. That was good for our first time out this year. We both still had work to do, but getting out of the school building was so great. I know I will spend more time on the water this year.
Year Three
I enjoyed my summer tremendously!!! As the summer neared the end, however, I have to admit I was ready to head home to Oscarville. I love Alaska and I love Oscarville. As I boarded the plan to Bethel on August 8th I was a bit under the weather with a fever to boot; I was ready to just be home. As I entered the airport my Oscarville family, Eliza, Olga, and Alex, greeted me. As poorly as I felt, I couldn't help but feel so much better. Their hugs and chatter filled me with joy and soothed my pain away. What a homecoming!
Alex took CranBerry and I back to Oscarville. My students came to help carry my luggage and groceries. Home, home, at last.
I needed to rest, but soon I would meet Tiffany who will be the J.H. teacher and my roommate. I had to wait a couple of days, but finally I met her at in-service. You'll have to wait for that introduction. You'll like her. I do. This is going to be a great year #3.
Alex took CranBerry and I back to Oscarville. My students came to help carry my luggage and groceries. Home, home, at last.
I needed to rest, but soon I would meet Tiffany who will be the J.H. teacher and my roommate. I had to wait a couple of days, but finally I met her at in-service. You'll have to wait for that introduction. You'll like her. I do. This is going to be a great year #3.
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