I have a team of three this year. Two freshmen, Jessi and Nathan, and one senior, Nick. So far we have had an interesting season because last semester Nick was in Bethel for classes so we had separate types of practices, some with just with the freshmen and then some practices with the entire team. The freshmen needed the time to learn the basics of FTC, the rules, the concept of gracious professionalism, and how FTC is different from FLL since they both had previously participated in FLL.
They are learning to work together as a team and bringing together their individual strengths. Nick is the head programmer and team captain. This is his year to pass the baton on to the underclassmen and the passion for robotics.
We have two and a half weeks until Regional Competition in Bethel. So we are hitting it hard in practice with long hours and as many days as possible, especially because next week there will be lots of traveling and we want to take advantage of the the days we have together.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Spring 2013 Class Schedule
1st Hour: Lit Lab
2nd Hour: Algebra I (VTC), Algebra I, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus (Aleks)
3rd Hour: Language Arts
4th Hour: World History
LUNCH
5th Hour: Biology (VTC)
6th Hour: Foods II
7th Hour: Yup'ik (VTC) with Olga
2nd Hour: Algebra I (VTC), Algebra I, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus (Aleks)
3rd Hour: Language Arts
4th Hour: World History
LUNCH
5th Hour: Biology (VTC)
6th Hour: Foods II
7th Hour: Yup'ik (VTC) with Olga
Friday, October 5, 2012
Fall 2012 Class Schedule
Miss Gee's Fall 2012 Class Schedule
1st hour: Lit Lab I
2nd hour: Algebra I/ Geometry
3rd hour: LA I
4th hour: World History
5th hour: Biology
6th hour: Basic Foods
7th hour: Yup'ik (my Plan Period)
1st hour: Lit Lab I
2nd hour: Algebra I/ Geometry
3rd hour: LA I
4th hour: World History
5th hour: Biology
6th hour: Basic Foods
7th hour: Yup'ik (my Plan Period)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Bee and Gee Show Continues….
Our elementary teacher decided to move to another school district next year so my roommate has decided to stay another year. Watch out because Miss Bee and I can really shake things up, especially together. Looking forward to next year together.
I wish Barbara the best in Chevak!! Her husband is from Chevak and this will give them the chance to be near his side of family.
I wish Barbara the best in Chevak!! Her husband is from Chevak and this will give them the chance to be near his side of family.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Our Girls
Here are two pics of our girls:
CranBerry, my little muppet, and Denali, Tiffany's brat.
CranBerry is the larger of the two and looks like a Jim Henson creation.
Denali is the small, smokey black pup.
The girls have so much fun together. The girls play off-leash on the river but in the village they stay on their leashes. However, when CranBerry is off-leash outdoors she really doesn't want to play; she want to romp around and explore. We want the girls to play, so we let them roughhouse inside. They chase, bark, and play with toys. They are fierce in their play and serious about their rest. They know when it is time to stop. Most of the time they take their own breaks, but with spring's arrival they would continue late into the night if we didn't make them go to bed.
Don't let Denali's size fool you; she holds her own with CranBerry. Each girl has their own techniques for winning. If you want to come and stay with us let's just say you had better be a dog lover ; )
CranBerry, my little muppet, and Denali, Tiffany's brat.
CranBerry is the larger of the two and looks like a Jim Henson creation.
Denali is the small, smokey black pup.
The girls have so much fun together. The girls play off-leash on the river but in the village they stay on their leashes. However, when CranBerry is off-leash outdoors she really doesn't want to play; she want to romp around and explore. We want the girls to play, so we let them roughhouse inside. They chase, bark, and play with toys. They are fierce in their play and serious about their rest. They know when it is time to stop. Most of the time they take their own breaks, but with spring's arrival they would continue late into the night if we didn't make them go to bed.
Don't let Denali's size fool you; she holds her own with CranBerry. Each girl has their own techniques for winning. If you want to come and stay with us let's just say you had better be a dog lover ; )
The Coldest Winter Yet!!
This has been by far the coldest and snowiest winter I have had here in Oscarville.
It wasn’t just the temperature (-30 and -40 degree range), but it was the harsh winds that made it miserable at times (-60s and -70s range). In a two-week time frame four dogs froze to death. Usually I walk outside in shorts and a coat (not normal by anyone standards here except me) to walk my dog for a quick wee, but this year I had to gear up completely to go outside for any length of time (snow goggles and all). It was miserable, so miserable that CranBerry was quite content with going out once in the evening and waiting until morning to go out again. Also, she stayed indoors during the cold spell, especially after hearing about the first dog freezing to death.
Once it warmed up a bit the snow came and continued to come. Two weeks ago we had a blizzard. The temperature was in the +20s and after the blizzard it was such nice weather outside. Seriously awesome weather! I was out in snow up to my upper thigh (okay, I’m short but that is still pretty deep snow) and happy in a fleece and snow bibs. It was perfect snowman snow, wet and deep.
After the crazy cold subsided and the daylight began to stretch for days, it was once again enjoyable to go outdoors for longer durations. CranBerry and I look forward to our daily excursions on the river.
Now that it has warmed up (+32 degrees today), CranBerry wants to go outside all the time. She loves this weather, as do I, and all the interesting smells that come with spring. I want to take in as much of it as possible because once it really warms up and the snow melts two things are inevitable: 1) we won’t be able to go anywhere for awhile because the river is “breaking up” 2) it will be so muddy and icky that walking around becomes a bit unpleasant.
I will continue to enjoy the frozen river and extended daylight as long as the river stays solid. There are days after school I really want to just relax and then I remind myself that I need to enjoy what I have today because tomorrow will be here shortly.
It wasn’t just the temperature (-30 and -40 degree range), but it was the harsh winds that made it miserable at times (-60s and -70s range). In a two-week time frame four dogs froze to death. Usually I walk outside in shorts and a coat (not normal by anyone standards here except me) to walk my dog for a quick wee, but this year I had to gear up completely to go outside for any length of time (snow goggles and all). It was miserable, so miserable that CranBerry was quite content with going out once in the evening and waiting until morning to go out again. Also, she stayed indoors during the cold spell, especially after hearing about the first dog freezing to death.
Once it warmed up a bit the snow came and continued to come. Two weeks ago we had a blizzard. The temperature was in the +20s and after the blizzard it was such nice weather outside. Seriously awesome weather! I was out in snow up to my upper thigh (okay, I’m short but that is still pretty deep snow) and happy in a fleece and snow bibs. It was perfect snowman snow, wet and deep.
After the crazy cold subsided and the daylight began to stretch for days, it was once again enjoyable to go outdoors for longer durations. CranBerry and I look forward to our daily excursions on the river.
Now that it has warmed up (+32 degrees today), CranBerry wants to go outside all the time. She loves this weather, as do I, and all the interesting smells that come with spring. I want to take in as much of it as possible because once it really warms up and the snow melts two things are inevitable: 1) we won’t be able to go anywhere for awhile because the river is “breaking up” 2) it will be so muddy and icky that walking around becomes a bit unpleasant.
I will continue to enjoy the frozen river and extended daylight as long as the river stays solid. There are days after school I really want to just relax and then I remind myself that I need to enjoy what I have today because tomorrow will be here shortly.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Robotics 2011-2012
This was the second year in a row for Oscarville to make it to the State FTC Robotics Competition. The same two students who went last year made it to State again this year. This year, however, they were on a team with students from different sites. My two students are in a special program for math and science, RANSEP. Last semester they went to school in Bethel and were able to take more advanced math and science classes which will help prepare them for college.
In January my two students returned to Oscarville with their robot and began practices with my Oscarville team. Their team, WATT, won the regional competition in Bethel and that gave them a ticket to State in Fairbanks. We spent the first weekend in March (also our Spring Break) in Fairbanks having a blast working hard and sleeping very little. I have to say the level of energy and professional courtesy at FTC events are unmatched. I returned to Oscarville wiped out but very proud of our students.
The team, WATT, practicing.
The playing field: "Bowled Over"
Impromptu tour of Engineering Building at UAF (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
This photo was in the Civil Engineering Area. They even made us little Nanooks with the CE in it (Nanooks are polar bears and the mascot of UAF)
The structure we are looking at is a "bridge" construction that the CE students made in preparation for a competition. I think they came in 8th last year.
Some of the competition. So many amazing robots and teams again this year!!
In January my two students returned to Oscarville with their robot and began practices with my Oscarville team. Their team, WATT, won the regional competition in Bethel and that gave them a ticket to State in Fairbanks. We spent the first weekend in March (also our Spring Break) in Fairbanks having a blast working hard and sleeping very little. I have to say the level of energy and professional courtesy at FTC events are unmatched. I returned to Oscarville wiped out but very proud of our students.
The team, WATT, practicing.
The playing field: "Bowled Over"
Impromptu tour of Engineering Building at UAF (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
This photo was in the Civil Engineering Area. They even made us little Nanooks with the CE in it (Nanooks are polar bears and the mascot of UAF)
The structure we are looking at is a "bridge" construction that the CE students made in preparation for a competition. I think they came in 8th last year.
Some of the competition. So many amazing robots and teams again this year!!
Miss Gee’s Spring 2012 Class Schedule
1st hour: Applied Math
2nd hour: Writing
3rd hour: Earth Science
4th hour: Native American Literature
5th hour: Plan Period (Students have Yup’ik)
6th hour: U.S. History, AK History, and Graphic Arts
7th hour: Woodworking
Essentially, I have a very busy day. Within the 6 class periods I have each day there are 13 different classes. Graphic Arts and Woodworking are our two electives this semester and they have been fun and interesting. Students are currently finishing up tool boxes.
2nd hour: Writing
3rd hour: Earth Science
4th hour: Native American Literature
5th hour: Plan Period (Students have Yup’ik)
6th hour: U.S. History, AK History, and Graphic Arts
7th hour: Woodworking
Essentially, I have a very busy day. Within the 6 class periods I have each day there are 13 different classes. Graphic Arts and Woodworking are our two electives this semester and they have been fun and interesting. Students are currently finishing up tool boxes.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Beyond the Glitches
Okay, so it has taken me longer to post than I anticipated. After figuring out my glitch problems, we had intense internet outages which came in waves. I am not sure if it was a broadband issue or weather related. All I know is I had intended and prepared to post the day after my last post about being "Glitch Free", but that just wasn't a possibility. I spent that entire weekend frustrated with the internet. I tried checking emails, posting grades, Skyping friends, and, yes, posting on this very blog. And just when I thought I had a strong connection...SURPRISE...the connection was lost.
To be honest though, internet connective issues are not unusual out her in rural Alaska. The unusual aspect is how often it has been in the last week or so. That is what makes me wonder what the actually cause of the problem might be. So rather than dwell here any longer, I think it is time for me to catch you all (ya'll) up on what has been happening in my sphere in and out of Oscarville.
To be honest though, internet connective issues are not unusual out her in rural Alaska. The unusual aspect is how often it has been in the last week or so. That is what makes me wonder what the actually cause of the problem might be. So rather than dwell here any longer, I think it is time for me to catch you all (ya'll) up on what has been happening in my sphere in and out of Oscarville.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Glitch Prohibiting me from blogging
Okay, so it would seem like I have abandoned my blog. I have not. There was a glitch prohibiting from me from writing on my blog. Here in wonderful Oscarville I only have internet access through the school. And the district has several restrictions and blocks on usage. This is not a blocked site and has never been. It was just a matter of time before I was able to figure out the problem. Now I am back and ready to update everyone.
I will work on updating the blog this weekend. Stay tuned....
I will work on updating the blog this weekend. Stay tuned....
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Men in Alaska
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.
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.
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!!!
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