“The spectacles of experience; through them you will see clearly a second time” ~ Henrik Ibsen

So I've been bugged enough to post one more time....I cannot guarantee that I will update frequently though. :) I apologize to those of you who follow, hoping I'm updating this more, but I will try again this year to keep this thing going.

Garrett and I in Duluth, MN.

Garrett and I touring my uncle George's frame with my cousin Lance.

 

First, a recap of the summer. Garrett and Raisin and I went home to SD. This was the first trip to the lower 48 states for Garrett. I can't say exactly what he thought, but he seemed to like it! We spent many many hours in the car showing off the great places of the Midwest.  There were trips to Minnesota, Nebraska, western South Dakota and one long road trip to Montana! Totaling the miles we could have driven to Anchorage from Redfield. We were so blessed to see family and friends and enjoy our 2 month break.

Raisin making friends with Zoe. Supervision by my mom.

Garrett on the Beartooth Pass.

So as of July 25th we are back in Kwethluk. I'm starting the 4th week of the school year, we're off to a great year! I am teaching Geometry, Algebra I, and Pre-Algebra and Personal Life Skills, and helping to teach a Yupik dance class.  We are trying to implement RTI this year to boost our students that are behind in math and reading. This last week, the entire teaching staff was in Bethel for four days of inservice. Our focuses from that training are RTI, CHAMPS(classroom and school management), and Kagan(cooperative learning techniques). 

On a personal note, I cannot express how much easier the second year of teaching is starting out! It's like riding a bike with training wheels, I still haven't quite got it figured out, but I know how to push the pedals and I'm flying down the road. After the entire week of training, which not only drained me mentally, but physically too, I watched a documentary on education. TEACH aired on CBS on Friday night. (Here is a link to an article about the film: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-wild/tune-in-to-teach-a-conver_b_3870779.html) 

This documentary is incredible! I felt it highlights so many of the things that teachers do every day that some people are not aware of. I can't quote exactly what was said in TEACH, but I'll try to paraphrase. If you are a teacher and you think you have it all figured out, you don't. And I think that describes my second year. As much as I feel that I can do in my second year, I know there is so much more that I need to be doing. But, all in all the year is off to a great start!

You may find it very interesting that all certified and associate teachers in LKSD(over 200 teachers) traveled to Bethel this last week. Originally, this district-wide in-service took place at the beginning of the year. However, it has been moved to accommodate the very popular moose hunting season which start on September 1st and last until the 10th(or 75 moose have been harvested, whichever comes first). There were so many students out hunting that the district decided to have in-services coincide with the season so the teachers were working even when the students weren't attending. So since last Saturday night at midnight, Garrett has been out hunting moose. Catching(and killing) a moose can be a huge thing for families, as it can feed them for an entire year. 

One more tidbit for you. We now have TV at home! My roommate decided to buy a tv and I subscribed to dish. So I am writing this watching NFL(unfortunately we don't have the Vikings game). Stef and I brought the 50" TV home from school by four-wheeler. If you can imagine two people standing on a four-wheeler, me facing the back attempting to hold on to a huge TV and my roommate facing the front maneuvering the many dips and mud puddles about a half-mile to our house. It was entertaining to those who saw us pass by! Although productivity is down in our household, positivity is up. :)  So with that last piece of information, I'm going to sign off and finish watching football while I correct homework. Or maybe I'll watch the Harry Potter marathon.

Until next time! Have a wonderful Sunday!