Summer School, a Funeral, 4 Wheelin', & Hot Water.....

The title of this post pretty much sums up my adventures this past week.

Summer school started, last year we had about 20 kids and this year the village next to us had 12 kids....WE have 55 kids coming every day. In fact, if it weren't for our volunteers, we wouldn't have enough staff to work with them. The elders have been coming every day and teaching the kids the traditional Yup'ik way of life. O & I have been running the academic portion of the day. We even had a documentary crew come out (okay - it was just one guy) to film the first week. And can I just say that I have no idea what he's vision with the project is because he didn't bother interviewing me at all. He interviewed the new teachers and the elders. He filmed me teaching and working with the kids but didn't really talk to me. To him I say: "Good luck with your stupid one-sided documentary.....way to get a balanced view of everyone working together." It actually makes me wonder about other documentaries.....who else did those people leave out? Michael Moore might have a lot of explaining to do......

Anyways, summer school is going very well. The kids are enjoying themselves and the community is really coming together. It's been a very cool thing to see.

On a sad note: the school's payroll accountant passed away. I didn't know him very well, but I had met him and corresponded with him a couple of times. I was invited to attend his funeral with one family. She is the school secretary and he's the elder who I have been working with for summer school. They gave me a ride on their boat and took me under their wing during the service. It was a Russian Orthodox service (my great-grandparents were Russian Orthodox until my great-grandfather committed suicide and the church refused to bury him ~ but it was kinda neat to see something I was connected to at some point anyways) and they sang most of the service. The other part was in Yup'ik, so I didn't understand most of it. It was my first open-casket funeral so I was a bit nervous as I paid my respects. It was a sad service. He was obviously loved and you can tell he will be missed. He was always nice to me and took care of any issues I had.

I won't say what village I was in.....because this next part is kinda funny. One of my colleagues had posted a sign....now, this colleague is a math teacher...and I'm sure he's a fine math teacher....but an English major he is not. The sign stated that the gym had to be "broomed" daily. That's right....."broomed". Now, in case you are saying "Lara, maybe that's just the way people talk there.....", to which I give this answer: I asked some kids what you call it when you clean the floor with a broom and they looked at me oddly & said "sweeping". See kids? Teachers make mistakes too.

On Saturday, I went down to the river where O & his family were having a picnic. There was a bonfire and they were roasting hot dogs & making s'mores. It was a lot of fun. They had borrowed another teacher's 4 wheeler and I got to drive it. I loved it! I got up to 20 miles and it felt like I was flying down the beach!! M (O's wife) splashed me pretty good when she was driving it. After that, we went wading in the river......and let me tell you: that river was COLD!!! But we had a lot of fun. I would like to buy a 4 wheeler. I would be able to put my boxes on the back and not have to rely on others to help me. I like being independent and besides, I would have so much fun zipping around Akiak. I could even drive it to Bethel on the ice road if I so desired.....I bet my mom just had a heart attack reading that one! Don't worry: I wouldn't be alone and I'd be plenty warm.

And now....for the hot water. I don't have any. They refilled the school's tanks and that causes all the sediment at the bottom to come up and so they turn off the hot water for a couple of days and wait for that stuff to settle before they try to run it through....so no hot water for me for the next two days. I can shower at the school if I need to....but I can also heat some water up to wash my face & sponge bath. My hair may get pretty gross but by the time I can't stand it, the water should come back one. Basically, I can deal. There once was a time in my life where the idea of not showering 2x a day was so unappealing to me...don't get me wrong, I still like my showers, but the world won't end if I do a quick clean for a couple of days. Life will be fine.

I'm getting so tough!

Gnome Update: My gnome sent me a new gnome to keep me company until he returns. But I've learned my lesson! This gnome hasn't left my classroom....although my neighbor planted a garden....I suppose the nice thing to do would be put him in an actual garden....sigh...we'll see.....

1 Year Anniversary!

Yes, one year ago, I first landed in Akiak for my orientation. My, and what a year it has been! The new teachers are here now going through their orientation. They are all so much better prepared than I was as far as supplies and bringing their stuff. They brought 150 lbs of stuff per person when they came. I never thought of that....

But that's not what's been on my mind as I think about my year here and the next year to follow....but first, let me take you back:

A couple of years ago while I was working in Benicia, CA, my principal requested volunteers from each grade to head a PLC (Professional Learning Community) team for their group. I didn't really know what it was (it's basically working together to use data to help your teaching and increase test scores) but I had been teaching for 3 years and I felt ready to start working on my leadership skills. I was ready for some more professional growth.

What I wasn't ready for was the big wigs at my school district to turn me down and suggest someone with more experience should do it. I played it off like it didn't bother me, but it did. I felt rejected. And I felt that my district didn't appreciate my abilities. And my feelings about the subject weren't helped when I saw what a PLC was. I could have absolutely have ran that group. I hid my feelings, and I doubt any of my co-workers knew how I felt, but it turned me off to wanting to take on any projects with the district in the future. In fact, it made me re-think anytime there was a request for leadership....not that I didn't think I could do it, but I didn't want to be turned down again.

Okay, so I hold a grudge.

And I brought those feelings here to Akiak. I saw a lack of leadership in my school's administration and instead of me stepping up and taking the issues I could have helped with, I held back. I didn't want to hear that I didn't have enough experience, especially since it was my first year in the bush.

But here's the funny thing, in my elementary wing, I had the most experience teaching in an elementary classroom. Aside from the Kindergarten teacher (who was in another hall), I was the most veteran elementary teacher (It was my 5th year teaching). Granted, others had been in education longer, but not running their own classrooms.

But I noticed, there were a lot more opportunities for me here. Anyone could sign up for any committee. My district was grateful for the support. They didn't care if it was your first year in the bush or your first year teaching period. I got involved in a School Improvement Grant (SIG) committee. I signed up for trainings, inservices, and what have you.

And people were listening to me. I felt like I was respected and maybe even looked up to.

And then came the opportunity to teach summer school came up. And I applied....with the statement of "but I don't want to run it." I'm not kidding, I did say that. I wasn't ready for that kind of leadership. And wouldn't you know who ended up being the Lead Teacher in charge of it? Yep.....me.

And it turns out to be a really good thing for me and for Akiak, I hope. Because our summer school program is unlike anything Akiak has ever experienced. The summer school program is being planned by the Elders. They want to connect to their youth and help them. They are going to teach them Yup'ik traditions, history, and folklore. They are going to take kids out to the fish camps and teach kids how to cut fish and what you do from there. Net mending, Yup'ik crafts, identifying local plantlife & medicinal plants, etc. It's going to be an incredible experience!

This is the first time a school program hasn't been dictated by a white person. Yeah, I was put in charge of it, but I found out during the first meeting with the Head Coordinator what the community wanted, and so I just sat back and took notes. I am in charge of the 1 1/2 hours we are required to teach reading/math/writing from the state. And remember how I took training on how to teach math in a Yup'ik context using Yup'ik traditions? So that's what we are doing for math. I'm keeping it Yup'ik. There's another teacher who's going to do the reading portion (O) and he feels just as I do, sit back and help it happen.

I was honored to be invited to two (2!) meetings with the elders. True, I don't speak Yup'ik, so I missed a lot of it, but when I was asked what crafts I was planning on doing, I experienced great satisfaction of seeing their faces as they realized I wasn't doing any of the planning other than the state's requirements. At the beginning of the meeting, they thought I was going to tell them what small snippet of time I was going to give them. And the excitement increased around the room as they realized I (and the other teachers) were working for them and their summer program.

I was also nominated the spokesperson to tell the district what our program consisted of. I flew to Akiachak on Thursday. I had been asked to present to the new teachers. My topic? My experience during my first year. Thank goodness I had my blog to look back on! I stayed the night and got to know the "new kids" better. I fully enjoyed my night. The next day was a district-wide summer school meeting. I met with my "support staff" which is total crap because they came up with such great ideas and were so enthusiastic that it's clear I'll be supporting them. Which was my plan from the get go!

And when I got back, I was invited to join an Elder and his wife (both are amazing & I'm friends with their daughters!) while they took a couple of the new teachers on a boat ride. I of course said "YES!" and enjoyed the ride & the rest of my day.

Being here has opened the door to so many new opportunities for me. And I did finally get to take on a leadership role (even if it's in name only - cause I'm not running this show, I'll just take care of the paperwork & attend the meetings). Although, more and more of my coworkers are treating me like a leader....and looking to me for advice. And that's very flattering.

I know that it's easy for many people (& some administrators) to overlook me at first. I think it goes back to that quiet strength I have. I'm not flashy and many people see my weight and judge me from that. But more and more, my life is moving beyond that. People are starting to see what I do, hear what I say, and read what I write.

Oh yes my friends, it's been quite a year....

Boat Rides, the Tundra, and a Traveling Gnome.....

This has been a very interesting week! One of my friends said if they were in their village, they'd be going crazy from boredom....and that is so not the case here!!

Earlier in the week, I got a call late one night from one of my neighbors/parents. His wife had recently passed away from cancer and his daughter was in my class last year. He told me how she was having a hard time lately and since she talked about me a lot, would I be interested in spending some time with her. I said, "Of course! Anything I could do to help!"

So I was invited the next day to go on a boat ride with him (TK) and his kids. TK had his niece there with him to help him during the day. It was a very nice trip. We went to check out his fish camp he was building and we had to climb up a dirt cliff. I made it up okay but on the way up, I had taken out some "steps" the kids had used. So getting down off the cliff became a bit of a problem. TK stood at the bottom and his kids jumped down to him. His niece and I were on our own. My idea was to slide down the cliff on my bottom. Turns out, I didn't have to.....I had grabbed the base of a skinny tree and ending up swinging down ala Tarzan ever so gracefully. I'm not kidding, TK and the rest of the crew were impressed. If only I had planned it that way......

The best part of the trip was my first visit to the tundra! It only took me a year to visit there. Again we had to climb up a cliff to get there. I wish I could say I didn't fall on my way up. At least I didn't hurt myself or even get a bruise....but yeah, I fell. TK stomped a path for me. But as I reached the top, a sweet flowery/mossy smell hit me. And spread out before me was the tundra. I could see mountains waaay far off in the distance. And walking on the tundra was like walking on a pile of sponges. Your feet sank down a bit and I had to work to keep my balance. The next day, my legs were sore....I think this is where those toning shoes get their idea....cause you work some different muscles just walking around.

A few days later, O's wife MM, myself and our Captain went down to Bethel on her boat. Boat is by far my favorite form of river travel! We did some shopping, had lunch, and shopped some more. There was no drama, no scary moments, in fact, everything went surprisingly well! Okay, so at one point we forgot about the 2nd anchor when we were leaving Bethel, but it was quickly pointed out and fixed right away. No worries.

But there has been some drama happening in the village. Namely, my garden gnome. True, I don't have a garden but I thought it would be funny to have a gnome on my porch. I wrote on the bottom that he was a cursed gnome and whoever removes the gnome would be cursed as well. And the gnome has been on my porch for quite a while.



Upon my return from my trips last week, I found a note on my door and no gnome in sight: "Ahoy Matey, Traveling the seven seas. Will throw the gnome in volcano in 24 hours unless you pay 5,000,000 pukka-shells and 2 pints swaying-palms rum." And there was a picture of my gnome on a beach.

Well, I was not in possession of that of stuff. After all, it's a dry village. So there was really nothing I could do.

The next day, I found this note: "Leave the ransom by the door of the Principal's home if you ever want to see your gnome again! Signed, Pirates of Akiak"

So I ran to the Principal's house and found this note: "You do not have the correct ransom. I guess you don't love your gnome. Kiss his *** goodbye!" And on this note was a picture of my gnome being dangled over a volcano by Captain Hook's hook.

So that was the end of my gnome......or so I thought! A few days after that, I found on my door a note with a picture of my gnome on the deck of a pirate ship: "Ahoy Matey, Your little gnome narrowly escaped the volcano by calling Parley! After a heated negotiation with our beloved Captain, he been given a reprieve! He has agreed to swab our decks in exchange for his life! I can't say if you will ever see him again, he was quite hurt by your refusal to pay the bounty. Signed, The Pirates of Akiak"

Well, that's one smart little gnome, I must say! I soon received another note, this time from my gnome. It had a picture of him walking with President Obama. "Dear Lara, Had conference with Obama, was unable to reach any kind of peace treaty for the pirates, enjoying touring Washington D.C. Still working off my debt it seems to be a bit like the national debt. It grows every day." and it was signed "Disgruntled Gnome"

The next day came this note: "Ahoy Matey, You're gnome failed us once again, he was sent to the treasury to acquire us some gold, and all he returned with was shredded paper! Perhaps he will swim with the fish after all!" And there was my gnome in the treasury.

While I did appreciate the Godfather reference, I began to worry about my gnome. But once again, according to this morning's note, he was able to gain the pirates good graces: "Dear Lara, It seems I have redeemed myself once again with the Pirates, it only took taking a little blue necklace from the Smithsonian and my life was safe from the sea. I continue my adventures with the Akiak Pirates, I may even pay off my debt one day! - Your still disgruntled Gnome!" and there was a picture of my gnome, standing next to the Hope Diamond.

Well, these pirates have good taste.....perhaps, one day my little gnome will return to me....only time will tell....and those pirates, but they aren't talking....

3 Weeks in a Nutshell.....

Well, the last 3 weeks have been very eventful, so let me break them down and give you an update:

Week 1 - Salt Lake City, Utah

A group of us went to observe a middle school that was using this vocabulary program and having great success. Actually, the school was very successful. It was actually a great experience to see such a positive learning environment. I got to watch some great teachers at work. And it's always great to see people doing what you love to do, do it well. The staff all worked together and there was a level of mutual respect that was a joy to feel. And I got to meet several of the "new recruits" who would be teaching in my district next year, including my new principal.

Salt Lake City....well, it's a clean city. A clean boring city. I went to a couple different malls. That was fun. But if you aren't interested in the religious aspect of the city....there wasn't much to do. I did want to go see the Salt Lake to see if I floated, but I was in the school all day.

I did oversleep one morning....I arrived 2 hours late. Which was horrifying because I haven't been late to work in 8 years. AND it was in front of my new principal. But I'd rather be late in Utah instead of actually late to teach. So I can only beat myself up for so long. But this is why I normally have 2 alarm clocks.

Week 2 - Benicia, California

Ah, family & friends. I got to spend some time at my old school and I presented a slide show I had made about my first year in Alaska to most of the school. That was fun. I felt like a celebrity when I got there. It felt a bit surreal to be back after moving away. I was happy to see my former students again and my coworkers.

Family, family, family........that's pretty much how I spent the week. That and I sold my car. I got all the paperwork done and mailed off. I don't particularly enjoy borrowing my mother's car, but I like that better than paying for a car I don't drive. So it works out. I will be back again in July and hope to do more stuff.

Week 3 - Akiak, Alaska

Home, sweet home. I missed my cats....a lot. This past week I spent moving. Now, before I left Akiak, my study buddy/airport friend had helped me move all of my totes over to my new house. But I wasn't ready to move my cats over there quite yet. I had a lot of cleaning to do. Let's just say, I was surprised to find that the shower stall was actually white and not cream....and don't get me started on the floors, kay? Anyways, I am now all moved out and my place is clean.....I just hope that the rodent droppings I found are old. Because I know my cats will have fun with that, and I'm okay never getting presents from my cats....dead things aren't my bag.

On a personal note, I had been seeing someone I had met in Alaska (it was the coffeehouse guy....we had taken it out of the coffeehouse) but we broke up in between California & Alaska. At the airport actually.....quite wonderful really....you know how I love crying in public. But I found dealing with a break up in such an isolated place like my village isn't such a piece of cake. True, I have plenty of time for reflection but I am unable to do those things a gal's gotta do to deal.....ie: shopping, talking bad about the guy to her girlfriends (mine were all working), and other distractions. But I did find, that I have been able to totally deal with things that in the past, I wouldn't have spent a lot of time on. And after a couple of days, I felt a whole lot better. And I wasn't expecting that. I don't think I'm in denial, but after a day spent fixating on HIM, oh my goodness, I was so ready to move onto another topic! I was so ready to get out of the negative world I had put myself. So I picked myself up and made a plan to move on!

But I still can't find it within me to agree with this quote: "It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all."

I'm more of the "Ignorance is bliss" school of thought. But that's just me.