I haven't been as diligent as I hoped I would be about posting but I'm going to try fill you in on everything that has happened....so this could get pretty long.
I have almost officially finished the first half year of my first year teaching! Holy Wow, the things that I have learned the past few months. Let me tell you, it wasn't anything that they taught us about in school. I've dealt with a lot of situations that I don't think that I would have experienced if I wasn't in a rural community.
I've laughed. I've cried. I've learned. I've taught.
Christmas break is coming up and while I'm looking forward to going home to see family and friends...I know that I'll definitely miss this place. I'll miss all my kinder kiddos. I'll miss the highschoolers. I'll miss my coworkers. I'll miss Chevak. My life here has become chaos but I can't imagine anything else.
Here is what has happened in Chevak the past few weeks...
-Mary and I had THREE Thanksgivings. How blessed are we? We went over to one of coworkers house in the afternoon, went to one of the locals (who has become a dear friend) for dinner, and on Friday we cooked our own and had some of the highschoolers over. It was a time for us to give thanks for what we already have and for what is to come.
-4 employees officially left last week. Who needs them?
-I've realized how much my kiddos (both young and old) rely on me. It is something that I'm learning slowly. I've built up a lot of relationships here with the kids in the school and now many of them depend on me for certain things.
-The Christmas program is next week (oh boy) It'll be very entertaining for me to see my kiddos up there singing for the community. We've put in a lot of practice the past few weeks so I know that they'll do awesome. Hey, now I know a song in Cup'ik.
-Last week my juniors sponsored a CBA tournament (community basketball). It started on Thursday and went till the wee hours of the morning on Sunday. I don't think I slept more than 10 hours last weekend. Friday night was chaotic. A fight happened on the court. I didn't know what to do...basically my jaw dropped and I was just hoping that it would stop. Luckily there were people there that knew what to do so I wasn't alone. However, it was the first fight that has happened in the history of CBA games...why do those things have to happen when I'm in charge?
-Tuesday night we had a pretty intense blizzard. A man tried to snowmachine back to Hooper Bay from Chevak and got lost. They sent out search and rescue the next morning to search for the man. We got word that they had found him but that he had passed away. I was told that he was related to many of the students at the school...it ended up being the uncle to one of my friends here. It was very sad to see how affected he was especially when he wasn't expecting it. He went to Hooper Bay for the funeral but I know that it is rough for him right now.
-Wednesday night I made (well assisted) in making fry bread for the first time. Some of the highschoolers came over and taught me how to make it. It was a lot of fun. I'll post pictures when I get home. I plan on making it over Christmas break! : )
The next post that I do with be pictures. I need to transfer the pictures over and then I can post and you can SEE what's been going on! : )
Please keep in your prayers my kiddos. There is a lot going on in some of their lives and I'm just praying for the best for them!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A Heavy Heart...
Right now I have a heavy heart.
Let me just briefly explain what's going on here...
I've written a post about the 33 blessings that I have, while that has not changed but the list has gotten longer.
Since I've been here in Chevak, I've met so many people that have changed my life and how I view things. Right now I wish I could give back what has been given to me.
There is so much going on in the lives of my kiddos that it's hard for me to bare. Yeah, I know I'm not the one going through it...but it hurts my heart that there isn't anything that I can do for them.
Everyday I love up on all 33 of my kiddos but now I'm gaining the trust of older students and while I don't love up on them the same way, there is no doubt about how much I care for them.
I'm not going to go into any details but please keep them and myself in your prayers.
Strength is definitely needed.
Let me just briefly explain what's going on here...
I've written a post about the 33 blessings that I have, while that has not changed but the list has gotten longer.
Since I've been here in Chevak, I've met so many people that have changed my life and how I view things. Right now I wish I could give back what has been given to me.
There is so much going on in the lives of my kiddos that it's hard for me to bare. Yeah, I know I'm not the one going through it...but it hurts my heart that there isn't anything that I can do for them.
Everyday I love up on all 33 of my kiddos but now I'm gaining the trust of older students and while I don't love up on them the same way, there is no doubt about how much I care for them.
I'm not going to go into any details but please keep them and myself in your prayers.
Strength is definitely needed.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Halloween Carnival.
I can't remember if I ever mentioned the Halloween Carnival in a previous post of not...so bear with me. This past weekend myself and my group of 11th graders were in charge of putting on the community Halloween Carnival (Talk about stress).
When I first volunteered to be the 11th grade advisor that was one of the things that I was told I'd be in charge of. I was then informed that all the stuff that was used in the previous years had been accidentally thrown out, so we'd need to purchase replacement stuff. It really became funny when I realized how little money the junior class had. Thankfully, with the help of some co-workers (one who had been here previous years, so knew what it looked like) we were able to hash down a list of things that we would need.
The purchase order was turned in and now it was time to just wait for everything to come. About a week and a half prior to the carnival, I found out that the order hadn't been placed. I don't really know the details of it but I was stressing out a little at that point. The order was finally placed and maybe a week later the stuff had arrived. We all had a big LOL time when we opened the box and got to see what we'd be using (We ordered from Oriental Trading..and they're not the best quality but they work).
Friday night came around and it was time to set up the gym for the carnival the next day. Many of the 11th grade class came and about 5-6 co-workers. We were here for a couple hours and were able to get most of the decorating done.
When it was all set up...I was starting to get nervous. I didn't want that pressure to fall on me if the carnival was a plop. It didn't look like anything spectacular but we were working with what we had.
Saturday came around and everything just fell into place. We got the last minute details worked out. Everything was about as ready as it could have been. By the time the carnival was about to start there was even a line at the door.
So, we survived! The community seemed to enjoy what was there. It wasn't anything like previous years, but the kiddo's sure loved it. It was a GREAT fundraiser for the junior class and now their account isn't suffering as much.
It was definitely a learning experience for me. Hopefully next year it won't be as bumpy of a road getting there...
When I first volunteered to be the 11th grade advisor that was one of the things that I was told I'd be in charge of. I was then informed that all the stuff that was used in the previous years had been accidentally thrown out, so we'd need to purchase replacement stuff. It really became funny when I realized how little money the junior class had. Thankfully, with the help of some co-workers (one who had been here previous years, so knew what it looked like) we were able to hash down a list of things that we would need.
The purchase order was turned in and now it was time to just wait for everything to come. About a week and a half prior to the carnival, I found out that the order hadn't been placed. I don't really know the details of it but I was stressing out a little at that point. The order was finally placed and maybe a week later the stuff had arrived. We all had a big LOL time when we opened the box and got to see what we'd be using (We ordered from Oriental Trading..and they're not the best quality but they work).
Friday night came around and it was time to set up the gym for the carnival the next day. Many of the 11th grade class came and about 5-6 co-workers. We were here for a couple hours and were able to get most of the decorating done.
When it was all set up...I was starting to get nervous. I didn't want that pressure to fall on me if the carnival was a plop. It didn't look like anything spectacular but we were working with what we had.
Saturday came around and everything just fell into place. We got the last minute details worked out. Everything was about as ready as it could have been. By the time the carnival was about to start there was even a line at the door.
So, we survived! The community seemed to enjoy what was there. It wasn't anything like previous years, but the kiddo's sure loved it. It was a GREAT fundraiser for the junior class and now their account isn't suffering as much.
It was definitely a learning experience for me. Hopefully next year it won't be as bumpy of a road getting there...
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A month filled with firsts...
You know how I always say that I'm going to try and be better at posting about my trip here....I'm a liar. I haven't posted in a month. Not because I don't want to but because I'm swamped with things that need to get done. I'm just trying to survive as a first year teacher.
Things in Kinder have been going really well. As usual I love my kiddos. They always are finding a way to challenge me but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Today was a new experience for me...I had one of my kiddos throw a chair and a tub or crayons across the room. I wasn't very happy with him but he picked them up and apologized for not listening. Each day brings something that needs to be dealt with. This month has been a HUGE month of firsts for me.
-First parent teacher conferences as a teacher. I had about 22 out of the 33 show up. They were short and sweet but it was so nice to meet parents and share the successes that their child has had.
-First book drawing. Most of my kiddos don't have books at home, as a part of our class wide behavior program we decided they could earn them. Every time the class gets 10 stars we'll have a book drawing. It's an all or nothing plan...all of them have to have a good day. Last week we finally got ten stars so we had our first book drawing. It was so exciting to see their faces light up. They really couldn't believe that I was letting them keep it forever.
-First awards ceremony. Honoring attendance, attitude, academic and improvement. They looked so cute getting their awards. We have another one Friday : )
-First call to OCS. Not something that I enjoyed doing but it was definitely a learning experience.
-First pen-pal letters. Now, they weren't happy with me when I originally told them that they were going to have to write a "lot" but they soon got over it. All 33 of my students wrote a letter to their new "friend" my morning class wrote to my mom's class and my afternoon class wrote to another friend of mine's class. I'm not so sure they really get that their friends are going to write them back so I'm excited to see their reaction to that.
(Side Note- I got to hand deliver the letters to both classes and got to talk to those kiddos about Chevak. I was able to go home for the weekend and surprise my mom.)
-A HUGE LEAP. Each of my kiddos gets tested every week to help make sure that they are making adequate progress. I'm looking at where some of them started and where they are now and it makes me feel like I might actually be doing a good job for my first year.
Tomorrow if the first time my kids will use labtops as part of an reading extension. Let's hope they don't break any! :S
Monday will be the first Halloween party. I don't really know what I'm going to do but I'm excited to wear my costume!
I haven't posted pictures in a long time...I'll have to post some very soon : )
Things in Kinder have been going really well. As usual I love my kiddos. They always are finding a way to challenge me but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Today was a new experience for me...I had one of my kiddos throw a chair and a tub or crayons across the room. I wasn't very happy with him but he picked them up and apologized for not listening. Each day brings something that needs to be dealt with. This month has been a HUGE month of firsts for me.
-First parent teacher conferences as a teacher. I had about 22 out of the 33 show up. They were short and sweet but it was so nice to meet parents and share the successes that their child has had.
-First book drawing. Most of my kiddos don't have books at home, as a part of our class wide behavior program we decided they could earn them. Every time the class gets 10 stars we'll have a book drawing. It's an all or nothing plan...all of them have to have a good day. Last week we finally got ten stars so we had our first book drawing. It was so exciting to see their faces light up. They really couldn't believe that I was letting them keep it forever.
-First awards ceremony. Honoring attendance, attitude, academic and improvement. They looked so cute getting their awards. We have another one Friday : )
-First call to OCS. Not something that I enjoyed doing but it was definitely a learning experience.
-First pen-pal letters. Now, they weren't happy with me when I originally told them that they were going to have to write a "lot" but they soon got over it. All 33 of my students wrote a letter to their new "friend" my morning class wrote to my mom's class and my afternoon class wrote to another friend of mine's class. I'm not so sure they really get that their friends are going to write them back so I'm excited to see their reaction to that.
(Side Note- I got to hand deliver the letters to both classes and got to talk to those kiddos about Chevak. I was able to go home for the weekend and surprise my mom.)
-A HUGE LEAP. Each of my kiddos gets tested every week to help make sure that they are making adequate progress. I'm looking at where some of them started and where they are now and it makes me feel like I might actually be doing a good job for my first year.
Tomorrow if the first time my kids will use labtops as part of an reading extension. Let's hope they don't break any! :S
Monday will be the first Halloween party. I don't really know what I'm going to do but I'm excited to wear my costume!
I haven't posted pictures in a long time...I'll have to post some very soon : )
Saturday, October 1, 2011
33 Blessings!
I've been meaning to write about this for a long time but I've been so busy and swamped with work that I haven't had a lot of free time. Now the long wait has come to an end...
We're going onto week 7 in the school year and each day I feel more blessed with my decision that I made to be a teacher. I'm not even going to begin to tell you that it's been easy for me but I wouldn't trade this opportunity for the world.
There are days when I do question this decision. To give you a little taste of my "situation"...I have 33 adorable kiddos. They each come with something different to bring the the classroom. They have each gone through their own trials and are stronger than I probably have ever been. Some have lost parents, some have parents that are in jail, many of them never got new school supplies/clothes, some of them are in the care of their grandparents, all of them are excited for the 1st of the month (Food Stamp Day) and all of them have showed me how truly blessed I am.
There are many times when I wonder if I'm making a difference or if I'm actually being a good teacher. I mean, I am asking a lot from them. I want them all to learn what they need to know and in a way leave whatever is going on at home outside of the classroom. Well let me tell you that is NOT possible. Some of my kids are worried that I'm just going to leave them (there is a HUGE turn-over rate in the bush) There were even tears when they found out that I was going to go by plane for Christmas break. I know that it may not seem like any of what I just said would play any factor on whether or not I'm being a good teacher. However, it has pretty much everything to do with it. It took me over 2 weeks for some of my kids to even talk to me or make eye contact with me. Many of them were very un-sure of me for a while.
I have big goals for my kiddos. I want each and every one of them to achieve this year. I want each of them to know that I'm not going to leave them. No, I don't think that I'll stay here forever but I'm not just going to up and leave them because things are "tough".
Nothing makes me happier than walking to the post office or grocery store and having my babies run and give me a huge hug, then having them follow me the whole way there. I use to wonder if I made a difference in their lives, but when things like that happen, I know!
I am also the 11th grade advisor. It's kinda nice being around the young kiddos and then getting to work with highschoolers. I'm getting to know them as the weeks go on. They are hilarious and really determined to get things done! I'm sure that I'll have stories about them as the time goes on.
I'm going to work on sharing my stories with you more often. I think I'm finally getting into the routine of things and should have more free time now. However, my co-worker and I are in charge of putting together the Halloween carnival (with my 11th graders and her 9th graders) so things could get busy again. I'll work on it though.
Thank you for the support! To all my family and friends- I love you and miss you! Please keep my kiddos in your thoughts and prayers as there are rough things going on in some of their lives right now.
We're going onto week 7 in the school year and each day I feel more blessed with my decision that I made to be a teacher. I'm not even going to begin to tell you that it's been easy for me but I wouldn't trade this opportunity for the world.
There are days when I do question this decision. To give you a little taste of my "situation"...I have 33 adorable kiddos. They each come with something different to bring the the classroom. They have each gone through their own trials and are stronger than I probably have ever been. Some have lost parents, some have parents that are in jail, many of them never got new school supplies/clothes, some of them are in the care of their grandparents, all of them are excited for the 1st of the month (Food Stamp Day) and all of them have showed me how truly blessed I am.
There are many times when I wonder if I'm making a difference or if I'm actually being a good teacher. I mean, I am asking a lot from them. I want them all to learn what they need to know and in a way leave whatever is going on at home outside of the classroom. Well let me tell you that is NOT possible. Some of my kids are worried that I'm just going to leave them (there is a HUGE turn-over rate in the bush) There were even tears when they found out that I was going to go by plane for Christmas break. I know that it may not seem like any of what I just said would play any factor on whether or not I'm being a good teacher. However, it has pretty much everything to do with it. It took me over 2 weeks for some of my kids to even talk to me or make eye contact with me. Many of them were very un-sure of me for a while.
I have big goals for my kiddos. I want each and every one of them to achieve this year. I want each of them to know that I'm not going to leave them. No, I don't think that I'll stay here forever but I'm not just going to up and leave them because things are "tough".
Nothing makes me happier than walking to the post office or grocery store and having my babies run and give me a huge hug, then having them follow me the whole way there. I use to wonder if I made a difference in their lives, but when things like that happen, I know!
I am also the 11th grade advisor. It's kinda nice being around the young kiddos and then getting to work with highschoolers. I'm getting to know them as the weeks go on. They are hilarious and really determined to get things done! I'm sure that I'll have stories about them as the time goes on.
I'm going to work on sharing my stories with you more often. I think I'm finally getting into the routine of things and should have more free time now. However, my co-worker and I are in charge of putting together the Halloween carnival (with my 11th graders and her 9th graders) so things could get busy again. I'll work on it though.
Thank you for the support! To all my family and friends- I love you and miss you! Please keep my kiddos in your thoughts and prayers as there are rough things going on in some of their lives right now.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Chevak Art!!
Now that I've been here for a while, I'm starting to collect some authentic Chevak art! The artists here are very eager to share their art with us! I officially have THREE pieces of Chevak art!! : ) I definitely need to pace myself because some of it can be pretty spendy, but it's absolutely worth it! I am slowly compiling a list of all the things that I want to get while I'm here.
Since I've bought my pieces of art, they have been really good at decorating my very plain and boring walls! Here are some pictures of the art that I've gotten...
I'm really going to post about my time here teaching...I've just been SOOOOOOOOOOOO busy/swamped/tired that I haven't been able to get on and type it all out. But believe me I LOVE MY KIDDOS and I want to share them with you! : )
Since I've bought my pieces of art, they have been really good at decorating my very plain and boring walls! Here are some pictures of the art that I've gotten...
My doll that I got! She is a dancer and even has the fans!
My dancing fans that I can use at the next Yuraq ; ) It's made of Caribou beard and Musk Ox!
My bracelet that one of my kiddos mom made for me!
I'm really going to post about my time here teaching...I've just been SOOOOOOOOOOOO busy/swamped/tired that I haven't been able to get on and type it all out. But believe me I LOVE MY KIDDOS and I want to share them with you! : )
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Seal Gutting!
This weekend while I was working in my classroom I got a text message from a fellow teacher that someone had gotten a seal and I could go watch them gut it if I wanted to. Of course, I jumped on that bandwagon.
I instantly thought of my very first day in Alaska EVER. I had just moved to Alaska from Las Vegas (yikes) and my uncle had called really early in the morning. He had filled his moose tag on his property and he wanted my grandpa to bring me out there to witness it. I didn't know what to think about it and all I really remember was having to hold up one of the legs while they were gutting it. I also got to shoot the stomach when they were all done.
Anyway, I had never before seen a seal being gutted. So I was really excited to experience it.
When we got there they had already started...but it was a younger boy (highschool I would guess) that got the seal. I want to say that it was his first one. With that being said the meat went to the elders in the village. It was a very neat thing to experience...Here are some pictures...
It was a very neat experience! I'm glad that I went!
I instantly thought of my very first day in Alaska EVER. I had just moved to Alaska from Las Vegas (yikes) and my uncle had called really early in the morning. He had filled his moose tag on his property and he wanted my grandpa to bring me out there to witness it. I didn't know what to think about it and all I really remember was having to hold up one of the legs while they were gutting it. I also got to shoot the stomach when they were all done.
Anyway, I had never before seen a seal being gutted. So I was really excited to experience it.
When we got there they had already started...but it was a younger boy (highschool I would guess) that got the seal. I want to say that it was his first one. With that being said the meat went to the elders in the village. It was a very neat thing to experience...Here are some pictures...
Skinning the seal..
Getting all the important stuff and here that's pretty much everything!
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