tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36374126253484368692024-03-13T08:19:48.308-07:00Nastasia's Window to Rural LivingA single mother's journey to pursue a teaching degree via distance education in Rural AlaskaRural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-16436471334375224862013-10-03T17:52:00.001-07:002013-10-03T17:52:13.089-07:00How does one get it all in?I am tiring myself out trying to do justice to my job and I can't get it all in. I go home tired, worn out and bring things home that sometimes keep me up late into the night grading, planning... to make sure I am doing my job diligently. My dad works for USFWS and he is on furlough. He has been calling himself a hobo for two days now. 70 year old man who has been working all his life trying to call himself a hobo because he is on furlough. He was wanting to retire and I smiled and said "Dad, this is what retirement feels like." I just had to get back on my 'therapy' since I can't afford a real one.
The good thing is time is going by quickly - a little too quickly. I can already see growth in my students and the first of our 4 marking periods on the horizon.
My son is in Kindergarten and I can see his learning despite his proclamation that he doesn't learn anything in school. Those are the things that keep my wheels turning. When things look like they are going down I notice things that "pay" me in gold. The look of utter concentration of a student who just "got it" and is now racing to get it done. The second glimpse of a student where you realize just how young they are. The instant smile when you make a joke and they get it.Despite all the hoops I need to jump through it is worth it.
I just wish the government could put such demands on their own performance. Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-25704517947668589742012-12-24T01:37:00.001-08:002012-12-24T01:37:53.503-08:00Well I survived my first three weeks as a 3rd-4th grade teacherAs I was subbing for a teacher in Newtok I was offered a permanent position at Kasigluk for 3rd and 4th grades. I jumped at the chance. In the time I had to accept to the first day of class my emotions were all over the place. I was told the class was a tough group of kids who had a rough start. Other than that I did not know what kind of situation I would enter. I felt like I was closing my eyes, praying and jumping into the unknown, not knowing where or how I would land. This was a relatively new emotion for me - uncertainty. On the bright side, I would be stationed close to Bethel and home and I know some of the people there. Correction - I had known some of the people there from when I went there for conferences as a child. There is also a Russian Orthodox Church there - and I know some of the people from my attending the church at Bethel. I knew of the challenges such as a tough group of kids, no running water or toilet in the home provided for me and my son and babysitter...
All things fell into place in time. I encountered a very unorganized classroom - things everywhere in piles and a group of kids who provided me with ample challenges. I had to literally force myself to just look down at what was directly in front of me so I would not allow the sense of being overwhelmed diminish what momentum I had in me. The few times I glanced at the classroom I found myself deep in thought, wondering how a classroom could become so unorganized. I teared up thinking to myself, "If I feel so impacted with confusion and loss as an adult being in the classroom for as little time as I had how would a child of 8-10 feel having to be here every day?"
I still need the prayers I requested from friends and family but by Christmas break I felt like I was able to at least provide a classroom organized and in some sense of order so that the children, my students feel comfortable and safe.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-25320301325207268602012-11-07T20:46:00.001-08:002012-11-07T20:46:18.735-08:00I am never taking my amenities for granted again!I never knew how much I took modern conveniences for granted until I moved here. Waking up and jumping in the shower - even turning on the faucet for a drink of water sounds like some lost treasure for me today. It didn't a year ago - or even a month ago! Funny how something I thought so little of is now thought of as golden treasure! I admire the dedication it takes for the teachers who come from places that have modern conveniences and enter a place that do not...yet they endure so they teach. The teachers here make the best things. I admire their positive attitude and smile at their antics. A Christmas party the day I arrived at the end of September - "because we can!" A pair of youthful teachers draping another teacher's house at Halloween - "Its our tradition!"I am so glad I met them!Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-46233481979812328462012-11-01T16:47:00.000-07:002012-11-01T16:47:30.013-07:00Thoughts as I contemplate their situationI have been subbing for a teacher who has 9th and 10th graders with the age ranging between 17-19 years old. Of these 11 students, some are no longer eligible to receive credit for the semester due to unexcused absences, yet they come to school each and every day. One might think, "wow, talk about dedication!" Sadly, they do not come to do assignments, nor to do any work at all...
Today after ruining their day yet again because I told them, "When you come in to the classroom as a student, it is automatically assumed that you are here to do the work for that class." Previously, I told the student if they are unwilling to do the work, they can leave. I received a prompt "You are supposed to encourage, not discourage students!" along with a few mumbled threats. I replied, "I am encouraging you - to do the work you need to complete to pass the class."
Today I went a step further. I told the students, "If I am saying anything that you do not like, please write down the words I need to say in order for you to become a successful student so I will know what to tell you. I need to know what words need to be said for you to realize you need to do the work in order to earn the grade. School is just like a job: if you don't do the work you don't get paid. Your grade is the payment for the work you need to do each day. I do not know of any job that would pay anyone for doing nothing."
The end result was that I still had the same students sitting in my classroom. However, today they were not as distracting to the rest of the class. I know this is not the only classroom that encounters this dilemma. I know it will not be the last I have - although with my elementary degree hopefully I will not encounter the aforementioned circumstance in the future.
What I cannot get is the attitude that it is my fault. I am the mean teacher who forces them to think on their lack of motivation...
Sorry - I just needed to vent... still... no solution... still end up with kids hanging out in class, doing nothing... Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-80198369411651381552012-10-24T16:48:00.001-07:002012-10-24T17:00:00.875-07:00I can say "I was there!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Newtok is going to be in the news again and I can say "I was there!"
It was amazing to witness first-hand the power of the wind and weather. Although, I would not say the weather is what was impressing me during my long-term substitute teaching position here at Newtok, Alaska.
My greatest impression has been with the people. I thank the staff of Newtok Ayaprun School for welcoming me into their team. I have been substituting for a teacher since October 1st. I have already been to one Christmas party, a movie night...
Looking at the size of this community and the school I keep thinking: Gosh... This looks just the size of Russian Mission when I was in Elementary School. Lots of memories.
I keep telling the kids... "You don't know it but you are in a very historical place. You are one of the last people that can say 'I went to school in Newtok.'" I would look out into the village and remember my Grandfather showing me places in Ohogamiut. He would look over the remains of the village remembering where things used to be. Each time I walk down the boardwalk or look around the village here in Newtok I find myself wondering if my Grandfather felt the same sense of nostalgia when he realized that the village will soon be empty if he stood thinking, "in a few years there will be nothing here."
I often wonder if that was the reason my family returned to Ohogamiut for summer fishing - because of the family we left buried there. The feeling of community and people resonating through time - felt even only grass remained where houses once stood, where roads intersected.
For this little while at least I can say, "I was in Newtok when all those houses were there..."
Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-27617596018034837132012-09-24T12:13:00.001-07:002012-09-24T12:13:17.048-07:00Has blogging gone to the wayside?Its been such a long time since I even considered blogging that when I decided to try this again I could not find where to begin due to changes in format.
I checked to see updates and noticed that no one else had anything written for ages.
Has it become a thing of the past?Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-29038092629081191642012-01-16T01:11:00.000-08:002012-01-16T01:51:18.371-08:00My mind is too busy - Midnight thoughtsYou ever see the time and say "Darn! already? I need to get to bed PRONTO! Maybe if I read this book (required reading for class) I will get so sleepy that going to sleep will be a breeze," only to have the exact opposite happen? Really? It never happened to you ever?? You are so LYING! lol <br />My book is Place and Community-Based Education in Schools by Gregory A. Smith and David Sobel.<br />Russian Mission has a great community based or place based system they have used for years so I thought I would say "oh yeah, I know..." and I admit I scanned some parts that seemed too... what is the word.... lets just leave it at "I skimmed over a few paragraphs" then got to underlining a few phrases. Then got to thinking over a few statements. Imagining the responses to some of the things I would have liked to say..... then I realized I was making myself all the more awake with all this thinking.<br />So I turned off the lights and kept thinking..tossed. Thought. Tossed. Thought.<br />I got so tired I decided this can become something worth talking over with some people.<br /><br />So here goes: <br />My thinking process accelerated with the sentence "it is important to acknowledge that public education has from the beginning been more concerned about diminishing community ties than strengthening them." (31 Smith, Sobel) Instant flashback in fast-forward of the stories of boarding schools, punishments for speaking languages other than English... a kaleidoscope of comments about what kids are doing wrong in school, how they just 'don't care' about their education... the root of our problem with school today from low scores to low attendance. <br /><br />Solution? Teachers - put your pride in your pocket and really see your students as children - human beings - feelings - emotions..... and expectations from others other than the school. No assumptions needed, wanted or otherwise. Learn more about the communities you are joining. (let me say that again - the community you are joining as a member) and let it not be only what they need to do for you.<br /><br />I know. I opened a can of worms. Before all the snide remarks come flying let me ask. 1. Who actually knows the history of the community from a community member's viewpoint? I will take myself as an example. I can thank my teachers in elementary and high school for allowing elders into our classroom to tell us about starvation, famine, illnesses, family kinship ties and traditions and how that affected how the elders saw life and the importance of doing what is right as opposed to what is easy to do. That those factors instilled a sense of community such that when one member is lost the pain reverberates to the whole community. That grief is not something dealt in a day - so we take more than one day away to help console each other to deal with the loss. That is why the namesakes of the loved one is so closely tied to the family who has lost a loved one.<br /><br />Even as we teach and even as the children are attending school they are a part of a larger world which in a lot of cases the teachers refuse to "see" they look, they judge, they critique... rarely do they live as a member of the community. Yet, they occupy such a large part of someone's child's day.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-78293682605678543822012-01-12T23:32:00.000-08:002012-01-12T23:41:38.336-08:00Happy New YearHappy New Year! <br />I am back in Bethel after a short visit (freezing visit) to Russian Mission. On average it was -45 below. My son came back with me only to say he misses home. He left to his sisters this evening. I returned before our Russian Orthodox Christmas on January 7th and due to illness I pretty much missed the celebrations in Bethel. <br /><br />School was due to start on the 9th, and it has been canceled this week due to frozen pipes. Yes it is that cold here. <br /><br />My daughter Maxine got engaged over Christmas break. I do believe she is planning on a June wedding. She ALMOST tried February which would be not good. June is better. much. much. MUCH better.<br /><br />I am taking deep breaths and getting my binders and ideas on paper/computer.<br /><br />Ready <br /><br />set<br /><br />WAIT!!! (okay we cannot wait much longer... go ahead)<br /><br />Here we go.... the first steps of 5 months of being bent into a formalized, certified...teacher.<br /><br />Let it be official!<br /><br />(wish me luck!!!)Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-35822438145720281952011-10-21T20:04:00.000-07:002011-10-21T20:18:27.129-07:00Characteristics I see in my students are mirrored in my workI have "walked around the perimeters of my emotional room" today as I processed my emotional reactions of where I stand.<br />In the beginning I was hurt, emotional, and felt like giving up. I was trying to do what I could to make sure the progress in the classroom was lightened, focusing on the students and mentor teacher's duties. I would end up staying up at all hours of the night frantically trying to finish things at the last minute. Then when I do not get an acceptable grade I feel like crying.<br />My focus was not on the finish line, race, or children - the reasons why I chose to enter the internship.<br />The focus was on the paper before me.<br /><br />It took a long time to come to the realization that if I step back and see the rules of the game, expectations and my performance it IS fair. I went as far as to write "You need to do it now. focus." on a post it. <br />It does not matter that my kids returned home. That is temporary.<br />It does not matter that my computer has crashed on me. That is not the only one available.<br />It does not matter that there are many details - I was told to be specific.<br />Just do it.<br />I had to remind myself that the instructors have the best interest of the children at heart. <br />I had to remind myself that I was provided ample time to do my assignments.<br />I had to remind myself that I am not alone in my struggles.<br /><br />I am praying that my resolve will tide me to the end.<br /><br />I have witnessed all these reactions in the classroom - I now know exactly how they feel.<br /><br />I need to persevere to show them - no matter the obstacle, one must go on. My sleeves are pulled up.<br />Keep me in your prayersRural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-29212933359972535322011-09-10T10:06:00.000-07:002011-09-10T10:06:21.567-07:00My clock is on steroids!I used to think the time flew by fast earlier this summer but during school hours the time is seriously on overdrive! Yesterday after the students were dismissed for the day I sat in the classroom and thought to myself, "How can we as teachers cram all the knowledge we can into we weeks provided and still believe the kids 'get it?'" I look back and already three and a half weeks are gone. Wow. I think of all the things we did with the students so far, all the assignments I need to do and I am amazed at how it seems I went three whole weeks going from morning to night trying to get things done, knowing my time was short. Little did I know how short it was! Back to the grinding stone.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-3481028607240530902011-08-28T10:20:00.000-07:002011-08-28T10:54:19.424-07:00Getting to the nitty gritty of homeworkOne of the realities of internship is the amount of initial homework one has. These assignments would be easy at home because I knew the inner workings of our school. I had worked at the data organization "department" for statistical data, administered the migrant ed paperwork, etc. During my first weeks at the Bethel school I focused on the new curriculum, the size of the school, the size of the population (you can put the population of my whole village in the school and have room to spare!!!!) Then the first assignment comes in and it asks for the statistical data, find the responsibilities of the school staff...
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<br />Well... I looked at the assignment and said okay...now that school has begun and my focus is with the kids in my class, and I have to be in the classroom during the times I am "In School" I need to find time to interview staff. If they were to ask me about the students in particular ( and I have a class assignment asking this) I can answer which students "got it," which students don't, and which students need serious help.
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<br />If I had this assignment given to me in the days of inservice I would have the time, and the staff would have the time also, to sit down and answer basic questions of introduction. Instead the orientation for mentors and interns occurred the evening before the first day of school for the students. We did not get the syllabi for the classes at this orientation, but each was available the night before the first day of each class. Suffice it to say I was a bit overwhelmed. I have this glitch in my system that I tend to feel overwhelmed until i get everything organized and see the big picture of what I need to do, how much time each assignment may take, and find a time pattern of duties before I get too far into an assignment. I finally got that done this week. Mainly because my last "first day of class" was on Friday. I got binders together and tabbed the reading for at least three segments, organized the files on the computer and I should be good to go. Wish me luck and please keep me in your prayers!!!Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-30821428963911976072011-08-20T08:49:00.000-07:002011-08-20T09:14:34.346-07:00Storytown and Everyday MathematicsI am so relieved I attended the inservice for StoryTown. Districtwide we will be using these two books for reading/writing and math. I do not believe our instructors in the university internship program are aware of the curriculum requirements of the districts. We are to use StoryTown for 90 minutes each day. Each lesson plan included spans one week's worth of various assignments. I have been in class with students this week and have seen this at work. So far I love the "robust vocabulary" My mentor teacher has very effective methods to make sure the kids remember these words.
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<br />I greatly enjoy being in the classroom!
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<br />Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-64034566890464955142011-08-11T15:05:00.000-07:002011-08-11T15:11:52.471-07:00Wow I am starting my internship yearThe countdown has begun! I am presently sitting in an inservice at Gladys Jung Elementary. It is my third day and there is so much new technological usage that my mind is blown away with excitement! Smart boards, notebooks, ichat.... whew! I am so excited for this year! I still do not have my own apartment or house but I am enjoying my time in my parents home. I was so psyched about starting I arrived at 7:30 AM only to find that the kids start school at 8:30. There are 400+ teachers in the inservice and from what I have seen they are so awesome! There is a lot of things I am unfamiliar with but I will dive into them with great gusto!
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<br />SMILING!Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-59913903526723933202011-03-04T19:23:00.000-08:002011-03-04T19:34:27.979-08:00Unofficial Daycare nights and weekendsI am beginning to learn to tune out noise while doing my homework. We have kids around most of the time but lately I feel like there is a sign I cannot see that reads "Unofficial Daycare Center" on my door. Its usually my grandkids and once in a while my nephews. This can get tough when it comes time to finish assignments. Sometimes I think everyone else just don't care so much that they just "forget" I have classes that require a lot of reading and writing. Either that or its just more important for them to play ball, watch others play ball or go play bingo. I don't mind because they do ask before they go - its just that sometimes I feel that my studies are not considered important enough to give me time to do them in peace and quiet. I usually get them done once the kids are all asleep or before my son wakes up in the morning.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-13835843827284235332011-03-02T02:07:00.000-08:002011-03-02T02:29:44.691-08:00Anna "Arnallguuk" Evan ?? -3/1/2011In my lifetime I have only met a few elders who really treated me like one of their own. Anna Evan was one of those elders. Once I had children she would teasingly ask me to give them to her. She loved children. Being shy she never went to community gatherings, preferring to stay home but somehow she knew everyone and always asked about others, once kids were born she knew them by their namesakes. When she knew a lot of people were here from out of town she would let her family cook for them. This blog cannot give justice to the struggles she endured. She lost her husband, some of her children, grandchildren and was left to care for the kids even as she endured sickness. She is survived by her sister Natalia Alexie, brother Nick Asetekluk, children Joe Klukluk, Matrona Evan, Virginia Evan, Nastasia Kameroff, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-40514200174393130772011-02-10T20:48:00.000-08:002011-02-10T21:00:33.138-08:00Respected elder Craftswoman leaves our communityNatalia Changsak, sister-in-law to my grandmother Marie, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska after a long suffering illness. Best known to all for her crafts making and teaching of those crafts. The body arrived this evening. I am grateful for all she has taught me. I have great memories of her and the other elders gathering each week to do crafts - anything from fur sewing, knitting, crocheting... those were great times.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-11792223800418182102011-01-24T21:50:00.000-08:002011-01-24T21:56:02.587-08:00Introducing my second grandchild Aaliyah Molly Stephanoff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0PgkrfxgG2ZtzhAg72GiSo-BufhWO6H1mFY6z3I5r-TgIgA7qJMsoSYWmWslVI9M6NcwhqruG8NzpKBZ6l_zrCKx000uz5g1px0KRrLe83bzh9TzphgbdXdOr0tcT82sJJy7swNR3Xwn/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0PgkrfxgG2ZtzhAg72GiSo-BufhWO6H1mFY6z3I5r-TgIgA7qJMsoSYWmWslVI9M6NcwhqruG8NzpKBZ6l_zrCKx000uz5g1px0KRrLe83bzh9TzphgbdXdOr0tcT82sJJy7swNR3Xwn/s200/IMG_0310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565997411372530978" /></a><br />My eldest daughter delivered a healthy baby girl on December 26, 2010. 8 lbs, 10 ounces, 21 inches long. Charitina and her hubby Theodore Pete are so proud of her, as am I. Nicholas and Jordan have been full of questions and requests to hold the cutie. Amazing how time flies - I can still remember the days just before and during Charitina's birth and here she is holding her own baby girl.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-75743091546433094612010-11-12T23:43:00.000-08:002010-11-13T00:39:16.146-08:00A moment of reflection...I have not posted a blog in a long time...too busy and no internet at home for the longest time. During this time so much has happened ... stressful, sad, happy and many variations and combinations of each. The last time I posted my grandpa Peter "Papasneak" passed away on April 5th, 2010. On October 23, 2010 our "Big Ap'a" Alexander Isaac joined him and our family. It was sad to lose him but at the same time we were happy that he got to join his wife and all the other departed loved ones. We were blessed to have our grandfathers for as long as we did, and our gram for that matter. <br /> <br />Village news? The eels came and my brothers had a blast. I have not cooked eels since the last time my Ap'a asked me to cook for him. <br /><br />Family news? My eldest daughter is due in December and my second born is due in May. My son and granddaughter are in their terrible twos - don't know who coined the second year of life terrible twos but that seems to be right on target with my son's behavior around the house. he is a cutie and his personality cracks us up a lot of the time but man can he make a mess!! Curious George ten times over!!!! all innocently done too!<br /><br />School news? I had to postpone my internship year and may have to move in order for it to get done.... long long long sad story... I have enough saddness for this entry. Suffice it to say I am stalling out big time. I have even begun to think "what if I am not meant to be a teacher?" now THAT would be sad. Especially when I think of all the time I neglected my family and Ap'a because of homework. Made me cry and got me depressed for a while there when I couldn't do the internship here at Russian Mission. Gosh - here I go again... I will try to blog again when the waterworks calm down.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-57355979759142386032010-06-23T18:50:00.000-07:002010-06-23T18:57:57.070-07:00Seriously considering inventing ice gloves and socks for cooling offFairbanks summer weather is usually the hottest weather in the state - and I am feeling it! OMG I am one hot eskimo! haha - not like OMG that woman is HOT - more like OMG that woman needs something fast or she is going to have a heat stroke! I know - some of you are thinking, "C'Mon! get real! Fairbanks is not too bad right now." I know - I am surviving. It just feels like I am a little out of my element and didn't bring too much "juss hut!" clothing to wear. (Two jeans???) lol <br /><br />This was more to rant, I am not serious about the ice gloves and socks...or am I?? <br />Enjoy the hot weather while you can - I know I will - when it get too hot I just picture how Fairbanks is during winter and think - this is not too bad. Not too bad at allRural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-13044096540798222812010-06-15T17:36:00.000-07:002010-06-15T17:45:07.259-07:00Trading some time with family to complete classes - tough.Unlike those in urban communities, when a distance ed student needs certain classes only offered on campus one must leave family behind and travel sometimes a great distance to complete the class. On Saturday June 13th I had to leave my children to attend a class in Fairbanks. I sure wish I could have brought them with me but the cost of travel within Alaska is almost two times more than one would pay to go out of state. The class is starting out very well, with 9 other students in a post-baccalarette program. I commend them for their stamina - they are doing a whole set of two week classes together. One of them has a 3 week old baby. My first day was okay, the second evening (yesterday) I was sighing and calling home. My daughter teased me asking if I was going to cry - I just responded YES! I miss you guys! Most of the people I knew when studying on campus are not here - it feels almost empty. There are a couple people here which is such a relief but - I miss my babies!Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-37183090072484973002010-05-27T09:51:00.000-07:002010-05-27T10:01:50.800-07:00At Fairbanks for a meetingAlaska Native Teacher Preparation Project (ANTPP) is having a meeting here in Fairbanks so I get to travel.... I just wish I could have brought my family here. It is HOT out. 78 degrees yesterday. I met a lot of great people and I greatly enjoy the wonderful accommodations. Wonderful role models in long-time native teachers. Great times!!!Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-8881959196570961572010-05-01T22:05:00.000-07:002010-05-01T22:10:19.381-07:00Where did SPRING go???Its so cold outside!!! snowing on May 1st?? OMG. It is cold and dreary and dismal outside yet my two-year-old boy makes a bee-line for the door every time I turn around. We went through an almost daily routine of changing his clothes an average of three times before he tired himself out enough to not want to run out as soon as his shoes came on. I am so ready for summer...just not all too thrilled about the bugs that comes with it.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-88260624175400676312010-04-15T00:21:00.000-07:002010-04-15T00:35:47.941-07:00Peter Nick "Ap'a Papasneak" 7-4-1918 to 4-5-2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXGmnfJyAfiyccOABkbgyqanLY4UkflFBS9TGv52tJQH2DFYlKjRz22ZAZXWIsz0HvrJUfZ-jPL16UttH1RYZzrLGX1rwaV6amN1dnU2reK2vXBzYkiBNDIe_har_axucIK7XGj03f4xj/s1600/%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%7Du8.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXGmnfJyAfiyccOABkbgyqanLY4UkflFBS9TGv52tJQH2DFYlKjRz22ZAZXWIsz0HvrJUfZ-jPL16UttH1RYZzrLGX1rwaV6amN1dnU2reK2vXBzYkiBNDIe_har_axucIK7XGj03f4xj/s200/%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%5D%7Du8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460261833987509906" /></a> My Ap'a Peter passed away during our Bright Monday, the day after Easter, at the YKHC hospital with family surrounding him. It has been a very busy week and a half... The things that comfort me is that he has had ALL his prayers answered. 1. He had a long life 2. He was surrounded by family 3. he did not leave us suddenly as he feared he would and 4. he passed away during a time we hold sacred - our Easter season. We miss him greatly, yet I am at peace knowing he no longer hurts, is no longer sick...or lonesome, hungry or sad. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal. I love you very much Ap'a, thank you for being such a big part of my life, and showing me by your example how to be a true human being.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-22026343309015391072009-11-21T15:45:00.001-08:002009-11-21T16:07:40.143-08:00A personal awakeningSometimes in life one realizes issues in one's behavior that cause a great mental review of actions and, for me a "darn-it!!....okay I admit it. I need a change of priorities." I got to talk to a great, wise woman today in what started out as a would-be-very-brief apology for missing a memorial feed. Bottom line, I finally admitted to the fact that I feared hurting too much during the time we will eventually have to say our final goodbyes to my grandfather, so I tried to distance myself from him... I know. It is wrong, and in a big way unplanned, unintended, I just continued to use other things in my life as excuses to delay visiting, even when my conscience reminded me I didn't listen. When I finally went to see him I noticed he lost a lot of weight and family members said he sleeps most of the time. I cried a lot, but luckily he stayed asleep long enough for me to get ahold of my tears. One thing that was said to me today was "You're young its okay if you fall apart, you will recover. Your Ap'a is old and he needs his family with him during this time. Someone needs to be the one to get the family together during this time because it is a tough time. Its okay to get mad, sad, just as long as you be together with him you will not regret it. If you do fall apart afterwards, you have a big family that together will make it." I am so grateful for her advice and prayers. Thank you Bunny, you are a great role model and a wonderful mentor!Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3637412625348436869.post-30725939870512098022009-11-07T20:31:00.000-08:002009-11-07T20:39:10.627-08:00The Eels are close - maybe they will get some here this yearThe annual Eel harvest is similar to the annual smelt harvesting in the Kuskokwim area: both happen within a few days once a year, both have the people buzzing with each other over where they are and when to expect them, but that is where it ends. Smelts are small fish, eels or lamphreys are well....eels. Smelts come in the spring right when the ice leaves the river and eels come in the fall after the first ice floats down the river. Smelts are on the Kuskokwim and eels travel up the Yukon. <br /><br />There are many ways to cook eels. Some people bake them, some make eel soup. I have never quite gotten my mouth and stomach used of the taste of eels.Rural Teacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09197027785112847960noreply@blogger.com1