Fifty First Stop: Independence

 When the school year started,  there was a major adjustment period and trial of testing for her and me both.  She tried me to see how far she could push me and I challenged her to see how much work we could get accomplished.  Due to several different circumstances my expectations needed some fine tuning.  My goal,  while I am here,  was to work on getting my kiddo to become more independent.

     Ms. Renee and I have had and still continue to have discussions on how to make learning more fun, how to teach social skills, and how to get her to understand how important her taking care of herself and diabetes is.     

     We started by getting her to do the math and document everything...Figured that would be a good start.  Then we added the challenge of having her get her insulin shot ready so all she would need would need help with from mom is giving the shot.     

     Then, this last Friday I got a knock on my door 10 minutes before I normally come out of my room to take on the day. Open the door and it is my kiddo!   She wants me to hurry because she wants to show me that she can give herself and Mr and Mrs. Teddy their insulin shots.  She shows me first on one of her bears and then dials it up to give it to herself.  Few deep breaths and she does it!  She gave herself her insulin shot!!!  This is huge progress.  I was overjoyed and so proud of her, her mom had happy tears, and I was doing a 30 second dance party.     

     Then at lunch we were able to show Ms. Renee and she was so excited and had a dance party via skype as well.    

      My kiddo may not be able to multiply 3 digit numbers, or read big ol chapter books, or write a perfect English sentence (I can't do that well either), but she will know how to administer her insulin shot by herself.  The process is not foreign to her.  That my friends is success.   Independence!

Fiftieth Stop: Golden Apple

It is truly amazing to be part of school that is receiving so much recognition this year. I took this from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District website. 

KPBSD Golden Apple Award Recognition

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize Central Peninsula Hospital, for dedication to the students, parents, and staff in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Golden Apple Awards

The Board of Education bestows Golden Apple Awards to school district employees, volunteers, and community organizations that go to extra lengths to support and advance education. Recipients are honored at a school board meeting with a proclamation and an engraved apple award. District employees, parents, school board members, volunteers, and community members are eligible to make nominations for the award.

Mr. James Reinseth, a devoted K-1 teacher at Nanwalek School, exemplifies these qualities while also teaching them to his students through a culture of respect, high expectations, and constant formative feedback that encourages each to grow in academics, social behaviors, and work ethic.

Mr. Reinseth began teaching in Shungnak and remained there for eight years. Nanwalek gained his attention in 2007, and he has been of service to the community and district since, for a total of eighteen years in rural Alaska. Teacher turnover in villages interrupts learning. Mr. Reinseth’s longevity and devotion in his bush positions demonstrates commitment beyond what most are willing to offer.

In his words, Mr. Reinseth “lives to teach kindergarten and first grade.” Towering over his young students at more than six feet tall, Mr. Reinseth is driven to spend time with students—on the floor, bending over, or from his balcony view. During the last three years, Mr. Reinseth has shown tremendous growth in stepping out of his K-1 environment to participate and actively contribute in collaborations. Initial resistance led to gentle participation, then to active engagement to share his talents. In this, he passes on to others his incredible artistry in teaching.

Mr. Reinseth’s most notable contribution which will soon extend throughout the district came when Deb Evensen, an educational consultant, observed that Mr. Reinseth regularly implements with his regular education students the “Eight Magic Keys” that she recommends for students with compromised brains due to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Overcoming shyness and his natural inclination to stick to himself, Mr. Reinseth agreed to work with Nancy Kleine, principal; Deb Evensen; and Clayton Holland, director of student services, to capture his teaching for a training film for teachers. This film shows how to teach in ways that help all students without leaving behind those with brain dysfunctions.

After observing Mr. Reinseth over the last two years, Deb Evensen commented on Mr. Reinseth’s distinguished teaching: “Watching Jim Reinseth in action is like observing a great conductor lead a symphony. He guides his multi-level classroom of diverse learners through each day using multi-sensory, whole-brain strategies built on positive support and collaboration, and links everything to their daily lives. Jim is simply one of the most skilled educators I have ever observed during my forty year career as a teacher and consultant working with schools throughout North America.”

Every single day, Mr. Reinseth’s students live the eight magic keys: concrete, consistent, repetitive, routine, simple, specific, structured, and supervised. Literacy is constantly supported. His young students are addressed respectfully as Mr. and Miss. Thank you is heard often in Mr. Reinseth’s class. If an observer comes, not a beat is skipped in Mr. Reinseth’s constant feedback and positive reinforcement for students.

Mr. Reinseth also contributes expertise to other students in the school. Always willing, he has been an anchor to several former students who are struggling with personal issues. During the past two years, Mr. Reinseth taught welding academies for high school students. Every year, during the major holiday of Halloween in Nanwalek, Mr. Reinseth takes the reins for the annual school and community carnival. Finally, 

Mr. Reinseth endlessly helps new teachers who move to Nanwalek, whether it be to mentor them in curriculum or provide resources in the community.

Information was taken from:

http://communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/2014/11/04/educator-james-reinseth-receives-golden-apple-award/

Forty Ninth Stop: Matanuska Glacier

 Sunday Funday... absolutely!  We were awakened this morning by an adorable little guy name "T" at 6:00.  Everyone was getting ready to leave for a bison hunting trip, except for Merideth and me.  We were not able to go on this trip, but oh you better believe it is going to happen next year.  After everyone was on their way for their trip, Merideth and I got ready for an adventure of our own.

     We started heading to see the Matanuska Glacier with a minor stop at "The Noisy Goose" for breakfast.   Another fabulous little gem that I recommend.  It is right off the highway.  After we were fat and happy,  we embarked on the rest of the beautiful drive in route to the glacier...Pretty magical to have open highway that is surrounded by the absolutely beautiful background.     

     It took us about an hour to arrive at the glacier.  Once we were there, we were in awe.  There are no words to describe the feeling that one has when you are made to feel so small by God's creation and when you are taken back by this massive ice cube.  Once we took it all in, we jumped back in the car and started on the next part of this adventure.     

     Heading back down the highway and knew we were going to take a drive through Wasilla and Palmer.  I am falling more and more in love with the state and the area as we continue to drive around.     

     We had a recommendation to stop when we were in Wasilla and try a super cute place called "Turkey Red."   If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend it.  The beef stew and steak salad was what Merideth and I split and it was absolutely delicious! Everyone was so nice as well.  They also had several pastries that looked delicious.  We got some "to go". .. and it is confirmed... they were delicious!     

     As we finished our meal and headed back to Eagle River to do some food shopping, Merideth and I were both deep in thought.  As we continued to make our way down the road, I verbalized how amazed I was with the beauty, the people, and the way of life.  We continued to discuss how different it was compared to California and as we continued to talk, we started to develop a plan.  We both are very set on moving to the Eagle River/Chugiak area because it is for the most part the half way point to Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer.     As we continued to talk about it, I started having the feeling of home and peace washing over me.  It is a feeling that I have not felt...To be at complete peace with your decision.  I started to realize how random it may have been for me to accept this job here in the village of Nanwalek, but in reality, is was the push I needed to see that there is an entire world outside of the bubble that I have been living in.     

     I like to think that I have been to several states for work and play and like to think I am working my way to being a well traveled individual.  All the places I have experienced I have loved, but never have had the feeling that I was home until now.    

     Expecting everything to continue to go smoothly, and my love for this state to continue to develop, I will soon be an Alaskan. Come this summer if all the pieces continue to fall together,  I will be packing up my 10 x 10 storage unit into a moving truck and road-tripping my way back to my new adventures here in Alaska.     

     I am a firm believer that everything is meant to happen for reason and I am so fortunate to be on this adventure. I once again want to thank everyone for supporting me on this adventure.  I cannot say that enough.

Forty Eighth Stop: Halloween

After spending the day with Todd, Miranda, and Meredith,  I do have to say I don't believe I have ever laughed that much... ever! From hiding in the bathroom of a motor home and being told to be quiet.. (yes, Merideth and Me in a tiny motorhome bathroom having to be quiet seems impossible), but operation commode was a success.  It has now also started a new trend.. feel free to join it.  Take a picture of yourself with or without friends (no judgement if you are solo) and hash tag #Operationcommode.

     We then made a trip to Sam's Club... needless to say we went down EVERY row and found some kind of trouble to get into in every single aisle.  From singing karaoke to lions, tiger, and bears blankets, to  my to bird calls through out the entire store! Needless to say the laughs continued.    

     After all the fun,  Merideth and I broke away and took a trip up to Eagle River for a hike.  It was absolutely breath taking... A picture perfect wonderland.  Pictures I took did no justice, but kinda gives you an idea of where were.  Try, If you can, to imagine sitting there listening to the river as you watch this crystal clear water flow with some speed around rocks and chunks of ice.  It was truly magical moment.  A moment that you know you just saw God's beautiful creation.     

     On our way back from the hike,  we get the text from Todd that T has been waiting for us in his costume with his jacket on for the last hour.  He could not wait till we got out of the car and were ready to go trick-or-treating!  He was the cutest "Red Power Ranger" around!   Like to think that we had a very successful Halloween.  The kiddos raked in the candy and my heart was happy seeing how excited they were about it. 

#Operationcommode



Eagle River Adventures

  

Forty Seventh Stop: Bean Cafe

     Several months ago there was a group of fire fighter explorers that made their way from Alaska to Orange County for a week-long hands-on training.  My dad happen to be one of the main people in charge and got to meet Mr. Todd Bowey who was one of the main people in charge of the Alaska crew.  My dad mentioned that I was going to be moving up to Alaska to live in the village and (out of what I can only assume a feeling of obligation), Todd offered to show me around if I was ever up in the area.  I am sure that when he offered he would never expect for me to contact him and take him up on his offer... he also didn't know me yet. Not only did I take him up on his offer, my best friend was going to be with me.

    Todd not only showed us around, but opened up his house and his family for us to meet and enjoy.  Todd and his family were truly amazing.  We started out with Fire Station tours of Station 1 and Station 3.  To some people that may not be interesting, but I am a girl who has spent many holidays in a fire station because dad was working ... and those truly are the best memories.  So, I was rather excited to see how things are done up here.

Detour: Formal report is that not much is different between the station set up.  Only difference that I managed to make myself look like a complete idiot...here in Alaska 4 days off is called a Kelly... my dad always just called them a 4 day... you can only imagine the inappropriate comment I replied with when Todd told me he was "on his Kelly" during the days Merideth and I would be in town.   Yes... I know.. I have great elbow structure and should be a hand model (inside joke).     

     After the station tour, we made our way through town showing us where the "ok"places are to hang out and the ones to avoid like the plague... Bean Cafe for example.  We then made our way back to the house where we got to meet the puppies!  They were so awesome and you better believe that in a matter of time Bruiser and I were cuddling.     

     The day just continued to get better.  Got to meet Todd's son T, his daughter P, and his wife Mrs. Miranda Bowey.  We had such a great dinner and that is when all the laughs started that continued throughout the evening.

We may be in Alaska, but we still get the California cup..
Do recommend Snow City in Anchorage. Delicious.

Can take the girl out of Orange County,  BUT, you cannot take her out of the fire department. 

Don't think I mentioned.. I saw my FIRST moose!! I was so excited and could not get over it. Mama and her two babies. So amazing.  

Forty Sixth Stop: Anchorage

 Time for another adventure.. absolutely!!   I was able to jump on a plane again and meet my best friend, Mer, in Anchorage.  I have never had the opportunity to step foot outside the airport.   Figured it would be worth taking advantage of my 4-day weekend and see what kind of trouble Mer and I can get in. . . and it is Halloween... even better!

     Tonight we started out by catching the rest of the baseball game at an adorable little place called "Orso" in downtown Anchorage.  After polling the entire bar, we were amongst great company.  We were all very disappointed when the Giants won... yes, if you are a Giants fan, you are on top of the world with yet another ring on your finger , but I have a very strong disliking for the Giants.  Those of you who are Giants fans may stop reading my blog... Darn it!  After the game was over, last of our beer drank, and the amazing food we had was consumed, we were pointed in the direction of our next stop... Humpy's.    

Merideth and I loved this little spot.  It was very comfortable and had an enormous amount of beer on tap.  We met so many wonderful people and even won some awesome prizes after kicking some major butt in wii boxing. Yes, that is correct.. I played wii boxing in a bar and I was undefeated and loved it! Victory dance took place!     

After a very successful evening, it was nice to retreat to our wonderful hotel room in attempt to prepare for the shenanigans that await us for the rest of the weekend.

Routing for KC!

We were on the 10th floor.. crawling distance to our room.

Forty Fifth Stop: Apple Grant

    After all the hush hush is over... I have exciting news!  Our school here in Nanwalek is one of 114 school ACROSS the nation to recieve a grant from Apple, and we are the only school in Alaska! 

    Monday, October 17th, Nanwalek School got news that they were one of the final recipiants of an Apple grant through the White House connected initiative.  This grant will help provide the students to the latest technology and learning tools. This will help provide the students in the classroom with the features as it transforms their learning, exploration, and creativity. 

    What does this mean?  Each student and teacher here at the school will receive an iPad for instruction.  This will allow the teachers to deliver the instruction in an entirely new way, and the students will be able to access an entirely new method of learning as well. 

    This is a huge success for the school and we look forward to the new opportunities that will come with this opportunity. 

    CONGRATULATIONS Nanwalek School!!  

Here is a link to a report that was in the Alaska Dispatch News:
http://www.adn.com/article/20141030/ipads-all-nanwalek-school-wins-apple-education-grant