American Education Week - Nov. 18-22
By Sandra Fontaine
Delta Kappa Gamma
Members of Iota Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma, (a national teachers association), want to celebrate American Education Week by featuring some creative activities in our local classrooms. Today we are focusing on five classrooms at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary.
Cindy Duncan, second grade teacher, knows the importance of a daily schedule focusing on reading, writing, and math. She teaches these faithfully, but because she especially loves math and computers, her students are also exposed to a great many computer programs and skills. (Mrs. Duncan is considered to be a “technological wizard” in the opinion of her colleagues. She lectured on using the computer in the classroom in South Korea last year in front of an audience of 2,000 educators. She also teaches afterschool classes to fellow teachers to update their computer skills. This year, she was named Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and the first ever elementary HP Teaching Fellow.) Mrs. Duncan is very focused on her work in the classroom with her students. Her focus is on power learning strategies and helping students become global innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers. Some recent projects focus on challenge-based learning. Her students are working with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and are using experiential storytelling to share their experiences. For instance, they are videoing parts of Totem Park, and other places around Sitka, telling stories about these places, and then sending them to participatory partner classrooms in India and Florida. This allows children to share their perspectives and inspires them to take positive actions on issues they care about in an innovative and powerful way.
In Jacki Horton’s third grade classroom, students have been taking part in STEM projects throughout the fall. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and involves simple hands-on projects such as paper circuits to teach children science and technology concepts. In the Paper Circuits project, for instance. students learn to use copper tape and small batteries and bulbs attached to sheets of paper to build electrical current systems that light up. The project in October used this system to light up the eyes and smile of a jack o’ lantern drawing. Each child made their own paper circuit system for the drawing, and took the finished project home to share with parents. Along with the science involved, the program offers lessons on concepts such as Growth Mindset, which is the idea that you can train your brain to think differently about challenges and difficult school subjects, as opposed to a having a Fixed Mindset, where tasks are viewed as impossible or too difficult to undertake. These kinds of lessons can be invaluable for students who view math and science as too difficult for them to be involved in. Mrs. Horton is looking forward to soon offering the students lessons with Lego Robotics and DASH robotic systems where children will learn to design programs directing robots to do simple drawing tasks related to geometry. Thus, children will learn technology skills as well as geometry skills.
In Kristine Hole’s fourth grade classroom, students will soon begin a language arts project that draws on the Alaska Native studies and geography units that form most of the fourth grade social studies curriculum throughout the year. She introduces students to a book written by Debbie S. Miller and illustrated by prominent Alaskan artist Jon Van Zyle, entitled Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights. The book is organized by months, so students are assigned a section or month of the narrative to read, analyze, and think about. Students will then write a poem, based on the imagery of the original text, but using their own images invoked by the words of the book, and also using information they have previously learned in studying Alaskan geography. Finally, students will learn some basic techniques in using acrylic paint, and will then make a small painting to illustrate their poem. Throughout this activity, after the initial introduction, students will not copy or use the paintings of Van Zyle that illustrate the book, but will use critical thinking to create their own imagery from the words of the original text, their own poem, and their knowledge of Alaska geography to make their painting.
Kelly Buxton is the Science/STEM Specialist and Gifted/Talented Coordinator/Teacher at KGH for grades 2-5. She teaches and grades upon the Alaska State and Next Generation Science Standards for all grades 2-5, providing each grade level with age appropriate science curriculum that offers videos, discussion, and hands-on projects. All KGH students receive a science/STEM lesson from Mrs. Buxton for 45 minutes once a week. There are multiple-lesson units with independent hands-on lessons that can be taught each week, so children are learning science/STEM concepts that are part of a bigger scientific process or construct each time they visit her classroom. One of the new projects Mrs. Buxton is excited about doing this year with her fifth grade enrichment students involves a Monoprice Flashforce 3-D printer that she obtained for KGH with a grant she received from the General Electric Educators Grant Program. Students will learn to use the engineering process and Tinker-cad 3-D software to design and develop small, useful tools (such as key chain holders, cookie cutters, cell phone holders, etc.). Once the design is approved by Mrs. Buxton, students will print the actual object on the printer. Because the printing process for one object can range from one to three hours, only small groups of students will take part in this project for now, but Mrs. Buxton is hoping that this will be just the beginning of introducing this process to all of her fifth graders.
In Kirstin Karsunky’s fourth grade classroom, students will soon begin an annual project teaching empathy and community involvement, as well as math skills and cooperation. She begins the project during a classroom meeting, asking students what they are hoping to receive for Christmas. Laptops, drones, new bicycles, …the dreams come sky high. Then Mrs. Karsunky brings up The Giving Tree that is set up each year in a local bank lobby. The tree is adorned with tags giving an age of a child and a modest gift that child might enjoy. Individuals and groups may take the tags and buy an appropriate gift and bring it to the bank for Christmas delivery. She talks about the children who might not receive any gift, or very little, because of family hardships. That those children do live here in Sitka. Would they like to help? Then she shares with her class that she has done a fundraising project for many years with her classes, and she explains how it can help. She will get some gift tags from the tree. The students can bake cookies and goodies at home, and then bring them to school on a certain date. They will sell them during a lunch time at KGH. They will need to make advertising posters. Set a date. Sign up for a work slot during their recess time. And, they will need to learn how to make change….a very useful math skill, because other students will bring cash of all kinds, and they will need to handle the money carefully and accurately. Once the money is raised, the class will make a field trip downtown. With the help of volunteer parents, small groups of students go out to shop for toys and gifts to match the tags. The class reunites at the Giving Tree for a photo, and leave the gifts at the bank. Later they will have a journal writing assignment. Mrs. Karsunky will ask them to write about questions such as, “How did you feel when you were shopping? How do you think the child will feel? And, does this project change the way you feel about what you expect for Christmas this year?” The class shares some of the journal writes and discusses the project together. She says it always proves to be a powerful learning experience for her students.
These are only five classrooms---- a small number of the many classrooms where these kinds of experiences are being offered to Sitka School District children …many other teachers are offering enriching lessons and projects as well. We thank them, and appreciate them all.
Great American
Smokeout Events
Slated for Nov. 21
Those who have been wanting to quit smoking can join thousands of others across the country in taking the first step toward a healthier life by going smoke-free on Nov. 21 as part of the Great American Smokeout.
The annual event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, challenges people to stop smoking for the day in hopes that it will inspire them to make the lifelong change.
Members from the SEARHC Tobacco Program and Sitka Counseling Prevention Team will be at AC Lakeside 3-6 p.m. Nov. 21 to provide information about the national event, resources on quitting, and support for those seeking to make that first step.
In observance of the Great American Smokeout, a cigarette butt cleanup will take place in front of the Blatchley Middle School property 1:30-2:45 p.m. on Nov. 21. All are invited to join.
Death, Bereavement
Discussion Nov. 20
Adults are invited to Cupcakes and Conversation, a community-led discussion on topics related to death, dying and bereavement, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Sitka Public Library.
The topic is talking to children and teens about death and dying. Cupcakes will be served. Contact Margot at Sitka Public Library with questions at 747-4025.
Sacred Harp Sing
Lessons Offered
All are invited to learn to sing four-part a capella harmony in an American tradition 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Pioneers Home Chapel.
Beginners and listeners are welcome. Singing is from the red Denson book and the Christmas songbook. Loaner books are available. For information call Sara at 747-2915.
Sitkans to Gather
To Share Dinner
Thanksgiving Day
All are invited to the annual free community Thanksgiving dinner 1 p.m. Nov. 28 at the ANB Founders Hall.
It is hosted by the Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1 and Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Those interested in helping out, volunteering or donating to the dinners can go to the hall at these times: to help set up and decorate, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27; to pick up turkeys, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 26; to drop off cooked turkeys and dessert donations, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 27 and 8 a.m.-noon on Thanksgiving Day. Food prep will be happening all day on Nov. 27 in the ANS kitchen at the hall. To volunteer serving dinners on Thanksgiving Day, call Karen at 747-7803.
Donations are still being accepted and will be used toward the purchase of food for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, with fundraising efforts to be concluded prior to Thanksgiving, organizers said.
Gift cards from Sea Mart or AC Lakeside are also appreciated. Anyone wishing to contribute can send a check made out to ANB Camp 1, with ‘‘holiday dinners’’ in the memo line, mailed to Alaska Native Brotherhood, c/o Rachel Henderson, 235 Katlian, Sitka, AK 99835, and a tax deductible receipt will be returned to donors by mail.
The annual dinners have been a Sitka tradition for 45 years, ‘‘bringing together the whole community, to gather in thanks and celebration, where all are welcome,’’ organizers said.
Archbishop
Visit Nov. 20
St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral parish will welcome the Archbishop of Sitka and Alaska, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop David, who will celebrate the feast day services of St. Michael 21.
The observance begins 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, with Great Vespers. Confessions will be heard following the service. On Thursday, the Reading of the Hours begins at 9:10 a.m., and Divine Liturgy follows at 9:30 a.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, Great Vespers will begin at 5 p.m. in the Cathedral; Divine Liturgy will be held in the Annunciation Chapel of the Bishop’s House Sunday morning. Following the service, the parish will hold a feast in the lower level of the Cathedral.
Loretta Ness and chef David Ness will provide the main dish, parishioners are invited to provide vegetable side dishes, salads or desserts. The services and the lunch celebration are open to the public. Questions may be directed to Father Ishmael at 747-8120.
Homeless Group
Meets on Tuesday
The Sitka Homeless Coalition will meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Sitka Public Library.
The coalition helps support the homeless and is working towards establishing a shelter for the winter season. Meetings are open to the public and new board members are being sought.
Pies, Desserts
Sale Nov. 26
The Sitka Skippers will be selling pies and holiday desserts 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Sea Mart.
Homemade pies and desserts will be $25 and all proceeds will go to the regional tournament to be held in Sitka on March 7. For information call or text Bridget at 738-5515.
Book Sale Set
At Public Library
The Friends of the Library will hold a gently-used book sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Sitka Public Library. The public is invited.
Outdoor Gear,
Gun Swap Slated
The Sitka Sportsman’s Association is hosting a gun and outdoor gear swap 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 23, at 5211 Halibut Point Road. Doors will open at 8 a.m. for sellers.
‘‘These events are always fun and can be very rewarding to visit and/or participate in,’’ the Sitka Sportsman’s Association said. ‘‘We invite both individuals and our local businesses to sell at this event.’’
Table rentals are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Sellers must reserve a table. To reserve a table contact Chad on 623-0908 or email premiertrainingak@gmail.com.
Sitka Outreach,
Support to Meet
Sitka Outreach and Support (SOS): Lifeline group will meet 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Salvation Army, not at the See House as previously advertised.
The group is a collaborative community addressing the needs of people experiencing poverty and/or homelessness. For information, contact Julia Smith at 738-6336, eastergroupsitka@gmail.com.
