Classroom Adventures in Rural Alaska

Funded Sep 26, 2023

With the newly receive items, students have found navigating through classroom assignments and activities much easier. Students are now able to store their assignments, readings, and notes. Before these items, these paper resources would be often lost or damaged. By possessing their very own folders, binders, and turn in baskets, students have found more success in the classroom and do not feel embarrassed by not owning these items on their own.

Students were so curious and excited when they saw the boxes. They helped unpack and store them in our supply closet. Students quickly began picking binders and folders then writing their names on them. They were especially excited when I told them they could take some for other classes as well. As I'm typing this, I see their binders filled with readings and notes sitting in their class cubbies.

One area we have been discussing in my Alaska History class is the backstory, creation, and impact of the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act. We use texts, quotes, pictures, maps, and notes to navigate through this unit. Students are now able to store all of their learning in one place and reflect on it throughout our lessons. For example, we recently learning about the creation of the regional corporations through ANCSA. We had an assignment to label the regional corporation map. Students would reflect on the reading, flip through to find the map they placed, and use their additional resources stored in their binders to locate sources. Before these folders and binders their desks would have been cluttered, papers crumbled or torn, assignments lost, and frustration would have impacted a few students. Now students have become more organized and carry their binders with them throughout the school or store them in their cubbies and lockers.

Our next project will be to pick and study a Yup'ik eskimo dance. We will print out the lyrics, practice with elders and our Yup'ik department, and then perform our dances for the community and the Christmas program. By owning their folders we can store our notes, lyrics, and details of our performance in one location rather than each student carrying a stack of papers with them throughout the building and at the performance.

Once again, I can't express my appreciation for your donation. Students in rural Alaska go without appropriate school materials at times due to our isolation and socioeconomic demographics. This can cause unpleasant feelings about school. However, you donation has helped close that gap within our community and our students. Quyana cakneq for all you have done for our students.”

With gratitude,

Mr. Lawrence