Winter days in Shaktoolik/Nathan

The days are at their shortest- we have about 5 hours of daylight. The temperature this week dropped to 20 degrees below zero so the ocean is freezing. It looks like a sea of whipped cream. I will in Montana for the next two weeks. Just a few new pictures until I get back. Nathan
The frozen sea.
Sunset at 3:30 pm
High noon- mid December

Bud's Mountain Lion

While hunting for deer in the Swan Valley Bud caught sight of the head of a lion. He took a shot and got it. He will have it made into a rug to hang on the wall.

A snowy Thanksgiving weekend

Thanksgiving weekend was great for skiing. My skis arrived that week so I was anxious to get out. Once I was out, many of the young kids also wanted to ski. The school has skis for them so we got them out. Friday and Saturday were great. Nice snow on the roads, a small hill down to the river. I did get out on two long runs by myself, then played around with the kids. I only got a couple pictures before my camera battery died, so I will get more later. Unfortunately there will be no skiing this weekend. The temperatures have been in the 30-40 degree range, we had some rain and last the night and today 50-60 mph winds!. Now we have a muddy, icy mess. I hope is gets cold and snows again soon.

I put a link to Jess's blog on top right hand side of this page. Go there for more news and pictures.

Family Literacy Night

Last week we held our first Family Literacy Night. Students and parents could choose from five activity centers. One was winter books featuring The Mitten, one was animal books featuring polar bears and penguins, and another had Dr. Suess books. At each table were related craft or puzzle activities. There was also a station for making bookmarks and one for computer activities. About 12 students and their parents participated. (that is half the elementary school, not bad for the first time) Next month we will have math night.

Erin and Tom

For those of you who have not seen any of the wedding pictures of Erin and Tom's wedding I have posted two. One from the ceremony and one of Erin and Bud dancing.

The latest news is Erin and Tom are expecting a baby!! The baby is due next June.

Elders' lunch and assembly

We hold a monthly assembly to recognize birthdays, sports and other awards. In this one the younger children are learning a new song. Yes, that is our entire student body- 45 strong.

Cheerleading and Wrestling

The past week was a big one for elementary and junior high sports. The district held the 26th annual Wrestling and Cheer leading tournament. Teams, coaches and many friends and family members from all 15 villages descended on Unalakleet for two days. All events were broadcast on radio and the district video system. Shaktoolik had eight wrestlers and two cheerleaders (ages 10-14). We won first place for small schools elementary wrestling and second place for junior high. One of our cheerleaders won for All American. For more information and pictures you can go to the district website bssd.org. The first picture is of Agnes our secretary with Jess our coach and math teacher.

While he was in Shaktoolik Bud visited our 2-3-4 classroom. The kids had a lot of questions about animals and hunting in Montana. They also made him very nice welcome cards.

This is Ethan's son Nathan. 3 months old when picture was taken

Greetings! My first post.

Hello to all friends and family. After almost three months in Alaska I am feeling very comfortable. The snow is starting to fall and I am hoping for enough to cross-country ski on soon.



Bud was here for a visit in October. This picture was taken on a ride to Lake Louise- north of Anchorage. He will be back with Buddy in January.
While Bud was in Shaktoolik a couple of men shot some seals.

Welcome to my blog!

This is my first post!