Inside the 13th issue of the Akutan School Newsletter you will find a letter from the principal and some highlights from the last month.
Dear Parents & Students,
I’d like to share my speech from our graduation ceremony as it shows my gratitude for a successful school year.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Jacob Mark for his dedication and commitment to our students and athletics program. His hard work, encouragement, and positive influence continue to make a meaningful impact on our school community. I would also like to recognize the student body as a whole for their determination and growth this year. Students have shown tremendous effort in improving both attendance and academics, demonstrating perseverance and a willingness to succeed. In addition, it has been wonderful to see the respect and understanding students have shown toward one another, especially the kindness and citizenship displayed toward younger students. Their support, leadership, and positive example help create a stronger and more caring school community for everyone.”
Next I’d like to begin by thanking all the organizations and entities that helped make our school trips this May possible. In no particular order, thank you to Trident Seafoods, Maritime Helicopters/AEB, Aleutian Airways, Grant Aviation, APIA, APICDA, the City of Akutan, Akutan Traditional Council, Akutan Corporation, Akutan Roadhouse, Optimera Inc., and The Aleut Foundation/Ulakai Center.
I would also like to thank all the parents and community members who helped with fundraisers throughout the year and contributed to the success of our school community. Again, in no particular order, thank you to David Ravenscroft, Sandra Vega, Jennifer Lynch, Kaylyn Pelkey Bereskin, April Pelkey, Josephine and Tim Shangin, Janene Bereskin, and Lydia Vincler. I appreciate all of you stepping up and helping with fundraisers on behalf of your child or children. I look forward to continuing these partnerships next year and making this level of involvement the norm.
The last month of school was filled with school trips and preparations for our end-of-year celebration. Our first school trip included 15 students and 5 parents/chaperones. They traveled to Dutch Harbor and Unalaska for five days for a swim trip. A major highlight for the students was participating in their very first swim meet. We were also given bows and arrows from the PCR in Unalaska. Over the last two years, the director of the PCR provided our students with archery lessons, which became one of the students’ favorite and most memorable activities from the swim trip. Albert Burnham was able to provide us with equipment so students can continue practicing at home. Another highlight from the swim trip was a tour of the DOT building in Dutch Harbor, arranged by David Ravenscroft and his boss, CJ Tapaoan. The students were especially excited to test out the state-of-the-art fire truck.
Our second trip was the Fisheries Trip, which included 12 students and 3 parents/chaperones, which thankfully went smoothly aside from a delayed flight from Dutch Harbor to Anchorage. The delay made for a late night followed by a very early morning. We spent one night in Anchorage before driving to Homer. Some students said the drive itself was one of their favorite parts because of the beautiful scenery and the storytelling along the way in Jacob Mark’s car. Although the weather was very cold in Peterson Bay, where the main portion of the fisheries trip took place, the experience provided a wonderful balance of educational activities and fun togetherness.
Based on student reflections, some favorite activities included tidepooling, hiking in the forest, walking on the beach, sitting around the campfire playing games, and eating s’mores. Students also reflected on some of the challenges they faced, including hiking in the rain on muddy and slippery trails, dealing with the cold weather in Peterson Bay, waking up early, using an outhouse, and not being able to shower. One particularly challenging activity was putting an otter skeleton back together, especially the spine. Students also learned that plankton can develop into organisms such as crabs, barnacles, and jellyfish.
After returning from our trips, I was able to complete our Amplify benchmark testing. We came back with only one week left in the school year. Students completed reflections about the school trips, while those who did not attend reflected on their favorite activities with their substitute teachers. After writing their reflections, students created slideshows and presented them to the school. We also spent time cleaning the school and decorating for our Graduation and Awards Ceremony, which was held on the 20th.
This year, we celebrated two kindergarten graduates, two 6th-grade graduates, and four 8th-grade graduates. The community came together and provided a wonderful potluck dinner that evening. We are looking forward to another wonderful school year next year, with enrollment projected to be around 17–18 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
