In the middle of the day yesterday, one of my administrators emailed to say that someone who lived in Aniak traveled to Crooked Creek and Kalskag while being positive for Covid. As a result, all the schools and the district office in those 3 villages were closed for two weeks.
As information and rumors unfolded later, it became known that the person with Covid also attended a big party attended by people from an assortment of villages and of all ages, most specifically Elders and children. Also the person with Covid sent her children off to school.
By 5:30 p.m., the other Kuspuk School District schools were closed for 2 weeks also. That is Gusty Michael School here in Stony River and Jack Egnaty Sr. School in Sleetmute using an abundance of caution.
Since this village doesn't get internet outside the school and doesn't get cell service either, the types of remote work that we can send home for children to do is not all that exciting. We anticipate getting iPads for all the students but they haven't arrived yet. (The district pilot lives in Aniak- will he come out?)
We spent the morning copying text, selecting books, assembling school supplies, writing plans, labeling materials, scripting parent letters and trying to be creative for students we barely know. Four of them we have never even met officially.
It's raining outside and cold inside, as metaphors for my thoughts. The thoughtlessness of the person who traveled without distancing or a mask threatened the health of students and Elders. The closing of the school means that students here haven't had a chance to learn new skills from a teacher since mid-March. Lack of infrastructure means that the work sent home for kids is reminiscent of 50s worksheets instead of 21st century technology. Spending 2 more weeks living in a school without children is a dismal and boring prospect.
Of course, I'll be working on getting more resources out to students and families. I'll be calling students for tutoring and encouragement. I'll be doing yoga, learning German, calling family, taking a UAF course, and fixing healthy meals in the school kitchen. But still. What a time!
If you have a K/1 child, here are some games you can play with them that works on the first unit math skills, counting to 5, associating numbers with numerals, counting objects to 5.
Two person games
Number Beat It: Each of you roll the number die. Use objects (like rocks, sticks, etc.) as counters to compare to see who has the biggest number. That person gets the point.
What’s in my hand?: Hide 1-5 objects in your hand. The other person guesses how many. Check it by counting. Touch each object as you count. If he is right, he gets a point. If he’s not right, you get the point. Take turns.
Make a tally, Sally! Roll the die. Make a mark for each number on the die. Make a cross mark for a tally of 5. Count out loud as you make the marks. The first person to get five bundles of 5, wins.
Rock, paper, scissors: Play rock, paper, scissors. When a person wins, they take a small rock to use as a counter. Play until one of the players has 5 rocks. Count to verify.
Tic-Tac-Toe with a Twist: Draw a 3x3 grid. Put the numbers 1-9 in the squares. When a person takes a turn, he (or she) needs to use the next number in order. (Start with 1- next person has to use 2, and so on).
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