Friday, April 25, 2008

In the midst of the chaos...

Natural smile-maker!

...she made my heart smile. And that was an unexpected blessing.

Between state assessments, three separate district assessments, end of quarter tests, report cards, student learning plans, professional performance plans, Saturday schools, inservices, graduation, an awards assembly, and Inupiat Day...the last three weeks have truly been a chaotic jumble of activity and emotion.

As the yearbook coordinator, I spent most of graduation zipping around the gym in an effort to capture the excitement and pride of the graduates and their families. As a K-12 school, graduation involves kindergartners, eighth graders, and high school seniors. Some families have children in all three categories! It can be nerve-racking trying to make sure that no one is overlooked in the photos and that the joy of the event is clearly and effectively represented.

And sometimes the view through the lens sends a little of that joy my way. Like when a ray of sunshine walks through the door...wrapped up in a pretty pink dress.

What a beauty!

Aattai! (how cute!)
Are graduates always this huggable?

On their way...

6 comments:

Allmycke said...

What a little cutie!
I'm curious to find out how your school year looks. I waa bit surprised at the talk about graduation already! I know schools in northern NWT finish around mid-May to allow the children to partake in the spring hunt. Is this the caseon the North Slope as well?

Anonymous said...

Hi, Trudie!

This is a very early graduation, even for us. Historically, our district has allowed each individual village/school to create its own calendar, mapping out the year (within the national guidelines) for themselves. In this village, administration and community members have leaned toward early release to give students time (as you mentioned) to participate in spring goose hunting which usually occurs in mid-May. However, this can only be accomplished by having many school days and teacher inservice days on SATURDAYS throughout the year. We also have very few holidays...none after Christmas.

Over the last decade or so, several different factors have shifted more and more days away from May, opting for more numerous Saturday schools...which is why the last day of school THIS year is May 1st. We have paid for that early release date with MORE than 50% of our Saturdays throughout this school year. And it's been rough.

However, NEXT year, the district will utilize a common calendar and all schools will release toward the end of May. It will be the beginning of a new "era"...and I, for one, am happy to see it coming! :)

Jo said...

awww... how sweet! BTW, I've tagged you with a meme if you're interested!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Jo. Thanks for stopping by. I've never done a meme before. I'll have to check it out and see how it works. :)

Anonymous said...

Boo!
I get out 6/6...hard because before the job change, it was 5/26.And back to work July 23.
Just got back from the IRA in Atlanta. A nice perk with the new job.
Darling little girl...Were those blue eyes on the one holding her???
Enjoy your short break!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Johnny! Great to hear from you! I'm sorry that you have so many days left to work. Summer school starts on Monday...does that make you feel any better? :)

The blue eyes are contacts...very popular here.

Thanks for saying hello!