Hike into the mountains

Hiking on a school day - what more could I want!!

I'm really enjoying my new school this year and love that the special education teachers are considered part of the core academic teams.  It's so nice to collaborate and work with an amazing group of teachers.  Our first team efforts came together this week as we took our team of students out hiking in Arctic Valley area.  Our team of students met many social and emotional standards as well as hearing some history of the area from our Social Studies teacher. 

 The students were in awe when we arrived at the saddle of the Arctic Valley trail head.  Many students were content to stay in this area, but we had a group of adventurous who wanted to go up to the peaks.  So, another colleague and I split the kids each of us taking a group up the different peaks - Gordon Lyons and Rendezvous.  

Almost to the peak on Rendezvous, you can see all of Anchorage laid out before you.

Almost to the top of Gordon Lyons - you can see the south side of Eagle River- almost the neighborhood where my house is!

 It was truly an amazing day - while the scenic pictures don't properly display the amazing fall colors in the distance, the colors were just as impressive on the ground!  I'm so excited about working with this team and look forward to many more adventures with the group!

The kiddos had a great week as well - definitely creativity was in the air - 

From making up their own game of bowling

to experimenting with dishes and cooking utensils to make their own music.

The kids just continue to amaze me with the things they think up as ways of learning and exploring their world.   It was a busy week with the hike and then Papa had Open House that night and then I had Open House the next night.  We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend - hoping to recharge from such a busy week.  Maybe we'll take a drive up to Hatcher Pass and soak in the fall colors if the rain lets up a little.  Who knows... whatever the weekend entails - we wish you all much happiness and know that we miss each of you who follow our little blog!!