I HATE TOADS!

I just discovered tonight that the shit that has been appearing on my classroom floor (yes, literal shit - please excuse the language) is, in fact, from CANE TOADS that have NO purpose on this earth but to annoy and not from cute geckos that eat bugs. I just swept FOUR toads out from the corner of my bookshelf... HOW did they get into the room?????

In other news... I DO have several cute baby geckos hanging around, too... pictures maybe someday.

Fa'afetai Tele Lava!!

Mt. Alava 4th graders receive books from James and Michelle of Hawaii!

The fourth graders (and their teacher) at Mt. Alava Elementary express their sincere gratitude and excitement for a shipment of books from James and Michelle, and shipments of supplies from Jenny and Beth! Thank you so much! The kids were jumping out of their seats to get their hands on the books. As we went through each one, they kept chiming in that they wanted to read them! Each student is holding his/her favorite book from the shipment in the picture above. They were equally as thrilled with all of the supplies. We have been using markers to work on our science books about the human body. I've been able to start working on reading comprehension strategies with the use of sticky notes, and the kids just love being able to stick their thoughts to the books. The landmark flashcards have come up a few times as we're starting to go "Around the World in 30 Days" in Social Studies. And, they can't wait to finish their current journals in order to get to use the awesome spiral-bound ones.

The students are somewhat in a state of disbelief that people they don't even know would think of them, want to help, and spend so much money to send them supplies and books. I feel blessed that the students understand and show appreciation for the generosity of others! Thank you, thank you, thank you very much! Fa'afetai, fa'afetai, fa'afetai tele lava!

Internet in Vatia!

A quick update - I FINALLY have access to internet at work in Vatia. It has been behind a locked door for a month, unavailable to teachers at ALL times. This week, we finally had our voices heard (we NEED this resource for lesson planning, if it's actually available in the village - come on - behind a locked door?), and the communications folks came out to give us the wireless password. I will be posting more this weekend!

THANK YOU to everyone who's contacted me about sending supplies/books and for those of you who've just sent them. I've received a few packages of supplies and 2 boxes of books so far. I'm really looking forward to seeing what surprises you have in store for these kids. They've been really grateful and showing great appreciation for what's already arrived.

More later! Enjoy the holiday weekend!