The students at Unalaska's elementary school go out to recess no matter what, according to Principal Heather Jones. The one exception is if the high winds that tend to rush through the playground reach speeds of around 70 mph. This is almost strong enough to carry off a kindergartener, but otherwise, the kids go out to play everyday! Don't forget your coats and raingear! Eagle's View Elementary, named by a former student, has 162 students who come from all over the world. Many of them come from Asia and as far away as Samoa! I stopped by for a visit to this bright and cheerful little school. Take a look at the colorful traditional hats that the Unangan Culture students made and hung in the entryway.
Unalaska's elementary school
Students in the Unangan culture class learn to make hats similar to those that their ancestors used to wear.
Back in Dutch Harbor, I was busy moving onto the Healy. The US Coast Guard Cutter Healy is a HUGE ship, 420 feet long, 82 feet wide and 8 decks (or levels) high. It can reach 17 knots, in other words, nautical miles per hour. Not too speedy!
Docked in Dutch Harbor
I am just now getting used to finding my way around the endless hallways. Check out my "stateroom" below. I have two roommates, one is studying plankton and one is studying the food web structure. (Adams' fourth and fifth graders you could help them out with your ecosystem knowledge!) We share the room and a sink but each of us has our own our "rack", or bed, and a closet. We share a "head", or a bathroom, with the three people in the room next door.
Scientists and Coast Guard crew make up the onboard family of 130 people. Community spaces are the "Mess Hall" (cafeteria), gym and laundry room. Scientists also have a lab space where all their work goes on and a science lounge where meetings are held.
Where scientists and sailors chow down!
The lounge- where the scientists come together to plan their work.
Just like at school, there is a daily schedule to follow. Each day the schedule is posted and if you don't want to miss a meal, you pay attention to the time! Saturdays start with an inspection of your room and end with a little bit of added fun. Bingo is played in the Mess and there's a movie in the helicopter hanger! Check out the Saturday schedule below...
Schedule
Stay tuned for stories of setting off to sea and a visit to the sick bay! Yuck!