4 November 2014 One last Look who's following!

Journal Entry

Look who’s following!

One more day remaining before I start my journey to McMurdo Station. I can't believe it!

So many students and teachers have sent me best wishes for a great trip; I just had to share some more of their wonderful greetings with all of you.

Thanks so much to:

Greenbrook Elementary School

My two favorite things - Snickers® and Antarctica! Photo courtesy of Stephanie Porter.

Ms. Stephanie Porter’s class at Greenbrook Elementary School created an awesome Snickers® board! The ‘Spotlight’ students remembered my favorite snack during the 2012 trip and created a Snickers® map of Antarctica with a photo of my visit.

Evangelical Christian School

ECS Eagles thank you cards. Photos courtesy of Nadia Alm's.

Wow! Look at what the Eagles at Evangelical Christian School have been up to!

Ms. Nadia Alm’s class sent dozens of thank you cards with scripture verses, heartfelt messages and terrific illustrations. One of my favorites was from Jane. The verse she included was Jeremiah 29:11 and she wrote, ‘I hope you reach your goal successfully and get there safely. If you can, please send me a picture of a Weddell seal. God bless you.’ Well, Jane, I’m sure you and all of your classmates will see plenty of Weddell seal photos on my expedition journals!

Fox Meadows Elementary

A fun presentation at Fox Meadows Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Pamela Drew.

Look at the great artwork on these postcards from Fox Meadows! The students asked great questions during my presentation at the school. I hope they’ll continue to ask questions as they read my daily journals!

Fox Meadows educators with Patrick and me. Photo courtesy of Pamela Drew.

Even the teachers enjoyed my presentation; here they are ‘hanging out’ with ‘Patrick.’ our Weddell seal.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

So cute! This polar pumpkin was decorated by the 4th grade students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Photo courtesy of Cathi DeGloma.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is at it again! The 4th grade students in Ms. DeGloma’s class entered a pumpkin decorating contest. Check this out! It’s a polar pumpkin in honor of my PolarTREC adventure. If I were a judge, this pumpkin would win first place!

Richland Elementary

Another fun presentation at Richland Elementary. Photos courtesy of Ms. Scatamacchia.

Great questions about Weddell seals from Ms. Scatamacchia’s 3rd grade class. They really grasped why I’ll need to wear three layers of clothing to stay warm. I’ll be posting about weather conditions in Antarctica while I’m there, so watch for that in upcoming journals.

Snowden

Snowden School, home of The Mighty Greendogs, offers students a superior education that integrates the arts with international languages and cultures.

Awesome art! A few Snowden students with their postcards. Photo courtesy of Sonya Chism.

Ms. Chism had very talented artists producing cool polar scenes. Take a look at this one.

I love this postcard! Photo courtesy of Sonya Chism.

Ms. Chism told me that learning about the Weddell seals and Antarctica is a great addition to Snowden’s curriculum. ‘It enhances our study with current events. We will use Alex's travels and study to create a multimedia presentation about explorations to Antarctica; conduct a short research project to examine the Antarctic Treaty; explain why there are only temporary residents found on Antarctica and the impact the physical environment and its natural resources have on how basic needs are met. We will also identify McMurdo Station.’ I look forward to returning to Snowden to see the students’ multimedia presentation!

Visitation Catholic

Here are the 4th and 5th graders from Visitation Catholic School with their flags. Ms. Pickering said the students are very excited to learn more about Antarctica!