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Juli Westrich 2023
Over the past 36 hours I have had the great privilege of watching some exceptional athletes perform at the top of their sport. I’m talking about the Jr. Iditarod mushers. Dogs are the key athletes in a race like this, but the mushers have to be physically conditioned and in peak shape to be able …
As an elementary school librarian I believe books are magical. In stories we travel, explore, discover, empathize, understand, engage, and learn. Yesterday was all about the Jr. Iditarod and, as each page turned to reveal new adventures through the day, I thought of the books that engage young readers. This epic event – a 150 …
Witnessing history is astounding; especially when, in that moment, you know history is being made. This seems to be easier with tragic or difficult events. On September 11th and during the COVID pandemic we knew immediately that these events would end up in history books. Yet, the impact of positive momentous events is often only …
Today I visited Larson Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska and shared all things Iditarod with excited and enthusiastic students. My presentation focused on the race, the dogs, and my upcoming trail experience. However, I took a moment with the older grades to share where I am from and how it is similar, and different, from …
Today I had the great opportunity to speak at Big Lake Elementary School. First up was a morning session with the Kindergarten-2nd Grade crowd. Before I even started I was laughing to myself. The students entered the gym in an organized line, but following directions about how and where to sit was a bit challenging. …
It might sound strange, but I love airports. They are hubs of possibility, promise, and expectation. I know what you’re thinking: the lines, the taking off of shoes, forgetting to take off your belt, the putting on of shoes, the low quality-high cost sandwiches, the last minute gate change, the carry on that won’t fit …
Educators devote an enormous amount of effort into creating a positive, supportive classroom community. The beginning of the year is dedicated to establishing norms and expectations so that every student feels included and supported. Integrated into the curriculum is identity work, emotional regulation strategies, lessons on collaboration, respect, and consideration, and reminders to make responsible …
Redington. Seavey. Smyth. Mackey. At the 50th running of the Iditarod, these legendary family mushing dynasties were referenced again and again. The mushers and organizers of the first Iditarod committed to rescuing the sled-dog, and reviving the cultural significance of mushing to the history of Alaska. These values, and the love of mushing, have been passed …
Late January is a difficult time of year; all of the bright holiday lights have come down as the snow, slush, and cold have settled in, and any sign of spring is too far away to see. Finding a way through this long stretch is possible, especially when we focus on the inner light that …
Last year, as a finalist for the position of 2023 Teacher on the Trail, I visited Alaska from February 26 through March 7, 2022. I fielded many questions about the experience, but one that always seemed to crop up was, “How much daylight did you have? Because it must have been pretty dark up there …