Temperature in Anchorage, 27°F, wind speed 12 mph

Calculate wind chill using this formula.

Wind chill temperature = 35.74 + 0.6215T – 35.75V (**0.16) + 0.4275TV(**0.16)

In the formula, V is in the wind speed in statute miles per hour, and T is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit

In downtown Anchorage I see the Chugach Mountains in the distance. Last night the wind increased so that snow scoured the roads in serpentine patterns, s’s in the snow. Have your students use context clues to figure out what serpentine means. Read the italicized sentence aloud to have them notice alliteration. Illustrate the snow scouring the roads under clear, starry skies, birch trees and snow edging the road from Willow to Wasilla.

Yesterday the Junior Iditarod champion realized he was in first place when he didn’t see sled tracks crossing the lake, the final approach to the finish, in front of him. What a surprise for him, and his family met him at the banner, the crowd yelling ecstatically for Jeremiah Klejka (say clay-kuh). Jeremiah won a sled, snowshoes, equipment, and a college scholarship. I had met his family the night before at Yentna, and it was fun to see them greet the second Iditarod winner in their family. His sister, Jessica, won in 2008. His brother, Jesse, competed this year also, finishing sixth.

Enjoy the photos of the Junior and “like” the Iditarod’s Facebook page for more information.[Gallery not found]