HAVE YOU HEARD __ Did you know that dog sleds are one of the oldest forms of transportation? It is thought that dog sleds date back to around 1000 AD, when indigenous Arctic peoples would use dog sleds for basic transportation and hunting. The first dog sleds did not have runners and were quite simple with flat wooden frames. Once dog sledding spread to explorers in the 1600-1700s, the design of the sled became more specialized. For hauling heavy loads, a long-runner freight sled would be used and when a sled was needed to cut through soft snow, a curved toboggan sled would be used.

Dog sleds changed the most when sled dog racing became popular. Sleds were designed with lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber for more efficiency and speed. Traditionally, long distance mushers used a standing sled, but thanks to the ingenuity of Jeff King, former Iditarod champion, mushers now have the option of a sit down sled. Dog sleds have significantly changed over the years to adapt to different needs and advancements in materials and technology.

Example of an Inuit Dog Sled. Photo Credit: The Canadian Encyclopedia

DECEMBER TRAINING __ As mushers continue to prepare themselves and their teams for the competition season, their training is specific and intentional. KattiJo Deeter, Iditarod veteran and co-owner of Black Spruce Dog Sledding with her husband Jeff Deeter, said that “in November and December our runs start getting longer, and we add in more back-to-back runs, shortening the rest periods in between. We’re also starting to think about our Iditarod drop bags by ordering supplies like booties and meat.” This is a great time to start talking with students about drop bags! I’ll have more information out next month, but have your students start thinking… Just how many dog booties total does each musher need to purchase prior to the Iditarod? Hint- rule 16 in the Official Rules states that each musher must have eight booties per dog.

VIBRANT VOLUNTEERS __ I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, because it still amazes me: Over 1,500 volunteers are needed each year to work the many different positions that support the Iditarod race. This month I am highlighting a volunteer position that is on the front lines of the race: the Checkpoint Trail Crew.

The following information is from the Iditarod website– “As a volunteer in this position your focus is on the yard. You will set up the IN and OUT chutes, and inventory and move straw, HEET, and musher bags. You will prepare for incoming and outgoing teams, ensure water is available and determine the best parking process and locations. If you are stationed at a remote tent checkpoint you will chop wood, set up tents and fuel sources, and manage yard resources. During race time, you may be a checker recording the musher IN times, or documenting and providing Comms with team OUT times. As Trail Crew you will work long hours outside in all weather conditions and spend a good deal of time raking used straw after each team has left.”

People you may see at checkpoints! Photo Credit: M. Hamilton

Once students have learned about the checkpoints, they can use the Checkpoint Trail Crew position description to assume the role of a volunteer and write about what their daily life might be like during the race, given a specific checkpoint. I recommend a brief discussion with students (perhaps during your morning meeting) about the volunteer highlight of the month, and this month you can also ask your students if they would like to be a volunteer at a remote checkpoint.

AT MY SCHOOL __ The patch that my students designed is finally here! My patch will be sewn on the official Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™ sleeping bag, as well as on my parka. All 5th graders created their own one-of-a-kind design ideas for my patch and I used a combination of seven of those designs to come up with the final design.

2025 Teacher on the Trail Patch. Photo Credit: M. Hamilton

Each part of the patch is symbolic to my life and journey as the Teacher on the Trail:

Colors- Our school colors are blue and yellow, but my favorite color is blue, which is why most of the patch is blue.

Snowflake- I love snow! I have loved snow since I was a little girl. Each year, I hang snowflakes on my classroom windows.

Bluejacket- This is our school mascot!

Honeycomb- A couple of years ago, my family took up beekeeping and fell in love with the fascinating world of honeybees. 

Also this month, we have seen more snow flurries during school hours than normal (YAY!). Since outdoor recess is dependent on the temperature, students are always curious about the current temperature. We’ve enjoyed comparing the temperature in our town vs. temperatures throughout Alaska! 

Let’s connect! I can be reached through email at emailtheteacher@iditarod.com. I look forward to hearing from you!