Twelve students, ten days, 3,500 miles to travel, almost
1,000 dogs to see - the adventure of a lifetime!
1,000 dogs to see - the adventure of a lifetime!
Our Town
For more info about our school and this project go to our school web site.
Just Imagine
Imagine what would happen if a group of seventh and eighth graders set the incredible goal of traveling to Alaska to see the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Imagine what would happen if adults volunteered supervision and guidance so that students could raise the money needed to achieve this goal. Although hard to imagine, this is exactly what is happening in the Brooksville to Alaska project. Twelve seventh and eighth grade students are currently working on raising the money needed to go to Alaska to see the Iditarod. The students plan to first go to Anchorage, Alaska to see the start of the race and then go on to McGrath where they will volunteer to care for dogs and help support the mushers.
This project pushes students to meet their academic and social potential. It is a real-life application of what is taught and learned at Brooksville Elementary School. Students are using skills across all areas of the curriculum to solve problems, make decisions, and work as a group. Kids are willing to do this work because they are inspired by the mushers who have the dedication to run this amazing race and the perseverance to overcome challenges. Musher Susan Butcher said, "I do not know the word quit. Either I never did, or I have abolished it." This is the spirit of those who run the Iditarod and the inspiration for this group of students as they work their way to Alaska.
Educational Benefits
Brooksville to Alaska provides a broad range of unique educational opportunities for Brooksville students. This venture embraces the beliefs outlined in the Brooksville Elementary School Statement of Philosophy and the Maine Learning Results. The structure provided during this endeavor allows students opportunities to practice social skills and develop a greater sense of self-confidence as they encounter new experiences. Students are supported in an environment that encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and discover the pride and satisfaction of being successful. As students are being challenged they are taking on new and meaningful roles.
The challenges of an experience of this magnitude require a strong teacher/parent/student partnership. Mutual respect and honesty are essential and practiced during group meetings, fundraisers and all facets of this project. Throughout the process students will need to understand and respect diversity while becoming more tolerant, evaluate situations and generate solutions to problems.
Active and consistent involvement in a variety of fundraising events allows students to fully understand and appreciate the depth of dedication, planning, hard work, and cooperation necessary to be successful in meeting a goal that many might consider beyond reach. This requires application of classroom skills as they learn new skills in real life settings. During interactions with members of the local community and the world beyond, Brooksville students will be called upon to speak to a variety of audiences, demonstrate initiative and independence, and share responsibility for their education. They will come to better know and appreciate their community and the larger world around them. Ever broadening technology options expand the possibilities for sharing this adventure, with students playing an active role in that sharing. Education will be alive and real. Brooksville students will experience expanded opportunities to take initiative for their own learning, so that they may reach their full potential.
