October 31, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

November 1st is the first Friday of the month and that means Fairbanks is bursting with fun and exciting things to do. Check out the Co-op Market’s “Autumn in Fairbanks” photography show with Fairbanks artist Saryn Walsh from 5-7pm. Or view local artwork by Klara Maisch and try some refreshments. There is a whole list of wonderful activities to fill up your Friday, click on this link to see more and remember when you’re looking for something to do, ALL ROADS LEAD DOWNTOWN!

Back to School

I graduated across town from Tanana, so I was especially nervous on my first day back to school at Ryan Middle School. Legislators across the state took part in the Legislator in the Classroom event sponsored by National Education Association Alaska. The purpose is to better understand the daily workings of area schools by observing staff, teachers, parents and students. What an eye-opener! As a ‘young-ish’ member of the Interior Delegation, my memories of growing up and going to school are still fairly vivid and education sure has changed in the last decade!

The day begins well before the sun rises and buses reach the campus. Teachers converse about shared lesson plans, the lunchroom griddle heats up and administrators discuss solutions to school safety and truancy issues. Mr. Gieser’s 5th period class begins on-time with barely enough seats for each student in a makeshift room of false walls and poor lighting as Ryan begins to undergo renovations. The rowdier class on the other side of the wall is warned to keep quiet so that all students can have the opportunity to learn. They comply. Some technology snafus with the iPad mean a few extra minutes of troubleshooting so that every student can access the same documents. The first period ends up using pencil and paper which works just fine too.

I got to dine with students at lunch (I allegedly got to sit at the popular kids table- A first) and then heard from the Ryan Student Leaders and Peer Mentors on their plans to “Mix it Up” at Lunch Week to encourage students to break down social barriers and build a more inclusive student body. The students were engaging, the teachers were motivating and the school was bursting with enthusiasm over learning. Sadly, many of the electives once taught when I was a student, including shop, home economics, drafting and foreign languages have been cut at the school due to the lack of state investment. Teaching to a test and a grade instead of teaching critical thinking skills and innovative thought seems to be the new norm.

As a policy maker, it was certainly a valuable experience to see how our public school system operates, even if just for one long, long day. Teachers, staff and volunteers deserve a lot of credit for staying so late in the evening after punching out of the regular work day so that kids can get extra education opportunities and interaction. If you would like to be a part of strengthening our schools, please consider joining your local PTA or visiting the school sometime. The only way we can build a better school community is when we all work together toward that goal.

Halloween

Halloween is tonight and on behalf of all my constituents big and small, I have put together some safety tips. According to child safety reports, Halloween is the most dangerous night of the year for kids. The Safe Kids report shows twice as many children are hit and killed on the roads on Halloween than on any other day of the year. As parents and neighbors, you have the best opportunity to prevent tragedies like this.

Drive Safely!

•    Fairbanks roads have turned icy out, slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Kids are excited and distracted and may not be watching where they are walking.

•    Watch out for children at intersections, medians, and curbs and back out of driveways slowly. Remember it’s dark out so slower is better!

•    Eliminate distractions in your car and stay off your cell phone so you can concentrate on looking out for pedestrians.

•    Trick-or-treating often occurs between 5:30-9:30pm so be extra watchful during those hours.

Parent Tips!

•    Fasten reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and bags to help drivers see children.

•    Make sure your child’s costume is the right size to prevent tripping and use face painting instead of masks which can impair vision.

•    Tell your children to stay off their electronics devices when out walking. Texting and listening to headphones can lower awareness of their surroundings.

•    Make sure children know never to enter a stranger’s house unless a parent or guardian is present.

Everyone have a fun and safe Halloween!

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,