Adventures at the Dream a Dream Kennel

Our 2007 Iditarod Summer Conference was held at Susan Whiton and Vern Halter's Dream a Dream Dog Kennel from Sunday, June 24 - Wednesday morning, June 27, and then moved to other locations. Our time a the kennel allowed teachers to be involved in a number of activities, including daily dog chores.

Each morning at about 7:30, workshop participants would go on a puppy walk. Nine little puppies guided the teachers through the woods winning the race to the end of the hiking trail and raced back to the puppy kennel. Puppy walks are the start of training for these 'wanna be sled dogs'.

After the puppy walk, it was time to hook up a team for a morning run. Teacher campers assisted in harnessing the dogs and hooking up the team to Vern's Dream a Dream wheeled cart. The howl songs sung by the dogs at hook up time made it evident that these dogs were anxioius to go on the run. Teachers climbed on to the Dream a Dream Mobile for exciting rides.

When the team returned to the dog yard, each dog was given a bowl of fresh water. After their water bowl was empty, each dog was released from the gangline and allowed to go 'home' to their house and circle, where their breakfast bowl awaited them.

While the teachers went into the dog born to being their classes, the dogs began their own daily routine which included climbing on their dog house roof and napping beneath the warm sunshine filled day.

Conference on Sunday! Hello Teacher Campers!

Hello from the Dream a Dream Dog Farm!

The participants met at Iditarod HQ this afternoon. Special guest speaker was "Finney", the first Teacher on the Trail. Teachers also had a ride on the dog sled, which is a wheeled cart because there is no snow in Alaska right now!

After our first session, we traveled to the Mat Su Family Restaurant. After our meal, we drove to Willow and the Dream a Dream Dog Farm. We met Vern and Susan and had a quick tour of the facility. Then, the workshop participants hauled their gear into the building and found sleeping spots. We then began our first conference activity designed to introduce each participant to each other and sharing information about where we are from and who we are!

As it nears 11:00 PM, some people are calling it a night and others are on their lap tops checking email, checking websites, and working on blog projects.

Our Iditarod Summer Conference has begun!

My First Blogg

This is my first blogg...I am scared to death. It is 10:43 I just ate reindeer and it is so light outside...I am not sure why I am still up. But Tee as begun to teach me to blog how fun.

That was so fun........... Bye for now....

Z.........

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WELCOME TO ALASKA!

Hello everyone! We are about 24 hours away from our first session at Iditarod Headquarters!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

A Package for WFTOTT Jane

Mail Call!

A package arrive at ITC HQ on Friday from WFTOTT Kim Slade. Although my name was on the package, we knew that what was in side the box was for the 2008 WFTOTT Jane. Jane opened the package and removed the Official Wells Fargo Teacher on the Trail sleeping bag.

Each year, the WFTOTT takes this sleeping bag with on Iditarod Trail. It is a special sleeping bag because each of the previous WFTOTT'S have designed and placed a patch on the sleeping bag to represent their particular year as Wells Fargo Teacher on the Trail.

During the next few months, Jane will be creating her patch and placing it on the sleeping bag. At the 2008 Iditarod Teacher Conference right before the next race, those at the conference will see her design and 'meet' the sleeping bag.

Gray Sky on Friday

Notice the difference in the sky on Friday?

As I got ito my car to drive to HQ on Friday morning, my first thought on this 'cloudy' day was that I could smell someone buring a fireplace. When I arrived at HQ, I noticed the smell again. I suddenly realized that the sky was as it was not due to the threat of rain, but due to the forest fires north of Willow. Throughout the day the smoke smell lingered. There are several forest fires in Alaska right now.

Friday, June 22, 2007

WFTOTT Jane arrived on Wednesday evening. By the way, she has already started to put messages on the WFTOTT section of the website. Check out www.iditarod.com and Click Teacher Resouces. Then click Teacher on the Trail. Jane has two sections to her part of the website, the lessons and the messages.

We spent most of yesterday at Iditarod Headquarters where teachers from the Anchorage and Wasilla area joined us for a curricululm writing class. The class continues today. The class is a great opportunity for educators to collaborate about using the race

in the classroom.

As I type this, I know that several of you are busy with last minute preparations. Take my cell number with so should you need anything, I can assist.

Have a great day!.
Diane

Alaska on Wednesday!

Good morning from Iditarod Headquarters! I took a picture of the headquarters building again this morning so you can see the blue sky. This picture was taken about two hours earlier in the day than the picture I took yesterday. There is also a vehicle on the front yard, a Dodge Truck that will be raffled off this year. You can also see that the sidewalk is wet, not from rain, but from the lawn sprinkler. It is very dry here and rain is very much needed. I know, the picture looks a lot like the one I posted yesterday, but it goes to show you, it is another beautiful day in Wasilla, Alaska!

There is hardly even a wisp of a cloud to be seen this morning.

It is about 60 degrees and a near perfect Idita-day in June! Soon, you'll all be here!

Our 2008 WFTOTT Jane will arrive in Alaska today. Some of you are here and some of you have started your journey while others are figuring out how to zip that suitcase shut! Soon, we'll all be in the great state of Alaska. I look forward to seeing you! Let me just say in advance, "Welcome to Alaska and our conference!" We are going to have a great adventure!

Off to Conference

Hi all,

I'm heading to Anchorage today, too, and like Debbie, I'm glad it will be light long so my drive to Wasilla isn't in the dark!

I just finished Pam Flowers' book Alone Across the Arctic last night. I recommend it to everyone. It's easy to read, short, and most importantly, an incredible story! I found Pam's story inspiring.

I've brought Libby Riddles' book with me - which I will probably finish with no problems given the airplane/airport time I have today.

See you all soon!

Jane

Heading North TODAY!

Hi everyone - the day has finally arrived and I have only about 4 hours until I leave for the n airport (still lots of packing to do, though, and one last Wal-Mart trip!) My son in Girdwood reported yesterday that it was almost 80 degrees and beautiful weather. I won't arrive in Achorage until 11:30 tonight, but at least it won't be completely dark and I can enjoy the views on the trip to Girdwood. I'll be closing the laptop and packing it up now... see you all soon!

Dog chores

Thanks for the confirmation that we do need dog chore clothes. I'd been thinking about that, and considering what to bring for those jobs. I am supposing that we'll be working our way from the ground up, literally, and be assigned poop scooping as a job. As long as it's balanced out with puppy cuddling, that's ok. I'm thinking that a waterproof, smellproof bag might be handy for the dog chore clothes, too.
Martha in NC

Jean From Ohio

Hope everyone is getting ready for our wonderful Summer Conference. I have enjoyed reading about everyone and now look forward to having faces to go with these BLOGs.

I feel like this may be a life altering experience...and just can't wait to be at the Dream A Dream Camp with the dogs. Thanks Diane for the pictures!!!

See everyone on Sunday.
Have safe trips.
Jean

GOOD MORNING FROM ALASKA!

It is a beautiful Tuesday morning in Wasilla. The sky has a few clouds but is mostly blue. It is 57 degrees right now. I am at Iditarod Headquarters. I just walked outside to take a couple of pictures and thought you'd like to see my discoveries!

As you might guess, even though it is summer, it is pretty busy around here. Tourists are here visiting the museum and getting rides on Ramy Redington's dogsled, a cart with wheels of course!

I also discovered a pile of pups! They were sleeping, so I didn't want to wake them. I am sure they'll be a wake later in the day. You'll get to see these pups when you are here at HQ. I wonder how many times a day they have their pictures taken!

Most of my day today will be spent here at HQ, working on projects, watching the tourists come and go, watching the pups sleep, play, and do their puppy activities. I hope you are having a great day. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

Hello from Wasilla!

Hello everyone! As you know, I am in Wasilla this week.

Thanks for bringing up the topic of things to do in the 'after conference hours', Tee!

One of the things that Sara and I did today was work on organizing ideas for activities for you to do during your after conference hours. We'll have options, information about where you can go, prices, maps, and general information for you. Please check out the link in Tee's posting, too. At the conference, we'll provide you with the information I have mentioned above on places you can go and things you can do during your stay with us. You can group up with people who have like interests and explore and learn all things Alaska and Iditarod. You will have a GREAT time!

Your 'homework' is to be thinking about the kinds of activities you want to do.

You can also discuss that on this blog.

I'd also like to remind people that if you aren't renting a car and you need to get from Anchorage to Wasilla, remember the shuttle information I posted earlier and/or post a comment or send a group email, so that you can connect with someone so you get to Wasilla. You can also give me a phone call or send me an email.

You need to be at HQ in Wasilla at 3:00 on Sunday and plan to leave there around 5:00. If you are arriving Sunday afternoon, don't worry... we won't leave until you are with us or we at least know where you are. From HQ, we'll be driving to a place where we can grab a bite to eat before heading to the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.

If you are staying at Dream a Dream, make sure you have everything you need for your stay, If you are returning to your lodging elsewhere, you can do that after our Sunday evening session at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm.

ALSO, if you want to bring favorite snacks to the Dog Farm--- I am talking people snacks, you are welcome to do so. We'll have some snacks, sodas, juice, water, and light breakfast for those staying over night, and lunch will be provided for you on Monday and Tuesday afternoon, no matter if you are staying there or not.

I hope everyone is having a great week and that you are all thinking about packing, your journey, your goals, and your after class hours interests.

I look forward to reading what you share and I look forward in seeing you soon!

PS. You'll meet the dog in this picture at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm. How many worries do you think he has in a day? He is a GREAT dog. He is looking forward to meeting you!

Diane

Final Preparations

Hello everyone!

A word for the wise from the wise: Terrie Hanke 2006 Wells Fargo Teacher on the Trail (tm) reminded me that we need clothes specifically for the dog yard chores. Thank you, Terrie.

Oh, yes, and rain gear and umbrellas!

See you soon,

Jane

Check these extra things to do.

http://www.grandviewak.com/attractions.htm#local

Click on the above address and look at the extra things to do in our down time.
I came up on this while looking around. These activities appear to be around the Grandview Inn where our conference orginates.
Hope you take a look ....Looking forward to seeing and meeting each of you.

Tee Hutton
Tn Vol

Hello from Utah

My name is Sybil Jemmett. I am from West Point, Utah. I am not familiar with Blogs but here goes. I am excited to be getting ready to come to Alaska! I plan on having my 6th grade classroom all Iditarod all the time this year. I am arriving in Alaska midnight on Sunday June 24. I will be staying with family (I hope) that night then coming to the conference. I would be willing to share expenses to Wasilla on Sunday or share a ride to the Kennels. I have my sharing items ready and am excited to be there soon!

Meet Kristy

Hello everyone...meet Kristy. She is a former Guidedog Puppy (for the Blind)that I raised from 8 weeks old. She did not make the program because of a shyness to loud noises, therefore I was able to select her new family...a teacher in my school. Now she comes to visit us on a regular basis, and is always egar to help the students.

Kristy was raised in the classroom and with me 24/7 where ever I went. She was a significant part of our school environment. Her presence helped so many emotionally needy children, increasing their self-confidence and academics. My love and respect for the working dogs, and reading the story of Balto brought me to Alaska and the sleddogs last summer.

Thanks to Kristy, this year, we were able to produce a life-sized dogsled team as we traced her in a running pose laying on the floor. Many lessons were generated from that experience.

I have produced a 40 min. narrated slideshow using PhotoStory on how I used the topic of the Iditarod in my classroom as a yearlong theme. It shows our activities, bootie production, and statistical data representing academic growth from the beginning of the year to the end.

I don't know if you are interested in viewing it but I will bring it just in case.

This time next week we will be deep in the puppies! and kennels! I can't wait. 6 days to go.

Hello From Alaska

Hello everyone! I have arrived in Alaska and am ataying at the Grand View should anyone need to get a hold of me this week. I have my cell phone with should you need to call me. (The number is on the website at the For Teachers section.) I'll also be checking email. I'll be at Iditarod HQ much of the time this week.

Today, two of my committee members, Sara and Shannon, picked me up and we drove out to the Dream a Dream Dog Farm. We got so excited being there because we know that everyone is going to enjoy being at the kennel for our conference! Just so you know, there are puppies at the kennel so get ready to meet a few of them! I told the pups and the sled dogs that you'll be arriving soon. They can't wait to meet you!

The weather was very nice today but rain is in the forecast in days before us. Make sure you are prepared for rain. Umbrellas might be necessary, keep that in mind. Although we'd all like nice sunshine filled days during the conference, rain is desperately needed here.....

Like the Iditarod mushers, we will face the elements nature brings to us and mush on!

See you all soon!

From Bonnie

Bonnie from Florida emailed all of us the following. I thought I'd post it here for us, too!

Hello to everyone… I am Bonnie Edwards from Merritt Island, FL a stone’s throw from Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral where the shuttles are launched. I have been on the traveling road since May 24^th and welcome the short reprieve these past few days. My husband Bill and I will be arriving on Thursday evening late. We will be renting a motor home and traveling another 2 weeks after the conference.

I have a room reserved at the Grandview Inn Wed. through Sat. if anyone needs it. I messed up reading the blog and now I can’t get back on. So please forgive me. I’ll get it worked out hopefully.

Is there anything anyone would like to have from FL? I have gathered a variety of a few small things to share.

Look forward to meeting you all.

Bonnie

Hello from New Jersey

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are very excited to join the conference! We may be a bit late on Sunday. We are scheduled to arrive at Anchorage at 1:30. If we have delays, then we will be a bit late. If all goes smoothly, we will be early.
Georgia

I'm headed for Alaska

My flight to Alaska is scheduled for 6 A.M. tomorrow morning. (Saturday)

It has been a busy day with the final organizational tasks around our home and my packing, which I always seem to leave until the last minute. I am a terrible packer. I love to plan, organize, and decide what to take, but at the end of the day, so to speak, I bring too much and everything is unorganized. My carry on items are also always too heavy!!! I can hardly wait to see what I lug to the airport in the morning--- or, in a few hours, I guess!

One reason it took me so long to pack is that I am baby sitting, well --- dog sitting for my grand-puppies, 3 Klee Kai pups that are 7 weeks old. My daughter owns the mama, I own the papa, and since my daughter is on her honeymoon, well, I'm in charge. This evening, they went to stay with my daughter's house sitter, as my husband and younger son will be watching our two Klee Kai and our 13 sled dogs... They will be busy! We also sent two Klee Kai to a kennel while I am in Alaska... Let me see, how many dogs is that all together? Don't count. I don't think I want to know!

ANYWAY, I thought you might like to see a picture of the 'fur babes'. I'll miss not seeing them each day.... Cuddle time with puppies rocks!

To learn about this breed you can visit our kennel website at www.cashkakennels.com

Have a great day!
Diane

Welcome Keith and Georgia from New Jersey!

Today we've added two more participants to our Summer Conference! Keith and Georgia from New Jersey registered to attend our conference. Welcome Keith and Georgia! Georgia teaches in a high school and Keith is an engineer, along for the adventure.

Keith and Georgia, we all look forward to meeting you!

As an update, as it stands right now we have 18 participants plus Jane, Terrie, Kim, Sara, and Shannon. We might get a couple more participants... so keep that in mind!

Don't forget, you need to bring a 'token item' to the conference for each participant.

Have you decided what you will be bringing? I have!

Hello from 2007 Wells Fargo Teacher on the Trail(tm) KIM SLADE

Hello Fellow Iditarod Educators and Fans!

I want to welcome you to a grand adventure! You are about to uncover the many layers to an amazing world - the Iditarod! You ALL will walk away experts on mushing - Diane does a wonderful job with the conference. I have been to 4 so far, and have learned more each time!

Take time to explore Alaska - this will give you a taste of the spirit of the people and places.

See you Friday the 29th!
Kim Slade
2007 WFTOTT

Summer Conference Alaska

Hi fellow Itditarod Summer Conference friends. My name is Jean. I live in Willoughby, Ohio about 30 miles east of Cleveland. I'm a 6th grade teacher of reading, social studies and math. Like some of you this a dream come true to be attending this conference. I teach Woodsong and a huge unit on Alaska. I'm looking forward to sharing my ideas and hearing yours. I have owned a Siberran Husky and my daughter has one. I love dogs!!!...but then how could you not???

Looking forward to see and meeting everyone.
Jean

Flordia/Alaska Connection

I want to share with all of you a story of a connection between my home here in St. Johns County, Florida, and Barrow, Alaska. Earlier in the year a mother of a local high school football player here in St. Johns County saw an ESPN special about the newly organized Barrow football team, which was formed last year as part of a dropout prevention strategy. The mother, Cathy Parker, watched footage of the team playing just a hundred yards from the Arctic Ocean on a gravel field that put the players at risk for injuries. She was so moved by the story and struggles of the Barrow Whalers that she started a drive to raise funds to provide the team with an artificial turf.
"People think we have nothing in common with them, but that's wrong," Parker said. "We have the most important thing in common and that is our sons.
Because of Parker’s initiative, Project Alaska has been formed to raise $500,000 for the artificial field. And last month the Barrow team was able to travel to Florida to practice with the local high school team – and frolic on the beach in their spare time. (They were surprised at how quickly you can get sunburned!)
If you would like to see some inspiring pictures, videos and fascinating articles about the Barrow team and Project Alaska, go to this website and follow the links:
http://www.projectalaskaturf.com/index.html

In the mood for Alaska

Hi, from Martha in the Tarheel state. That's North Carolina's nickname. To reply to an earlier posting, I stay in the mood for Alaska with my subscription to Alaska magazine. The latest issue arrived yesterday, and its cover refers to the narrative poem The Cremation of Sam McGee. "There are strange things done in the midnight sun by the men who moil for gold." I use that poem as a segue from Woodsong and Iditarod to my poetry unit.
Martha in NC

It's A Dog's Life in Nome

Hello My Friends!

As a sled dog it doesn't if matter of you are

are sitting it out in a blizzard at the kennel or

taking your team in to Nome on the final 10 mile dash.

Nothing is better than being put into harness and booties

if your name is Lass, Onion, or Jack and you have four feet.

The view from the driver's stand on the sled

is like no other, the feeling of isolation on the trail;

like the dark side of the moon.

Take Care,

Jon in Nome

Information on Flight Seeing and the Alaska Railroad

The following website has information of one such opportunity to flight see while in Alaska. Since a couple of you have discussed this on the blog comments, I thought I'd mention it!

Perhaps Monday afternoon after our sessions--- could be a time to drive to Talkeetna and take a flight should someone be interested. We've planned to go to Talkeetna on Tuesday evening for the group dinner--- but perhaps that date might work for you as well.

There are many opportunities such as this, but thought you'd like some information should this be one of your conference goals.

Talkeetna Air Taxi

"TAT" has been providing "Chase the Race", Anchorage - Nome air support for the media and individuals since the 70’s. We specialize in bush flying and our safety proven planes are equipped with hydraulic wheel skis, personal intercom systems and window for every passenger. We also specialize in air support for Alaska Range expeditions, scenic flight tours and glacier landings. We fly year round..

info@talkeetnaair.com

AP.O. Box 73 Talkeetna AK 99676, USA Toll Free (800) 533-2219

For information on Train trips, one website of interest may be:
http://www.akrr.com

When you arrive at the conference, we will provide you with information about what you can see or do after hours... Be thinking about what you'd like to do during that time. Send me an email or post comments so that we are able to provide information for you in your interest areas. We will have information about other kennels you can visit, by the way--- and the 'usual' places of interest.
Diane

Aliy Zirkle to Address the Summer Conference

On our last 'official class day' of the conference, June 29, at the Grand View Inn Conference Center, Aily Zirkle will be a special guest speaker. Aily is an Iditarod Musher and the 200o Yukon Champion--- the FIRST WOMAN TO WIN THIS RACE!

To learn more about Aily, visit her website at:
http://www.aliyzirkle.com
http://www.aliyzirkle.com/aliy.html

Her "Iditarod Bio" can be found in the 2007 Musher Listings at www.iditarod.com or at: http://www.iditarod.com/2007/musherprofiles/musherbio_115.html

I took the above image of Aliy at the start of the 2006 Iditarod. It is one of my favorite pictures. If you are an Iditarod Insider subscriber, you might want to review the video clip from the 2006 archived videos--- Buffalo Things. It is a fun clip!

I know we will all enjoy this presentation!

Diane

Looking for a way to build 'motivation' to attend the conference?

Looking for a way to get motivated about this adventure in Alaska? Here is an idea from Jane:

Hi,

If you get the History Channel, you might be interested in these two shows:

Thursday, June 14, 8 p.m. Big Alaska
Sunday, June 17, 10 p.m. Ice Road Truckers (Alaska)

Jane

Anyone else have a book they are reading or know of something to watch on TV to get yourself into the "I'm going to an Iditarod conference in Alaska" mood?
A week ago, I made the whole family watch the movie: IRON WILL.
Have you read WINTERDANCE by Gary Paulsen?
What is your FAVORTIE Iditarod/Alaska book?

Monday Morning: Copy of Email

Hello everyone! Thanks for all of your great comments and ideas!

I've been slightly occupied over the weekend with the celebration of my daughter's wedding. What a glorious weekend and family/friend adventure it has been. Don't be surprised if I show a picture or two of this event during the conference. BUT, --- now it is on to Iditarod and Alaska! I leave on the 16th...

Don't worry if you are not able to post on the blog, we can teach you more about that at the conference, and replying to all by email is GREAT! Even if you aren't posting, you can read what anyone else posts. If you want to try, as Jane said, "Just click on post a comment and you'll be prompted to create a password -"

I am glad to hear from all of you!

First, for those of you not staying at the Dream a Dream Dog Farm-- Richard is staying at the Grand View and he's agreed to be a driver. For any staying in Anchorage, Linda will be driving from Anchorage. We'll clarify morning conference start times on Sunday, so everyone has a plan on arriving 'on time'. No worries! Your biggest job is to get to the Headquarters on Sunday. So if you are a renting a car, please drive there. If you are not renting a car and staying at Dream a Dream, make sure you have your 'gear' at HQ with you, and you'll ride with one of us or our conference participants who have rented cars. After our session at HQ that day, we'll stop to eat on the way to Dream a Dream (you are responsible for the cost of this meal.) Those returning to Anchorage or the Grand View will drive back after our Sunday night session and our Monday, Tuesday sessions.

We will also be providing you with information on what you can see and do after sessions--- so that you with common interests can group up and car pool to enjoy Alaska! Remember, there is plenty of daylight in June in Alaska! Don't forget about our planned trip to Talkeetna. We'll be dining at a restaurant owned and operated by Jerome Longo and Melanie Gould, Iditarod Mushers. Jerome used to be a cook for one of the presidents... and might I just add, any meals we've had at this fine establishment have been absolutely incredible. Last year when our conference attended this event, we ate outside on the balcony. It rained. We put on our rain gear and ate outside anyway. It added to the adventure, believe it or not... no one wanted to go inside and eat.... It seemed more 'musher like' to enjoy the moment I guess. However, when we ate the delicious carrot cake, we did stand in a protected area so that our cake didn't get soggy.

ANYWAY, more soon! Check the blog later today as I'll add this email plus additional information.

Have a GREAT week and see you soon!
Diane

Hello from Florida

Hi. Rick here from Florida. I'm looking forward to visiting Alaska and meeting everyone. This will be my first visit. Now that school's out and I have a little more leisure reading time, I've been reading "Looking for Alaska," by Peter Jenkins. It's given me a nice glimpse into the various cultures and people of Alaska! The chapter "Howls of Glee," was especially entertaining as the author tells about his introduction to dog sledding through his experiences with Jeff King. Is anyone else reading anything Alaska related?

Rick Greenough

Hello From Big Orange Country............

Hello from Tn.....
This is my first experience with blogging so here we go....
They call me Coach Tee here but all that gets to know me can just call me Tee. I am coming back to Alaska after being there for the first time in March. Unlike most of you I have been out of school since May 24th.
I like another person coming to the conference am excited about coming to Alaska. It is a captaivating place. In fact I am so excited I have all but completed packing. Can't wait to stay with the dogs .
Can't wait to meet all attendees....

Tee Hutton

Greetings from the Trail's End!

Hello My Friends!

21 hours of daylight so no time to sleep in Nome!

The weather has been very fair.

To have a peek use the URL to see our lovely visitor's center and the Bering Sea.

http://home.gci.net/~cityofnome/704x480.html

This view also looks out at the "Nome National Forest".

We regularly see the 'forest' appear when the Bering Sea is a bit more solid.

Looks like a good greenhouse year for tomatoes.

A bee was reported in the vicinity.

Take Care!

Jon in Nome

Welcome to the Iditarod Summer Conference

Hey participants,
I'm looking forward to meeting with and working with you all! For some, this is a trip full of firsts, for others maybe a repeat trip to Alaska but with new experiences, and for still others of us, a repeat of the summer conference. Whatever brings you here in June from wherever you are, you can be sure to have an enriching, motivating, fun, and memorabale experience. It will be so fun to find our common threads over the week.

Wag more, bark less,
Jane Blaile
2008 WFTOTT (tm)

Hello from beautiful Nome, Alaska

Hello My Friends,

For those of you visiting Alaska for the first time Welcome on behalf of Nome Public Schools and our students!

I cannot wait to get to the Summer Conference and meet each one of you. It is a sunny 45F this morning and going up.

I have some ideas to share and will enjoy hearing what is done at your schools.

See you soon!

Jon in Nome