AVID Trip Slideshow!

Culminating Activity

Last night was our last day of the trip that we would all eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the American Legion. Yesterday we had a delicious Italian dinner; made by our amazing cook Mrs. Denise. We had pasta with meat sauce, garlic bread, and a wonderful salad. Once dinner was over we help clean our kitchen and finished with our nomination ceremony. We nominated people that were working very hard at asking higher level questions, having higher level writing, and participating more in what we are doing. However, we did not just do the nomination ceremony last night; we gave our awesome teachers and chaperons cool gifts, thanking them for making this trip happen! Once that was over we had the opportunity to go to the docks for the last time or go back to our hotel rooms and pack for the next day. Overall, we had a nice last night before we returned home.

San Juan Island Pictures!

We've uploaded all of our pictures from last week, take a look!

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3L9wFLDWKZncHJVbVpYYkg5YkU&usp=sharing

Make sure to come to our final AVID potluck, next Monday, June 1st at 6pm in the Angevine Library! 

ALL AVID AMS families are welcome to come. 

8th grade AVID please bring a main dish

7th grade AVID please bring a dessert

New to AVID will bring a drink and/or plate/napkin/cups/silverware

We will watch a trip slideshow and celebrate the end of the year. Again, this is open to all current and incoming AVID students. 

What We During Our Free Time

During our free time there was a variation of choices to pick from such as bike riding, swimming, and just exploring the town. It was really hard to choose. Andres went to the movies and watched Avengers 2 and went swimming after. At the motel we stayed at we were able to rent bikes and Nayeli went bike riding with Ms.Barcheck and her friends, and went to the docks to explore all the organisms that lived there, like moon jellyfish and bull kelp. But those were only few options that we could've done. It was really fun because we got to bond with other people that lived in the town, or just other students that went that aren't really in our immediate friend group. In the end everyone found something fun to do and enjoyed it amongst each other.
By: Nayeli Duenas and Andres Fontes

Cooking and Cleaning

Cooking and cleaning have both been really fun experiences. I liked cooking a lot. I felt like we got a lot of chances to hang out and meet new people. I cooked breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday. We got to learn to cook a lot of new foods that I don't usually cook at home. I loved seeing the smiles on everyone's faces when they got the food. I also enjoyed the cleaning. Most of the time when I am at home my parents do all of the cleaning and I don't usually have to. It really helped us learn about how to clean up and where things go and how to clean really well in general.

-Cailyn Grewe

-Emanuel Camacho

Flora and Fauna by Arely A and Jonathan L

Today we went on an amazing hike to the top of Mt. Young. On the way there, we learned about many new organisms such as the smooth-barked tree called Madrone. Many of the plant life we learned about were identified on the way to the top. We saw leafy ferns, enormous Douglas Fir, picturesque wild berries, broad-leafed maples, and many more awesome organisms. On our way to the top, it smelled like a wet and rainy day. It was not as hard to hike as it is in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Mt. Young at about 900ft is small to the whooping Pikes Peak. The hike was amazing, and the view at the top and on the way was breath-taking.

British Camp and Pig War!

Today, after the tiring hike up Mt Young, we walked to an opening near the water. Mr. Davis had everyone relax on the grass and he began to tell the story about the place. This exact place bellow, was were a "war" broke out. Mr. Davis explained to us about how in 1950, American farmers landed in this land. He talked about how the British didn't like having those farmers in "their" land and so they tried to find any excuse of kicking them out. The British said the land was part of Canada, but the American's said it was part of America, so they basically hated each other. In 1959, a farmers pig went into his potato field and eat his potatoes. The farmer hated it all, so he shot the pig and caused his death. The British saw this as their opportunity and went to Kaiser Welhelm, the emperor of German, for help. The farmers heard about it, and decided to go to more Americans, but soldiers. Both had an argument about the land being Canadian or American. This happened from 1859-1872. The British soldiers and the American soldiers didn't really hate each other. The British had the best head quarters, so at night, the Americans would sneak out and party with the British soldiers. At the end, the Pig War wasn't a war. The American president declared the land American so everyone went home. The only people that stayed were the farmers.  Either happy, or mad. Today was an amazing experience I will remember for ever. I can't wait to be back home though. Te amo mom!- Maria     I can't wait to be home!- Sarah

Whale Museum

Today we went whale watching. Unfortunately, we didn't see any whales but after that we went to the Whale Museum and saw plenty of the whales. At the Whale Museum we saw a wide variety of different types of whales and orcas. The museum had whale skeletons hanging from the walls and ceilings. There was a little baby whale in a glass case who was found dead on the beach shore but they didn't know how he died. Our tour guide was really outgoing and told us a lot of interesting facts and stories about the history of different types of whales and orcas. We learned a lot about whales, orcas, and seals. Some of the things we learned about killer whales was that they are at the top of the food chain. They are also known as the lions of the sea. Orca is a type of dolphin. We also learned that when the whales sleep, only half of their brain sleeps and the other half stays awake to make sure it can still breath. Today was very adventurous.

-Alan and Cariline Perez

Whale Watching

Our Whale Watching adventure made us anxious. Although we had the opportunity to see jellyfish, sea lions, seals and a two-second view of a fin of a Porpoise, we weren't lucky enough to see whales. The ride was very exciting because of the fact that we got out of land and into the water!We also went into Canadian territories. This was a great moment to talk to our peers and ask questions. We were very excited about this day because we don't have opportunities like this in Colorado. This experience was very cold but the view was amazing, and it was the first time on a boat for several of us like Angelo. It was very fun when tides hit our boat, because the boat was moving from side to side. This experience was really educational and memorable. It is something we will never forget.

Bike Ride!

Today was fantastic for many reasons. The beginning of the trip is always hard, so busy and full with so many places to see and be. By Tuesday, things settle down just a bit and students have time to enjoy various parts of Friday Harbor. I was lucky to get to ride bikes with Leslie, Enihs, Monique, Lizeth, Mari and Nayeli- don't worry parents, all of the girls were wearing helmets, despite their protests (and I would've too if the hotel hadn't run out).  We went outside of the Friday Harbor town to the countryside, and road bikes along the water. Then we went for ice cream and down to the docks to find jellyfish. We had a lot of fun!
-Liz

The Tide Pools

The tide pools were a great experience for all of us students. This was the first time for many students to experience being by the shore.

One of the great things about being by the shore was that we got to go find our own organisms. These organisms included: starfish, crabs, sea anemone, eels, and more!

Students were prepared head to toe. 

-Kalei and Leslie

**Our Internet connection was disrupted earlier, so I'll help Kalei and Leslie fill in some info about the day here. 

We had the most perfect weather today, sunny but not too hot. When we arrived on the shore, the tide was really low (maybe the lowest I've ever seen it).  That was nice because we were able to walk way out and see areas of the tidal zones I'd never seen before. My favorite moments of the day came as I heard squeals from different groups- this is always a good sign at the tide pool as it signals a new discovery, like an eel slipping through their fingers, or a crab scurrying from rock to rock. We didn't see as many bigger starfish or sunstars as we've seen in previous years, but we did find some new interesting creatures and students, all students, really went out of their way to totally examine each area of the tidal zones with their group. We enjoyed lunch off the shore, and listened to the water crash against the rocks as the tide came back in. 

I've really never been to a more perfect spot; I really think I could sit and listen to the scene out across the water forever. Most students commented on feeling the same way, and I enjoyed sharing this really special moment and place with them. 

*Ms. B

The American Legion

The American Legion is a great place to come and study along with reviewing our notes. It is where we hang out, eat breakfast and dinner. This place is also were we meet up and talk about our day. This Legion Hall has an amazing view of Friday Harbor. We also recognize one and other for are achievements over the past few days. - Mari and Zeke

love you mom, from Zeke

Our travel experience.

Monique and I both enjoyed the ferry and duck tour, but the plane was a different story. We would always get light headed and our ears kept popping, but the good thing was meeting new people and learning about why they are on the plane. The airport was also very busy and nerve-breaking because when you go through security and you forget to take off your belt or a watch or have a metal object in your backpack, you have to get patted down and your bag checked. When you get on the subway, you go very fast and gives you a little jerk when you stop. The Duck Tour was the most exciting because we got to experience a car turning into a boat and we don't get to experience that in Colorado. We danced and got wild and sang to get other people to join in to the music. We also learned so much about Seattle in new fun, crazy ways. The Ferry was a fun one to because we've gotten to see many islands that had beautiful view and see animals like a wild seal. Monique thinks that the ferry was the best because she laughed and got to take a bunch of pictures of the islands. She also got to experience how people travel by a ferry. Today was a really fun day for us and AVID and we can't wait in the future for the rest of the trip.

Initial reactions to Friday Harbor- Preston & Adriana

When we first arrived to Friday Harbor from the ferry everyone's reactions were exciting.  Everyone was glad to finally be in San Juan island and to explore it. When we had arrived some student had already broken our first rule, no complaining. That occurred while dragging our baggage up to our hotel. After we settled in to our rooms, we were curious about exploring the Island, so we did. We shopped at the markets and souvenir stores in town. We also checked out the movie theater, bowling ally, and many other common buildings of a small town. One of the most interesting places was the "American Legion". Everyone was amazed by the incredible view of the Friday Harbor. We can't wait to discover what more this island has to offer, but more importantly to learn more about the marine biology.

Duck Tour!

Today, we flew to Seattle and then took a plane to the "duck tour".  Me and Jose both enjoyed the duck tour and the things that we enjoyed about it were the guide, the music, the "partying", and going in the water. We also enjoyed the history and thought that it was very interesting. For example,  Jose thought the fact that Seattle once completely burnt down was very interesting.!! I thought the fact that the houses on the boats being a common way of life was very foreign and new to me and that I liked. In the end, me and Jose both thought the duck tour was fun all together, we both learned and had fun at the same time!

We have arrived!

Fabulous families!

We have safely and happily arrived on Friday Harbor. It's been a long and fun day, we'll have a few more posts up soon with details on all of our travels. The weather is PERFECT, the students have been wonderful, and we're ready for a week of adventure. Stay tuned!

*Liz

My Suitcase ! (:

The most important item that I am bringing to the San Juan Island is probably my suitcase. Not only will it be holding my clothes and toiletries, but it is a symbol of traveling which personally fascinates me (travel). It has also been with me to California, my home. (:

My duck!

Since we'll be gone from home for a while, I will have to take something really special with me. It is my amazing stuffed animal, Donald Duck. He is so huggable and I wasn't going to keep him out of the fun!

Special thing

The most important thing that I am going to bring to the San Juan islands is my clothes because it would be weird to not be wearing clothes on the plane or anywhere that I go.

One Thing That Is Special To Me

One thing that I am bringing that is special to me would have to be my camera. I probably wouldn't be able to make it through this week without my camera. I LOVE taking pictures of nature and the outside and all the place we will go. Also pictures with my friends. Every time you look at me, I will probably have my camera out taking pictures.

My Special Thing

I'm bringing playing cards that one of my friends gave me when we graduated high school. Hopefully we'll get some time to play on the plane, bus, ferry...all of the above!

Something Special I'll take to San Juan?

Something that's special to me, that I'll be taking with me on our trip is probably my friendship bracelet with pictures that I have with my  Best friend. 

Special thing

One thing that is special to me that I am bringing on the trip is my stuffed animal Fei Fei. Fei Fei is special to me because I got Fei Fei the frist time that i broke my arm in first grade.

Eminem

I am really exited to go on this trip for a lot of reasons. One thing I hope to see in Seattle, WA is to see Eminem. One thing I am really nervous about not being able to listen to (Eminem) music for five days and the plane ride. But other than that I am pretty exited to go on this trip with me and my friends.

My hopes in the San Juan Island

Arriving to the San Juan Island has me terrified, because it's going to be my first time in a plane! I hope that the flight goes well and that I meet new people. I really hope that I get a great educational experience out of this trip because it's going to be totally new to what I have seen here in Lafayette! I am also excited to see the sea for the first time!

11 Days4San1

I have been waiting for this day since I found out I made it into AVID. The part Im most excited to do is go out of state with some wonderful people and spend a whole week with them! Since it's my first time flying in a plane and getting on a ferry that makes me extremely nervous !!  

Seattle

I am  looking forward on going to Seattle to explore new creatures/animal I am really excited  in having fun with all of my AVID friends and enjoying a good trip. Although I am nervous to experience my first time on a plane.

Exited and nervous

There is about eleven days to go to the San Juan Islands and I am so nervous that someone will steal my luggage and also that I wont have my phone for five days. I am also exited to finally ride on a public plane.

SOOOOOO exciteddddd :)

I've worked all year for this trip and I finally earned it. It's less then two weeks away, and I'm super excited to study all the animals in the tide pools and go whale watching. I'm really nervous to go on the plane because I'm a first time flyer. But I'm still really looking forward to spending a whole week with my awesome AVID family.

@Excited

I am really excited for the San Juan Islands trip! Specifically for holding starfish, seeing Orca whales, the hotels, and overall to see the Island! Im nervous about one of two things, the plane, and the actual work because the grade I get there counts for everything I've missed here and I don't want to come back with all F's. 

#cantbetamed

SO EXCITED ! 

I am really looking forward to going to Seattle with my AVID family! One thing I am really excited about is getting to know people better and have an awesome time with them. I also want to look at all of the animals we have been learning about since the beginning of the year. Although I am nervous about going on the airplane.

Cant wait!!!

I am exited to go whale watching and to learn about all the organisms in the water. I am nervous about being away from my family and my Devices for a week but I know that it will be worth it.

#San1

      I've been waiting for this trip since the first day of school. I'm very excited to go whale watching because the only time I've seen them is when they're kept in captivity but on our trip they'll be in the ocean. I am also very excited to go on this awesome experience with my AVID friends. I can say that the vibe from Seattle's weather is my favorite. I'm pretty nervous about the work we'll have to do but I'm sure we will all do great on it. I'm glad I'm part of this AVID class.

My Reflection

I'm super excited to go on the Duck Tour! I heard it's supposed to be awesome! I'm also excited to learn new things about the environment and much more! The one thing that I'm nervous about is touching the animals in the tide pools, To be honest i don't want to hurt them....

My Reflection

I am really excited to go whale watching for my first time. I can't wait go see whales out in the wild. I saw them once when I was at sea world, but I have always wanted to expirience to see then in the ocean. One thing I am nervous for is touching the animals in the tide pools. I don't want to hurt them.

Less Than Two Weeks Away!:) (11 Days!)

I am super excited for San Juan. I can't wait to go to the tide pools, and on the Duck Tour, and going to Friday Harbor, and cooking dinner with our AVID Family, ohh and the hotel with the pool...omg I can't wait for the pool, also the free time we will have. I just can't wait. The thing I'm nervous about is the flight, not because its scary but because I will lose track of time and I will be really confused. Also trying oysters, I haven't tried them before and I don't know if I will like them. Other than that I just cannot wait.(:

11 days?

      With these eleven days left i've been excited to see the ocean for the first time! I'm also pretty excited for seeing Orca whales and getting to hold things like starfish. Although these are all great things to be excited about, I'm pretty nervous for the plane ride.

Plane Flight and Orca Whales

I am excited about hopefully getting close to the orca whales and getting to do all of the activities prepared for us. I am nervous about riding the plane, for I am a first time flier.  I really hope that I can get both academically and socially better out of this amazing trip!

Excited and Afraid

I am super excited about being able to finally see orca whales! I can't wait to watch them swim by! I also can't wait to see our hotel and live with Arely, and Cariline, and Cailyn for a week! I am afraid of flying the plane there and back, since it will be my first time.

San Juan Island :)

The thing that I'm most excited about going to San Juan Island is go whale watching. I hope we see some whales lol
One thing that I'm nervous about is getting on the plane...

San Juan islands!!!!!!!!!!! (:

On the trip to san juan I am most exited to see an orca or even chainsaw who I here is a savage Orca.Also to see a good movie at the movie theater.One thing Im nervous about is the  fact that we might go into canadian waters and that canada will get mad at as.

#SanJuanIslands

Im excited about the trip because I have never been to the San Juan islands and I am looking forward to seeing new things and exploring new things to. Im also curious to go on the duck tour and see how the bus turns into a boat. Only thing Im nervous about leaving because I've never been gone from my family for a week but I''ll think about the fun things on the trip. AVID RULES!!!!!

I am exited to see new things, explore the island and have fun. Also I really am exited to go Seattle. I'm nervous about the flight, I hate flights.

MY Reflectiom

I am excited to find and hold a a starfish for the first time.I am nervous to feel the starfish and observe it on my hands.

My Reflection

I'm excited to travel to the San Juan islands, see what the area is like, and experience the things that we have planned. I'm not nervous about anything; I've travelled several times and I know what to expect.

Two Weeks Away!

At this time in two weeks, we will be boarding the plane to Seattle! After almost two full years working with our current 8th grade AVID students, I am so thrilled that this trip is finally here!

This blog will serve as our trip journal for the week of our trip. Each student will pair up and write their reflections, feelings and observations on a given topic, and post throughout the week that we are away. My hope is that the posts will share unique observations from our students about their travel experience, and also share photos and videos to help bring you to the San Juan Islands with us.

Check back- in the coming weeks we will work to get our blog set up and ready for our adventure. This is the first time my AVID class has attempted a travel blog while we're away, so keep in mind that it's a total experiment and some things might not work as planned.

Thanks for your support throughout this process. I know this trip will be life-changing; every year I come back having learned more about my students and our world, and I know your kids will feel the same.

Until then, adios!
Liz