The students at Mertarvik Pioneer School.... are as the name says - are pioneers. The students arrived at the school in October 2019, as their families moved across the Inlet (9 miles) from their home community of Newtok to a new village site. This move was due to permafrost degradation and beach erosion.
The community has been involved in a 20 year process of trying to get land and funding to create a new village that is safe, dry and supports a healthy water source.
Mertarvik is the new village and students are excited to be here. The Mertarvik Pioneer School is a new school that is currently being housed in a temporary facility while a new school is built.
My Project
Students at the Mertarvik Pioneer School are bilingual students who primary first language is Yugtun. Students are also visual learners who need exposure to content in multiple ways. Students need skills practice and the tools to do this effectively.
Mathematical concepts and sight words are engrained with memorization of facts and concepts.
Students need to be able to practice and visualize concept. The use of flash cards and puzzles will give them the practice they need. Also, due to the size of the school, students are grouped in multigrade classroom. By having additional independent resources, students can take ownership of their learning.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Dr. Ruff and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
