(Peace Academic Center, Kykotsmovi, Arizona) - Happy October 2020!!! Hard to believe we are 5 weeks into school. We are holding steady at
18 students, with another 2 applications requested last week. Our brand of hybrid with the
Kindle lessons, worksheets and in person one on
one classes seems to be working. One of our young
female students was completely inexperienced
about multiplication tables, and after a week with
Kindle lessons, and our super teachers, she already
completed 1s, 2s, 5s, 9s and 10s. (I might add
without counting the spots on the ladybugs!) The
transformation with many of the students is
amazing.
Two of our young men spent time picking
tomatoes in the garden before class yesterday.
When it was the 2nd graders turn, I asked which
lesson was his favorite on the Kindle to show me.
He excitedly grabbed Photosynthesis, and flew
through it, answering every question correctly.
Garden to table to classroom! Reading scores
continue to improve, with a volunteer who reads
with each student individually for 30-45 minutes
each session.
We continue to have our challenges. Transportation remains a hardship for most of our
families. Many are faced with unemployment and the harsh climate of the reservation. After
several weeks of balance, Kykotsmovi recorded another 6 new cases of COVID19 last week. We
were requested by the tribe to house a young man who is doing Epidemiology for the tribe. We
are happy to have him on campus and to be able to do our part for the community.
Volunteers, parents and staff have been working hard
on the campus. All weeds have been removed from the
playground and a good bit of the fields and parking lots.
The former house 7 was
scraped and repainted,
and the newly sided
cottage was also
painted. We have a
work group coming in
October, and hope that they are able to complete the flooring
in the large classroom in building 2. Our plan is to make that room a hands on lab for all ages,
including reading, money, science, math and other pods.
The garden has been such a
blessing for the families and
volunteers. The students came in
with a 5 gallon bucket of
tomatoes yesterday. They will be
shared with our students’ families
as well as the residents on
campus.
I made jalapeno jelly and jam last
month, and I will be doing up
tomatoes and salsa this weekend
after passing out the fresh
tomatoes. As our nights grow
cooler, I know I will be thankful
that we were able to preserve some of the goodness for the winter.
As we are completing projects, we have added a punch list to
help with the work load for day, week and long-term
volunteers. We are unable to tour with them as usual, but
have had meals and Lance is doing a great job of sharing Hopi
culture. We will be revisiting our short and long term goals for
the school soon, and completing a schedule for the spring.
You all are, as always invited to visit,
call or email at any time!!!
Blessings,
Kay Neff
Peace Academic Center-Kykotsmovi