We've been doing a lot of teaching lately, it seems. For several weeks now, we have had Sunday afternoon computer classes open to local adults over 18. One-on-one, the students learn everything from the basics (turning the computer on) to the more complicated programs like PowerPoint and Photo Editor. We have also been teaching them how to work the digital cameras, which has been very successful. The idea of the classes is to increase basic computer literacy, free of charge, to the local people who've welcomed us to their island. It's really fun because the students are nice, friendly, and eager to learn. Most of them are elementary and high school teachers who are beginning to use computers much more in their classes. Plus, the computer classes are a good opportunity for us to interview native Bahamians for our history projects due in a few weeks, and for them to get to know us as well.

Computer class	Talking aquaculture

We also teach 7th graders every Wednesday, as usual, for community service. The second kayak group is still at home now, but we won't be for the next two Wednesdays, so unfortunately today was the last time we saw our kids. They were really sad to hear that we won't see one another again until May 6, when the posters we have been working hard on will be shown to their teachers and parents. Most of the kids have completed three of their four units (nearshore, mangroves and overfishing, computers, and beach pollution), so the first kayak group won't have too hard a time next week (we hope). They are getting back tomorrow and we're really excited to be back together again!

Maryam entering the cave.	Surveying one of the caves.

On March 31 half the students embarked on a trip north setting their destination - Preacher's Cave, the site were religious outcasts from Bermuda took refuge after their ship sank. Along the way, the vans pulled over numerous times to explore geological formations and "experience" the island. The first stop was a blue hole (a hole in the shallow ocean floor) with a depth too deep to be reached. We walked through the woods, climbed down rocks, and found a cave with roots growing from top to bottom through holes in the stone. Next we stopped at the supermarket to stock up on favorite treats. Around noon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were served on a beach in Governor's Harbour and a short tour of the town, which included a library and an old church, was enjoyed. Our next stop was the Hatchet Bay Cave. We climbed down a ladder, flashlights in hand, and carefully walked through the dark tunnels. We descended even lower into a layer of collected rain water. At one point we turned off all the lights and the darkness was all consuming, not even a hand directly in front of one's face could be seen. Our final stop before Preacher's Cave was the Glass Window, where the island is the narrowest and both the leeward and windward sides can be seen. After a total 105 miles, we arrived at Preacher's Cave, cooked dinner, and slept on the beach and in the cave. That morning we ate breakfast, took one last view of the beautiful landscape and started the journey back to school. The trip incorporated learning about the island, geology, and history.

The students of The Island School are currently split in half. One half will return today from an eight day sea faring journey in kayaks. They traveled down the coast of Eleuthera for eight days, led by Tami Thome (science, art) and Chris Maxey (director and history master). Next Wednesday (4/12), the second half of the students will embark on a similar journey for eight days as well and will return to a normal schedule with their peers. Everyone is very excited about the journey and can not wait to welcome home our fellow students today. (Editors note: The first kayak group had a great and challenging trip - the second group returns Wednesday (4/19) afternoon.)

The Glass Window	Natural skylight - cooking dinner

On Tuesday, April 4, The Island School was privileged to have two experts in the field of aquaculture come speak to us. They have invested time and money to create a facility that is adequate for the raising of Mutton Snapper, some thing that has never before been attempted. Their success rate of twenty thousand survivors out of 3 million eggs makes them the first to achieve such high productivity. They hope to one day sell fingerlings, small fish, to other facilities that are equipped to grow them to full maturity and, in turn, supply the world with food. These speakers came and showed one half of the group a video and lectured on possible ways to improve The Island School's aquaculture project during a question and answer session.