Greg takes measurements in math class

Hello again from the Island School! Our first real classes started on Monday, and it was exciting to finally get into an academic schedule. We were all psyched after a week of orientation. We all got separated into four groups for our academics, the Wahoos, the Dolphins, the Marlins, and the Tunas. On Monday night, we had a dose of “Bloomers” a time after dinner to have fun and relax. We all had a lot of laughs.

Bahamian Renaissance man Jackson Burnside speaks to students

On Tuesday, the day began with our first run-swim, where we did a challenging run that included multiple obstacles such as swimming and climbing over a wall. Then, everyone did their first art projects in our first long art class. It was really interesting to go out and use conch shells and seaweed to make art pieces. Then everyone met with their individual research groups for the first time and we got an overview of what the rest of the term will be like with our research. We got into groups to study conch, permaculture, patch reefs, coastal restoration, or coral monitoring. An interesting event of the day was when a chicken from the farm wandered into our math class and kept running into the glass door trying to escape.

Skye in teambuilding challenge

Wednesday was our first day of Community Outreach, where we were first introduced to our buddies from a local school in Deep Creek. Everyone was a little nervous to meet their students for the first time, but the day turned out successful and really fun as we snorkeled and played games with the kids. Also on Wednesday, a famous local artist, Jackson Burnside, came to talk to the community about The Bahamas and life in general. It was great to see someone like Mr. Burnside. He is one of the most important men in the Bahamas, a leading architect, artist and writer who is a huge advocate of maintaining the Bahamian culture and identity. His speech was really motivating and inspired us all.

On Thursday the work started piling up and we all realized that being at school in the Bahamas actually meant doing homework again, and not just swimming and snorkeling! The day on Friday started out with half the community doing work projects, and the other half doing a run-swim. We had our first student meeting without faculty on Friday. We discussed ideas about changing the rule for nighttime tests because that night we had our first test in history! Everyone was cramming all day for the test, on “how the Bahamas formed,” and we think we all passed (we hope!).

Saturday was spent doing research projects all morning. Patch reefs, Conch, and Coral monitoring spent the morning snorkeling and exploring reefs. Coastal restoration and Permaculture spent the morning working on land. At night, to celebrate multiple birthdays, we had our first dance. We were all excited because there were cookies and cake, and we had fun dancing the night away. Sunday morning was our first chance to really sleep in. But it was also our first chance to visit the local marina where we loaded up on candy and soda. We all had sugar rushes after that! The rest of the day was spent lying around on beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and catching up on some much-needed sleep.

Kayak 1 passes school

The new week started with the send off of the first kayaking group. On Monday, kayak 1 (a.k.a. the Tango-Charlie’s) set out for the 3-day trip in high spirits despite the weather. The first night we survived a thunderous lightning rainstorm, thanks in part to the calm of our instructors. Continuing our journey the next day, we stopped for lunch on Poison Point while Jack gave an interesting class on tides and currents. After reaching our final campsite we witnessed an amazing sight, a full moon! It was so beautiful! On day three we headed for our final destination- our new home. On the very last leg of our trip, we managed to have water fights with our paddles and water-pumps while paddling by the school in a synchronized fashion! It was an awesome experience, Tango-Charlie pride!

Logan- Hey to everyone back home. I miss you all. I hope you’re all having an awesome time on spring break. I can’t wait to see you all again. Love you!

Taylor-Whats up to everyone back home? This place is sweet, and there’s lots to do. I miss ya’ll, but I’m having an awesome time! Write to me and I’ll see you in June!! Peace!

Madeline-Hey to everyone at home! Hi to Mom, Dad, Zach, Katy, Lisa, Molly, Kristyn, Mattie, and everyone at Hill. Please send letters! I love and miss you all!!

Kira- Hey ya’ll back home- Mom, Dad & the fam., Emma and the crew, Ricky and the rest. Miss ya’ll lots!! Luv yas and keep it real!