Team Bonefish celebrates their discovery.

It’s been an exciting week here at the Island School! Our schedule has been filled with new adventures. On Wednesday we were split up into two groups and rotated between our research groups and community outreach, where we visited the local primary and middle schools in Deep Creek.

The research groups were all out in the field and are already making a great start to a productive semester. We are excited to report that our very own Bonefish Research group made a remarkable discovery: five juvenile bonefish in the ocean by the Boy’s Dorm Beach. Although this may not seem remarkable, the discovery of these bonefish in their juvenile stage is one of the first in scientific history. Great job, Team Bonefish!

Island School and Deep Creek Primary School students get to know each other.

When touring the local schools of Deep Creek, we were introduced to the teachers and their students. After visiting with the students, we chose the grade level we wanted to work with and planned our first lessons, which will take place next Wednesday.

That night, we got to know each other even better by participating in the first “Bloomers” of the semester. We played several games and even enjoyed a snack of delicious popcorn before getting back to work on our studies.

A key play in the intense basketball game during free time.

On Thursday morning, we did a 2.5 mile bike-run to Palm Island. At the beautiful site, we learned about the Lucayans, the first inhabitants of the Bahamas. Afterwards, we returned to campus and completed chores before beginning a full day of classes. During our Humanities class, we discussed Lucayan history in more depth.

On Friday morning, we tested our endurance by doing a timed swim and a two-mile run. Later in the semester we will do that same timed swim and run again so that we can see our progress. After another long day of classes, we had a productive student meeting run by the Friday and Saturday caciques, Colton and Kat. We made plans for our Saturday night activity and discussed other concerns. We ended the meeting with kudos, which is an activity to acknowledge those who have done good deeds for other members of the community.

On Saturday, we began the day with a run to High Rock and back, a total of 4 miles. Almost all of us took the opportunity to jump off the cliff, which cooled us off before the run back to campus. Another day of classes came and went, and soon our fun Saturday night had arrived and it was time for our 80’s dance party. After some planning and getting ready we danced the night away, despite the bugs (hint hint, send bug spray!!!!).

After a relaxing stress-free Sunday half of the students began packing for the kayak trip and the other half began our first classes of SCUBA. We woke up Monday morning and half of us set off on our three-day kayak trips while the other half started SCUBA certification. The SCUBA divers have loved experiencing breathing underwater, learning underwater skills, and exploring the wonders of the sea.

Eliza is all set to get in the water.

For the students on campus, Tuesday began with a run to the marina and a snorkel to Powell Point. The rest of the day was filled with SCUBA diving and class. On Friday kayak groups 3 and 4 will leave for three days, and kayak 1 and 2 will begin SCUBA certification.

SHOUTOUTS

Jackie: Mom and Dad- Thanks for the packages and magazines. Could you send the magazines I put on the list I gave Mom? I’m having a great time here but I miss you so much. Keep the letters (and packages) coming! Julie- You would love it here! It’s gorgeous! I miss you tons. I hope your studying for the CPA is going well. Nobles kids- AH I MISS YOU GUYS SOO MUCH! I hope junior year is going really well. It’s really great here and Ky and Anne are doing awesome too and send their love! I love you guys so much, don’t forget about me! I’ll be home in a few months so send letters, they make me happy!

Liza:  Wow! Hello everyone and the DFC.   I miss you all so very much.   Thank you everyone for the comforting letters and packages. Girls-   How is everything I hope that everything is doing well! How is sports?   Football, Field Hockey, Soccer, etc?   I wrote you guys two letters I hope you get them and write me back.   When is homecoming? I am really going to miss that experience.   Write me about it and fill me in on all the important information. I miss you guys and all at FA. Family- thank you so much for everything. Mom the packages were very helpful.   Dad- I hope you get this in China, but thank you for the wonderful letter, I miss you. Gin- I hope all is well and the college hunting was fun.   Keep your chin up and remember that I love you. Andrew- I miss you and hope that school is keeping you busy.   Keep writing to me.   I love you and miss you.   I love all of you and miss you all. Take care and remember to write.

Toni:  Family - Thanks for the great packages. Bug spray is necessary all the time! Although it was a little scary, Scuba diving was really fun and I saw some cool things. Mom - if you talk to Adeline, tell her to tell Max that I say hi and that I’m having a good time. You can give him the website.   I miss you all and can’t wait to talk to you on Sunday. Keep the mail coming! Tafties - I hope the semester is starting off well and that preseason was a blast. Write me if you get a chance and give everyone my love!

Amelia:  Family- Hey I hope you had a great trip! I love you all and will talk to you on Thursday!