Limbocker Legends
Contributed by Victoria Limbocker
Limbocker Legends are an amazing group of 6th, 7th & 8th grade students! Because Midnight Sun is a charter school that has multi age classes I have the privilege of teaching these students for 3 consecutive years, in turn providing a unique opportunity to build strong teacher student relationships and better understand my students strengths, needs, learning styles, and character. They will tell you that sometimes the best educational opportunities happen outside the classroom. Let me tell you about some of their adventures.
Last year my class had the opportunity to spend 4 days at Peterson Bay Field Station across Kachemak Bay. I witnessed first hand these young travelers experience firsts such as: seeing the ocean for the first time, riding the boat out across the bay while viewing wildlife, and identifying multiple organisms while tidepooling. Before the trip students researched various oceanic organisms. While exploring the tidepools students would yell out things like “ Mrs. Limbocker come quick, I found a sea sponge!” Watching the excitement on their faces was extremely rewarding.
This year 3 days at Space Camp are quickly approaching. The class is headed to The Challenger Learning Center in Kenai. I am excited to see these inquisitive kiddos once again use background information they have learned throughout the year and put it into action in the simulators and workshops through the hands-on experiences that will be provided on this trip. Their hard work and dedication throughout the year has ensured that there is no out of pocket expense to parents.
The task of earning enough money through fundraising will be a bit more challenging this next year. The last two years trips have had a focus on Science, to support my students to be well rounded learners, next year's trip will hold a focus in History. Our class trip for 2024 is scheduled, and the destination is Washington DC. Our curriculum has a focus on American History and it will be an amazing learning experience for all of them. I anticipate the day when as a class we stand in awe of places like The Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, or witness a changing of the guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.
As their teacher I organize and provide opportunities for them to fundraise and earn their way on these trips, but the stewardship, teamwork, and eagerness they display makes me more than happy. I am very proud of this fine group of hardworking students. You may be asking yourself, how can I help support these fine young students in their educational endeavors? On Friday May 5th Limbocker Legend students will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser in the Midnight Sun Gym from 5-8:30 and everyone is invited. Please take advantage of the opportunity to come out and not only support the kiddos, but come and meet them for yourself. They will be working (alongside their parents) all the booths at the event earning their way on this traveling educational opportunity.
See you at Midnight Sun, Friday May 5th at 5:00!!! If you have questions please feel free to contact me at victoria.limbocker@matsuk12.us If attending Cinco de Mayo doesn't work for you, keep an eye out. You will see Limbocker Legend students out and about in the community working our class booth at multiple events this summer.