Homer Alaska - Letters

I am a sixth grade teacher at McNeil Canyon Elementary and my students were involved in many aspects of Citizen Science this year. The "Sea Stewards" were involved with local monitoring efforts for invasive species and watershed health. They activated our entire student body for their help with the annual CoastWalk event.

The students extended their marine exploration through building underwater robots complete with cameras, first gaining a bit of driving skill in the Homer High School pool and then proceeding to the harbor. We worked with local agencies, scientists and experts through these projects, all of which provided powerful learning experiences. Several of the partnerships and monitoring programs will continue next school year, which is very exciting.

We would like to express our gratitude for the donation we received from the Daisy Less Bitter Marine and Coastal Education Fund, through the Homer Foundation. These grant funds were used to purchase underwater cameras, monitoring field equipment, resource books, and identification guides.

Thank you again for your continued support of education and our youth. Your support makes innovative projects possible which will help give our students the tools they need to understand the world around them as they become our future innovative scientists, engineers, technicians, leaders and citizens.

Sheryl Sotelo, sixth grade teacher

McNeil Canyon Elementary