Blog: Boo Balkan Foster

Students,

I miss you and you are in my thoughts.  Please check out my video message and respond as requested.  I miss your faces!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLsIcsJht7U&feature=youtu.be

Peace,

Ms. Boo

Meet Wes Calf Robe; Blackfeet.  Wes transferred to Chief Sealth this year as a senior from New Mexico.  Starting a new school, in a new state, in a new city would be a challenge for anyone; however, Wes has done so with class and academic excellence.  We are really proud of him and he has been awarded the title of šəqačib Student of the Month.  Along with other awardees from each department, Wes will be honored by the Instructional Council and also enjoy a pizza lunch.  Wes hopes to attend the University of Washington in the fall!  Your commitment to excellence is inspiring Wes.  You make us all proud.  #nativestrong  #nativesmart

COVID-19 has challenged all of us in many ways.  It has bought loss and uncertainty; however, it has also allowed us to see the best in people.  Isabelle Matte; Aleut, Gros Ventre, Chippewa and Cree has been cooking for her family.  Food is medicine!  Isabelle is seen here with some of the food she prepared: Salmon and rice!  Isabelle, thank you for showing us what love in action looks like.  Cooking for your family is an act of love and it makes us all proud and strengthened to see your beautiful, strong Native heart.

Mackenna Mack;Ahousat is a 7th grader at Denny and a BALLER!  Mackenna played on the Nisqually team and recently traveled to Las Vegas to compete!  Not only is Mackenna a gifted ball player but she is a hard working student and a proud Native girl.  The link is an article about the tournament (dated 03.14.20). Thanks to her Auntie Vivian for the pictures!  Keep up your hard work and commitment to excellence Mackenna!  You make us all proud!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2020/03/14/native-americans-find-escape-from-coronavirus-fears-with-basketball/5049247002/

Look closely at this picture.  See the young man in front in the red/black pants?  That is 8th grader Cam Nelson;Tulalip/Cowichan.  After schools were closed, Cam, without asking, went to volunteer with Highland Park's PTA to feed people.  This is what Native leadership looks like!  Strong leaders care for others and true warriors care for The People.  Cam, your actions fill me with hope and make us all proud.

https://westseattleblog.com/2020/03/how-to-help-highland-park-elementary-pta-working-to-ensure-people-stay-fed/

Please check out the class Schoology page!

A note from Mr. Kam! You may respond in the comments.

Hi guys,

Hope all is well with you guys. This is probably the kookiest school year in some time. I’m sure you all are having a ball being out of school. And some of you are having a hard time making sense of this. Don’t fret. As long as your doing the recommended practices you’ll be ok. The world has definitely turned a new page in history, as we are all witnesses of something momentous.

Myself and Ms. Boo hope you guys are doing the things you're supposed to be doing academically to get yourself ahead. Even though school has stopped doesn’t mean you should stop learning. I know some of you need to catch up in classes. Consider this a grace period to make it up. Don’t forget you are strong. And you are smart. Never give up. And never let down. It can be done.

As for myself, I’m keeping my eyes on the constant updates of our situation. It’s unfortunate we are going to be away from each other for a while. We are going to continue to be in touch. If you wish to email me my contact is kapom@seattleschools.org. 

Let me know if Ms. Boo and I can help with school stuff. Make sure your routinely checking for updates in the news. Nobody is unaffected by this. I personally care about your wellbeing. Be safe. Practice proper hygiene. And try not to get too crazy! We can make it through this! 

Love & peace

-Mr. Kam aka K-Man

This soap bottle was full at the beginning of the week. I didn't realize how much I was washing my hands!

Seattle Schools is closed for 14 days due to COVID-19; however, learning never stops!  My classroom looks very lonely but attached are ideas for supplemental learning.  Please follow Public Health/CDC recommendations and continue to wash your hands!

Students, please check out my Schoology page as we discussed pre-closure.  If you have access issues, please let me know.  You can email me at balkanfoster@seattleschools.org

Love to you all.  Be safe!

Secondary Distance Learning Enrichment Plan (1).docx 

Corona virus is here!  The best preventative measure is to wash our hands with warm, soapy water and follow good hygiene/safety practices.  I consistently wipe down surfaces, including desks and chairs and we always have hand sanitizer available.  This is not new as it is my standard practice and I will continue to be vigilant. As always, if your student has a temp of 100 or higher or has other symptoms of being ill, please keep them home from school.  Mr. Kam and I are here to support their work completion when they return.  Sending positive thoughts to all our families as we navigate this new development.  Stay healthy!

7th Grader Mackenna Mack; Ahousaht Band NuuChahNulth First Nations was awarded Mr. Chase's Social Studies Student of the Month award.  Mr. Chase states, "

This entire year, Mackenna has demonstrated the kind of hard work, intellectual curiosity, and kindness that just make my days as a teacher better. 

Her writing endurance and depth of thought continue to grow, and it shows the kind of habits of mind (critical thinking, deep reflection, etc.) that any student should be proud of.   

Also, she is also always willing to help me out with additional tasks to keep our class organized and sooth my obsessive compulsive nature. 

What a great kid."  Mr. Chase, we couldn't agree more!  Thank you for SEEING Mackenna and recognizing Native excellence and intelligence.  #nativesmart #smartgirl

Sixth grader Justice Arenas,Tlinqit is Mr. Evans' Science Student of the Month!  Mr. Evans states Justice, "has shown definitively just how bright and intelligent he is...Justice is definitely amazing and powerful. The more he can embrace that and show that, the greater his achievements will become. I’m so impressed with him this month!"  Congratulations to Justice and thanks to Mr. Evans for honoring Native excellence!#nativesmart

Student Darrin Barnes; Tlinqit/Blackfeet meets with Native Ed's Lauren Fonoimoana; Paiute-Shoshone, Diné, Mono to check out scholarship opportunities as well as community offerings.  Our youth are smart and strong and we encourage them to go on to college.  Education is power!  #nativesmart

2nd semester begins tomorrow.  9th graders Lailani Norman BigSpring; Blackfeet/Cree & Abby Gomez; Standing Rock Sioux are moving out of my class to tackle graduation requirements.  They've been in šəqačib since 6th grade!  They've transitioned to high school beautifully and I couldn't be more proud.  However, I am a bit sad and will miss them.  Perhaps this is what a mama bird feels like when her babies begin to fly... Keep working hard and doing great things Lailani and Abby.  Mr. Kam and I are here if you need us and we'll be checking in on you.  In the meantime, spread those wings and FLY! 

#nativestrong  #nativesmart #nativegirls

This morning as I walked into class I noticed the Kobe Bryant jersey hanging in the back of my room. Instructional Assistant Mr. Kam had hung it next to the Chief Sealth graduation gown.  Today in class we reflected on the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the others in the helicopter.  We also talked about goals and dreams and the pursuit of greatness - in all its forms.  The Bryant jersey reminds us to savor life and love each other.  The graduation gown reminds us to push forward through all obstacles - like Kobe.  #alllakerstoday

Rose Glen;Tlinqit/Blackfeet is on Superintendent Juneau's Student Advisory Board. 

We are proud of Rose and are excited to support her leadership now and in the future.

The cold temperatures aren't stopping our students from pushing forward with their academic goals!  Check out Laniyah;Shoshone/Gros Ventre and Ja'heim; Samoan in the "Seattle uniform" (black jacket!) and their beautiful smiles.  We are proud of our students!  If your student is in need of a warm winter coat, please reach out.

How many people get to begin each day with those you love?  I do and I am grateful.  Check out those faces!  This is INDIGENOUS BEAUTY!