Eighth-grade students (ages 13-14yrs) from St. Paul Island have just sent another round of pen pal letters to their friends on the Commander Islands in Russia. It was great to have this chance to share news before summer vacation starts, and we all wish everyone on the Commander Islands a good summer. We’re also looking forward to hearing and sharing updates from the camps on Bering Island (Commanders), St. Paul Island, and St. George Island this summer.
Here are some reflections on the pen pal project from St. Paul Island, and some pictures from their end of school-year ice-cream float party!
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“We’ve written our Russian pen pals several times this year. I think it’s interesting because I believe writing to different people and learning about them helps with your mindset. I’m pretty sure our first letter was when I was in 6th grade and now I am finishing 8th grade. I also like our pen pal activities. I believe it’s going to be harder to write to our pen pals with what’s going on in the world.” Julia
“I think this is interesting because we get to talk to people out of Alaska or America.” Shaun
“What will the Commander Islands look like if the islands flood due to climate change?” Xavier
“Keeping the same penpal will be so cool because it will show how much we’ve grown together” Kadyn
“When you guys talk about your life it is very interesting” Stanley
“I liked writing multiple letters to our penpals over the span of 3 years. I also liked comparing the Russian language to English.” Riley