Eagle Community School
Our Projects.
Eagle Community School participates in both local and global projects. ECS is was involved in a dog care & mushing program called "A-CHILL" which stands for Alaska Care and Husbandry Instruction for Lifelong Learning. This program was a platform for teaching students responsibility in the care of animals by introducing them to the state sport of dog mushing. Students learn valuable lessons in caring for animals, both daily and in an emergency; they learn lessons in nutrition and health, they learn the about the historical and cultural components of the use of dogs in Alaska throughout history; and they really enjoy the bonding between man and beast that happens on the trail. All third through twelfth graders participate in the A-CHILL program and had the opportunity to mush dogs.
Project 1. A-CHILL
In 2020 ECS participated in the final year of the A-CHILL grant (a four year program). Partnering with students from Yukon-Koyukuk School District and 20 villages across the state, ECS students will visit Yukon River Kennels owned by Steve & Kristy Robbins for instruction after school on Tuesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m. This opportunity is available to students in grades 3-12, and is an optional after-school activity.
Websites to further investigate:
http://attlamakingofachampion.com/frank-attla-youth-sled-dog-care-mushing-program
Project 2. Fresh Eyes On Ice
ECS Students are participating in a citizen science project with UAF scientists. They are monitoring snow and ice depths on the Yukon River and Long Lake in Eagle Village. Students report their data to a website that disseminates the information to NASA, the National Weather Service, and other entities that are monitoring global climate change. Students make observations about the Yukon River freeze up. and break up periods with a drone supplied by UAF. There is also a permanently mounted camera along the river bank. that submits a photo daily.
Student participation in this program is voluntary.