"Celebrating the Spice of Life" Auction

Greetings Explorer West Middle School Parents!

Get ready for our 10th Annual Dinner and Auction! Our auction unites our community while providing funds to support our dedicated teachers, tuition assistance, award-winning outdoor education program, students, classroom materials and many unique educational opportunities. Last year’s event raised the largest amount of money in Explorer West’s history bring in $114,000 and was attended by more than 200 people! With full enrollment at Explorer West, we hope to exceed last year’s attendance and funds raised while “Celebrating the Spice of Life”.

Event Details:
"Celebrating the Spice of Life" Auction
Date: Saturday, March 13
Place: Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW
Cost: $65 per person.
RSVP's due by February 26.

7th Grade Nordic Skiers Reach New Heights

The first Friday of Nordic skiing had the 7th grade in the rain for the entire day, but they were too busy falling, laughing, and learning to notice. This year's group quickly learned the basic skills of side-step, herringbone, kick and glide, and snow plow. Some kids even mastered knee skiing!



Given their steep learning curve, these kids were hungry for hills and new vistas. By the second week they were heading out into the wilderness east of Mount Catherine. By the third week they were going farther than any group in previous years, reaching Windy Pass and summitting Mount Hyak -- tours of over 10 miles! For our fourth and final week all skiers made the full Viking Loop.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...
I fell lots, but learned how strong I am.

The snow makes me calm, and I forget about the world's troubles.

My jacket became a cape. I was a Superspeed Superhero!

We get away from the drama of school.

It was a good workout and a fun challenge full of obstacles we had to overcome.

We worked as a group and played games to make the challenge easier.

You get to know kids that you don't normally talk to at school.

We hear birds and squirrels chattering without cars and machines.

You can wipe out because the snow is like a pillow.

It's exercise but you don't realize it because it's so fun.

Now I can go Nordic skiing with my family and teach them.

I saw really cool clouds.

I learned how to skate ski which helped me pick up downhill speed.

I fell so much that my instructor finally stopped telling me that it's OK to fall.



We are grateful to all the parents who joined our ski lessons and tours, and also to my co-leaders Magnus (Morgan), Knut (Karl) and Kirt (it's a Nordic Name already!) for their enthusiasm and expertise.

-Bjorn (Ben)