I worked with kindergarten kids again (well, mainly the one with health concerns). I did get another boy to actually finish his work which I guess he never does. However, since it is a Yupik class, he teacher would prefer i not help out there since they are trying to cut down on using English and they want a Yupik aide. But she was afraid of offending me. I totally get that one. I am learning the same as these kids, and today I was trying to at least count in Yupik but kept forgetting the words by the time I got to 4, which was the number of the day. So I was not helpful in that sense. The words are so hard to say and remember. I have never seen or heard anything like this language. I cannot even make the sounds in my throat. I do try, and hopefully rying and butchering it is not offensive. Church is where I try the most because half the songs are in Yupik so I have to read them and try to sing them. Oh, and half the letters are sort of silent as well. But I am unsure how you know which ones. Maybe there is a book and disk I can buy.
I guess there are barely any people under 30 who are fluent in Yupik here. I assumed the kids were because their English is not that great, but they are not fluent in Yupik either. That means that when they can barely read, that means they can barely read any language. I understand the push to teach the kids Yupik before English, though it is not helping them later on I do not think. But you need to keep the culture alive. So it is tough and I do not think there is anything else you can do unless parents start working with them more at home. But if the parents are not fluent, then it has to be grandparents. Actually when kids are in trouble, teachers talk to the grandmothers above anyone else. I have heard and seen that many many times. Calling your grandmother is the biggest threat. I had a grandmother today come and get her grandson because he was not listening. In church, the elders who give communion are all women.
I think I am interviewing Friday. I know both the principle and vice principle want me in the Media center. The main issue is going to be if they choose me, I think it goes to a committee first. The school did not advertize this job at the store with the job listing, as far as we know, so the committee may say that locals were not given enough of a chance to apply. So we shall see. If not, then hopefully the aide job. They have an issue with locals being able to pass the test, so that part is in my favor. It seems like 8th grade level kind of stuff as I have seen on the practice test. But I got 100% on my college placement tests at my last school, so tests are easy for me. But then I need to fly to Bethel. So it is all in the air now, so just subbing until i find out. I think tomorrow I may sub in the office, which is preferable for me and the vice principle. She wants my help in the office but it is also an all Yupik zone.
I actually met a ton of Yupik women today at the school. All teachers or aides I think. Very nice people. No one is mean here that I have seen.
I am not use to my whiteness being a factor. It is weird, even if I knew it would be the case.