Mushers, Miles and Moose Farts - The Iditarod Comes to Oakhill

Last year at this time, Mrs. Thompson and I were packing our bags for an unforgettable professional development trip to Alaska. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mike and Karen Morris, we attended the Iditarod EDU Conference, visited veteran musher Travis Neal’s Turning Heads Kennel, watched vet checks, and even got to meet the Iditarod veterinarians who care for the sled dogs along the trail. One highlight of our trip was spending the day with Angie Taggert, an Alaskan teacher who had taken a year off to train for and run the Iditarod herself—twice - what an inspiring teacher! We also traveled along the scenic highway and visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where we saw Alaskan animals like moose, bison, musk oxen, and brown bears up close. All and all it was an epic adventure, and over the next few weeks, we’re so excited to bring all of that learning back to Oakhill!

In Mrs. Thompson’s Pretoddler - 5th grade cooking classes, students got a taste of life on the trail—literally! They learned how much food it takes to keep sled dogs fueled for the race, including hearty meals of steak and chicken packed with lots of calories and that mushers always prepare their dogs’ food first at checkpoints before taking care of themselves—a true display of love and teamwork! Students also learned how mushers vacuum-seal meals like pizza and lasagna for their own journey. To get into the Iditarod spirit, she held a “food packing party” just like mushers do with their friends and family. The highlight? Making and sealing their own “Moose Farts,” an energy-packed musher snack full of protein, fat, and sugar, ready to fuel them at recess!

Meanwhile, in the Innovation Lab, 4th and 5th graders are combining technology with trail smarts to simulate the Iditarod experience. Fourth graders are using Dash robots, while fifth graders are coding Mini Spheros—these robots become their “dog sled teams” navigating a virtual Alaskan trail. Students are programming their robots to tackle both triumphs and challenges, from smooth ice boosts to snowy trail blockages. This project allows students to creatively apply coding skills while practicing computational thinking and innovative design. They’re not just learning to code; they’re solving problems, thinking critically, and exploring perseverance—all key traits of a successful musher!

We hope your family follows along when the Iditarod kicks off on Monday, March 3rd! It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of Alaska and cheer on the incredible teams. Stay tuned for updates and stories from our stories on the trail!