Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1205100
9 | WEAnews how to sleep." About Slack's canine classroom companions, Johnson says, "They warn us of approaching vehicles; that's their main purpose since we are out here alone. When Homeland Security visited here several years ago, they mentioned it would be a good idea to have a dog to bark and alert us. Also," Johnson adds, "they're great reading partners, the kids love to read to them." Because of their picturesque surroundings, it may come as no surprise that students at Slack spend a lot of time outdoors. "Our recesses are very different, said Johnson, "we're always outside. Our PE is different as well: We'll do cross-country skiing or, we did kayaking this fall. It's awesome to see how this rural escape sparks their creativity." Despite their non-traditional classroom, the elementary school students at Slack have many of the same experiences, hopes, and dreams as their peers across Wyoming. Second-grader Marlis Johnson shared with WEA News his favorite parts of the school day: "Recess and lunch, and I love to do math because we get to do fractions." When asked what he wants to be when he grows up? "An NFL football player, for the Cowboys." In so many ways, the education provided at Slack is a dichotomy of commonality and difference between a more traditional, 21st- century educational experience. Students enjoy snacks, sipping hot cocoa and munching popcorn through storytime, but they eat lunch in the teacherage, a building next door to the school—once called home by many previous Slack teachers over the past century. They work one-on-one with Mrs. Johnson, learning reading, writing, and math. Yet, they spend much of their day problem-solving and working with students of different ages and grade levels. They work diligently on modern technology, using iPads and computers, before heading outside to build snow forts on the frontier. In some ways, Slack is a relic harkening back to a simpler time. In others, it delivers a modern, effective, and—for some—preferable education to its students. One thing is as true at Slack today, as it was 100 years ago: a skilled educator is working dedicatedly to best prepare a future generation of Wyomingites to leave the classroom. "It's just a wonderful opportunity, and I'm so thankful for it," said Johnson. "I'm so thankful that we still have schools like this." "WEA is comprised of a lot of other teachers throughout the state that you can rely on and talk to about different things. It creates a lot of opportunities, and I value that sense of security in other teachers." -WEA member, K-5 teacher Brooke Johnson Slack Teacherage. Mrs. Johnson reading to students. Mrs. Johnson working one-on-one with a student.