All posts by islandschoolblog

On-Island Reunion Change of Plans

Due to unexpected impacts from Irene the Cape Eleuthera Resort will no longer be open during the Island School Reunion.  In true Island School style, we are trying to still make it work with alternative accommodations and a change in schedule.  We aren’t sure what exactly the weekend will look like, but we are thinking up some good ideas like doing some community service in the settlements and helping rebuild homes that were damaged or lost.
If you are still interested in joining us for the weekend please let us know and we’ll help you locate a different place to stay and keep you updated on the new schedule as it evolves.  We can also help with car rental logistics because guests will need to be more self-sufficient then originally planned.  We will no longer offer transportation to and from the airport.  Please direct any questions you may have to Cam Powel (cameronpowel@islandschool.org).
If this were any other reunion we’d be worried, but since it’s The Island School, you know we can make it work!  Maxey says that no matter what, the Rum Runners will be playing on Saturday night as the old man celebrates 50 years.

—The Island School

Alumni Spotlight: Dustin Kloempken F04!

After six straight years of perseverance, Fall 2004 alum, Dustin Kloempken has finally succeeded in getting six small solar panels installed at his high school!  Ever since Dustin returned from his semester at The Island School in 2004, he has been trying to get his school, Hopkins High School in Minnesota, to consider more eco-friendly practices, like using solar panels.  This feat is just the beginning of what Dustin hopes is a long line of sustainable efforts at Hopkins High School and the surrounding areas.  It is this determination and execution of The Island School’s mission of “leadership effecting change” that we like to see in our alumni after they leave campus.  You can read more about the process Dustin went through to get the solar panels here!  Congratulations, Dustin!

Images from SCUBA – 3 Day Kayak Week

With the last of the Kayak groups (K4) returning this afternoon, we collectively mark the passage of SCUBA – 3 Day Kayak Week, and… more importantly… the passing of the Fall 2011 semester orientation weeks. Tomorrow, we will unite for a day of community bonding and activity with a school-wide beach day that begins with the ritual run to High Rock. As we move from orienting to settling to being, we look forward to the many Island School traditions that await us still. So, until then, enjoy these moments from the week…

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Having Trouble Finding Flights for the Reunion?

Unlike the old days, there are now a TON of ways to get over to Eleuthera for the reunion October 7-9.  Alternative options are available through Nassau to Rock Sound with carriers like Pineapple Air, Bahamas Air and Southern Air and they often are more cost effective.  Check them out and once you’ve made your plans, be sure to RSVP!  If you have any questions please let us know!

–The Island School

Job Opportunity with South Carolina Coastal Conservation League

We love hearing from our alumni, especially when they’re coming to us with job opportunities for other IS alumni!  Kate Parks, FA’03, works for a non-profit in South Carolina called The Coastal Conservation League and came to us when there was an opening for a project manager.  She said that “a lot of the skills I use each day were developed during my time at The Island School and I think other alumni would find this position interesting.”  Continue reading

Shorebird Migrates Through Hurricane Irene

Check out this miraculous story about a shorebird that had been tagged and found on the island of Eleuthera.  What’s even more interesting is that the tag on this bird was made by the same company, Microwave Telemetry, Inc., that makes the deepwater shark tags we use at CEI!

“Anxious scientists watched with relief this weekend when a satellite signal assured them that a small shorebird they had been tracking somehow managed to survive flying through some dangerous winds of Hurricane Irene. The whimbrel, nicknamed Chinquapin by the Georgia wildlife staffers who tagged him with a radio transmitter, had taken off from his summer feeding grounds on Southampton Island in Canada’s Arctic on Aug. 22. Continue reading

October 2011 On-Island Reunion Is Approaching!

Although October 7-9 seems far away at this point, it’s never too early to make your plans to come down to The Island School for the on-island reunion!  All alumni, parents, and former faculty are invited to come back to the Cape for this weekend-long celebration.  We hope to see you all there!

Please note: An attendee under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by his or her parent.  An alumnus MAY NOT have another alum’s parent act as their guardian. 

The cost of the reunion is $100 per person.  This is NOT a tax deductible donation.  Your check will cover five meals on campus, including a special event at Barracuda’s, transportation to and from Lighthouse Beach on Sunday, and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and research.

To officially RSVP to the event, fill out this form and send your $100 check to  Continue reading

Update from the Cape

Friends and Families,

We have heard that everyone is ok and safe on Cape Eleuthera! Since this morning, Irene has moved on and the winds are steadily dropping. The Island School campus has faired well with no broken windows and no significant damages. The plants on campus have been denuded so we are going to look a little bare for a couple of months.

Everyone is accounted for and happy to breathe some fresh air and stretch their legs after a long night inside.  We have plenty of water and are getting our generators up and running.  We expect to have spotty communications for the next couple of days as the community recovers and gets back to life as normal.

We want to send out a big thank you to John “Giant” Norris Carey forbuilding some of the toughest buildings in the world.

–The Island School

 

 

Irene Has Passed!

Friends and Families,

We have confirmation via text message this morning at 6am that the eye of the storm has passed over Eleuthera.  Everyone is staying safe and waiting for the remainder of the storm to pass with the strongest part behind us and the winds tapering throughout the day.  With internet and cell phone service wavering in and out, we are getting updates as often as possible and will continue to keep you posted.

–The Island School