Mary Ann Hallabrin teaches fourth grade at Eastern Elementary school in Lexington, and like many teachers she spent part of last summer continuing her education– in Alaska. She attended a special teacher training program in Alaska that connects the Iditarod and the Common Core and then eagerly implemented what she learned in her class. Little did she know how much it would resonate with her students.
The Iditarod is a long distance sled dog race that is run every March from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. The Iditarod tradition has deep roots in Alaskan culture and is the most popular sporting event in the state.
The Iditarod organization has extensive resources for teachers including, but not limited to the conference attended by Hallabrin. Their curriculum is designed to meet common core standards and allows students to learn subjects such as reading and math in a fun and engaging manner.
Hallabrin bubbles over with enthusiasm when she talks about the program and her experiences both in Alaska and with her students. While in Alaska the teachers lived with a musher in their home. “You never were happier scooping up dog poop,” said Hallabrin.
Even with the clout of the race as a professional sport, the people involved are kind and down to earth. Three-time Iditarod winner Jeff King has sent her students posters and booties worn by dogs during the race.
When Hallabrin talks about the program and it’s impact in her classroom her exuberance is palpable. “I just brought my passion to the classroom and it’s caught on fire,” she said.
One book, “Rivers,” is a story about a blind sled dog. Her class read it together and learned lessons about teamwork, celebrating our unique contributions, and of course some good old-fashioned reading skills. “This book changed my life in this classroom,” said Hallabrin.
One day Karson Berry, a student of Hallabrin’s, was discussing what he’d been learning in school and his mother made an interesting connection. As it turns out, one of Taryn Berry’s friends has a brother who is a professional musher. St. Peter’s graduate Matthew Failor has worked for four-time Iditarod winner Martin Buser and now races his own team.
Even more exciting to young Karson was the discovery that Angel, a retired sled dog, was living locally with Failor’s mother. One thing led to another and in time Karson had arranged (with the help of Hallabrin) for Angel to visit Eastern Elementary School.
Friday a common room at the school was packed with all the fourth graders and the fidgeting of a Friday afternoon. The kids were eager to meet the famous dog and ask questions like, “Does he chase his tail?” The answer to that question was, “Yes.” And, “Does he get annoying?” “No, he’s very gentle.”
After the kids asked their questions, Karson gave a speech about Angel and introduced the dog to his classmates. What came next was a surprise for Karson and his family.
The Berry family has had a tough year. In September, Karson’s father died of esophageal cancer. When Matthew Failor learned this, he and his sister Kate decided to plan a surprise for the Berry family.
Kate Failor presented Karson with a framed image of a patch that will travel with Matthew Failor and his team on the 2014 Iditarod. Matthew Failor will ride in memory of Dan Berry. The patch features a periwinkle ribbon, the symbol of esophageal cancer. After the race the patch will be sent to the Berry family.
The strength of a sled dog team is in the sum of its parts, or the team that they become. In March, Matt Failor and sled dog team, and a community of fans, will pull for one of their own.
