11:36 by Sue: We are teaming up with the Phoenix zoo to be part of their Barrel Program. Our school will receive 3 recycling barrels that our high school students will be decorating. These will then be returned to the zoo to be placed throughout the grounds to be used by the public. High schools all over the valley are doing the same and all the entries will be judged by the public in a contest on Earth Day.

20:35 by Sue: We have started our recycling program at Howard Gray. Initially recycling bins for paper and cardboard were put in each classroom. Over the last month students have been taking about two bins per classroom to the main recycling area. This last week we added aluminum and styrofoam. The independent living skills group will be taking these to outside recycling areas near our school. Also the cell phone program is going really well and sent off a box with 18 phones last week.

Students are designing posters with ideas on how we can further expand our program. These will be put up all around school, in the cafeteria, and the art/ recreation room.

11:53 by NANCY: VERRY GOOD IMAGES!!!!!!!!!!!!GOOD,GOOD.!!!!!!!!!

I'M MRS. PERNA STUDENT NANCY

11:36 by Sue: I am back in Arizona! Cannot believe how fast the time went and will be back in class tomorrow. After arriving back in Quito, we took a trip to the Otavalo market outside of Quito. Along the way we stopped at a Marzipan Factory where they make clay figures and ornaments. Then onto an archaeological site located at the middle of the world - Mitad del mundo. We were able to stand with one foot on the northern and one foot on the southern hemisphere! Next stop was a shop that made a wonderful pastry similar to a biscotti (but better) and covered all in carmel sauce - wow! Finally we made it to the Otavalo market. A large open air market with weavings, fabric, and alpaca products that are produced by the indigenous people of the area - the Quichua. Amazing colors and culture surrounded this area. Luckily we only had about an hour or I would have gone broke as there was so much to buy. Lunch was at a local hacienda that had llamas in the front yard!

That night we had dinner in old town Quito at a convent - St. Augustine. This was a church that is rich in history and has Spanish, Islamic, Ecuadorian and Indigenous influence in the architecture. We had arrived in Quito during the celebrations of its' foundation, so there was a lot of festivities in the area and fireworks. After dinner we were treated to a Chiva ride - a colorful bus that has a band playing on top of it. All of us were given whistles to blow as we drove down the streets. It was an amazing ending to a wonderful adventure I will never forget.

19:47 by Sue: Today was our last morning in the Galapagos! It started off with a visit to the Colegio National to donate the cameras that will be used to share the Galapagos environment and culture with Howard Gray. The whole school was there and I had the opportunity to meet the teacher who I will be working with on this exchange - Gandy. After this it was off to the airport for the flight to Quito. Quito is currently celebrating its 474 year of independence, so there will be lots of festivities around the area.

Tomorrow, is the Otavalo market. This is a large outdoor market that is run by the indigenous people of Ecuador.

14:07 by Dainel M: See you on monday have fun!!!!!!!

09:09 by Liz : Hello sue I am so glad you are having fun on your trip!!!!! We all finished are powerpoints although many of us had to do are history and famous people slides in english because they are too complicated to explain in spanish. John has been doing a good Job running the class I think were watching destinos today. I look forawrd to seeing you on monday and cant wait to see all the pictures you have and the stories you have to tell me. Have a safe flight back to the states and we all miss you!!!!

16:59 by Sue: Thanks everyonoe for your wonderful comments. I am on Santa Cruz right now. This island is in the middle of the archipeligo and has the largest human population - 17,000. The main town is Puerto Ayora and has a lot of traffic and hotels. The first day we arrived we presented our school projects that we did with the Galapaganous teachers at the Galapagos National Cologio school. This was a collaboration on environmental issues with US and Galapagos teachers. During this presentation we were entertained by students at the school. Yesterday, we went to the Parajo Brujo - an organic farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz. We had the opportunity to plant a Scalecia tree to help with reforstation of the islands. Also went to the Darwin Research center, where Lonesome George lives among many other Galapgos tortoises. Today, was a lecture on Biodiversity and a tour of the Santa Cruz recycling center. This is one of the most advanced recycling centers in South America. They are trying to really promote this on all the islands, as it is so difficult to remove trash from the islands. They are currently recycling 40% of their trash - which also includes organic materials. They hope to increase this, but it is difficult to get everyone on board.

15:53 by Pat Little: Sue: Hope you are having a great time. We miss you and can't wait to hear more about your adventures when you return.

13:31 by Julie: Hello! How's the trip? I can't wait to see your pictures when you get back!

08:26 by afroman: hey sue

talk to us plz :(

11:48 by anonymous: hey mrs. cullumber!

check on jennie for me...

09:32 by Prescott: Hello Sue, It's me. I'mm back. It is so good to know that you are having fun. Yoou deserve it. I can not wait to see you. I hope you enjoy your trip.

09:13 by Michael: Que pasa Sue? Usted es tan afortunado de estar en este viaje. Jealus muy im! Espero que tengan su diversión!!

13:43 by Head reporter of the newsletter: Joey: Sue who is your best friend?

Sue: Joey: Do you have a favorite sport? If so what? Sue: Joey: What is your favorite science project? Sue: Joey: How do you feel about wining the award? Sue: Joey: What are the Galapagos Islands like? Sue:

PS. Make the last answer lengthy pleas!

13:42 by Kristin: Wow Sue! The pictures are incredible! It looks like you are having an amazing experience! The blue footed bird was my favorite! I can't believe how bright his feet are! Nature is amazing! We miss you!

10:18 by Charlie: howdy sue

10:16 by Carolyn: Hi Sue how are the islands? having fun charlie says hi he is my partner for the golopigos progect we made a very colorful poster charlie thinks it looks like rainbow sherbet srouned by blueberry shurbet. it is very funny. have fun bye

09:58 by Roxie C: That is really exciting from what I heard.

18:40 by Sue: Wow what a day tody! First thing this morning we got off on Ferrandina Island. Incredible place! Pahoe-hoe lava (rope lava) covered most of the area where we walked with Marine Iguanas all over this. Got the chance to see the Marine Iguana males challenging each other by bumping heads. Among the iguanas were some Sally Light Foot crabs. Farther along on our walk, we saw a mating pair of the Flightless Comerant. Even though there are many species of the Comerant, this is the only one that does not fly. Since there it does not have any natural pretators on the islands this one has evolved to have smaller wings that are better for swimming and do not allow for flight. After leaving Ferranandina we headed to the strait between Isabela and Ferranandina. Here we did some snorkeling in Volcan Ecuador. Amazing life in the marine environment around the Galapagos. A Sea Lion swam past and around me. In the water was a puffer fish, schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, and the real reward was about 12 Golden Rays. This area also had some of the Galapagos Penguins - the 3rd smallest in the world.

Today we also past over the equator!

16:32 by Sue: Also visited Floreana today. We saw the lagoon of flamingos, sting rays at the edge of the water, and many many sea turtles. I was able to go snorkeling and may have a picture to share.

Floreana is younger than Espanola and San Cristobal because it is farther west and closer to the hot spot. Tomorrow we visit Fernandina- the youngest island in the archipelago. Only about 700,000 years old.

12:32 by Sue: Just got back from Espanola Island. One of the oldest islands in the Galapagos along with San Cristobal - they are around 5 million years old.

Espanola was incredible. We had a dry landed (did not have to get our feet wet). As soon as we got off there were sea lions everywhere with sea iguanas. We took a walk around the island and saw Blue Footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies - this was renamed from the Masked Booby as it was determined to be a seperate species from other ones on other islands, Waved Albatross, Galapagos Mocking bird, Galapagos hawk and Red billed tropic bird along with many lizards. There were quite a few babies - including sea lions, albatross, and blue footed ones.

Got a chance to see the Marine Iguanas eating and swimming in the water.

19:03 by Sue: We are now sailing on the Santa Cruz. We went to Cerro Brujo, which is just off the coast of San Cristobal. Gorgeous white sands, sea lions, Sally Light foot crabs and marine iguanas, plus amazing sea life - like sting rays and sea turtles. Tomorrow we go to 2 more islands - Española and Floreana.

The Galapagueños (people of the Galapagos) only have running water available to them for 2 to 3 hours a day. During that time they have to put the available water into some kind of storage area, so that it available to them throughout the day. What would your life be like? Could you do this? This includes water to drink, washing, sanitation, laundry, etc.

20:50 by Sue: Galapagos does not have many fresh water supplies. With people living on the islands this has become a major issue of discussion. Arizona can have similar issues in that it is a desert state with limited water resourses depending on the year and amount of rain we recieve.

20:43 by Sue: Wow can´t believe today is Thanksgiving- this will be one I´ll always remember. Had our school visit today to Pablo Pedro Andrade school. What a fantastic experience - such enthusiam. Taught a math actividad which everyone loved. Then went snorkeling and saw a sea turtle and sting ray!! ç

Thanksgiving was with the Galapagueno teachers that will be traveling on the boat with us. We did have turkey and lots of flamingo and local dancers -very impressive!

Tomorrow we board the cruise ship with the other teachers and start another incredible adventure. I hope I will be able to post many pictures of my visits to the farm, tortoises, San Cristobal and the school.

10:21 by dad: Woops, that last one was from dad, not dsd!

10:20 by dsd: Looks good, Sue. Happy Thanksgiving!

08:25 by Sue: I am on my way to the school visit. Mason I did get the gator, go the gallery on this site.

San Cristobal has seals everywhere. They are on the beaches and sidewalks. Lots of babies. I will try to upload pictures, but the internet is very slow and takes extremely long to upload even one.

It is great here - in the high 70s and the ocean is beautiful. Today after the school visit, I will go snorkeling. Maybe get a picture of a turtle or a seal swimming!!

Yesterday, we visited a local farm that grows coffee, corn, and bananas. I will bring back some of the coffee. Also went to a giant tortoise breeding facility - they are so small when they are born. They also eat leaves of the poison apple tree - a relative of poison ivy!! Got to eat in a local restaurant and was served fresh chicken from the farm!

Tomorrow we get on our boat to visit Espanola, Floreana and Fernandina!!!

10:56 by ME: Mason, if she got your picture of a gator, it would've probably showed this weekend, because gators are in the Everglades of Florida where Sue said they would stay a day or two before going to the Galapagos.

10:53 by ME: Where do I find the extra credit problem?

09:43 by Liz: Hello sue, I am so glad you had a good flight to san Cristobal I am sure it is beautiful there. I really enjoyed the picture of the lava picture you really captured it very well. we miss you in spanish class but John has been doing a very good job taking care of the class. The powerpoints are looking great!!!! Here in scottsdale it is very cold and rained very hard this morning while coming into school. It is precdicted that it will rain on thanksgiving. have a good thanksgiving!!!!!!

08:14 by Mason: HI HI HI HI WE MISS YOU DID YOU GET MY PICTURE OF A GATOR YET?!!

08:08 by : Hi Sue! How's the Galapagos? Have you visited San Cristobal yet? Hope you have fun!

06:36 by Laury: Hi Sue! Hope you are having an amazing time. Love the Everglades pics. Did you bring your troll to take pics with the sea lions?

05:49 by ME!!!: Is it cold there because of the ocean, or is it like Arizona in the winter with added humidity, or is it arid?

20:36 by Sue: made it to the Galapagos!!! We flew into San Cristobal this afternoon. There are sea lions everywhere!!! you see them on the sidewalks, at the beaches and you can even sit next to them.

Today we learned about the marine biome around the Galapagos. it is under protection, but still overfished. Tomorrow we visit a finca (Farm) in the highlands of San Cristobal. Will try to upload a few pics tomorrow.

17:54 by Rhiannon: hey sue i hope your so far your trip has been good ... glad you landed safely... oh and hope you enjoy your trip too have fun

17:47 by DANIEL :): You forgot your accent on mañana.

P.S. You will never guess who posted this comment.

10:08 by Alexx: Hello Sue!

I Hope you are learning a lot. Then you can teach us what you learned. I would like to know. Its been really hectic without you! Its the usual suspects.

               We Miss You!
                           Alexx G.

09:36 by Liz: Sue check out this Link,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beebe_gzb/356544953/

Its a joke about the blue footed booby

08:56 by Bradley H: hey sue really cool pictures you got there sue i really like them a lot but sue i really miss you a hole lot so come back happy

08:53 by Mykel: Hey. How's it goin?

08:34 by Anonamous Gamer: Hi Sue we all wish you a good time!

08:28 by HeHEHE you will never guess this is seth!: Ha galapagos means giant tortise or turtle or cow or something!

07:20 by Sue: I will post the question to the newsletter when we arrive in the Galapagos - probably manana (tomorrow).

22:25 by Sue: For more information on my trip go to the home page of this site and click on the Treehugger blog.

21:28 by sue: Just got to Quito, Ecuador tonight. Elevation is 9200 feet. Have felt a little light headed, but they say to drink lots of water! Flight from Miami was 4 hours, but we had about an hour delay because they had to check on a missing bolt. We fly out tomorrow at 9 am to the Galapagos and arrive around noon!!! Go to my gallery as I have pictures up from the Everglades and Miami.

15:00 by mari: Hi Sue!! Hope you dried out your shoes ok after the everglades. We all talk about how lucky you are to be in such a faraway place! Please email or text me the phone password so I can retrieve messages :'

14:11 by Julie: When did you get to the Galapagoa (about what time)? My mom wanted to know. She says good luck!

13:30 by The newsletter: Sue when you have the time can you give us a detailed discription of the Galapagos Islands?

12:20 by Liz: Sue, I am so glad you had a safe travel. I am sure it is pretty up there I look to forward to seeing all the pictures you are going to take. Take care

11:21 by Daniel T R: How is the natural beauty of the islands.

11:20 by IAN: Justin isd it cold there

10:39 by IAN: Im Ian wazzp sue?

U like it in there?

10:36 by Cody: hio

08:16 by Kristin : Sue- "Up to your hops in swamp water" sounds like a typical day here right? :) Can't wait to see your pictures! Hope you are having a blast and learning a lot!

07:52 by Cheryl: This is so wonderful. If anyone deserves this opportunity it's you. I'm looking forward to your beautiful pictures.

07:26 by Jason: Sue, have fun but don't get eaten by the same sea monster that ate Charles Darwin. I understand he still lurks in the waters of the Galapagos.

05:46 by Sue: Yesterday we spent a day at the Everglades with the National Park Rangers. We learned about the invasive species that were hurting the ecosystem and how it has changed due to human involvement. This is also happening in the Galapagos. We then took a "wet walk" - slogging - and were up to our hips in swamp water!! The Everglades have a very unique group of species that have adapted to this area. It needs to be preserved and protected so that humans do not change this wonderful environment. Think about this to help answer the question of the day from November 24. Lots of fun. Check out the pictures in the swamp, Everglades and with the rangers. Yes, I did have to go to school!

08:37 by Eddie: good luck and cant wait to see your pictures and hear about the trip.

18:34 by Sue: Thank you all for your wonderful comments! I'm all packed and ready to go bright and early tomorrow morning! Adios!

17:47 by Ross G: Sue, Have a great time, lots of fun, be safe. We’ll be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing your photos!

16:41 by Tom Williams: Have a great trip Sue. Banner Behavioral Health Hospital and the Howard S. Grayu school are so proud of you and the learning experience yu are bringing to so many!!

14:06 by Julie: Hope you will have fun! I will miss you!

09:40 by Liz: Hi sue I wish you a safe travel I know you will have fun take lots of pictures please.

09:07 by : Hi sue i'm going to miss you a hole lot and also make sure you take lots and lots and lots of pictures for me because i know that you like giving them to me just because yoour really super nice when you want to be. And i would really like a picture of a snake that you might come across but if you don't its fine no big deal. Also if you can please do take lots and lots of pictures of those big manta rays or penjuins or marine iguanas or also some sea lions or blue footed boobys or a pelecan or a hawk something please. Thank you so much bye now see you later sue we will all miss you so very much!!!!!!!!!!!!

08:24 by NOMINOUS SPARTANS: JK WE WILL MISS YOU

13:38 by Kyle Miller: :D Have a great time Sue! Put up pictures here whenever you can, por favor!

12:40 by MASON: TAKE A PHOTO OF A GATOR

12:40 by DANIEL T R: HAVE A GREAT TRIP TAKE PHOTOS AND STUFF

FROM YOU STUDENT MASON FALLSTROM

10:01 by Mari: Hi Sue, Safe travels!

17:12 by Sue: I will be leaving on Saturday, November 22, for Miami, Florida. We will be spending a day in the Everglades to learn about the fragile ecosystem of this environment. The everglades ecosystem is similar to that of the Galapagos. Click on the assignment link for a Question of the Day.