From Qasgiq to Classroom Residency: An in-school performance experience

From the ancient Yup’ik qasgiq (ask our staff for the pronunciation), or community house, where stories were told, young boys were educated, and community dances and celebrations were held, to your classroom, ANHC staff bring Native cultures directly to you.
From Qasgiq to Classroom is a two-day workshop that begins with a Shavila assembly and continues with two days of intensive work with up to 100 students in your school. Students learn a traditional dance and make personal regalia to wear during their performance. They also learn an ancient narrative and help fashion the props and costumes to aid them in their dramatic retelling of the story. The program culminates with an in-school performance by your students.
Recommended especially for 3rd grade classes, but available for all elementary grades. During the two-day residency, we can work with up to 100 students in 3 classes or groups, provided that teachers, parents, and aides are available to assist with classroom management.

Cost: $550 for the assembly (for all students in the school) plus two days of workshops with 100 students (equivalent to less than a standard $6 fee per child for a fieldtrip to ANHC). There is no discount for fewer than 100 students.

From Qasgiq to Classroom is available in the Anchorage area on the following dates:

• October 9-31, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• December 4-19, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• January 8-April 9, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (excluding Spring Break)

Program details:

• Tuesday, 10 a.m.: Shavila Assembly for the whole school
• Tuesday, 11:15, 1:00, and 2:00 All three groups (100 students total) work with ANHC staff on three phases of the performance presentation
• Wednesday, 10:15 to lunchtime: The three groups complete their regalia, costumes, and props
• Wednesday, 1:00: Dress rehearsals
• Wednesday: 2:00: All-school performance by students

Parent/teacher involvement in a From Qasgiq to Classroom Residency

ANHC staff will need your help to make this a successful residency. Teachers must commit to remaining with the students throughout the project. In addition, please have two or three parents or aides in the classroom to help with art projects, instruction, and classroom management.

Reserving a From Qasgiq to Classroom Residency

Anchorage School District teachers fill out a Community Resource Request Form and submit it to the ASD Community Resources Office. Private schools and organizations call ANHC at 907/330-8002 or toll free at 800/315-6608.

Sponsored by Conoco Phillips