Marshall Catch Concert at Turning Winds Academic Institute for Students and Staff

Local Artist Marshall Catch plays a concert at Turning Winds Academic Institute for Students and Staff

By: Katie N.



On July 15th, a band named Marshall Catch came to Turning Winds. Both the guys and girls group had a blast.  Before they started playing, we had an "all you can eat" picnic.  The cook team did an excellent job with the food!  They made strawberry shortcake that was to die for!
Once the band started playing, the girls and guys got on separate sides and danced to the music.  They ended up playing some really good songs.  A few of the students showed off their talents by playing the harmonica and doing the worm.  It was pretty fun to watch!
After the concert everyone was talking about how much fun they had listening to the music and dancing.  I'm really grateful I was able to participate in this amazing event.  I hope this happens again in the future!!

Student teaches Food Safety Course

Ian Light, senior, at Turning Winds Academic Institute began the Food Handler's Certification courses by following his interests and leading other students to learn more.

I remember the day Janet, our academic director, invited me and several other students to try our hand at baking. On the way to the kitchen, I mentioned I had earned my food handler's certification at my previous school. Janet asked me if I'd like to share my knowledge of food handling with other students and I jumped on the idea! I drew up a syllabus and a four week curriculum based on my experience and the expectations from the State of Montana food handler's requirements.

Ian started this class by presenting a Purple People Eaters' lesson from the University of Idaho Extension office. Students learned about germs and how they spread by rubbing lotion with ultraviolet cream on their hands. They then washed their hands and looked at them under an ultraviolet light. Wow! Were they surprised to find the places they had missed. Even the program director, operations director and Janet tried their hand at the washing test. Ian then present proper hand washing techniques and the entire student body did the test again with much improvement.

Ian started the food handlers' kitchen labs with staff support; teaching students proper kitchen and food handling etiquette. The students completed kitchen lab write-ups and evaluated their own skills and the tastiness of the menu. At the end of the four weeks, all the students in the class gained the knowledge to successfully pass the food handler's test and some even purchased their license! The school continues to provide opportunities for food handler's certification through staff support in the kitchen.

Turning Winds Academic Institute provides individualized instruction and project-based learning creating an environment where students are excited to learn. 

"Individualized instruction and project learning creates more than book knowledge. I have learned what the information applies to and how to use it."  Ian Light

Students at TWAI and are able to follow their passion and share this with other students. Thanks Ian for a job well-done! (Pun intended : ).

Janet Hanson
Academic Director
Turning Winds Academic Institute

Student Reflections on Trip to Glacier National Park

"For a week of my life I went to Glacier National Park.  While there, I got to hike and fish and enjoy the native beauty.  It was an experience I probably would not have had outside of Turning Winds Academic Institute.  Somthin I enjoyed was learning to fly fish, even though I didn't catch any fish.  The trip was very renewing and relaxed me greatly.  I am so grateful to Elizabeth and Bill, and believe that being at Glacier National Park was an experience of a lifetime." ~Nathan

"Thinking about Glacier makes me speechless.  The beauty is humbling.  During my trip, I grew spirtually and emotionally.  The best part of the trip was probably seeing Chief Mountain because my practice of traditional.  I practiced "walking gently" on the land of many.  I noticed an immense amount of awe in the "crew" the minute we hit the glaciers.  I learned a whole lot about all of the individuals on the trip.  We all bonded.  Glacier was one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life." ~Briana

"During my trip I got an overwhelming feeling of happiness.  I remembered all my past camping trips and it really felt like I was home.  I have always loved the outdoors, but when I got caught up in all the bad things I was doing I lost that and I now realize what I was throwing away." ~Skylar