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11 de Julio Elementary, Grades 3-6 These communities, are located at the hightest elevation of all the communities around the Sanctuaries –around 3,200-3,500 meters, therefore, the only ways of making a living are agriculture with corn, potatos, yellow-beans and wheat grain crops, along with raising cattle and back-yard animals. Estela shows the scenery as she drives up-hill through Angangueo town. We can see the local-family workshops where wooden forniture is made as a micro-source of employment for some families in town; for many it has been the source of employment for 30 years now, since the mining activity closed. It is now January 19th, and morning temperatures are near to 0 (zero) Centigrade, but the sun-shine coming rather early up there in the Sanctuaries warms-up rather fast. Estela picks up a very young Mom with her children who were going to school. We all in the region comment we have had a rather mild winter so far, but know that the coldest days are coming. Some snow and colder temperatures should be coming very soon! It will be two years next March 8-9 that we had wonderful snow both in the mountains, communities and in Angangueo down-town. That snowfall was the most in two decades! As soon as children realize Journey North has arrived, they crowd offering help to escort their Ambassador Monarchs and the Canadian, North-American and Mexican flag. Then in the classroom. The presentation on conservation starts. All students show rapt attention. Estela have children to reflect and exchange of their knowledge on their local hábitat, mentioning the different species of insects and else animals accompanying Monarchs in the forests, specially polinators and other species of animals almost extinct now, but still seen. They do mention these endangered especies of local animals in their letters, as well as the many different kinds of wild flowers important to polinators. Teacher Pancho shares his experiences saying that over the 20 years he has been teaching at the school, and how the environment has changed during this time. Conservation of their resources was discussed in great detail with emotion for the future.At breaktime moms come to sell snacks and candies to their own children. Any profits go back into projects to improve the school. Back home from school; oldest brothers not continuing their studies after middlle or high school (this latter just being opened in the community), follow their parents’ paths into agriculture and cattle raising. Donations: “El Cuerpo Humano” illustrated book and "Abremente" game for older students and Mandalas game and "Dinosaurios" illustrated book for the younger students. Butterflies Received 1153 --- 1201
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