Greetings from Kursa!

In our first week at Kursa this year, we welcomed 35 students from across the United States, as well as from Toronto, Vancouver and Liepāja. The graduating class of 2025 includes nine students!

We are happy to welcome new teachers this year: Arnolds Kārklis from Rīga, teaching music and singing, while accompanying classes on guitar; Vineta Kalniņa from Ape, teaching handicrafts and Latvian kitchen; and Līga Andersone, who teaches Latvian literature and grammar. Returning staff include Indra Jēkabsone (Geography and History), Evija Gingko (Literature and Grammar), Andris Rūtiņš (Metalwork), Marita Pelēce (Ceramics), and Viktors Pūpols (History and Chess).

This year, when we arrived at Kursa, it wasn’t just a joyful reunion — we were also welcomed by some renovated spaces and updated technology! Baļķu māja, the log building, now has stable internet for classes (and for the upcoming language exams next week), thanks to Valdis Riekstiņš and Gunārs Turaids, with support from LVA and PBLA. Carpet squares have also been installed, making the learning environment cozier both during and after classes — our thanks to Kārlis Grendze for the donation and the Atvars family for the design and installation.

Kursa field trip to Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, July 15, 2025

Beyond studies, activities, and celebrations, we also went on Kursa’s annual field trip — this year to Hurricane Ridge, where this year’s graduating class had their very first Kursa field trip.

In just one week, we’ll be welcoming guests for our Open House! Come meet our students and teachers, sing together, and join in the dancing! Please check our online calendar for more detailed information, and kindly fill out the Google form so we can prepare accordingly — especially for meals: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KuJV4G_cFsijtvyvr7gtjozktScTnx0k?usp=sharing Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!