— from Krista Bouchey for Orcas Elementary —
Next year, kindergartners at Orcas Elementary School will have the opportunity to spend more than half the day outside on the campus of YMCA Camp Orkila. Students will benefit from a weekly outdoor experience led by professional educators and naturalists and supported by parent volunteers.
“This is a great way to utilize our local resources to get our students outside, as well as to cultivate their love of learning and the natural world,” says Mandy Randolph, who is the teacher leading up this project. Children will immerse themselves in the natural environment to supplement and expand on their classroom curriculum.
The focus of Wednesday in the Woods is bringing academics to the forest, enriching the common core academics, and making real world connections for the students. For example, students will be looking to find patterns in the forest and along the beach, counting trees and leaves, journaling and storytelling about their experience.
The program will need to raise money for appropriate outerwear to ensure every student is well prepared as they will be outside in all weather conditions. Please contact Lorena Stankevich at lstankevich@orcas.k12.wa.gov to find out more how you can help.
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