Dear Parents, 

The second graders were radiant with enthusiasm and energy as they hiked on Mimi’s Trail on Friday, October 14^th, With the help and support of TES staff, second grade parents and their fourth grade buddies, they walked a total of 5 miles, taking breaks, snacking, and spending time with their friends, as they needed. With many children walking at their own pace, they were happy and secure in knowing that many supportive adults and children surrounded them.

 

 

 View at the top of Mimi’s Trail

Before and following the hike, we had some poignant discussions about the importance of the hike, and what it meant to each of them.   In their own words, they were able to express the connection between the challenge of a hike, and the recognition of the hunger and hardship that many Vermonters confront each day within their families. Their empathy and understanding of the “bigger idea”, of hunger, was impressive.

 

 

Project-Based Learning…..

…Second Graders Caring for and Teaching others about Zebedee Headwaters……..

Guided by the “Driving Question” that is at the heart of our Zebedee Project, How can TES second graders teach our community about taking care of the Zebedee Headwaters, the children are following intentional steps to reach this goal. Recognizing that our priorities dovetail with those of the Upper Valley Land Trust, we are devoting the fall visits to the wetlands to tree, plant, and animal’s identification. By familiarizing ourselves with the habitat, the children are becoming increasingly observant of changes and challenges that have emerged in the wetlands

 

hiking on the Linny Levin Trail

 

Sara Cavin, Director of Programs at UVLT, accompanied the second grade on a Wetlands walk about a week ago. Her role, as an environmental expert familiar with this landscape, was to explore questions posed by the second graders; and to teach and inform us about the invasive species that threaten the biodiversity of the wetlands. By teaching us how to identify them, and how they threaten the wetlands, the children have more knowledge about the importance of managing this challenge. She pointed out several of the invasive species as we were hiking. The hope is that with each successive visit, and repetitive identification of these species the children can then point them out to others who might be walking on the trail with them.

 

We look forward to seeing you at our school-wide Open House, on Thursday evening, October 20^th, from 5:30-6:30, Please come visit our classroom and share your child’s enthusiasm about his school work!