May 26th No School
May 28th Crazy hat/hair day
May 28th Faculty vs. Students-
Kickball game
May 29th Crazy sock day
May 29th 6th Grade Graduation
(10:30-12:00pm)
May 27th-30th Early Out-1:00pm
Our 6th graders have recently returned from the Annual Field Trip to the Redwoods in California. We team up with Alliance Redwoods to provide our students a week long program that comprises of a variety of Environmental Science classes, Challenges Course activities, Team Building Initiative classes, a beach field trip…just to name a few of the activities. This program has become a corner stone of our school and I am already looking forward to next year. Also, this trip would not come to be if it wasn’t for the support of amazing parents who are willing to aid as a chaperone. Thank you to all the chaperones that helped make this trip a reality and an experience the students will never forget.
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As I look back on this past week and wonder how any one group could have pulled off such an amazing trip for our 6th graders, I pondered on how we even got to the point of sitting waiting for the train. It took a group of young kids to pull together early by coming up with ways to earn money. As I watched in some of the fundraising events such as the fall festival food booth. These kids came together to help sell food. What they didn't know was they were in the beginning steps of learning how to work as a Team.
As we finally made it onto the train there was an excitement that filled the air everyone could feel it, it was finally happening. The excitement and anticipation that each child felt of what was going to come in the next days was so great that some wanted to sleep and others couldn't sit still. This Team had left impressions on the others passengers that were traveling on the same train. I was stopped multiple times during our trip on what our group of kids were embarking on. Both on the train and at the airport. Everyone that stopped me were in such an amazement on how well our team was behaving and they were very impressed by their commitment to the team as they prepared to travel so far from home.
As we got to the redwoods camp the feeling of how spectacular the environment felt it had us in a state of utopia. The grounds were kept up and the view was amazing. As I was paired up with another chaperone we kept saying how awesome the view was and how great these kids are going to enjoy this week. Just as an example of the kind of respect we had going on right from the beginning; the first buss arrived shortly before the other. This half of the team had moved all of the luggage from the parking lot to the basket court. So when the second bus arrived we were able to start in a timely manner.
The first day was the beginning of many changes that happened over the week as each child was experiencing things that couldn't be taught in a classroom environment. Everyone was stretched like a ballon in their comfort level in some way. It was an honor to be there for these kids to be one with them and not to take away from their experience but to also help them grow as well. I had a chance to watch changes be made by everyone there. There isn't one thing that pops into my mind that was more significant that the other. During the night hike experience each team member was given the opportunity to experience independence as they were guided by a small red light spaced far enough away that as they came to one light that was held by a chaperone that they would see the next light. It was a time for them to reflect on their other senses and to overcome any fears. As I was at the beginning of the trail spacing out each team member the level of anxiety, fear, and insecurity set in. I watched as the whole group was once spread out in the open suddenly became a tight group with a million questions of worried, scared, to I can't do it being blurted out towards me. As I was explaining to them that if they used what was just taught in the class leading up to this challenge they would be able to overcome any insecurity. As I watched each child leave the group behind not one child screamed or was scared enough to turn back towards me. After what seemed to be a short period of time I too started down the dark path knowing that the next light I see would only be the beacon of light that would direct me down to the next light. As I got to the end the rest of the group was patiently waiting for us to continue. At the end they were all enlightened on what they had accomplished and thanked those around them for supporting them.
Each challenge course was different for everyone and there were different fears that we each overcame. As each group was challenged and stretched to their comfort level it was truly remarkable to watch. As we approached the different challenge courses every member was respectful, supportive, helping, and above all became one strong team. I watched as one of the last challenges was for the students to work out away to keep a teeter totter balanced using everyone to stand on both sides of this platform long enough for the chaperones to sing row row your boat without hitting either side of the platform. It took the each member to participate and to understand that it requires a leader and everyone to do their part for the team.
As I watched every day each child had grown on many different levels it was amazing. When each child was given the opportunity and partaking in the different challenge courses, to team building experience there level of confidence and growth was tremendous. There were lifelong lessons that were taught and learned during this field trip; from working as a team to being respectful to others.
Going on this field trip was a pleasure, the best thing that any one chaperone could do for their group was to be there for them listen, engage in them learn their likes and dislikes. Earn their respect and you will have the best time ever! Don't take away from their experience but add to it. Teach them new things when they are with you and not in class. They will listen. Don’t get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the everyday schedule on the trip. Appreciate the moments that you have with them. Encourage them to do their best. And the best of all be there for them, be part of the experience but not take away from their's, let go of your fears.
Thanks,
Preston Allen
Introducing the 2014-2015 MMA school sports grades 6-8! Please fill out the attached flyer of the sports/clubs you would be interested in for next year and return to Ms. Anna in the office.
