High Plain Elementary School

Outdoor Education 2019 - 2020

Nature’s Classroom

Dear Parents,

We are excited to tell you about our plans for our Outdoor Education Program. This is one of the most highly anticipated events in fifth grade! This week is an opportunity for students to experience a hands-on approach to science. We will return to Nature’s Classroom at their beautiful Groton, MA site. Your future fifth grader is scheduled to attend the program from:

Monday, October 28^th – Wednesday, October 30^th 

 Nature’s Classroom’s curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Science & Technology Curriculum Frameworks. Through exploration of the streams, marshes, kettle ponds and surrounding areas, students will be able to make connections to topics learned in the classroom. Students will learn about energy flow through the environment, life cycles and ecological changes. The teaching staff is professional and well-trained with diverse backgrounds, including the sciences, humanities, and education. All staff members have had background CORI checks and a registered nurse will be available twenty-four hours for medical coverage and safety.

The students will be housed in cabins with private bathroom facilities, each of which will be chaperoned by an adult from the Nature’s Classroom staff. Meals are served cafeteria style in a large dining hall with a varied, chef-prepared menu that appeals to children’s tastes. The chef will also work to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

The estimated cost for the 3-day, two-night trip will be $375.00 per student. Natures Classroom requires we send a deposit by Thursday, May 2^nd to hold our reservation. Payment can be made in two installments or in full. Please complete the attached form and return this to your child’s teacher along with your payment of $375 or $187.50 if opting for the installment option by no later than, Wednesday, May 1^st, 2019. 

Payment will be accepted by personal check or money order payable to High Plain Elementary School. All remaining final installments of $187.50 will be due by Monday, June 3^rd, 2019.

In order to ensure that all students are able to take advantage of this wonderful experience, we are also hoping to create a scholarship fund for students in need of financial assistance. In past years, we were extremely fortunate to have a number of parents provide scholarship money. We will gratefully accept any size donation. If you are interested in making a donation, please indicate so on your participation form and include with payment.

We have arranged for Natures classroom to provide parents an informational presentation on Thursday, April 11^th at 6pm in the Auditorium. This will be the only parent presentation offered please consider coming to learn about this highly anticipated event and ask any questions you may have.

For additional information, please visit the Natures Classroom’s website at: https://www.naturesclassroom.org/groton. There, you will find a slide show, some pictures and other information about the Groton site. We look forward to working with you to provide an exciting, rewarding environmental experience for your child!

Please complete the attached form and return it to your child’s teacher along with your payment by Wednesday, May 1^st, 2019.

Sincerely,

The Grade 5 Team