December Delights

The month of December was filled with delightful experiences that allowed our Crew to focus on building and practicing our habits of character.  

Service Learning

We had an incredible day at the HRCA Backcountry Base Camp!  Although the work was labor-intensive, students persevered and showed exceptional effort in completing their projects.  

Projects included: brush clearing/fire mitigation, building berms around Ponderosa Pines to protect the trees from elk, painting tree stumps for the outdoor classrooms, digging up cacti, installing bird houses, painting game boards and game pieces, and sanding and sealing seats at the outdoor ampitheater. After all of our hard work, we were able to enjoy ourselves in the outdoor play area (and had the opportunity to test out some of our newly-created games).  

Brush Clearing/Fire Mitigation

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

Building Berms

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

(photo courtesy of Mellissa Baskall)

Painting Tree Stumps

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

Digging Up Cacti

Installing Bird Houses

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

Painting Game Boards and Game Pieces

(photo courtesy of Christa Prideaux)

Sanding and Sealing Seats in the Ampitheater

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

(photo courtesy of Lindsey Moore)

Fun in the Outdoor Play Area

(Photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

We donated three shovels, one set of loppers, and thirty pairs of work gloves to the HRCA Backcountry with some of the money earned from the concession stand at the Haunted Forest.  

(photo courtesy of HRCA Backcountry)

Before leaving the HRCA Backcountry Base Camp, students shared one thing they contributed during their visit as they dropped a rock into the insect watering hole (which we placed next to the insect hotel on the property).  

(photo courtesy of Christa Prideaux)

When we returned and reflected on our service learning experience, there was an incredible buzz around our room.  While we set out to make a positive impact, it was amazing to hear how this experience positively impacted our Crew.  Students shared new discoveries about themselves and other Crew members and showed great pride in their accomplishments.  

Celebration of Learning

Prior to this joyous event, our Crew discussed and reflected on what the phrase "Celebration of Learning" meant to them.  

As a Crew, we decided that "Celebration of Learning" meant that we reflect on our thinking and newly gained knowledge through our experiences.  Students selected experiences from this Expedition where significant learning took place and decided on pieces of evidence to share that demonstrated this learning.

Here is a look at some of our "Behind the Scenes" work...

• Researching and collaborating to compose an ecosystem rap

• Analyzing Joyce Sidman's informational writing and incorporating elements she uses into our own writing

• Giving and receiving feedback to improve our high-quality scientific drawings of our researched animals 

Students shared their reflections and key take-aways at the Celebration of Learning event.  

(photo courtesy of Joy Gottschall)

Justin Matott Author Visit

Local author, Justin Matott, came to our school to visit with fourth and fifth grade students about the writing process.  He shared about his process and what it takes to get a story published.  He then engaged our Crew in an interactive writing experience.  Together, fourth graders planned and began crafting a collaborative fiction story.  

Winter Party

We had a wonderful celebration filled with laughter and good times.  Students enjoyed playing Minute-to-Win-It games, creating marshmallow snowflakes, and eating yummy, healthy snacks!

Our FCE Holiday Hat Day put on by Kids Caring for Kids with Cancer (KCKC) was a huge success.  As a school, we raised $301!  

Finally, a huge shout-out to all the volunteers that made our Service Learning and Winter Party a success!  Thank YOU!  We couldn't have done it without you!!