Outdoor Ed. March 2017
Neelsville Middle School
Welcome to Outdoor Education for Neelsville Middle School!
Dear Sixth Grade Parents,
As part of the Montgomery County Public School curriculum, sixth grade students will participate in the Outdoor Education program. This year, our school has been scheduled at the Skycroft Conference Center, in Middletown, MD from March 6-10. Students will be going in two groups on the following days:
Ms. Hoobler’s/Ms. Chin's science classes: Monday, March 6 to Wednesday, March 8
Mr. Hyson’s science classes: Wednesday, March 8 to Friday, March 10
During the Outdoor Ed trip, we will be working in all subject areas but plan to emphasize science and social studies, engaging students in outdoor activities that we would not do in a regular classroom. Neelsville teachers and a MCPS outdoor specialist will be in charge of instruction.
There is a nurse on duty at the site during the day (from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.). Staff members take care of any health concerns or issues during the evening, consulting with the health technician and with parents when necessary.
While at camp, students will be staying in cabins with bunk beds. Group living in the cabins, the dining hall, and elsewhere adds to the valuable experience of living, learning, working, and playing together.
Your child’s clothing and possessions should be packed into one piece of luggage, which he or she can carry. Each child should also bring a sleeping bag (or blanket) and pillow. All possessions should be clearly labeled with a sturdy nametag. It is not necessary to purchase new clothing. In fact, old, comfortable clothing is more appropriate for most outdoor activities. Rain gear of some type is a must. A packing list will be provided closer to the date of the trip.
The cost of this program is $80 per child. Montgomery County Public Schools charge $76 for the program and Neelsville Middle School charges an additional $4 to cover supply expenses. If this fee imposes a financial hardship on any family, please send a confidential note to the sixth grade team leader, Mr. Steven Marconi. No child will be deprived of this valuable learning experience for financial reasons.
On the day of departure, students may not carry their luggage on the school bus, they will need a ride to school. Students should arrive to school at 8:30 a.m. When arriving at school, students should take their luggage to the cafeteria. His/her luggage will be loaded onto the luggage bus and then transported directly to the outdoor education center. Students will ride in separate buses. Students will leave their bus one mile from the camp and hike in. They should wear shoes that are sturdy and comfortable for walking. They should dress for weather conditions that morning.
All meals are provided at the camp except for lunch on the first day. Students should bring a bagged lunch for that first meal. We expect to arrive back at school around 1:00 p.m. on the day of return. Students should be picked up at this time as they cannot carry their luggage home on the school bus.
The attached permission form, with check made out to the school, should be filled out and returned as soon as possible. If you have any questions about the outdoor education program, please contact the sixth grade team leader, Mr. Steven Marconi at Steven_J_Marconi@mcpsmd.org.
WE NEED YOU!
Night Activities
Students will enjoy various night activities including s'mores at the campfire, obstacle courses, and making their own gimp bracelets.
Confidence Course
Students will participate in team building exercises at the confidence course.
Invasive Species
Students learning about non-native plants around the camp grounds.
3 Day Schedule at Outdoor Ed
Neelsville Middle School
Email: Steven_J_Marconi@mcpsmd.org
Website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/neelsvillems/
Location: 11700 Neelsville Church Rd, Germantown, MD 20876, United States
Phone: (301) 353-8064
Facebook: Facebook.com/NeelsvilleMS
Twitter: @NeelsvilleMS