September 22, 2016
Dear Parents and Guardians of 6th grade students,
We are excited about your child’s participation with his/her class in the Schoodic Education Adventure (SEA) program with Acadia National Park. The SEA program is conducted under the umbrella of the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC) which is based on Big Moose Island, at Schoodic Point. During their stay on the SERC campus, students will participate in hands-on natural and cultural resource activities to learn about the diverse treasures preserved by the National Park Service. Students will learn and use skills commonly used in any field work. These skills will include data collection and mapping (basic to any study of science or cultural field site), interpretation and synthesis of data, observation, communication skills with graphs, maps, and presentations. ‘Tools and technology of the trade’ will be utilized.
Students will recognize how the use of these skills leads to an understanding of our resources. Their appreciation of the ever increasing value of protected lands and the conservation agencies involved in stewardship will grow. By being actively involved, students will discover that they, as a class, and as individuals are an important link in natural and cultural resource protection. On a social level, a field outing of this nature will help foster a rapport among teachers and students alike. Confidence in themselves, responsibility for their actions, and cooperation with their classmates are just a few of the outcomes.
We will be leaving on Wednesday, October 12th (approximately 8:45 AM) and returning to school on Friday, October 14th (approximately 12:30 PM). The attached information will assist you and your child in the preparation for the SEA experience. Please fill out and sign the SEA Release Form, Model Release Form and return to your child’s teacher ASAP. The other attachment lists suggested items to bring (and items to leave at home). Please call or email if you have any questions. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Maggie Reed, Science Teacher
mreed@mdirss.org tel #(207) 244- 5502 Ext 4207
Bonnie Norwood, Science Teacher
bonnie.norwood@mdirss.org tel #(207) 244- 5502 Ext 4210