Connecting Students to the Natural World

Dear Families,

Many times during the school year, your student will be going outdoors for various purposes throughout the school day. They will explore some of the natural areas and habitats that are adjacent to our school building to enjoy the fresh air and learn about the trees, plants, and animals that are our neighbors. 

Why are we trying to connect our students to the natural world?

  • to foster a sense of curiosity/wonder and genuine inquiry

  • to teach the value of slowing down

  • to hone observational skills

  • to practice both writing and drawing skills 

  • to promote respect for and appreciation of nature

Our school physician affirms that being outdoors promotes health and wellness and has benefits for all of us.  As educators, we believe in teaching children how to enjoy the outdoors safely. Living in Eastern Massachusetts requires our awareness of ticks. Classroom teachers will review tick safety with students. Families should also follow a few simple steps to minimize the small risks involved in outdoor activities. 

  • Have your child wear light-colored long pants tucked into light-colored socks, closed-toe shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt when they will be outdoors in nature. This helps make any ticks on clothing visible. 

  • The CDC recommends using an insect repellent containing 20% DEET. Follow directions, and apply repellent before your child comes to school. Insect repellent protects against both mosquitoes and ticks. Similar to sunblock, school staff cannot apply insect repellent to students.

  • Wearing a hat or bandana is an extra precaution you can take to protect the head and neck from ticks. 

  • The children will be asked to look for ticks on clothing before coming back into school, but please perform a full-body tick check on your child at home daily after school/in the evening.

For more information on ticks, please consult the CDC Websites on Ticks: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html and Preventing Tick Bites:

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html.

Students will go outdoors as a whole class or in small groups accompanied by teachers and staff to reap the benefits of the outdoors, and they will be encouraged to notice, observe, and discover how the natural world looks, works, and changes with the seasons.  Please talk to your child’s principal if you have questions.

Thank you,

Elementary Principals

Diane Spring, Elementary Nurse Leader

Jean Oviatt-Rothman, Elementary Science Curriculum Coordinator

Walter Rodriguez