OUTDOOR EDUCATION May 8, 2017 – May 12, 2017

Skycroft Conference Center – Middletown, Maryland

COORDINATORS: Victoria Knorr – Victoria_A_Knorr@mcpsmd.org

Jason Volz – Jason_Volz@mcpsmd.org

March 28, 2017 Dear Parents/Guardians, The Outdoor Education Program will be one of the most memorable experiences in your child’s middle school career. This school year, the sixth grade class is scheduled to attend Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, Maryland from May 8 – May 12. Students will attend Outdoor Education in two sessions according to who their science teacher is. Students who have Ms. Rakowiecki for science will attend the first half of the week (May 8 – May 10). Students who have Ms. Knorr for science will attend the second half of the week (May 10 – May 12). Approximately 150 students, 20 parent chaperones, and 10 RPMS staff members will attend each session. This packet will give you a detailed breakdown of your child’s Outdoor Education experience this spring!

PARENT MEETINGS: On Monday, April 3, there will be a parent information meeting held at RPMS from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. This meeting will be a general overview of the three days and two nights your child will spend at Skycroft Conference Center in May! All sixth grade parents are urged to attend this meeting. On Monday, April 24, there will be a parent chaperone meeting at RPMS from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in room A101. This meeting will only be for the parents that have volunteered and been selected to be a chaperone for the trip! The Outdoor Education coordinators have reached out to confirm chaperone duty with those parents who already volunteered for the trip early in the school year. For your child’s safety, all overnight parent chaperones are required to have a fingerprinting and background check on file with MCPS. CLASSES & ACTIVITIES: While at Outdoor Education, your child will participate in various instructional classes during the day and recreational activities in the evening, such as:

Confidence Course (Team Building)

Exploring the Watershed (Utilizing Compass Skills)

Predator/Prey (Ecosystems & Human Impact)

Stream Study (Wildlife & Water Analysis)

Campfire, Night Hike, & T-Shirt Decorating

Outdoor Ed Dance with DJ “Reptile Wonders” Show Student Service Learning

Project

OBJECTIVES: Through a study of the instructional courses and recreational activities indicated, we will concentrate on developing the following objectives:

1) To cultivate students’ awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and concern for the natural environment and the effect of people’s actions upon it.

2) To provide students with many direct experiences using the scientific processes, such as observing, predicting, hypothesizing, measuring, and classifying.

3) To apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations beyond the classroom.

4) To enhance human relations among students and their peers, as well as students and adults.

LUGGAGE: Your child’s clothing and toiletries should be confined to ONE piece of luggage, which he or she can carry. It is not necessary to purchase new clothing for this trip; in fact, old clothing is more appropriate for most outdoor activities. Please note that long pants are required for ALL instructional classes. Also, check the weather prior to departure and pack accordingly. Keep in mind that students will be outside for several hours at a time. In addition to clothing, each child should bring bedding items (pillow, blanket, sheets, sleeping bag, etc.). All bedding items should be contained in ONE bag (a large plastic garbage bag will suffice for this). It is highly recommended to pack TWO extra plastic garbage bags for the return home—an extra bag for dirty/wet clothing, and an extra bag for re-packing bedding items (often times, students will accidentally rip the original garbage bag). Please refer to the equipment list (attached within packet) for more guidelines on what to pack for your child. All possessions going on the luggage bus should be clearly identified on the outside of the bag/suitcase. Please label your child’s belongings using duct tape/masking tape. All possessions must be labeled with the following information:

Student’s first and last name Student’s assigned cabin Student’s assigned instructional group

MEALS: Students will be served meals cooked in-house at Skycroft Conference Center. They will be served the following meals while away at the Outdoor Education program:

First Day: Dinner only (bagged meal for lunch; see more information in “Day of Departure”) Second Day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Third Day: Breakfast and lunch

Please refer to the Skycroft menu (attached within packet) for a complete list of food served at Skycroft. If there are any food allergies or other concerns, please read the information at the bottom of the menu and contact one of the Outdoor Education coordinators.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: Students will be sleeping in cabins that have all the modern amenities they might have at home, such as heat, electricity, indoor plumbing, etc. Students will share gender specific living spaces, will sleep in bunk beds, and will use communal restrooms. Students will be supervised at all times by parent chaperones assigned to each cabin. No males will share cabin space with females, and vice versa. Students will be randomly assigned to their cabin.

DAY OF DEPARTURE: Students must be dropped off at RPMS on the day of departure between 8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. with their bagged lunch and luggage. Students will NOT be allowed to ride their regular school bus with their luggage, and students should NOT arrive earlier than 8:40 a.m. If there are special circumstances with the drop off time, please contact an Outdoor Education coordinator to discuss the matter. Luggage will be organized by cabin in front of the school building. Students will not be able to get back into their luggage once they enter the building that morning. Students must be dressed ready to hike (long pants, jacket, warm accessories, boots/sneakers). After leaving Rosa Parks and arriving in Middletown, students will be dropped off from the bus one to three miles away from Skycroft Conference Center, and will hike in. Students may bring a small bag on the bus with hats, gloves, a disposable camera, a water bottle (WATER ONLY), a book to read, etc., but please be aware that students will have to carry the bag with them on the hike. All students should eat breakfast at home or at school like normal, and all students must bring a bagged lunch to school the day of departure. Please pack lunch in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Be sure to only pack enough food for one meal, and do not send any type of reusable containers or silverware, as we have no way to store these items during the trip. Leftover food may not be taken to the cabins! Students will bring their lunch with them into the school building the morning of departure. It will be collected prior to boarding the busses. Lunches will be transported on the luggage bus and will be organized by instructional group. All bagged lunches must be labeled with the following information:

Student’s first and last name Student’s assigned instructional group

Parents are encouraged to write a letter to their child that they can receive while they are away on their trip. Students will receive mail at various times throughout the trip. If you wish to write your child a letter, please put their full name and their instructional group’s name on front of the envelope(s). You may drop your letter(s) in the designated mailbox the morning of departure outside the school building.

EXPECTATIONS ON THE TRIP: Please remember that Outdoor Education is an extension of the classroom, and that all students are expected to follow the same rules and meet the same behavioral expectations required of them while at school. Students who do not meet these expectations will receive a consequence from their team leader or administrator. In the case of a serious incident, students may need to be picked up by their parent/guardian. Therefore, it is important that each student behave appropriately, follow directions the first time given, show respect to all peers and adults present on the trip, and report to each scheduled event on time.

RETURNING TO RPMS: Students who have Ms. Rakowiecki and are departing for the Outdoor Education program on Monday, May 8 will arrive back to RPMS on Wednesday, May 10 by 1:00 p.m. Students who have Ms. Knorr are departing for the Outdoor Education program on Wednesday, May 10 will arrive back to RPMS on Friday, May 12 by 1:00 p.m. Students need to leave upon their arrival back to RPMS (they will NOT finish out the rest of the school day). Therefore, you are expected to pick them up at this time or arrange a carpool for your child. Students will NOT be allowed to ride their regular school bus with their luggage! Please inform one of the Outdoor Education coordinators in writing if you have arranged transportation with another adult, or if your child is authorized to walk home with his/her belongings.

STUDENTS WHO TAKE MEDICATION: All medication must be brought to the health room two weeks prior to leaving for Outdoor Education. If prescribed medication is needed, the MCPS form 525-13 (attached within packet) must be completed by your child’s physician. If your child will require non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication during their stay, you must complete both Part I and Part II of MCPS form 525-13. There will be no standing orders for Tylenol or Benadryl. A new, unopened, unexpired over-the-counter medication bottle/package should be sent in with the completed form. Medication that is already in the health room for this school year CANNOT be used. If your child has anaphylaxis and does NOT have a registered EpiPen in the health room, you must complete MCPS form 525-14 (attached within this packet). The completed form and an EpiPen must be submitted to the health room immediately! All medication and completed forms must be submitted to the health room by Monday, April 17. Skycroft does not have access to a fax machine, so please be sure to get in all the necessary paperwork on time! Skycroft’s nurse and/or a RPMS staff member will administer all medication while on the trip. Skycroft’s nurse is on site from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, and an administrator will be the designated “Night Nurse” when Skycroft’s nurse is off- duty. In case of a medical emergency concerning your child, an RPMS staff member will contact you immediately.

COST OF TRIP: The cost of this trip is $82.00 per child attending. This covers the county charges for renting the site, food services, evening activities, Skycroft’s nurse, and securing medical reimbursement insurance. If this fee is a financial hardship for any family, confidential arrangements can be made to underwrite all or part of the cost. If this is the case, please contact one of the Outdoor Education coordinators as soon as possible. No child will be deprived of this valuable learning experience due to financial reasons! Payment can be made either by cash, check, or online.

Cash: Please secure in a sealed envelope with your child’s name written on it. Check: Please make out to Rosa Parks MS, and write your child’s full name on the memo line. Online: Please go to http://osp.osmsinc.com/montgomerymd/ to pay. Turn-in confirmation receipt.

WRAP UP: Please complete the permission slip (attached within packet) and return with payment to your child’s science teacher by Wednesday, April 5. If you cannot attend the parent information meeting, please do not hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns! We would like EVERY student to share in this extremely memorable and valuable experience! Sincerely, RPMS Sixth Grade Team 2017 Outdoor Education Program Site: Skycroft Conference Center 9621 Frostown Road Middletown, Maryland 21769 Phone Number: 301-676-3216

*RPMS Principal, Mrs. Jewel Sanders, approves this 2017 Outdoor Education informational packet and permission slip.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Please reference the table below to keep track of important dates related to the 2017 Outdoor Education program.

DATE EVENT

Tuesday, March 24 Science teachers will distribute Outdoor Education packet and discuss the program with all sixth grade students.

Monday, April 3

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Parent information meeting for a general overview of the Outdoor Education program.

Wednesday, April 5 Permission slips and payments due to science teachers.

Monday, April 17 Medications and completed medication forms due to RPMS health room.

Monday, April 24

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Parent chaperone meeting for information/instructions for all chaperones attending the Outdoor Education program.

Monday, May 8 –

Wednesday, May 10

Ms. Rakowiecki & Mrs. Morales’ science classes attend the Outdoor Education program. *Students must be dropped off between 8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. *Students will return on Wednesday by 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 10 –

Friday, May 12

Ms.Knorr’s science classes attend the Outdoor Education program. *Students must be dropped off between 8:40 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. *Students will return on Friday by 1:00 p.m.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions or concerns prior to the Outdoor Education trip, please contact the Outdoor Education coordinators by phone or email. You may also visit the Outdoor Education Program website!

RPMS Phone Number – 301-924-3180

Victoria Knorr (Outdoor Education Coordinator) – Victoria_A_Knorr@mcpsmd.org

Jason Volz (Outdoor Education Coordinator) – Jason_Volz@mcpsmd.org

Outdoor Education Website – http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/outdoored/ In case of an emergency and you need to get in contact with a RPMS staff member while your child is away on the trip, please contact Skycroft Conference Center at one of the following numbers:

Business Hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - 301-676-3216 After Hours (4 p.m. to 8 a.m.) - 240-401-1163

EQUIPMENT LIST FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Please reference the table below when packing for the Outdoor Education program. Remember:

Check the weather and pack accordingly! Students should dress in layers to instructional classes and recreational activities. Long pants must be worn to ALL instructional sessions and recreational activities. Bagged lunch is required for first day of trip (no glass/plastic containers; no leftovers). Do not pack clothing that should avoid getting dirty!

ESSENTIALS OPTIONAL RESTRICTED

Sturdy hiking shoes, such as boots and/or sneakers (1 – 2)

Long pants (2 – 3) Shirts, long and short

sleeved (4 – 5) Socks (4 – 6) Underwear (3 – 4) Pajamas (1 – 2) Jacket/Coat Sweatshirt Raincoat/Poncho Gloves, hat, & scarf Pillow Blanket & sheets OR

sleeping bag Bath towel Brush/comb and hair ties Toothbrush and toothpaste Deodorant Shampoo and conditioner Body wash and wash

cloth/loofa Reusable water bottle Two extra garbage bags

(one for dirty laundry and one for bedding items—in case first one rips)

Insect repellent Sunscreen Lip balm Flip flops for shower Disposable camera Book to read Deck of cards Journal Pen/pencil Binoculars Watch Compass

Gum, candy, and food Bottled drinks Cell phone Electronic readers/tablets

Electronic music players Electronic games Aerosol sprays Hair dryer Curling iron/flat iron Money Weap0ns, firearms,

matches, and drugs

Please label the following information on all your child’s luggage:

Student’s first and last name Student’s assigned cabin Student’s assigned instructional group

SKYCROFT MEALS AT OUTDOOR EDUCATION Please reference the meal chart below to be aware of the meals that will be served at the Outdoor Education program.

Gluten-free options are available upon request. Students can request gluten-free alternatives during their meal time; arrangements DO NOT need to be made prior to their session. While gluten-free alternatives are available, Skycroft cannot guarantee that cross contamination could not occur as their dining halls are not gluten-free. PLEASE NOTE: Students with severe food allergies are strongly encouraged to bring their own meals from home. Outside food must be kept in the refrigerator located in the nurse’s station, which is accessible to students at each meal time. A commercial microwave is located at the entrance of the dining hall, and can be used to heat pre-packed meals.

MEDICATIONS FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Please reference the information and table below if your child will need medication while on the Outdoor Education trip. Remember:

Bring medications and completed forms to the health room by Monday, April 17 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Only send medications that the student will need over the 48 hours away from home. Even if your child has a medication in the health room during the school year, you must contact the

school nurse. Medications will not be sent automatically because new orders may be required, and OTC medications must be in unopened containers.

When your child returns from the Outdoor Education program, remember to pick up medications from the health room. Medications that are not picked up will be destroyed.

Call Barbara Cassidy, RN SCHN, or Liz Williams, SHRT, with any questions at 301-924-3266.

PRESCRIPTION

MEDICATIONS

OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC)

MEDICATIONS

Must have MCPS form 525-13 completed (attached within packet) and signed by parent (Part I) and student’s physician (Part II).

Prescription bottles must match

physician’s orders.

EpiPens: Must have MCPS form 525-14 completed and the self-carry section completed and signed by student’s physician.

Inhalers: Must have MCPS form 525-

13 completed and the self-carry section completed and signed by student’s physician.

Each medication must have a

separate form (you can download extra forms from MCPS website or you can make a copy of the form in the packet).

Must have MCPS form 525-13 completed and signed by student’s parent (Parts I & II only).

No physician signature is required for OTC medications (only during Outdoor Education program).

Each medication must be in a new,

unopened, unexpired bottle/package.

Each medication must have a

separate form (you can download extra forms from MCPS website or you can make a copy of the form in the packet).

Please put your child’s science teacher name AND the dates they will be away at the Outdoor

Education program at the top of each form you submit to the health room! Rakowiecki (May 8 – May 10) Knorr (May 10 – May 12)

OUTDOOR EDUCATION PERMISSION SLIP May 8, 2017 – May 12, 2017

Skycroft Conference Center – Middletown, Maryland

*Return to your child’s science teacher by Friday, April 7!*

STUDENT’S NAME: Please print __________________________________________________

SCIENCE TEACHER & DATES ATTENDING: Please circle below

Rakowiecki (May 8 – May 10) Knorr (May 10 – 12)

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Please circle below

Cash Check Online (Sealed in envelope) (Written to RPMS and has student’s full name) (Attach confirmation receipt)

*Payment must be attached when student submits permission slip to their science teacher.

PERMISSION TO ATTEND: Please flip over

IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT ATTENDING:

*If your child is NOT attending the Outdoor Education program, please provide us with the reasoning below. Thank you!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Full Name: ________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ___________