Explorer Class Explores Salmon, Marine Ecosystems, and Beach Stewardship
Exploring Salmon, Marine Ecosystems, and Beach Stewardship
Over the past several weeks, students in Explorer class have been learning about Pacific salmon. We have also been reading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. Set on an island off the coast of California, the novel is inspired by a true story and has opened up opportunities to explore the relationships between people, animals, and the natural world.
Along the way, students have discovered fascinating facts about salmon, ecosystems, and the many marine animals that inhabit our coastal waters.
This week, our learning extended beyond the classroom! Amos from the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge visited with Explorer students at the Spit entrance to share the importance of being good stewards of our beaches and protecting the habitats of migrating birds. We also welcomed Lane and Ocean, educators from NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary, who helped students explore the marine ecosystem right in our own backyard and discover the complex food webs that connect marine animals.
From the pages of a book to the shores of our own community, Explorer students are discovering how interconnected our natural world is - and how we can all play a part in caring for it.
Five Acre is now a Certified Schoolyard Habitat!
You may have noticed the new sign on our school garden fence! Five Acre School joins over 11,000 schools nationwide in being a National Wildlife Federation Certified Schoolyard Habitat.
Last spring, Explorer students were given the task of going through a habitat checklist to certify our school grounds. They identified essential elements all wildlife need: natural food sources, clean water, cover, and places to raise young.
More importantly than a sign, our schoolyard habitat is also teaching students to be connected to the natural world. Primary students have access to our schoolyard most of the day. Kendra has been able to get all of our students in the K-6 program observing and learning in our garden, one of our main outdoor classrooms.
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Community Happenings
- October 24: Port Angeles Book Fest at Field Hall, 1-4pm
- October 25: A Moonspell Afternoon Tea Experience at C’est Si Bon, 11am-4pm
- November 5-7: 27th Annual Forest Storytelling Festival
- November 6: Comfort and care open mic, poems and food, 5:30-7pm
- November 13-22: New Works Showcase, OTA
Calendar
You can always check out our online calendar HERE
- October 28-30: Discovery, Adventure, Explorer Conferences, No School for Elementary
- October 30: Teacher Work Day, No School for Primary or Elementary
- November 4: 6th Grade Survival Skills Field Trip
- November 11: Holiday, No School
- November 12: Board Meeting
- November 25-27: Holiday, No School
- December 10: Winter Concert, Little Theater
- December 21-January 1: Winter Break
Yearlings SoundWaves
Tuesdays 3-4:30 pm
Upcoming Sessions:
October 27
November 17, 24
December 1, 8
Old Hands SoundWaves
Thursdays 3-4:45 pm
Upcoming Sessions:
October 26
November 19, 22
December 3, 6
