Small Steps

Inspired by the Trail To Every Classroom workshops, I decided to start incorporating the outdoors into my lessons.  Students are always asking to have class outside, so why not grant their wish. The lesson seemed simple:  Take some time to walk around and find something inspiring.  The outdoors is filled with amazing sights, sounds, smells, and sensations.  Take a few pictures of what you have found.  Use different angles to really capture what has caught your attention.  Then, write a descriptive paragraph (or two) that describes what you have found.

It was a beautiful day in late September.  I opened the door next to my classroom, and sent my students out into the world of place-based learning.  Unfortunately, like a house cat that steps on grass for the first time, my students stepped outside and froze.  The majority of them took three quick pictures of the first tree they saw.  The tree right next to the school.  Then, they sat down leaning against the school to write their paragraphs.

Apparently, I needed to explain the the outdoor classroom is a bit bigger than just the shadow of the school building.

Being determined to make this work and be a meaningful experience for my students, I made a simple modification to the assignment.  The next class, we went outside again.  This time I led them out past the school lawn toward the woods.  On the way, I had them take a picture of the tall grass in the field.  Then, we entered the woods.  They were told to look around.  Just look around.  We found a birdhouse on the side of a tree.  We took a picture of it.  Now we had two different pictures to write about for this assignment.  Finally, instead of going back to the school, we sat a picnic table at the edge of the woods.  They just needed a little guidance and to be pointed in the right direction.

There were a few complaints about how hot it was out, but overall the second time was more what I was hoping.  Also, the paragraphs were better and more inspired.  Will I take kids outside again? Yes.  Will I take kids on a hike? Yes.  Will it be tomorrow?  No.  Introducing students to outdoor education will take some time.  However, with determination, this can and will work.  All with small steps...


Zack Reinstein
Buckfield High School

Off and Running…

Sara Bolen, Purcellville, VA Blue Ridge Middle School

Lots of things are going on at Blue Ridge Middle School; we now have the first two weeks of school under our belt.  There are ides flying around in regards to TTEC, some of which include possibly sharing our kiosk, with our “sister” school, Harmony Middle, participating in family hike day on September 28^th, teaching the PE classes the hike safe principles and much more.  We will continue teaching the sixth grade students about the Leave No Trace principles.  On the first and second days of school, the Physical Education classes brought every student (943 of them), to the outdoor classroom.  Here we discussed things that they may do in the outdoor classroom like water testing, observation and journaling.  For the last 2 years we have had a mother goose come and make her nest in the our outdoor classroom.  We are hoping she will continue this spring.  While we had the students out there, we also began the introduction of Leave No Trace, this is a review for our seventh and eighth grade students and new material that our sixth graders will learn in their keyboarding class with Mrs. Allen, former TTEC grad!   We have also created a TTEC committee that includes other teachers who have been through the TTEC program, 2 administrators and other teachers who are interested in this program.  

The bulletin board we created highlights points of interest along
the Trail within an hour or two of our school.

Another idea we are thinking of introducing to the school is the “4 seasons” hiking club.  This is a club that would meet during activity period, but 4 times during the school year we would have them participate in a local hike on the Appalachian Trail.  These hikes would be on a Saturday or Sunday, and parents would hike with the students.  We think that utilizing the trail this way, would eliminate a lot of the issues as far as funding for field trips, taking a large group out and any liability issues, this would also increase the communities awareness of the Appalachian Trail.  The TTEC committee will be meeting in the next week to discuss this possibility.

Harpers Ferry, Where the rivers meet

We have also begun discussions with our high school and their outdoor recreation classes.   I spoke with the recreation teacher and we discussed possibly having his students serve as “hiking guides” on our 4 seasons hikes, teaching our students some outdoor cooking, helping with the hike safe kits, the possibilities are endless.  Our hopes are to get students interested in the outdoors so when they get to the high school, in their junior and senior year, they will choose the outdoor recreation class as their PE elective.

Walking around the school this first week there are many trail themes in the hallways, not only are students learning what teams they are on; Trailblazers, Trekkers, Explorers, Voyagers, Mountaineers and Pathfinders, but they are learning to navigate the hallways; Shenandoah River, Appalachian Trail, Snickers Gap etc.  Many of the bulletin boards and showcases have an outdoor theme to them.  I have included a picture of the showcase I created; it includes many entrance points within an hour drive of our school where students can get on the trail.  Some of these include Weverton Cliffs, Bears Den, Raven Rock, Skyline Drive and Harpers Ferry; we also included other points of interest like the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Maryland Heights and the C & O Canal.  One of our goals this year is to have students become more aware of what is around them and make them realize how easy it is to access all of these places of interest.   

My kids and I at Jefferson Rock
They had so much fun we came back and went up
to Weverton Cliffs! Thanks to Bob Sickley, I felt like a pro!

Reflection, I'm Not Alone

Cathy Harron, fourth grade teacher at Ressie Jeffries Elementary School in Front Royal, Virginia was heading up to PA with Hodge, full of excitement and nervous, not knowing what to expect from a professional development that actually centered around one of her favorite activities, hiking!  We pulled up to the retreat and saw several people seated around in a circle, each one in what appeared to be a trance like mode.  We looked at each other and both kind of backed away.  Hodge tried to call ATC's Karen Lutz, but got no response.  Luckily he had a smart phone or some sort of device that enabled him to find another entrance into the Kirkridge Retreat Center. Right place, wrong entrance.   We were definitely happy to see Karen’s welcoming face as we came in.

The next day was packed with learning.  I had never put much thought into how the AT had come to be and found it very interesting to discover that it was not originally meant to be a through trail.  There are a lot of wonders people take for granted simply because they have always been there.  I believe it is very important that our children and our children’s children understand that the beauty and richness that comes from our national parks can only be preserved if everyone takes definite positive steps towards that goal.  Activities ranged from lessons on phenology to global warming activities. 

Sunday we hiked the trail and it was awesome.  It wasn’t too hot or too cold.  It wasn’t too windy or too still.  It wasn’t too hard or too easy.  Actually, what I liked best about the entire weekend was, for once, I wasn’t an anomaly.  I’ve been told over and over by everyone I know that I am odd because I love to hike and camp and be outside and if I can’t find anyone to go with me, I’ll go by myself or bring my dog. If I had been born a man I guess I wouldn’t seem so odd to so many people but the older I get the fewer women I can find that are even willing to go outside for a pleasant walk never mind a hike.  The week end of April 6-7 almost every female there loved the same activities I do.  It was wonderful talking and laughing and just having fun with people like me.

One of my favorite subjects to teach is science.  My co-workers don’t care for it as much because it isn’t cut and dried.  I like the students to ask “why” and “how”.  I want to take them outside and let them get dirty trying to find the answers.  I want them to take the time to think, to discuss, to dream, to be problem solvers, inventers, evaluators.

I am hoping that this professional development will enable me to teach my students in a way that challenges them, intrigues them, and enables them to become valued citizens in their community while still aligning everything with the SOL tests in a strong enough way that they can pass the tests with impressive scores.  Tall order - I know. 

I do not usually take pictures.  When I do I forget to get them developed.  If they get developed they end up tossed on a chest, sometimes they even make it inside the chest, to be lovingly put in an album . . . someday.  These pictures, however, illustrate the wonders that are so vital for our children to recognize and safeguard for future generations.

The Evolution of a Hiker

Post by Nancy Stevens, Gifted Teacher, Harmony Middle School, Loudoun County, VA

Vera would be so proud!

I was never a hiker. The reason could be that I didn’t grow up in a family of hikers, or that my husband the hunter never takes me along because I talk too much, or that hiking shoes just aren't that cute. But the truth is, I never had the desire. Bugs love me, poison ivy finds a way to always cross my path, and restroom facilities in the great outdoors are sadly lacking. When my co-worker Lori Demark approached me about applying for TTEC, I was a little apprehensive; but, as a teacher, I am constantly putting my students in a position to try new things…to stretch themselves. I could do no less. Upon our acceptance into the program, I couldn't help the feelings of excitement and, yes, apprehension as I looked over the itinerary for our fall workshop…a 3-5 mile hike…hmmmm. I began to gather together my gear: Vera Bradley back pack, ankle snow boots (the only walking boots I had), sunglasses, jeans, t-shirt (cotton of course), baseball cap, water bottles, and rain gear. I tried to bring a fanny pack but my kids said “NO!”

Upon our arrival at the Kirkridge Retreat Center in the wilds of eastern PA, we were met by Karen Lutz. Karen has become friend, mentor and inspiration in the short time we've been together. It was late the next evening after our initial greeting, classes and nightly activity, that I had a chance to sit down with Karen and Lori to go over my hiking apparel and equipment. My cap and sunglasses were good, every thing else would have to do except the boots which were exchanged for tennis shoes. Thank goodness I brought them and not some cute clogs. My ensemble was now complete, but I realized that if there was ever going to be a second hike for me, major changes needed to be made.

Look at me now!

I was determined to become the example that I needed to be for my students as one of the TTEC representatives in our school. Bringing the AT to Harmony Middle School through a hiking club is the goal that Lori and I have set for ourselves, and I was determined to be a viable part in the implementation of that goal. With that in mind, I signed up for the overnight hike at the summer week-long workshop held in my back yard at the National Conservation Training Center located in Shepherdstown, WV. As a newbie, I was immediately accepted. (Yay!) Under the guidance of Bob Sickley, our supreme hiking leader, I managed to find myself appropriately suited up and on my way. You can see from the photos just how far I've come. Don’t be surprised when the next time you see me, it will be as we pass on the AT!  

Rangeley School Board Learns of Outdoor Program

Reposted from: Dale Hill, Special to Sun Journal

Franklin |

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 7:20 pm

RANGELEY — The school board saw two PowerPoint presentations, voted for funds for a school bus parking area, and elected a new vice chairman at its meeting Tuesday.

Starting in 2010 with GPS mapping, Simonds worked with student volunteers to develop Maine Trail Finder, Hike Safe and Leave No Trace. Participation has grown considerably for activities such as work on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, survivor hikes and night skiing, a scavenger hunt with four teams, and a rescue scenario with live victims.

Lucy is on the TTEC Advisory Council

Participants also support the Warrior Hike, in which military veterans hike the Appalachian Trail “to walk off the war,” and join in Rangeley’s Trail Town Festival, “though the latter is difficult to ramp up less than two weeks after school starts,” Simonds said.

Simonds confessed that as the program continues to grow it has become part of her. “A Trail to Every Classroom has been the thing that has revitalized and transformed me,” she said.

Superintendent Susan Pratt presented a rundown of report-card data and its connection to funds from No Child Left Behind grants. The federal funds are administered by the state and are used to hire a teacher, Georgia Campbell, assisted by Shirley Schrader and Susan Damm.

The intervention program serves 40 students from kindergarten to eighth-grade in the fields of math and reading. Parents have the right to decide yearly if they want their children to be involved in the program.

The old skate park on the school property, which was in disrepair and had become a dangerous liability, has been demolished and school buses currently park on the site. Pratt recommended installing a culvert and creating a wider driveway onto the access road, installing wiring from the electrical panel to the site, installing  receptacles for bus charging and installing motion-activated lighting. The board unanimously approved the plan with costs not to exceed $13,000. It will be paid from the maintenance budget, which currently has a $22,000 surplus.

Pam Ellis was unanimously elected to replace Michele Eliot as vice chairman of the board. Eliot had asked to step down from the position.

Pratt received approval for hiring of Danielle Ellis as physical education teacher, John Crosby as coach of middle school boys’ soccer, Don Turner as ESL education technician 2 and Hannah Johnson as Special Education education technician 2.

The Facilities Committee discussed options for the portable classroom, and hopes to take action by the end of next year. The Finance Committee is looking at how reports and warrants are formatted and comparing Rangeley with other schools to see how they do things differently. The committee is going through monthly finance reports and noted there are no outstanding expenses.

The board approved second readings of a policy on student use of cellphones or other electronic devices, edited to include digital photographic devices, and a policy on student wellness. The board waived third readings of both policies.

Growing Connections

Post by Kristy Duris, Profile School in Bethlehem, NH

 During the past few years, my interest in the A.T. has grown and been slowly developing. I began hiking with a colleague (and now extremely close friend) within the White Mountains a couple times a week. Then I hiked all of the 48 four thousand foot mountains in NH. And then I kept hiking, getting out the the trails as much as I could, whether it be in the spring, summer, fall, or winter. Throughout this progression, my friend always pointed out when we were on the A.T. when out hiking. I knew of the A.T., but up until my passion for hiking was revealed, I never really thought about it other than when I was serving thru-hikers when working in Lincoln restaurants!

Now, my mind only has more questions as I am exposed to the history, creation, culture, etc. of the Trail. I want to learn more for my own personal knowledge as well as to use in the classroom. From the first session and meeting other people in the program, it seems that other teachers are in a similar place. This wanting of knowledge about the A.T. has definitely connected all of us and through our sharing, we have already had fun learning about soil, Mount Washington weather trends, and previous participants’ successes. The first weekend was inspiring and motivating, and only increased my curiosity about how I can use this program for teaching.

I am in a transition in my teaching, using more experiential education in my classroom. This past year I co-taught a class called Project Venture for eighth grade. During this pilot year, the students were exposed to service learning (building bridges and trail maintenance for town trails, creating a “pump” track for the community) and the natural world (hiking, having class outside when possible) on a regular basis. I still can’t believe how successful it was and how students were excited, motivated and willing to work. My hopes are to build on this program, utilizing the A.T. regularly as both a service learning opportunity as well as a natural world experience. I am also looking forward to including a few “dirty” lessons on soil and incorporating the Leave No Trace principles out on the trail!

MARO Spring TTEC Workshop

Fifteen teachers from five states participated in the 2013 MARO Spring TTEC Workshop held at Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, PA during the first week of April.  The teachers delved into the history of the A.T., placed based service learning, curriculum building and cooperative partnerships before heading into the outdoor classroom of the Trail for a session on Leave No Trace.  Presenters included Karen Lutz and Marian Orlousky of ATC, Dr. Robert Siudzinski of Washington College, Estelle Ruppert of PA DCNR, Dan and Ben Schwartz of AMC-DV and TTEC Alumni Pat Woods, Paul Marth, Bonnie Roth and Shannon Jenkins.  The teachers will head to NCTC in July for the TTEC Summer Institute before returning for the culminating Mid-Atlantic region workshop at the Ironmasters Mansion in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in the fall. 

FB Groupie

Did y'all (yes, I'm writing from NC so this is allowed) know that there is a TTEC alumni Facebook Group? It is Teachers On Trails.  Join us!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/134076846628659/?fref=ts

Meet the Advisory Council!

The Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) Advisory Council was formed in July, 2011.  It is composed of an Appalachian Trail maintaining club member and a teacher from each of the four regions of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) plus 1 higher education member, 3 at-large reps, and members from the National Park Service, US Forest Service and the ATC.  Our mission statement is to support the continued growth, viability, and relevance of the TTEC program.  Our purpose is to serve as liaisons and ambassadors to TTEC educators and 31 AT clubs as well as to advise the AT Park Office and ATC staff on emerging questions, issues, and opportunities.  We meet once a year, face to face, and conduct bimonthly conference calls to fulfill our mission and purpose.

We represent about 20 people who care about the TTEC program and desire to contribute to its continued success.  Each member has committed to a 2 or 3 year term of service.

We ask clubs to reach out to TTEC teachers to assist them with TTEC curriculum.  Also, TTEC teachers can contact clubs or the Advisory Council reps directly to ask for assistance.  We aim to establish working relationships between the Trail Clubs and the TTEC teachers/alumni. 

Members of the Trail to Every Classroom Advisory Council:

Sharon Van Horn, Co-Chair and Southern Region Club Rep sevh@email.dnet.net

Betty Gatewood, Co-Chair and Mid Atlantice Regional Club Rep bjgatewood@gmail.com

Deila Clark, North East Region and A.T. Stewardship Council

Not Pictured: Pat Woods, Higher Education Rep pwoods9@gmail.com

Robert Siudzinski, At Large Rep, Washington College Rsiudzinski2@washcoll.edu

 Lucy Simonds, North East Regional Teacher Rep lucysimonds@gmail.com

Not Pictured:  Steve Schimpff, North East Regional Club Rep 

Not Pictured: Barbara Wieman, Mid Atlantic Club Rep  blwiemann@gmail.com

Marlene Jefferson, Mid-Atlantic Teacher Rep Marlene.Jefferson@lcps.org

Karen Lutz, ATC Mid-Atlantic Director klutz@appalachiantrail.org

Chip Donahue, Virginia Regional Teacher Rep ddonahue@rcs.k12.va.us

Norma Johnson, Virginia Regional Club Rep Ngjohnson1@gmail.com

Julie Judkins, Southern Region ATC Community Program Manager jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org

Olga Pader, Southern Region Teacher Rep olgapader@frontier.com

Rita Hennessy, Assitant Park Manager, Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Clare Long, US Forest Service Ranger and Education Specialist, White Mountain National Forest cclong@fs.fed.us

TTEC 2013 Applications!

 “I believe every teacher should be a part of such an exciting, integrative,

inspirational program! This is one of the fewworkshops that provided

me with tools, networking opportunities, ideas . . . to enable my classroom to come to life . .. .”

—Jennifer Wyland, Life Science Teacher,Kutztown M.S.,TTEC 2008

Are you a TTEC alumni and want to give someone in your school the nudge to try it for themselves?
Are you familiar with TTEC but been waiting to try it out?
The time is NOW!
The 2013 application is out, and the deadline is March 15!
Please help us spread the word about this incredible opportunity!
Share this link for information about the 2013 program and application:
http://tinyurl.com/ttec2013

Some highlights:

• The Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) program includes all lodging, meals, and materials.  
• There is a $50 administrative fee, waived for Appalachian Trail Conservancy members.  To become a member, please visit our website.Presenters include national experts in Place-Based ServiceLearning and Curriculum Development.
•  You are expected to develop curriculum with an Appalachian Trail focus.
• Three graduate credits are optional and offered for a fee of $637.50 through Mary Baldwin College. Credits awarded fall 2013.
• Support for your curriculum development and implementation through an increasing network of educators, as well as A.T. and Trail management partners.

Kate Fisher's Appalachian Trail Poem

Our mountains are high.

Our mountains are low.

The ridge is a trail.

A hiking we’ll go!

Begin in the South.

And head to the North.

Gather your gear.

And let us go forth.

Which states will we see?

Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee.

Begin in the morn’

And walk til’ the night.

Waterfalls, wildflowers…

Oh, what a sight!

A shelter we’ll find

To get a night’s sleep.

Then up with the sun

And birdy’s sweet peep.

Which states are around the bend?

Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland.

Eager for news

And supplies in the mail

We’ll find a post office

Not far from the trail.

Then back to the woods

Where the trillium grow

And folks walking with us

Our trail name know.

Which states will we see?

Pennsylvania, New Jersey!

Our boots are worn out

Rain now falling.

Yet clearly the goal

of Katahdin keeps calling.

Weeks and months gone

We check off the dates.

Then onward we go

Through six more states.

New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts

Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, that’s it!

*Kate (seen on right) is the School Library Media Specialist at Upward Elementary in Flat Rock, NC

She went through the TTEC program in 2008

Reflection on Institute 2011

I thought it worth sharing Tom's email after the recent TTEC institute:

You all have been on my mind and heart since our week together… I wanted to say thanks to all of you for sharing your passion and ideas for wanting to get your students & fellow teachers outside and connected to Nature. As I “reflect” on the week – all of it was special but your presentations were “wicked good” and our closing circle was very meaningful for me. Your energy has given me hope, inspiration and validation in what we all do…to engage our students and other teachers to be aware, appreciate and put into action the importance of our natural resources – especially the Appalachian Trail! This experience at our summer institute has helped me focus on my own Naturalist training this week with my staff – I have used some techniques and reflection exercises with them…thanks.

Here is a link to some research that might help you encourage why we need to do this important work with many areas of concerns you all shared during the week…from other teachers, administrators, & all grants you guys will get…

Just let me know what I can do for you in the future…I will pass on some more resources to help you in the future.

Enjoyed meeting and being with you all (southerners) or you guys (northerners…)

Wicked good time!

Tom

Tom Howick, C.I.G.
Director of Education
Master Naturalist Coordinator
Chattahoochee Nature Center

TTEC Summer 2008, WV