Middle School Holds School of the Wild
From October 3rd to the 6th, students and staff of the Lamoni Middle School conducted School of the Wild and Outdoor Day at Slips Bluff County Park. School of the Wild is an annual event that the University of Iowa started in Iowa City, but has since spread to many communities in the state. During the event, student take part in multiple hands on learning exercises. This year, the students learned how to make and use solar ovens, conduct a rudimentary archeological dig, how rivers can be stopped and/or redirected, about buoyancy and how to create raft, orienteering, and many other things. Teachers then follow up on lessons taught in the "wild" in their classroom.
Outdoor Day is also an annual event. Prior to its start, students fill out an options sheet with their preferred classes. Mrs. Kessel and various other members of the Americorps team, then sort those students into cross-grade classes. On the day of, students have five, hour long classes that range from canoeing to reading in the woods. These classes are a great opportunity for students to try new things, build on life skills, and forge bonds with students outside of their grade-level. While the weather was not ideal, the students still had a great time and learned a lot.
A big thank you goes out to the Decatur County Conservation Board and Kayla Clausen, Shirley Kessel and all of the Americorps members, Shaen Polasky and his Graceland University education students, the outstanding parent volunteers, the LMS staff, and the enthusiastic and involved middle school students. Without you all, this would have been possible. Thank you for all the support, cooperation, and participation. It was a great event this year and we look forward to doing it again next year. Way to show great Demon PRIDE guys!
