Fourth Grade Field Trips

We have two field trips planned for the upcoming weeks. Here's what is planned:

FRIDAY, MAY 22 - Wisconsin Rapids History Walk
We will leave school at 12:00 (after lunch) and go downtown. Students will have a collection of historical photographs from numerous places in Wisconsin Rapids including buildings, the river and dam, and the Grand Avenue bridge. Students will compare what they see now to what these places used to look like in the past.

The best part of this trip last year was when the adults that came along started sharing stories. "I used to go to..." or "When school got out we used to walk here and..." Parents, you are invited to go with us if your schedule allows. Grandparents are also invited. Anyone who could share stories about what things used to be like in Wisconsin Rapids would make the trip much more valuable. Please be advised that there is a lot of walking.

If any parents could drive at 12:00, that would be great. Drivers aren't necessary - it's not that far - but it allows us more time downtown if we don't have to and from school. We will return to school by 3:30. There is no cost for this trip.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 - Rib Mountain Hiking and History
Rib Mountain has a lot of great history and geology to study. A park ranger has sent me a huge folder full of information. We will spend time hiking, studying the geology of the Rib Mountain area, and the history of Rib Mountain including Native Americans and early settlers.

Mr. Betts has said that we could take parent drivers to save on the cost of bussing. I would also like to split students into smaller groups, but I'll need an adult with each group anyway. If your schedule allows, please consider driving and leading a small group. I won't ask you to teach anything, just keep the kids on task and away from the 100 foot cliffs. We will leave school at 8:45 and return by 3:30. Allowing an hour to drive each way, this still gives us at least four and a half hours in the park.

There is no cost for this trip as long as we have parent drivers. Wisconsin State Parks waive entrance fees for school groups.

So What Now?
Please watch your child's take-home folder for permission slips next week. For now, check your calendar and see if the dates work for you to drive/attend. If you are able to drive there will be a spot on the permission slip to fill in. Before that, if you already know that you wish to drive or attend, you can drop me an email.

And pray for good weather.

Thanks!