When I was eight and had to get in the back of a hatchback for 10
days (no seatbelts back then were used), I probably didn’t realize the impact
those travels would have on me. My family spent 10 days each summer driving
around the US…hitting every state except for Alaska and Hawaii by the time I
was in college (are we there yet?). Since then, my own family and I have made a
point to mark those last two states off the list. Our past travels, similar (in
a less exaggerated way) to those in Chevy Chase’s Family Vacation, have brought
back many laughs and memories.
The power of travel motivates Oakhill to offer opportunities each
year for our students whether it be in Kansas City, Hermann, MO, or Omaha, NE.
Our middle school students are afforded the opportunity to travel to Washington
D.C. in 5th and 6th grade and the Florida Keys in 7th
and 8th grade (every other year). On the off years, we have taken a
Spanish Immersion trip to Minnesota’s Concordia Language Village and hope to
head to northern Arkansas to visit Heifer International’s camp this Spring.
And, now…thanks to the passion of former Senora Herman and our 1st-4th
Science specialist, Dena Cole, our 5th-8th graders are
now going to have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica this coming summer
(completely optional). Last summer, Senora Herman and Mrs. Cole spent eight
days in Costa Rica on a school tour for teachers who might be interested in
bringing students to the Rainforest. I just watched Mrs. Cole’s presentation to
the Middle School and WOW! I am excited!!!
Why are we going to offer a trip to Costa Rica? I thought I would
do a Q & A with Mrs. Cole for the answers…
Mrs. McCanles: Why Costa Rica?
Mrs. Cole: It is such an authentic experience with a very
professional tour company created to cater to school groups. Costa Rica has
such a vast rainforest and the country spends a great deal of its money on
education and ecotourism.
Mrs. McCanles: Why take 5th – 8th graders?
Mrs. Cole: A great mix of Spanish and Science. The students have
the background necessary to appreciate the rainforest and the problems that
exist. The students will have the opportunity to use their Spanish skills as
they feel comfortable. And, most importantly, the students who were here in 3rd
grade spent a great deal of time on their rainforest projects and animals. Now,
they get to go back with their “old” science teacher to bring those projects to
life.
Mrs. McCanles: What are the top three things the students will take
away from the trip/experience?
Mrs. Cole: 1) seeing the animals up close and personal in their
natural habitat is incredible 2) just experiencing the rainforest is something
pictures and videos cannot replicate and 3) the bonding and team building is
unforgettable – the white water rafting and zip lining are icing on the cake.
Mrs. McCanles: What might you say to the parents to help them make
a decision about this trip?
Mrs. Cole: As a parent, I sent my children on trips and I worried
most about their safety and comfort. I’ll start with safety. I will be going on
the trip and if we get 20 students another teacher will accompany me. We will
also have parent chaperones with us. The tour guides are amazing – trained in
first aid and ready to cater to your every need. The tour company was created
just for school groups and the adventures are so well planned and
organized…they thought of everything! The hotels were very nice and, the food
is incredible – so many varieties to choose from; you will never go hungry!
As you can see from many of the pictures, a whole new world awaits
us!
