Post date: Mar 18, 2012 1:35:11 AM
Dear Parents and Friends,
Our week finished in the beautiful setting of Yosemite that was constantly changing. It would move from overcast and sprinkles, to dry and clouds forming between the valley floor and the rim, to an occasional downpour. All groups finished the week with personal achievements and challenges that they would never experience in a classroom setting. With the help of the NatureBridge staff and the support of their fellow hiking group members the students can reflect back on their connections with each other and their surroundings, and the constant changes and adaptations that surround us. It gives everyone pause to realize that we can make changes around us both good and bad, and if we are aware of our impact on the world and its people we can maximize the positive.
I want to thank everyone for following the activities of the week on the web site and on twitter. The students take time to journal daily and I find that my journal time via the blog helps put together every day and add some perspective. I also want to thank the many people that have sent messages to me to thank me for the updates, as it has provided a connection between the families that are missing their children and the amazing experience they are having in Yosemite. Writing the blog is really my pleasure.
I cannot thank the volunteers and teachers that support this trip enough. Taking 300 students to the park would not be possible without the expertise and patience of my staff. I want to especially thank the rotation supervisors, Dave Ino, Lori Gragnola, Janelle Rose, Lisa Corley, Susan Holtzapple and Len Esparza for helping me manage the many issues that pop up during the week so that the majority of students have a rich experience without worries. Three of these chaperones do not have students at CMS but continue to support this effort for the kids. These supervisors supported 25 other adults that accompanied the hiking groups for the week. I appreciate the commitment of the entire community of teachers and volunteers that take time out of their life to spend a week in the outdoors with kids they have never met before.
Our principal, Kara Butler, provides outstanding support and commitment to this trip as well. Kara spend time at camp hiking with students, supervising students and enjoying the quality time with the staff. Her support to me before, during and after the trip are invaluable, and I'm very grateful to have her share this experience with me and the students.
I feel that I'm privileged to be able to organize this trip that has such a monumental impact on students and their families. The challenge is great, but as we say in Yosemite, the juice is worth the squeeze. We are all happy to be home with a new appreciation for our comfortable surroundings and a renewed sense of the world around us.
Thank you for supporting this trip for your child.
All my best,
Mary Enright