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OVERVIEW: The N.E.E.D. (National Environmental Education Development) Collaborative was established in 1974 by the Dennis-Yarmouth, Falmouth, and Harwich schools. The name of the program was changed in the spring of 2013 to the NEED Academy. The program continues to offer a five-day, four night, (Monomoy and Dennis-Yarmouth) overnight environmental education experience for fifth grade classes.
THE HOUSE: Students stay in a building owned by the National Park Service. The house is a retired Coast Guard Station, located in Truro, at the end of a dead-end road with views of the ocean.
The first floor contains the common areas: the living room, dining room/kitchen, and a staff bedroom and office. The lower and upper levels house bunk rooms, with boys and girls on separate floors. There are bathrooms and staff bedrooms on each sleeping level.
The living room, dining room and kitchen are located on the middle level. Meals are served buffet style with many healthy, kid-friendly choices. Students are offered seconds and thirds. A highlight for everyone: dessert at dinner is always delicious and homemade!
THE STAFF: Eleanor Moody is the director of the program. Ms Moody hires four teacher-naturalists to teach the children and there is a cook on staff. The teachers all have college degrees, and a background in science and/or education. Ms Moody focuses on bringing together a balanced staff with a wide range of strengths and talents. The classroom teacher is also present for part or all of each day.
As school employees, the Seashore teachers undergo thorough background checks before they are hired. The staff is certified in first aid and other emergency training. They are experienced in the many medical issues children may present, such as asthma or food allergies. Ms Moody is a certified EMT; she is directly responsible for overseeing all health issues.
THE CURRICULUM: The primary purpose of the week is to teach children about the natural history and biology of Cape Cod. Through hands-on exploration of many different sites, students learn about the glacial creation of Cape Cod and the ongoing effects of weathering and erosion. They learn about the plant and animal life that inhabit the Cape, and about how they can help protect and conserve the land and its inhabitants. In addition, students study the human history of Cape Cod. Lessons include information about the U.S. Life Saving Service, early colonists, and the Native American tribes who have lived on Cape Cod since long before Europeans arrived. They also learn about how people who made a living through the sea including whalers, traders and pirates.
Some days are spent close to home. Students may hike, walk the beaches and dunes or explore a nearby pond. On other days, students board the NEED bus to explore locations further from home, including swamps and forests, and the Pilgrim Monument and Museum. Students get a break during the day, enjoying “rec” time (or recess). Learning continues at night through Quiet Hour and Evening Program activities. When it is time for bed, staff members help children fall asleep with stories or songs.
Through living together and through specific activities, students also learn about themselves and each other. They learn to take more responsibility for themselves and the world around them, and learn to work as a team with their classmates.
WHAT DO I PACK? WHAT SHOULD WE NOT PACK? Before each class’ week, teachers will send home a permission slip with an important packing list, identifying what to bring and what not to bring. Students should pack for three seasons. Cape Cod weather is unpredictable, and we may move from a sheltered forest to a windy beach in one walk. Layers are best, as students can take off or put on layers as needed. (Preview the Packing List )
Students often like to bring cameras to record their adventures. Disposable cameras are ideal for the environment-- costly digital cameras may be ruined by sand or rain. Students should pack books for Quiet Hour. Children are also encouraged to write letters: pre-addressed, stamped envelopes work best.
No electrical or electronic items of any kind are permitted, including hair dryers, tablets, or cell phones. Children should not bring money or any extra food, snacks or candy. Exceptions are of course made for children with food allergies. Parents and the classroom teacher, school nurse, and Ms Moody will work together to address those needs.
Parents sending in medication should pack it in a separate bag to be given to the classroom teacher or school nurse. Prescription medication must be sent in a labeled pharmacy bottle. Any non-prescription medicines (such as cough syrup) must be sent in its original packaging. All medications must be accompanied by a Doctor's note and included in the paperwork/permission slip that is submitted to the Nurse’s Office.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN SEASHORE WEEK ARRIVES: Children should come to school at normal school arrival time, although they may need a ride due to the luggage they will bring. After the start of school the bus will arrive and students will load the luggage and head off on their adventure. D-Y and Monomoy Students will return on Friday around 11:00 am, and parents should plan to pick up their children at the school upon arrival.
You should not expect a phone call. Phone calls home are made only in emergencies. In other words, no news is good news: it means your child is healthy, happy and well-behaved! You will find the phone number of the Seashore house listed on the paperwork that is sent home in case you have an emergency.
TO SEND MAIL: Student name/Class
PO Box 896
Truro, MA 02666
IN CONCLUSION: Your child is so lucky to be a fifth grader in Dennis-Yarmouth, Monomoy or Falmouth schools! They will learn a great deal from the week and have the time of their life.
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