...totally awesome! This program was introduced in 2017 to students at EMES starting in Kindergarten. The ideas was to show students that what they are learning in PE are skills and concepts that can be used their entire life, and not only at school. Students will learn that they can be active in different ways right here in our community, or close by, without spending a fortune or owning specialized equipment. The things students are doing are typically things people don't do in elementary physical education, like even more team sports.

Each classroom that participates will get to choose a few Friday dates throughout the year for their trips. Students express interests in activities that can take place close by, cheap, and with minimal equipment. We curb transportation costs by asking for student's adults to volunteer their time and drive children in their personal vehicles. If you'd like to be a volunteer, please check in with the office on the process of doing a background check. Wherever we go, it will be free for students. The school or site provides any necessary equipment, admission and instruction.

Some activities students have participated in are very diverse. Kindergarten has gone apple picking at Peck Farm Orchard and Maple, and found their way through the corn maze! We have also gone bowling at Twin City Lanes and some local hikes on the East Montpelier Trails.

Starting in first grade, students are introduced to some basic top rope rock climbing at the Millstone in Graniteville. At this location we also put our disc golf skills to the test and enjoy some views and history on some relaxed hiking trails. During this age, we have also explored all the aspects of golf at the Country Club of Barre. Students tour the pro shop, the equipment room, restaurant, see the machinery that maintains the grass, and then we play a few holes of golf!

Last year, students really enjoyed their time ice skating at the rink at RB Technologies. Students practiced their push and glide, and many progressed to skating without the aid of a crate!

Nordic skiing is a popular activity for our students starting in third grade. There are multiple locations we have skied such as Morse Farm and our very own U-32 course. We are excited to find new locations to practice our winter skills too such as snowshoeing.

Over at the Wrightsville Reservoir, students in fourth grade and older begin exploring paddle sports as we try out tandem canoeing. Community Connections is a huge supporter by sharing canoes, PFD's and paddles for this location and activity. The Fisheries Department and some staff anglers did a mini lesson on spin cast fishing here too.

This year we are excited to try out different variations and locations for archery. Students begin archery here at EMES in Kindergarten, and get to stretch out their distances each year they are here. Whistling Arrow Archery Club has invited us to use their 3D course and multi-distance static range. This will be quite the challenge for our students and our traditional bows.

If you have any new ideas for us, feel free to share them with me at mblanchard@u32.org We are also planning to begin a mountain biking aspect of Lab, so we would love your old bikes! Ice skates, Nordic skis, various types of helmets, canoes and other equipment are always welcome donations too!