Students learning beyond the classroom
Students at Redwood Academy of Ukiah are excited to finally be venturing off campus for end-of-theyear adventures after many months of limited activities due to the pandemic.
On March 12 and 13, 18 eighth-grade students traveled to Mclaren Park in San Francisco to an Outward Bound Ropes Challenge Course. The ropes course consists of both high and low climbing activities in which participants embark on a series of challenges on and off the ground while safely secured in harnesses. These elements encourage participants to trust in themselves and their teammates as well as develop confidence and practice leadership.
Eighth grade teacher Stefani Esau reports the “most exciting part is that students help and encourage each other and realize they need one another to complete the challenges.” She goes on to say that each student sets a personal goal, “For some the challenge is completing the task; for others it is getting to the top of the ladder.”
The 10th graders (joined by several 11th and 12th graders) journeyed to the U.S.S. Hornet's Night-ops field trip in the San Francisco Bay on May 5-6.
The 21 students toured the key areas of the ship to see the history, science, and engineering that were a part of the operations on the highly decorated aircraft carrier.
They slept in restored sailor bunk rooms and enjoyed being regaled by stories from the docents, some of which were veterans who once served on the U.S.S. Hornet.
By eating and sleeping in the actual ship environment, students experience history up close. The 10th grade world history teacher, Elna Gordon, states, “This trip had become an annual tradition for 10th graders at Redwood Academy, and it is so wonderful that we were finally able to return to it. The students and chaperones were awestruck by the entire experience.”
A two-day camping trip to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and the Robert Ferguson Observatory is planned for 11th grade students the week of May 26-27 to learn about the stars and the evolution of the telescope.
They will also enjoy learning how best to roast marshmallows and put up a tent.
Redwood Academy Principal Caleb Cimmiyotti points out that these experiential learning adventures both build skills and help to create a cohesive and supportive school community. He adds with a smile, “They are also a lot of fun.”
Next year, Cimmiyotti hopes to once again send the 11th grade class on an Outward Bound week-long backpacking trip, which has been unavailable for the past three years.