Little Red School House
and Elisabeth Irwin High School

A Pre-K-12 Progressive Education

News Detail

A Trip to the Farm

Faith Hunter

Dear Families,

When I stepped into a 4th Grade classroom last week, the students were in the midst of sharing both their excitement and their nervousness about their upcoming overnight trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm. This is the very same trip I took with my class as a 4th Grader many years ago, and, as I shared with our students, it remains one of my most treasured school memories.

Last night, as I drove home after joining the class for part of their trip, my heart was full of nostalgia, and I was heartened by the reminder that some lessons are universal:

An adventure is not complete without taking risks, and being vulnerable allows us to know each other in ways we could not otherwise.

When one student shared with his friends he was homesick, his classmate from a bunk away said, “Don’t be sad! Think of us as if we are your family.”

Nature makes us leave our comfort zone and provides the opportunity to test our limits within a community.

Connections come when we stop, feel, and are fully present.

Children are naturally captivated by the power of a story.

We can all benefit from being immersed in the wonder of nature.

Taking the time to delight in one another is invaluable.

Every year, from the Fours through the 12th Grade, our students have myriad learning experiences through carefully planned trips. Ask your child about their latest adventure.

Best,