As a culmination of the elementary experience and as a transition to middle school, our fifth grade students will participate in a three day environmental education and team building program at Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA.
- Click to Register Online – Registration will open on 4/1/17
- Financial Assistance Information
Hale Reservation is a three-day program that does not include any overnight stays. Your child/children will take bus transportation from their school to Hale Reservation for three days.
- Bates, Fiske and Schofield students will attend May, 31, June 1, & 2 2017.
- Hardy, Hunnewell, Sprague and Upham students will attend June 7, 8, & 9 2017.
- The program will take place within the regular school day with transportation leaving Wellesley around 8:30 a.m. and returning to Wellesley by 3:00 p.m. to ensure that students are able to access regular bus transportation home.
- The exception to this is on Wednesday. Wednesday will not be an early release day for fifth graders participating in the Hale Reservation program. On Wednesday, 6/1 & 6/8:
- Parents will need to pick up their child/children from school at 3:00 p.m.
- Transportation to Boston will be provided for METCO students by the METCO program.
- Transportation home will be provided for Special Education students.
- Students from Fiske, Schofield and Upham who attend WCCC will be transported back to their respective elementary schools and remain there for WCCC. Students from Bates, Hardy, Hunnewell and Sprague will be transported to Upham and remain there for WCCC.
The fifth grade environmental education program is a self-sustaining, tuition-based program paid for by the families of our fifth grade students. The cost of the Hale Reservation program is $240 per student. This cost covers the fee for the Hale Reservation program and their staff, transportation, and an on-site Wellesley Public Schools nurse. We will make every effort to ensure that each of our students is able to participate in this learning opportunity by providing financial assistance to families demonstrating need. Registration materials will be sent home in April. Payment will be due on or before April 28, 2017.
You will have an opportunity to learn more about the Hale Reservation activities at a parent information on April 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium. In addition, please join us at Hale Reservation on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. for a tour of the facilities. Additional program information is attached to this letter.
We are looking forward to a great learning experience for your children this spring. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
Joan Dabrowski, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Hale Program Information
The fifth grade environmental education program serves several purposes:
- It will be the culminating experience of our elementary science and environmental education program providing students with an opportunity to extend their knowledge base and apply what they have learned by exploring a new environment. Students will participate in data collection that will directly inform the Hale Reservation staff about their environment and will learn about the natural environment and conservation through a variety of activities.
- The program will establish common understanding of the role of teamwork and collaboration within social networks and amongst peers. By engaging in activities that require communication, cooperation, and leadership, students will further develop their abilities to work as members of a team. In addition, they will gain a sense of confidence as they accomplish challenging tasks that require perseverance and ingenuity.
- Students will be given the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships with peers from other elementary schools prior to entering middle school. The 5th graders of three Wellesley elementary schools will attend one week and the other four elementary schools will attend the second week. Students will be placed in mixed school groups for their three-day experience. Your child’s teacher will assist in establishing these groups.
- This is an opportunity for students to close out their elementary school experience in a positive, purposeful way and look ahead to their transition to the middle school.
Additional Information
- A nurse will be on site at all times.
- Students will bring their own lunch on the first two days. A BBQ lunch will be provided on the last day. Students will bring their own snacks every day.
- Further details about Hale Reservation can be found at HaleReservation.org.
Students Will Need to Bring the Following Items Each Day:
- Snack for the day
- Sack Lunch
- Sun block
- Bug repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Rain poncho or raincoat in case of inclement weather
- Backpack
Students Should Wear Sneakers
Additional Information:
- A nurse will be on site at all times.
- Students will bring their own lunch on the first two days. A BBQ lunch will be provided on the last day.
- Further details about Hale Reservation can be found at HaleReservation.org.
Hale Reservation BBQ Lunch Menu
Hamburgers, hot dogs, or veggie burgers, pasta salad, potato salad, lemonade and watermelon for dessert. Students who would like a burger with no bun or any similar custom requests can have that made at the grill. The veggie burgers are cooked in foil so they never touch a grill that may have contacted meat and often satisfy kosher or halal requirements. Anyone attending the program is welcome to bring their own food on the last day if alternate food would be more comfortable or healthy for them.