Outdoor School is Back! This year Outdoor School will be "Day School." Your student and their peers will be traveling to nearby recreation sites to learn about Oregon's history, the scientific method, to play games, and build class culture and relationships. We are happy to be back outside: snow, rain, cold, or shine!

Students will be leaving for Outdoor School at three different locations beginning on March 7 continuing on March 8 and ending on March 10. Please save the dates and continue to read the information throughout the newsletter. Go Tigers!

Rain or shine we’ll be outside all day, so come prepared with:

--Warm layers – long sleeves and pants are a must.

--Rain jacket

--Sturdy shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (rubber boots are recommended)

--Refillable water bottle (full)

--Lunch! Bringing extra snacks is also a good idea. (Do not plan to eat on the bus.)

--Two good pencils with erasers. (ODS will provide all other supplies)

--A face mask (an extra mask is helpful incase yours gets damp)

--Waterproof something to sit on the wet ground: a gallon size Ziploc bag, an extra-long rain coat/poncho, rain pants, a sit-upon, garbage bag, etc.

--A hat, gloves, &/or pocket hand warmers (bonus good idea)

--A daypack to carry all of your items throughout the day.

At Outdoor School, the mission is to create a safe, fun, and educational environment. Our partners at Northwest Regional ESD adopted a student discipline system that involves positive student management and redirection techniques, as well as a strike system that allows students the opportunity to acknowledge their mistakes and take steps to positively change behavior.

Rules are outlined to students upon arrival at the community meeting that occurs. The rules are based on the Three "Rs:" Respect for others, respect for the environment, and respect for yourself. If the rules are broken, a teacher or staff member can issue a strike. Generally, second and third strikes are issued in the event of repeated inappropriate behavior.

Warning: A staff member gives a warning.

Strike 1: A verbal agreement is created between the staff and the student after a warning.

Strike 2: A written contract is created between the student and the Site Supervisor which may include loss of privilege and an opportunity to earn back trust.

Strike 3: The site supervisor contacts the parent and the parent comes to Camp Magruder to pick up the student.

Violence of any kind is not tolerated at Outdoor School. Any violent behavior, including excessive messing around and physical horseplay, will result in the immediate dismissal of your student regardless of the strike system.

One major goal of Outdoor School is the furthering of students' independence. Thus, visits by parents/relatives, while optional, are not recommended. However, visitors planning to be at Outdoor School must call at least one day in advance to speak directly with the principal. All visitors must check-in with the Site Supervisor upon arrival.

Students are not allowed to bring or possess cell phones while engaging in outdoor school.

1: If you need to contact your student while s/he is at outdoor school, please call our school so we can deliver the message to our on-site administrator: (503) 630-8516.

2: Outdoor School staff know where every student is at all times of the day and can quickly reach any student in case of an emergency.

3: Calling to check in on students is discouraged because it hinders the growth of your student's independence.

Our mission is to equip each student with the necessary skills to be resourceful, competent, and successful.

Email: emsinfo@estacada.k12.or.us
Website: www.ejhs.estacada.k12.or.us
Location: 500 NE Main Street
Phone: (503) 630-8516
Facebook: facebook.com/estacadamiddleschool
Twitter: @estacadamiddle