More Than Tests

Schools these days often get so caught up in the achievement test conversation that they lose focus on the other quality aspects of high school. I am questioning that high schools should strive to raise achievement for all students. I also believe they should be places were students can get a well-rounded education that provides many "out of the traditional classroom" learning experiences. On Thursday, many kids got an opportunity to get out of the building and play/learn on the Biology Club trip to Site M. The kids spent time learning a little about biology and a lot of time having fun as a group in the outdoors. The insects, ponds, water fowl, etc. were the educational focus of the day, but the fun is what will linger. I know the kids had a blast because I heard it from each one of them I talked to after school. Many still had muddy or wet clothes. Some, had changed into whatever they could borrow - which led to a couple of hilarious outfits. They had hundreds of pictures to show off. I was able to see a pretty cool video of a giant spider turning a grasshopper into a meal for later. If you stop to think about it, we all know how spiders and spider webs work. How many times have we have actually witnessed the trap and the wrap of prey? While the idea might not fancy everyone, it might spark someone's interest in biology. This is an example true biology captured on an iPhone outside of a classroom by a freshmen. If you stop in the school, I have posted several pictures on the new monitor in the foyer - take a look at them. I hope to post more later today. Thursday's fun had a specific purpose. Often it is something besides a chapter in a book that sparks curiosity or raises interests levels for students. Mr. Trueblood understands that it is possible to make learning fun and his field trip to Site M was a great example of just that.
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