“When you are in Nature’s Classroom you can take a break from the outside world. You build bonds and get closer with your classmates and teachers.”

“It helped me learn more about nature. I liked how we were able to interact with our surroundings, to experience things that we wouldn’t have had in the classroom.”

“Nature's Classroom was such a worthwhile experience for me. I had so much fun taking the classes I wanted to do and doing awesome group activities. I was able to learn many things that I would never have learned and was able to experience nature face to face. This is something that everyone should be able to do.”

“The experiences of Nature’s Classroom were amazing. We got to know all of our classmates and teachers better. The teachers there were so kind, and helped us at every step of the way. I don’t think I ever laughed and smiled that much in one week. We not only learned so much about nature, but we learned vital skills and some random fun stuff too. It was the most memorable, crazy, fun and just wonderful week ever. I loved it and I know the new 7th graders will love it too, if they have the chance.”

These are just a few of the feelings from students who attended Nature’s Classroom last year. For the past 20 years the seventh-graders at Kickemuit Middle School have participated in a week-long field trip, Nature's Classroom. Nature's Classroom is an outdoor environmental education experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom. Students apply what they learn from their sixth grade science class into their trip, as well begin to explore their seventh grade science topics. This experience helps in their understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, their school subjects and the way people live and interact with one another.

The former Rhode Island Commissioner of Education has stated that school districts are now prohibited from requiring parents to pay for the field trips that have an instructional purpose. Therefore parents cannot be required to pay for this trip or any field trip. In order to still hold this trip, scheduled for early November, the KMS PTO must raise the entire amount needed to fund the trip, about $70,000. Many parents have already made donations, however it will not be enough to cover the entire trip. 

We are asking for help from our Bristol-Warren community for the seventh grade (about 250 students) to attend this trip with a donation or sponsorship. The cost to sponsor a child is $325, but any donations are welcome. If you would like to contribute to the Nature’s Classroom Field trip, please make checks payable to KMS-PTO. Checks may be brought or mailed to KMS at 525 Child St, Warren, RI 02885. For more information or questions, please email lisacabral9562@gmail.com. Thank you for your help in making this amazing experience happen for our seventh-graders!

Lisa Cabral
Warren

Ms. Cabral is the secretary of the Kickemuit Middle School PTO.