Penn Wood Elementary School

                       2008 Chester County Environment

                                                                        February 14, 2008  

Dear Parents,

We would like to invite your child to join us for a fun investigation into a study of the natural environment found in Pennsylvania.  The Envirothon is a program sponsored by the Chester County Conservation District and Chester County Parks and Recreation.  Each year students involved with the program learn about key environmental issues, Pennsylvania wildlife, forestry, aquatics, soil and outdoor safety.  This year the program will also focus on recreational impact on our environment.  This unique program gives students a strong understanding for our natural environment and their role in being responsible stewards.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of environmental concepts, of how human activity impacts the environment, and how people can work together as partners in conservation practices to enhance our quality of life.

This year, Penn Wood Elementary School will offer teams made up of first and second graders as well as an older team comprised of third, fourth and fifth graders.  Teams will initially meet on Fridays during their grade level recess starting Friday, February 22^nd.  Additional times may be offered as well as some after school experiences that will be optional opportunities for further explorations.  Each student will receive study packets and encouraged to do independent research in areas of interest.

Our focus will be to share the great learning opportunities with any Penn Wood 1st -5^th grade student willing to make the Friday recess commitment and to spend the next two months learning together. The most important part of this experience for us is the time we spend together.   On Tuesday, April 29^th, representatives from our first and second grade team will travel to Hibernia County Park to participate in the Chester County Envirothon from 9:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.  Similarly, on Wednesday, April 30^th, representatives from our third, fourth, and fifth grade team will represent Penn Wood Elementary School at this competition.  We are limited in the number of students who will represent our school at the county level events, and those students will be chosen through a school event shortly before the county contests. It is hoped that your child will focus on our time together and not just the limited nature of the one day events.

Please fill out the form below if you are interested in having your child participating in our environmental study.  Adjustments to time schedules may be necessary depending on the number of children who elect to participate.

Sincerely,

Sandy Maxwell, Gifted Resource Teacher

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I am interested in my child participating in the 2008 Envirothon program sessions at Penn Wood Elementary School.

Child’s Name ____________________________Teacher________________________Grade_________________

Parent signature _____________________________________________ Date _____________________________

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