Great Expectations environmental instructor Erik Hahn checks out the apples in the apple/cherry tree orchard across the street from the school. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
Two weeks into the new school year and Great Expectations Public Charter School is a busy place. With a record number 107 students enrolled in the K-8 building, School administrator Peter James said one priority is looking at the space needs and forming a plan to expand the facility.
“We are working with the Great Expectations Foundation on replacing the modular addition in the back and putting up a new building, maybe two stories. That work could start as early as next spring. We’re not sure where the new building will go. We want to make best use of the property and still maintain the woods and play spaces which are important to us,” he said.
As far as the school curriculum, it’s not just about reading, writing and math at GES. It’s about using best teaching practices and involving parents and community members to help provide the best education possible for kids in a safe and caring environment, said James, adding it is also about building community and forming positive relationships.
Great Expectations also makes it a priority for kids to spend time outside, he said.
“It’s important to connect kids to the outdoors in all kinds of weather,” said James. “If you want to enjoy this area, it’s important to find opportunities and find ways to be outside. We want kids to be pre-disposed to play outside year round.”
With classroom names like Bear Cubs, Fawns, Beavers, Wolves, Lynx and Otters, the link to nature is obvious.
This year the school has hired Erik Hahn as the environmental education advisor. Erik will work with students on the hoop house, green house and the apple orchard located across the street at the law enforcement center. He will also be available to work with teachers on special projects or classroom work. “The position is new,” said Hahn, adding that he has a lot of flexibility built into his job.
“I will be working with teachers to coordinate environmental education with a variety of subjects,” Erik said. “A big part of the program is to build community. The food kids will grow will be used to feed their classmates. We received an apple press from Caroline Dryer and the kids will work with the press to make apple cider. Several kids helped me this summer in the greenhouse. One teacher has asked me to do a section on mushrooms. They can be found all over the place right now. Because of the flexibility of this position, I can do a variety of things.”
James said a priority is for kids to learn to work together. Currently the older kids spend half an hour per week reading to younger kids.
“The older kids are, what? 12, 13 years old? They are young, but they are role models for the younger kids. They are the ambassadors for our school to the community when they go to high school.”
As far as a new addition to the school, James hopes it will be ready by 2022. For now, GES is a hubbub of activity where kids can learn about the genetics of apples not just in the classroom, but outdoors while they are picking them or processing them or eating them.
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