Camp Metcalf!
In 2019, Metcalf Elementary teachers were inspired by an educational conference they attended called Get Your Teach On. Get Your Teach on promotes an event called Rock Your School - this is a day about students and a community of educators celebrating the little things by bringing extraordinary learning experiences into an ordinary day. Since then, Metcalf has rocked their school each year with different themes including Rock, Neon Glow, Disney, “Starbooks,” and more. That’s why on September 13th, Metcalf Elementary came together for Camping Day!
Teachers planned engaging lessons centered around curiosity, adventure, and creativity in accordance with our camping theme. Camping Day was all about having fun learning experiences. Classrooms were transformed into campsites, floors into mountain streams, and walls into forests. Students could be seen fishing, bug catching, telling camp stories, cutting out swirly snakes, making camping crafts, drawing forest animals, singing campfire songs, playing camping games, doing marshmallow science, and going on nature walks. Teamwork, effort, passion, and smiles made it a great day.
This is the best day ever… a phrase heard several times throughout the day. When Jove Maggio, a first grader in Mrs. Salazar’s class was asked what he loved best, he stated that he loved the tents his teacher created in the classroom, he loved switching classes and doing different activities. The cup stacking challenge was his favorite.
Mrs. Stephanie Salazar, a first grade teacher, thought Camping Day was an exciting opportunity to build relationships with students outside their classrooms. “Camping day was special because it was an opportunity to bring extra magic and fun into what could have been known as an ordinary day of school. I hope that our activities made conversation all the way to the dinner table,” Salazar stated. “While academic rigor is essential, so is fun and building relationships. We are fortunate to work with a staff that builds a love for learning through dynamic lessons, not only on special occasions but each day,” said Chelsea Adams, principal.