Research demonstrates that regular access to the outdoors, in particular green spaces, helps to improve concentration, impulse control and hyperactivity; and to reduce the mental and emotional fatigue that dampens school performance in all children.
In the spirit of the motto displayed in the HMES lobby, Excellence Through Equity, the mission of the Outdoor Education Program is to:
Ensure each student has access to the outdoors on a regular basis
Provide teachers with an outdoor space in which they can easily build lessons about science and the natural world
Foster independence and creativity through a connection to the natural world;
Give each student the knowledge and opportunity to be environmental stewards in whatever capacity they are able
Connect students more closely to their food source
Explore food justice and multiculturalism through shared industry
Reinforce core curriculum through experiential and project-based learning modules.
The March 2019 Gratitude and Writing workshop led by Winnie Lee raised over $500 which went directly to help develop the amazing outdoor classrooms and community gardens at the school.
