Anita Vibe, a teacher at Nakusp Elementary School (NES) and Neil Fletcher, with the BC Wildlife Federation, have proposed to build a wetland in the forested area next to NES.
Vibe thinks having a wetland at the school would encourage a new healthy, natural ecosystem that would attract and be enjoyed by many animal species including salamanders, toads, frogs, birds, bats, deer, and more.
This would give School District 10 (SD 10) a chance to set an example in the community for creating such a diverse habitat.
The wetland would also be another opportunity for outdoor learning to happen.
Three possible sites have been chosen for the wetland’s location, but Vibe thinks site one would be the best option as it is closest to the gazebo being built on the school’s grounds.
The deepest the water would be is a foot and a half in the middle.
Grants for the project will be written soon. Approval for grants will be announced January and February of 2018. If approved, work would begin in August or September of 2018.
Maker Day
film now released
SD 10’s first Maker Day was held January 2017. The design, thinking, and tinkering event was captured in a short documentary film at http://sd10.bc.ca/video and on our SD 10 YouTube channel.
The film was created as part of the documentation of student engagement in a Shoulder Tappers initiative. Along with paying for the nominal cost of the film, the initiative also funded over $5,000 in teacher release time, supplies, transportation costs and a student lunch for the 70 Grade 7-9 students from across the district who attended.
Accolades have been received from the Ministry of Education on the film, which showcases the innovative structure of the design challenge, use of an authentic community expert panel, and a requirement that students pitch their prototype design to the panel of experts before making.
The design challenge for students was to create something that would help local communities be more resilient in the face of disaster such as mudslides, forest fires or power outages. This resulted in powerful critical and creative thinking and hands-on learning.
International
Education Program Update
SD 10 is thrilled to be hosting three potential International Education students in the 2017-18 school year. Students from Japan, Spain and China are currently pursuing registration and there also is possible interest from a student from Germany.
Thanks is being given to Lorna Newman, director of learning at SD 10, for her leadership in working through the registrations and search for homestays.
SD 10 welcomes
Nick Graves to Lucerne
After a year of waiting, Nick Graves, the new principal at Lucerne Elementary Secondary School in New Denver, began his principalship on June 19. This gives him two weeks of time before the end of the school year to get to know the students, parents and staff.
Nick, his wife and young son look forward to joining the community of New Denver and SD 10.