Nearly 200 Saco Middle School Students Explore the Outdoors at The Ecology School

SACO — Saco Middle School recently partnered with The Ecology School in Saco to send nearly 200 seventh-graders on an overnight, outdoor classroom experience. Students enjoyed a project-based education by venturing outdoors to partake in soil and water testing, mapping, nature trail journaling, and exploring The Ecology School’s 105 plus acres of diverse ecosystems.

“The Ecology School educators not only make things fun and interactive but ensure that our students have a wonderful experience,” said Seventh-Grade Teacher Patricia Takacs. “In addition to their environmental learning, the students truly bonded during the shared mealtime as they served, laughed, and cleaned in the dining commons. This opportunity was a great way to build community and relationships among students, bridging the gap by sharing opinions and information about the environment. Students echoed the common feeling of enjoyment and look forward to returning.”

For nearly 25 years, The Ecology School has been providing students from throughout New England with experiential ecosystem-based programs that empower students to discover the inner workings of the world around them and their connection to it. 

 “I really enjoyed learning outside along with my friends and being able to have lessons at night exploring the forest and the space activities" stated 7th-grade student Miya McIntosh. During the SMS visit, students explored one of nature’s greatest classrooms imaginable while investigating ecosystems along the Saco River, comparing forests, riverbanks, farm fields, and more. 

 “Our Science Curriculum Design Team has worked hard this year to restore and expand our partnership with The Ecology School. This partnership has been instrumental in providing our K-8 students with an outdoor education experience that creates lifelong learning. We were grateful to be able to extend the overnight opportunity to each and every seventh grader this year,” said Assistant Superintendent Meg Parkhurst.

The Saco School Department has committed to partnering with The Ecology School for the 2022-2023 school year to expand programming availability district-wide for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. For more information about The Ecology School in Saco, visit www.theecologyschool.org.