Weathersfield School to host Four Winds program

WEATHERSFIELD, Vt. — Five years ago, Lisa Purcell from the Four Winds Nature Institute came to Weathersfield School to introduce students to the nature program. She inspired, led students through a short activity, and answered questions.

It’s time for a reprise. This time, the school’s presenter will be Dana Hudson, a powerhouse educator and Four Winds board member. Dana started the Farm to Institution program in Vermont, and was the Northeast Regional leader of the national Farm to School network. 

Hudson will present at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 at the school.

In the past five years, Weathersfield students have experienced all of the Four Winds curriculum — five themes, 40 topics in total, with no repeats. Next year the school will start back with the “Earth” theme again, and next year’s fifth-graders will revisit the same theme they learned in kindergarten, but with the “upper grades challenge” activities to build upon the seeds planted in kindergarten.

In the past five years, educational practice has advanced and Next Generation Science Standards have been adopted. The Four Winds curriculum is not stagnant. Four Winds educators have kept pace, revising and updating not only program materials but especially strategies for emphasizing student inquiry, all according to a pres release from the school. The group will hear a little about that at next Tuesday’s gathering, and teachers, volunteers and all in attendance will have a chance to ask questions.

The school needs about four more volunteers to solidify the volunteer corps for next year, and attending the Tuesday presentation will be useful for teachers to hear how the program is evolving and get some ideas for ways it can help address the standards you are teaching. The presentation will be completed by 3:45 p.m.

To be on next year’s volunteer list, or for more information about potentially volunteering, contact Susan Hindinger at the school.