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Happenings, events and news from the Forest!
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Monthly Lake Observation
Among the routines in our monthly rhythm in the Pine and Tamarack classes is a hike to the shore of Payette Lake. Because the lake is not directly adjacent to our classroom, a visit there highlights changes over time. Students make excited predictions in response to...
Layering Up for Forest School
Brrr...it's cold out there! We've been enjoying the winter weather, the snow in the forest classroom, and learning how to walk in snowshoes. We wanted to share what we have learned about layering techniques that are effective for keeping students comfortable...
Gratitude from Roots Forest School
We are grateful to YOU! As we take time to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for this holiday season we wanted to take a moment to thank YOU - our supporters - for the role you play in our school's success. We are very grateful to live in a community that...
Trek to the North Pole!
Roots to co-host annual TREK to the North Pole with Ponderosa State Park! The Trek to the North Pole is hosted this year by Roots and Ponderosa State Park, with the City of McCall as our sponsor! Join us for this free family event at the Activity Center in Ponderosa...
Celebration for Ponderosa State Park Manager, Richard!
Ponderosa State Park Manager, Richard Taplin, retires after 26 years - Roots celebrates him! On October 23, Roots Forest School held a celebration for Richard Taplin, Ponderosa State Park Manager from 1992-2018. Richard was instrumental in bringing Roots to Ponderosa...
5k Family Fun Run
Our 5k Family Fun Run is back for the 3rd year in a row! Who: Everyone! What: A gentle 3 mile out and back loop perfect for walkers, joggers, runners, stroller pushers, and balance bike riders! When: Saturday, July 28th at 10am Where: Meet at the Activity Center in...
Spring In The Forest Classroom
Spring in the mountains means the melting of snow, and the melting of snow means we can interact with our forest classroom in new ways! Here's a peek into a spring day with our Aspen class this week. In spring we enjoy the opportunity to move more of our materials...
Earth Day, Every Day
One of the hallmark traits of forest school is that children learn about our Earth through direct experiences in nature. Every day a new lesson unfolds before us, helping us to understand how everything on our Earth is connected. Take a moment to step outside this...
Welcome to the Forest!
Enjoy this guest post from McCall Donnelly High School Teacher Melissa Coriell: The Tamaracks welcomed the McCall Donnelly High School speech class into their forest classroom last week. The high school students have been participating in a research project to learn...
Ice Fishing
This week, we are learning about some features of life in the Arctic. We felt very fortunate to get a gorgeous afternoon of ice fishing on Payette Lake this afternoon with the Tamaracks! We went out onto the lake from the Ponderosa Park Visitor Center. ...
Roots Winter Olympics
In the spirit of the current Winter Olympics, Roots students participated in their own Winter Games this week! The week kicked off with our music teacher Miss Katie leading us in 'Music Olympics' to review some of the musical concepts we've learned this year such as...
Weekly Jobs
The announcement of students' jobs on the first class of the week is perhaps the most anticipated moment at Roots. At our opening circle, we look at the job board together and read which student has which job for the week. The Douglas Firs and Aspens rotate through...
“My favorite thing about going to Roots was being outside in the winter and exploring the forest. Another favorite thing was when my teachers helped me make a Rock Chipping Site so I could learn about the what rocks look like inside. I learned to work together with my friends and build cool things at The Building Site. My best memory is the day my spirit animal, the fox, came to visit my class after I wrote him a letter. I made really good friends at Roots. I think all kids should go to the Roots Forest School!”
– Blake, a Roots Alum and current First Grader