17,000 children each year have been experiencing Florida's fragile and unique environment through the Seminole schools' Environmental Studies Center --- but now it appears that program is threatened.
Sign the petition AND see how you can help save the ESC by visiting the Friends' website at http://scescfriends.wordpress.com.
Veterans of the 5th grade MUD WALK never forget that experience which links the science they've learned with the fun they've had. This is the most effective kind of teaching through experience --- and Seminole County's program has been a statewide model for 30 years.
The Florida Legislature is slashing funding for education and the Seminole School District has to cut programs, including slashing the Environmental Studies Center program. Not only is this program outstandingly successful in meeting the state science standards, it is also a model in taxpayer efficiency as the very first example of county-school district cooperation.
Sign the petition and tell the world: SAVE THE MUD WALK! SAVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CENTER!
We the undersigned, realize that budgets are tight and cuts are necessary. %u2020However, the cuts must preserve the essentials of valuable programs until better days. %u2020This is especially true of a complex and UNIQUELY EFFECTIVE program such as the SCPS Environmental Studies Center, which combines direct instruction with amemorable experience --- while meeting state science standards.
Students never forget the mud walk AND the things they learned about the ecosystem they live in and depend upon. %u2020And, the SCPS-County partnership is a model of fiscal responsibility and wise use of the taxpayers' dollars and the capital investment is made. %u2020
We are confident that you will not sacrifice one of your most successful programs when you consider what will be lost. %u2020Thank you.%u2020
