Schools will be scheduled for a specific date. Date assignments will be sent directly to school principals via Smartsheet for confirmation prior to the Learning Journey. This Learning Journey takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from January through June. All Milwaukee County and MPS COVID-19 protocols and mask mandates are to be followed as though students were in the classroom.
Two sessions will be offered to accommodate early- and late-start schools. Early programming is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 11:30 a.m. to load the bus for departure. Late programming is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. to load the bus for departure. Note: Plan accordingly for an approximately 30-minute bus ride to and from the venue.
Prior to arrival at Boerner, students should be put into assigned groups of approximately 15–18 students. Each group will be assigned a plant science program educator. It is the teacher's responsibility to have an adult chaperone for each group. Students should wear a face mask and be dressed according to weather conditions.
Teachers are required to implement all curricular materials associated with this Learning Journey. All curricular materials for this program are available in the grade 1 teacher's guide. This Learning Journey implements a curriculum and instruction (C&I) framework and an academic and career planning (ACP) framework to ensure that students develop skills not only for academics but also for professional development. The C&I framework provides standards-aligned instructional materials for teachers at each grade level.
To ensure that your Learning Journey is appropriately aligned and meets student learning objectives at this grade level, your input is needed. After completing the Learning Journey, please take five minutes to submit the C&I feedback form and let us know about your experience.
Did you know that Learning Journeys align to an academic and career planning framework and provide instruction, activities, resources, and opportunities for students?
Yes! Teachers are required to include their Learning Journey and program content within their academic and career plan for administrative approval. Your Learning Journey implements a curriculum and instruction (C&I) framework and an academic and career planning (ACP) framework to ensure that students develop skills not only for academics but also for professional development. The ACP framework emphasizes holistic learning objectives in career awareness (K3–grade 3), career exploration (grades 4–8), and career planning and preparation (grades 9–12). Connect with your ACP team or school counselor for more information!
Your input is needed. After completing the Learning Journey, please take three minutes to fill out the ACP feedback form and let us know about your experience.
Transportation will be arranged and paid for by MPS Central Services on the schools' behalf. Transportation details will be sent to teachers and principals via Smartsheet. Plan accordingly for an approximately 30-minute bus ride to and from the venue. Schools cannot charge students for busing. Students should be seated one student per row. Students from the same household may sit together. Questions regarding transportation or requests for special accommodations, such as wheelchair or walker needs, should be directed to the Extended Learning Opportunities office at elo@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
All students are expected to participate. Teachers will need to obtain field trip permission slips for this Learning Journey. Teachers are expected to use all curricular materials in preparation for their Learning Journey. All Milwaukee County and MPS COVID-19 protocols and mask mandates are to be followed as though students were in the classroom.
This Learning Journey is provided free to all MPS first-grade students. Student admission costs and programming as well as teacher and chaperone admissions will be paid by Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens. Transportation will be paid for and arranged on the schools' behalf by MPS Central Services. Transportation details will be sent to teachers and principals via Smartsheet. Schools cannot charge students for busing.