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Grade 1 Snackin' on Plants

This spring, all first-grade students will visit Wisconsin's Havenwoods State Forest. Students will explore the functions of plant parts and make connections to everyday foods.

New this year, teachers can choose which curricular lessons to implement within the classroom. However, teachers must  review details of the Learning Journey program with students prior to their trip. 
 

Planning Your Learning Journey Program

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  How Do I Confirm My Assigned Learning Journey Date?

Assigned dates for the grade 1 Learning Journey to Havenwoods State Forest will be sent later this fall. The program will begin in spring 2025.

Learning Journey dates will be sent to principals and school leads via Smartsheet for confirmation. Once confirmed, teachers will receive a Smartsheet email with their assigned Learning Journey date(s).

Learning Journey dates are randomly assigned. All dates are final. If a date(s) must be cancelled, the principal must email a cancellation request to ELO planning assistant Mary Grant two weeks prior to the assigned Learning Journey date(s). All cancellation requests must copy the regional superintendent on the correspondence. Rescheduled dates are not guaranteed. 

Questions? Contact the Extended Learning Opportunities office at 414-475-8238 or email grantme@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

  How Do I Prepare for My Learning Journey?

This Learning Journey implements a curriculum and instruction (C&I) 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.

Teachers may implement pre- and post-trip activities at their discretion. Access the curriculum-aligned activities in the teacher's guide.

  Academic and Career Planning

Did you know that Learning Journeys align to an academic and career planning (ACP) framework and provide instruction, activities, resources, and opportunities for students? 

Teachers are required to include their Learning Journey program and instructional materials within their academic and career plan for administrative approval. This Learning Journey implements the 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). Connect with your ACP team or school counselor for more information!

  School and Teacher Responsibility

All students are expected to participate in their school's Learning Journey program.

To access the teacher's guide on how to prepare for this Learning Journey (field trip forms, lunches, chaperones, etc.), please check back later this fall (2024).

  What Happens If There Is Inclement Weather?

The only cause for the grade 1 Learning Journey to cancel is if either the MPS school district closes due to inclement weather or the program site closes due to inclement weather. Learning Journeys that are cancelled due to inclement weather may be rescheduled based on remaining available dates.

  How Do I Make Arrangements with My School Kitchen?

Please contact your school kitchen manager at least two weeks before your Learning Journey date to make necessary arrangements. For more information, review The Principal's Guide to School Nutrition 2024–2025 and review what is new in the Department of Nutrition Services for the 2024–2025 academic year.

  Bus Information

Transportation will be arranged and paid for by MPS Central Services on your school's 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. 

Questions regarding transportation or requests for special accommodations, such as wheelchair or walker needs, should be directed to ELO planning assistant Mary Grant or ELO associate Anitra Stampley.

  Cost to Schools

This Learning Journey is provided free to all grade 1 MPS students. Admission fees and transportation are booked and paid for on behalf of schools by the MPS Foundation and MPS Central Services.

This Learning Journey is made possible thanks to a partnership with the MPS Foundation and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

 

MPS Foundation

Contacts

Learning Journeys Program

Extended Learning Opportunities Planning Assistant:

Mary Grant
Phone: 414-777-7861
Email: grantme@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Extended Learning Opportunities Associate III:

Anitra Stampley
Phone: 414-475-8614
Email: stamplak@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

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