Glendo teacher describes week-long Greater Yellowstone science trip; students raised nearly $9,000

Len Lagan, a grades 3'5 teacher at Glendo Elementary, described a September trip that took 12 students to the Kelly campus for a week of place-based science focusing on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Lagan said students participated in three days of field research, maintained science journals, hiked 3'4 miles per day, completed team-building exercises, and presented research projects during a final evening showcase.

Lagan told the board the trip was not a casual field trip: students packed their own lunches, prepared and helped with meals, maintained scientific field journals, and were responsible for daily tasks while collecting data for independent projects. He said the group had limited downtime but gained teamwork and science experience.

Funding and fundraising: Lagan said the PTO organized a fundraiser that included a raffle and donations; "they raised almost $9,000," he said, adding that much of the money was raised by the students selling tickets and community contributions. Lagan described donated raffle items including a rifle and a side of beef, and said the trip was supported by staff and parent chaperones.

Instructional context: Lagan and other teachers said the district's four-day week has helped instruction by allowing dedicated periods for science and art and providing more planning time. Lagan suggested the structure made the longer field-experience possible without disrupting core instruction.

Next steps: Lagan said he would like to run similar trips biennially and is planning a history-focused fundraising trip for the next year; board members thanked him and there was no formal action required.