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Titan Hill fifth-graders tell Lewis Central board ‘School of the Wild’ made learning memorable
Summary
Fifth graders and staff from Titan Hill described a four-day School of the Wild field program—canoeing, insect and bird study and planting native pollinators—and urged the Lewis Central board to continue the program and visit the school’s outdoor classroom.
Fifth-grade students and staff from Titan Hill told the Lewis Central Community School District board on Oct. 7 that a four-day School of the Wild field program gave students hands‑on experience with local ecosystems and boosted engagement.
Katie Kinsella, an instructional coach at Titan Hill, told the board the program rotates groups through county parks, keeps group sizes near 15 and pairs students with naturalists so they can study woodlands, wetlands and prairies up close. "This increased accessibility for students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to explore these ecosystems and learn in nature," Kinsella said.
Student speakers described activities and takeaways. "This was the best field trip I've ever been on," Emily Smith, a fifth grader, said, recounting canoeing at Arrowhead Park, catching minnows and planting pollinator plants in the Titan Hill outdoor classroom. Another student, Reese, said, "Learning about the ecosystem and the environment is so much better outdoors than in the classroom when you can see it, hear it, and feel it." Eva Thompson told the board the week helped students calm down and do their best thinking.
Teachers and parents highlighted logistical work and learning outcomes: staff organized multiple park rotations for 230 students and parents said the experience increased enthusiasm for school and creativity. A teacher invited board members to visit the outdoor classroom, noting students planted native grasses and plants as part of the program.
The presentation was framed by Titan Hill staff as part of broader district efforts to expand experiential learning; Kinsella noted that local conservation partners helped plan the program. Board members praised the organization and student engagement during a short Q&A.
The district did not vote on program funding at the meeting; teachers and parents asked the board to support continuation and to visit the outdoor classroom. The board moved on to its consent agenda after the public-school presentation.
