Weeding and Juggling in the New Native Plants Garden!

Last spring saw the completion of the Native Plants Garden, a class gift and "labor of love" from the graduating class of 2008. Thanks to Andi (Dakota's mom) for organizing a summer watering crew, the young plants flourished and look great!
Weeds also blossomed, so Ben's advisees wasted no time, earning Jolly Ranchers for their weeding prowess.

Ben's advisees gloat over a heap of vanquished weeds.

Students have quickly discovered that the garden is great for...

READING!

LUNCHING!

JUGGLING JUICE BOXES!

Come see for yourself!

Fall Outdoor Trips a Sunny Success!

In addition to launching classes and advisory groups, the first week of school witnessed waterproofing of boots, pitching tents, lighting stoves, checking gear, and hilarious (but always informative!) "Leave No Trace" camping skits. Detailed preparation paid off when the whole school departed in separate ways.



















The 6th graders camped at Fort Worden on the Olympic Peninsula, exploring the tidelands, forests, and decommissioned military bunkers. Our youngest middle schoolers proved themselves able campers and camp chefs!

Three separate 7th grade backpacking groups entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at different trail heads, including Lake Melakwa, Lake Dorothy, and Snow Lake. They navigated switchbacks and swatted mosquitoes with equal measures of intensity and good humor, and savored high lakes in glorious weather.



















Two 8th grade groups backpacked the shoulders of Mt. Rainier, exploring Glacier Basin and Owhyhigh Lakes for world famous views of the mountain, plus mountain goats, marmots, deer, pika -- and bears! These first two weeks of school set a high standard for an exciting and productive school year.



















Our thanks and congratulations go out to new Outdoor Education Director, Kirt Hodges, for a job well done. The Outdoor Ed leadership shoes are big ones to fill after Kristin's founding of this banner program and more than a decade of her guiding hand!