What is the OutDoor School?
The OutDoor School is an alternative education program and a lot more! It's working and learning about the outdoors, examining environmental issues and other core subjects and earning credit towards a high school diploma. It's working with your hands to learn about the environment, examining plants and wildlife and applying those observations to studies in the classroom. It is learning about fire ecology and how to build a fire without matches, how to identify trees and plant, and more. The OutDoor School is a lot of hard work, but it's also fun and it allows you to make a real contribution in the world.
Who Can Apply?
Students in the Eugene, Springfield, Bethel, Creswell, Fern Ridge, Junction City, Marcola, McKenzie, Pleasant Hill and South Lane School Districts may apply for admission to the program. If you are between the ages of 14 and 19 and want an alternative education challenge that blends class work with outdoor learning and work experience, ODS may be for you!
What Will I Do In Field Studies?
In field studies, ODS students build hiking trails, plant trees, control erosion, restore wetlands, build park structures and rehabilitate fisheries. You will also explore, examine and research the natural areas where you are working and complete hands-on activities and assignments in environmental education that relate to field studies work. On four special occasions during the year, crews camp out for a week and complete intensive field projects. Freshman will do the same activities but on a more limited basis.
Do I Need Experience?
No! Skilled staff will teach you everything you need to know to be successful. ODS staff have years of outdoor experience and receive extensive safety training. All you need is an interest and willingness to work and learn.
What About the Classes?
ODS classes connect field study activities with math, science, language arts and social studies courses. Lessons are designed to be active and practical. Students learn in classes of 12 to 15 students. We also have a special education teacher on staff to help those students with special needs. Independent learning opportunities are also available during classroom hours.
What Kind of Degree Can I Earn?
Students work to earn at traditional high school diploma. Students who pass all their classes can earn 4 credits each semester, or 8 credits a year.
What About Time and Transportation?
The OutDoor School is in session from 8:40 a.m. to 3:14 p.m. Monday through Friday. ODS operates from September to June, with the same holiday schedule as public schools. NYC is on the LTD bus line, route 27 which drops off right in front of the school. NYC provides transportation to all field activities.
What Supplies Will I Need?
Each student needs their own work boots, one or two blue long-sleeved work shirts, and work gloves for work projects. These items are for sale at NYC, but can be purchased elsewhere. Every student should have a warm jacket, and sturdy long pants in good repair, no holes or tears. In the classroom, students need a three ring binder, pencils and pens. ODS will provide textbooks, software, art supplies, hard hats, raingear, safety equipment and tools.
What About Lunch?
Students are responsible for bringing a lunch to school every day! Field activities are often away from the metro area and buying a lunch during the day isn't possible. Don't count on store stops, bring food. Drinking water is always available during field activities.
What About Special Needs?
If you have special needs please let us know how we can assist your full participation in the program. We are prepared and experienced in helping students with learning disabilities, attention deficit, and behavior challenges. We are happy to try to accommodate youth with physical and health challenges when we can.
How can I get to the OutDoor School?
LTD offers the following programs for students:
Smart Ways to School
Our free services can help with school transportation!
- Save Money and Time by Carpooling
- Ride LTD Free!
Carpool
Smart Ways to School’s free SchoolPool service connects families who want to carpool to the same school. You’ll receive a match list of other registered SchoolPool families whose students live near you. Register online at www.swts.ltd.org or call 682-6212 to request a form.
Ride LTD Free
Students in grades 6-12 can ride LTD free beginning September 1, 2007. Students can obtain their free LTD pass directly from their school.
Call 687-5555 or visit www.ltd.org to find the best LTD route for your student.
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