Teacher: Cassidy Bowman
School: Centennial Middle School/Black Canyon High School
District: Montrose County School District
District Website: https://www.mcsd.org/centennialmiddleschool_home.aspx
School Address: 1100 S. 5th St, Montrose, CO 81401
Grade Level: 6-8 Engagement Center Teacher
Region: Southwest
Project Title: Strengthening Social Skills
Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning
Amount Requested: $1,030

Project Description:
I work with at-risk youth who do not have the opportunities to experience enriching activities. Many of my students are living in poverty, which limits access to such opportunities. One of my students' favorite field trips is to the escape room followed by lunch at a sit-down restaurant. These trips focus on developing problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication skills at the escape room, as well as restaurant etiquette, a crucial social skill.

Proposal:
In the Engagement Center, we strive to reengage students with their learning through various field trips. These students often lack the skills needed to succeed in traditional classrooms, so we focus on building those skills. To participate, students must work on improving their attendance and behavior. The escape room field trip is a valuable yet more expensive experience compared to other trips. In teams of 4-5, students work on problem-solving, code-breaking, and teamwork, all vital for success in school and the workplace. For most students, this will be their first time at an escape room.

Afterward, we take the students to a sit-down restaurant, where they practice essential social skills such as using manners, appropriate behavior without devices, and tipping etiquette. This field trip gives them a unique opportunity to learn restaurant behavior, often for the first time, in a supportive environment.

Budget Breakdown:

• Escape Room: $23 per student x 27 students = $621
• Lunch: $15 per student x 27 students = $405

Total: $1,030

Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3