Teacher: Barrett Weisheipl

School: Ute Pass Elementary

District: Manitou Springs School District 14

Website: upe.mssd14.org

Address: 9230 Chipita Park Rd. Cascade, CO 80809

Grade Level: 4th math ELA science social studies

Region: Central Mountains

Project Title: Environmental Outdoor Education

Category: Field Trips & Outdoor Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Ute Pass Elementary School is a public rural school in Cascade, Colorado, with 173 students, 50% of whom qualify for free and reduced lunch. The school's mission is to provide K-6 students with environmental outdoor education opportunities that challenge the traditional public school model. Each year, the fourth-grade class participates in an overnight backpacking trip and concludes the year with a two-night camping trip to reinforce learning and community building. Additionally, students maintain indoor vegetable gardens, conduct monthly field studies in local open-space areas, and travel for various field trips to study Colorado history and ecology. This project relies on fundraising and donations to support these enriching educational opportunities.

Photos:
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Impact:
The Environmental Outdoor Education program at Ute Pass Elementary provides fourth-grade students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences that foster a deep understanding of ecology, history, and community. Students gain firsthand knowledge of the connection between natural resources, local watersheds, and agriculture, and participate in activities that help them understand where their food and water come from. The project offers an invaluable learning experience and strengthens students' bonds with each other, their community, and the natural environment.

Use of Funds:

• Field trips: $600
• Transportation: $400
• Camping trip exploring the Arkansas River Watershed and Colorado history (La Junta, CO): $1,000