Special Event

Students and Legislators Mutually Inspired at Student Summit

Students from thirteen Washington schools had an adventure they will not soon forget this January. According to one of their teachers, “The experience will continue to impact them as they proceed through school and life.” 
 
The experience in question was the Environmental & Sustainability Literacy Student Summit. Co-hosted by PEI and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the summit recognized the work of sixteen student groups to explore and take action on issues related to environmental stewardship, sustainability and climate change. Students gathered at the Lacey Community Center on January 25 from far-flung communities like Marysville, Pullman and Taholah as well as nearby districts like Olympia. They ranged in age from kindergarten to high school. 

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FieldSTEM in Action 

Snowshoes Bring ‘WOW’ Factor to Outdoor Learning

Use Your Voice to Support FieldSTEM!

House to Consider Amendment to Fund FieldSTEM Programming

We are happy to report that the Washington State House of Representatives has included Rep. Reeve’s amendment to Section 522 (3)(j) for PEI’s FieldSTEM program in their budget for consideration. If you are a FieldSTEM fan, enthusiastic educator or supportive community partner, please pick up the phone or send an email to members of the House Ways and Means Committee to let them know you value this work. They are:

Senator Andy Billig, 3^rd District; Senator Mark Mullet, 5^th District; Senator Matt Boehnke, 8th District; Senator Mark Schoesler, 9th District; Senator Ron Muzzall, 10th District; Senator Bob Hasegawa, 11th District; Senator Judy Warnick, 13th District; Senator Nikki Torres, 15th District; Senator Lynda Wilson, 17th District; Senator Ann Rivers, 18^th District’ Senator John Braun, 20^th District; Senator Sam Hunt, 22^nd District; Senator Christine Rolfes, 23^rd District; Senator Kevin Van de Wege, 24^th District; Senator Chris Gildon, 25^th District; Senator Steve Conway, 29^th District; Senator Karen Keiser, 33^rd District; Senator Joe Nguyen, 34^th District; Senator Rebecca Saldaña, 37^th District; Senator June Robinson, 38^th District; Senator Keith Wagoner, 39^th District; Senator Lisa Wellman, 41^st District; Senator Jamie Pederson, 43^rd District; Senator Manka Dhingra, 45th District.

If you’re looking for words to share with them, here are a few:

FieldSTEM and outdoor-based learning overall improve students’ mental and physical health outcomes – and improves engagement and academic achievement. Benefits include:

·       Reduced stress

·       Increased focus and attention

·       Increased motivation and engagement in schoolwork

·       Reduced the risk of depression

·       Boosted attendance

·       Reduced disruptive behavior

We are excited to support Rep. Reeve’s budget request that increases funding for ongoing work to integrate the state learning standards in English language arts, mathematics, and science with FieldSTEM outdoor field studies and project-based and work-based learning opportunities aligned with the environmental, natural resource, and agricultural sectors.

PEI Communications

Guest Columnist Opportunity

Tools & Tips for Teachers

There’s an App for That  

• iNaturalist & Seek by iNaturalist
• MyNature Tree Guide
• MyNature Animal Tracks
• eBird
• Merlin Bird ID
• Leps by Fieldguide

Source: Project Learning Tree

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  With Gratitude

Thank you to February's donors and funders!