Regarding the Enterprise Village visit, the State Fair and the Tallahassee Trip

Dear 5th Grade and Parents,

After a curriculum meeting last night, we discussed changes to what we would be learning this year in Social Studies/History.  It was soon realized that the State Fair Project and the Tallahassee trip did not tie in directly to what we were learning in class and we decided to make some revisions.  We did, however, decide to continue our visit to Enterprise Village.

Below is a summary of what we discussed and I look forward to any feedback you may have.  Please know that I understand the importance of tradition and I recognize that many of you will be disappointed.  I assure you that what we do to replace these two wonderful learning activities, will be tied into our curriculum, be challenging and enriching, and be lots and lots of fun!

1.  Enterprise Village
We have a booking to visit Enterprise Village on March 19, 2013.  We will be preparing for our visit in class and will give all details in the new year.

2.  State Fair
As result of the changes to our Social Studies/History curriculum, we discoverd that the State Fair no longer reflected what was being learned in the classroom.  In its place, a new project will be planned and details will be given at the appropriate time.  My hope is to still incorporate a "performance" component to this new project that will give the 5th grade class an opportunity to share what they have learned in a public forum.  The idea of the 5th grade class hosting a special event for the school is a great idea in so many ways and I hope that the new project will not only be exciting for the students but also for the entire Seven Rivers community.

3.  Tallahassee Trip
Since state government is not addressed in the 5th grade, we made a decision that we would revise the purposes of this trip.  A two-night trip will still be planned but the learning objectives will be different.  My initial idea is to seek out an opportunity where the 5th grade can learn through service.  Going on a mini "mission-trip" will not only create memories, and promote great learning, but also, provide each student the opportunity to serve Jesus and love others.  As I am new to Florida, and to the U.S. for that matter, if you have any ideas and contacts, would you please let me know.  I am most excited about what open doors God has for us!  When I was younger, God opened a door for me to travel to Hong Kong and play basketball and share the gospel to kids.  This one trip changed my life and I ended up moving back to Hong Kong years later to live.  My hope and prayer is that God will work similarly in the lives of our class.

Today, in class, there was a lot of disappointment; there were also some tears.  I understand and know how difficult it is to embrace change.  I have gone through my share of change in the last year as well.  My hope is that the revisions we are making will not only tie into our educational goals but also to our calling as God's children.

I am eagerly awaiting all your responses!  :)