Last week, we set out on adventures with our eighth-grade and sixth-grade overnights. The eighth graders had their closing trip to the Deschutes for some hiking and white water rafting, and put to use their well-honed camping skills. This trip is an opportunity to celebrate the community that this eighth grade has built over the last three years and share one last trip together before they head off to high school. As with all of our outdoor trips, there were opportunities for risk-taking, whether that was “riding the bull” on the raft or crafting their own meals at their campsite. The students shared a closing circle this week that gave them the chance to offer their appreciation for each other and their gratitude for their Middle School experience.

Sixth graders capped off their first year in the Middle School with their own culminating trip out in Fossil, Oregon at Camp Hancock. There they learned about the geology of the area, the amazing fossils that have preserved a very different environment from millions of years ago, and all about the amazing birds and other wildlife that populate the area. Students hiked trails, caught lizards (gently), and put their science learning from OES to the test. They also enjoyed a campfire with a talent show, a trivia night, and a lot of time together as a grade to enjoy the friendships that they’ve built this year.

As always in the school year, it always feels like we do more winding up than winding down. Students are completing end-of-year projects and assessments and will close out the school year next Wednesday, June 10th for a final half-day of school; ending at Noon. Please make sure that you have on your calendar that the last day of school begins at 8 a.m. (not late start), and it ends at Noon for a half-day. (Note: The last day of Extension is Tuesday, June 9.)

What an amazing year it has been to witness our students’ growth, and we’re so excited to see them in the fall or hear about their adventures if they are heading off to high school! We will have summer information coming your way later in June. We wish you a wonderful summer!