Outdoor Learning Guidelines & Clothing Requirements

Students attend school in the classroom as well as the outdoors at a variety of venues. Outdoor field experiences are integral to the curriculum.

Code of Nature Ethics
(developed by Fox River Academy Students 2007 – 2008)

• Picking or damaging plants & trees is prohibited.
• Hurting animals or making their lives more difficult is not allowed.
• Keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
• Help to preserve all animals and plant life unless an insect such as a mosquito is biting you.
• Leave No Trace – Take nothing with you except memories and garbage.  Leave nothing behind except footprints.
• Stay on marked trails for your safety and the health of the ecosystem.
• All things in nature (organic and inorganic) have value and are important and should be treated accordingly.
• The quieter you are in nature the more you will see, hear, smell, feel and notice.

Field Trip/Outdoor Experience Clothing Requirements:

In Fall/Spring:

• Jeans
• Athletic shoes/hiking boots
• Sweatshirt or light jacket
• Light hat such as a baseball cap or hiking hat

In Case of Rain:

• Rain coat with hood (no ponchos please)
• Rain boots

Please Keep in Mind:
If not properly clothed; students will not be allowed to attend the field trip and/or outdoor experience and will instead work on an alternative activity under the supervision of staff.

If for financial reasons you are unable to provide any of these items for your child please contact your child’s teacher.

Please label all outdoor clothing with your child’s name.

In Winter:

• Winter hat that covers ears
• Neck covers such as gator
• Snow pants ( all grades, even the teachers wear them)
• Heavy winter jacket that can be zipped up completely and reaches to hips or lower
• Thick warm mittens/gloves that have a water resistant coating such as used for skiing or snowboarding (no dollar store stretchy gloves or knit mittens).
• Warm, water resistant, properly fitting winter boots that reach to mid-calf or higher (no dress or fashion boots).

Other items that may be needed include:

• Sunscreen
• Water bottle labeled with name
• Rain pants
• Keep an extra  pair of socks in backpack or at school.

Please be sure to read these Important Field Trip/Outdoor Learning Guidelines.

Fox Code 

What’s on the ground stays on the ground.

Carry in. Carry out.

Follow the 3 B’s. (Be safe. Be respectful. Be responsible.)

Follow the 3 R’s. (Reduce, reuse, recycle)

Leave no trace.

Follow the golden rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Pick up garbage.

Leave nature be.

Stay on the trail.

Leave insects alone.

Fox Creed   

I will be safe, respectful and responsible both out in nature and inside school.

I will not harm others, nature, or any living thing.

I will help everyone in need. I will discover something new everyday.

I will use all materials the way they are meant to be used.

I will come prepared rain or shine. I will include everyone, kids and adults.

I will leave no trace.

I will listen to my teachers and follow instructions.

I believe our teachers will help us to succeed.

I believe in handson, creative learning and will try my best no matter what.

I believe nature is the most important thing we have so I will do my part to protect the environment.

We are proud to be Fox River Academy students.