Is your OWLS program a school?

No, the OWLS program offered academic support for literacy and science on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Our families were homeschooling. Some enrolled with a charter such as Hickman, Connecting Waters, and Visions. Some families filed a Private School Affidavit every year. 

What is a Microschool?

Check out this informative article: Educational Innovations: A 50-State Guide to Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning

Is your OWLS program a summer camp?

No, we had terms THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: August-May. Our program ran three days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

How do you work with families?

We talked daily at check in and check out. We also sent home a newsletter every Friday. We texted, called, and e-mailed each other. 

We were a vendor for Hickman, Connecting Waters Charter Schools, and Visions. 

What is the student to teacher ratio?

1 teacher for every 8 students.

What are the ages are in your pod?

Students are ages 6-11.

What do you do every day?

Sample Daily Schedule: 

• 9 AM   Morning Drop Off/Check Ins, Hike, &  Snack/Sit Spot

• 11 AM Literacy & Science Explorations: Read Aloud, Shared, Guided, or Independent Reading and/or Writing

• 12 PM Lunch/Play/Choice Time

• 12:45 Final meeting of the day: Roses, Buds, and Thorns

• 1 PM Pick Up

We always made sure to hike, explore and do one sit spot. Snack was always around 10:30 and lunch was always around noon with play time after.  We did up to an hour of literacy work and alloted an hour to practice skills, although those were typically broken up into smaller chunks of time rather than in one solid hour. Adjustments were made based on weather, environment, and interest. 

Were vaccines required?

In the 3rd year, vaccinations were made optional after requests and feedback.

What are  your COVID Protocols? 

Masks were optional, although they were worn if there was a known possible exposure to COVID. 

We requested to be informed of any COVID symptoms, exposures and/or positive tests. Children stayed home if they were exhibiting any symptoms. If your child has been exposed, the CDC "urges those people to wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested after five". "The agency continues to say that people who test positive should isolate from others for at least five days. CDC officials advise that people can end isolation if they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and they are without symptoms or the symptoms are improving." Huffington Post News Article August 2022 CDC What to do if You Were Exposed CDC Isolation Guidelines August 2022

*Children who have tested positive for COVID returned to program when they tested negative for COVID. 

What happens if my child has a fever or feels sick?

If anyone in your household is feeling ill, please keep your child home. 

*Please do a temperature check at home prior to arrival. 

“CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.” Flu Prevention 

What do you do when it is cold and/or rainy?

We wore quality outdoor gear, sometimes built tarp shelters, and were able to build fires in the fire pits at Camp Herms. We occasionally enjoyed using a room with a fireplace at Camp Herms. We also enjoyed learning in the Environmental Education Center in the Tilden Nature Area.

What do you do if there is a major wildfire with smoke?

Classes were canceled if there was an Air Quality Index (AQI) level above 150.  We used AirNow and receive Air Quality Notifications.

Why do you suggest homework?

We set up homework as an extension of skills practiced during the program.  Homework was pretty light since many of the children are involved in a variety of other academic, social, and sports programs. The routine of doing the homework helps students to be responsible and helps them learn how to manage their time. Homework is agreed upon throughout the week and included in the newsletter. The expectation is that students do what they can and come in ready to share their progress on Tuesday. Parents could also submit our coursework to their homeschooling programs.

How do you guys do with kiddos with ADHD etc.?

I have a lot of fun ways to engage and refocus kids, especially outside! I find that the flexibility of our schedule and the multitude of learning opportunities within our outdoor environment, as well as, the individualized supports I am able to provide for academic growth help children have the space and meaningful engagement that allows them to flourish! I am able to structure individual, peer to peer, and small group instruction in partnership with parental input and feedback. All student assignments are in relation to their personal interests, their connection with nature and with each other. I have over 15 years of teaching experience and studies to draw from and I enjoy continuing to learn and grow. Kids with ADHD etc. are definitely given the opportunity to shine with us!

What do you need to bring every day?

*Students must make sure that their backpack has:

1. Food: Snack & Lunch: They must be able to open, close, and pack it in their backpack on their own. 

2. Water: at least a 16 oz capacity bottle with a loop on the cap.

3. Layers: 

   1. hats (one for warmth and one for sun protection)

   2. long sleeves light layer

   3. gloves (thin, lightweight, waterproof or water resistant) 

   4.  jacket 

   5. rain gear (wear if it has rained recently or rain is predicted)

4. Sunscreen: must be able to apply themselves.

5. Hand Sanitizer (travel size).

6.  Folder: Plastic three prong, folder with pockets. NOT A BINDER.

7. Pencil case with: 

   1. scissors

   2. glue stick

   3. sharpened pencils

   4. sharpened colored pencils  

   5. pencil sharpener

How much does it cost?

• Visiting families paid $100 per visit day. $50 was offered for their first visit. Families enrolled with partner charters used school funds at the rate of $100 per visit/day, $50 for their first visit.

• Charter school invoices were submitted at the end of the month. Charter students may attend after purchase orders have been issued from the school. After all monthly classes have been attended, an invoice is submitted to the school.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, we offered 5% off tuition for siblings. 

We also offered a promotional rate of $50 for a first visit day. 

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