SSD Mountain Ecology
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Summit School District
3rd Grade Mountain Ecology
Thanks to the generous support of Vail EpicPromise, the students of Summit County Schools will be attending a program hosted by Keystone Science School (KSS) to study local mountain ecology. This program is designed to supplement the elementary school curriculum by taking students into their backyards to learn about our unique forest dynamics, climate change, and how to maintain forest health.
Guardians – Get ready for your program
Please complete the electronic Medical/Liability Form at least two weeks prior to your school’s field day. These forms are necessary for your child to participate in the field day, and students who do not complete the Medical/Liability form will not be permitted to participate in programming.
| School | Field Day Date | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Cove Elementary | 3/13/2025 | SCE Medical/Liability Form |
| Silverthorne Elementary | 3/17/2025 | SVE Medical/Liability Form |
| Dillon Valley Elementary | 3/18/2025 | DVE Medical/Liability Form |
| Frisco Elementary | 3/27/2025 | FRE Medical/Liability Form |
| Upper Blue Elementary | 3/28/2025 | UBE Medical/Liability Form |
| Breckenridge Elementary | 4/01/2025 | BRE Medical/Liability Form |
Dinner Table Questions
Students will be learning about their backyard. Engage your student in meaningful conversations about their experience by asking:
- How has climate change affected Summit County?
- What does the word disturbance mean? Succession?
- What are some examples of disturbances that have happened in Summit County in the past 10 years?
- How do plants and animals react to disturbances?
- Did you find any evidence of wildlife (scat, tracks) or see any wildlife?
Packing List
Please refer to the Field Day Packing List to prepare your child for their day out in the field with us. If you do not have the listed equipment for this field day, KSS will provide a select amount of gear to equip students who are missing certain items (snow pants, boots, jackets, etc.)– but please do send these items with your child if you have them.
Funding Support
Thank you to Vail Resorts EpicPromise!
We are so thankful for the support Vail Resorts EpicPromise in our effort to teach our local students about their backyard.
In the words of teachers:
“True outdoor ed, with lifelong skills. Kids grow as leaders, communicators, group members and problem solvers. It’s an experience that many will never have. Also builds confidence in our shyer students.”
– Charles World Hay School