Jeffco OELS General Program Information

Outdoor Education
Laboratory Schools

Mt. Evans Windy Peak
Extending the Classroom to Nature

The Outdoor Education Program is an integral part of Jefferson County Public Schools' sixth grade curriculum and is frequently mentioned by Jeffco students as the highlight of their elementary school experience. Started in 1957, the program now operates during the entire school year at two Outdoor Education Laboratory Schools (OELS), Windy Peak and Mt. Evans, located in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver at an elevation of 8,200 feet.

Sixth grade students spend one week in-residence at either OELS-Windy Peak or Mt. Evans. They are charged a tuition fee for Outdoor Lab, but partial or complete scholarships may be arranged in cases of need. The fee for the 2002-2003 school year is $170.

HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS TEACH AND LEARN

High school students volunteer to assist classroom teachers during the week long outdoor education experience. High school leaders receive special training and work closely with teachers to develop lesson plans. The leaders help sixth graders study environmental education while learning responsibility through hands-on experiences. The high school leaders serve as guides, counselors, role models, and teachers, and also learn a great deal throughout the week.

STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THEIR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH DIRECT CONTACT WITH NATURE The learning experiences at OELS-Windy Peak and Mt. Evans are based upon the District's curriculum; are interdisciplinary in nature; and are designed to meet the needs and abilities of each specific group of students. A team of experienced master teachers' work directly with the visiting schools' teachers and principals to coordinate and plan the program in advance to ensure a quality learning experience for each student.

JEFFCO'S OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM
HAS SEVEN MAJOR OBJECTIVES Sixth grade students will:

1.    develop a personal ethic of environmental stewardship through an enhanced awareness,
        knowledge, appreciation, concern, and sense of responsibility for the natural environment.
2.    develop positive attitudes toward themselves and learning through varied hands-on
        experiences in the natural environment.
3.    develop an increased understanding of scientific processes through involvement in observing,
        measuring, classifying, hypothesizing, critical thinking, and problem solving.
4.    develop positive attitudes and relationships through their responsible interaction with each
        other and the natural environment.
5.    develop self-reliance and reinforce responsible health and safety practices as taught at home and
        at school through participation in the Outdoor Education experience.

High School Leaders will:

1.   demonstrate a comprehension and acceptance of the above goals while serving as teacher
        assistants, role models, and supervisors of sixth grade students at the Outdoor Education
        Laboratory Schools.
2.    have opportunities to explore possible career choices related to the Outdoor Education
        experience and will be introduced to creative issues of leisure time.

JEFFCO'S OELS PROGRAM OFFERS MANY
OUTSTANDING FEATURES

Approximately 7000 students, 800 high school leaders and 300 teachers from over 90 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 18 high schools participate in the Outdoor Education Laboratory Schools' Program annually.
Specific weeks may be scheduled to meet the needs of students in exceptional or alternative programs.
Special students including the creatively gifted as well as those with physical, emotional, mental, visual and hearing handicaps are accommodated as an integral part of the regular OELS Program.
Staff members at each OELS site include a principal, curriculum specialist, registered nurse, secretary, maintenance staff, and cooks.
Each week, students from the area high schools assist in teaching and supervising students.
The year-round facilities at both sites include bunkhouses, clinic, cafeteria, cookout shelter, resident staff quarters, astronomy building, library, and meeting areas for large groups.
The Outdoor Education Laboratory School Program was recognized in 1971 as a National Environmental Education Landmark.

CLASS INFORMATION During the week at Outdoor Lab, students will participate in many different classes. For more information on these classes please see our list of available core classes, special interest classes and evening programs.

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