Chief Mountain

Dear Third Grade Parents,                                                                    

The annual third grade class trips to Chief Mountain are coming up soon, and we are excited!  Two classes will hike each trip day. (See the schedule below for the day that your child’s class will hike.) This hike provides the children with a good physical challenge and allows them to observe firsthand the various life zones and ecosystems that they have been learning about in class. Most importantly, however, it is an opportunity for the class to work together and support each other in achieving a common goal.

We will leave school by Graland school bus at 8:15 on the day of the trip, and after a brief stop at Bergen Park, we should arrive at the trailhead around 10 a.m.  The majority of our time will be spent hiking Chief Mountain.  We will hike in small groups consisting of 3-4 children and one adult.  This will allow us to keep a close eye on all of the children along the route.  It is a three-plus mile round-trip hike with approximately 1000 feet of elevation gain.

As we hike up the mountain, we will take frequent stops to observe our surroundings and make sketches of the changing environment.  We will also stop along the way to “catch our breath”, adjust layers of clothing, drink water, and eat a quick snack.  These frequent stops should be enough to allow all children and adults to feel rested and ready to continue.  We will have lunch on the summit and then begin our descent.  We plan to return to Graland in time for dismissal at 3:10.

Because the weather at this time of year can be highly unpredictable, your child must be adequately prepared and appropriately dressed! Please refer to the attached page for a complete packing checklist of required items.  You will need to help your child pack, and he/she is required to return the signed packing checklist to his/her teacher the day before the hike. Your child’s signed packing checklist due date is below.

If you have any additional questions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.

Sincerely,

The Third Grade Team

Mrs. O’Connor and Mrs. Pease Classes

Signed packing checklist due:                  Tuesday, Sept. 13th

Chief Mountain Hike:                                  Thursday, Sept. 15th

Mrs. Erlach and Mrs. Stretz Classes

Signed packing checklist due:                  Wednesday, Sept. 14th

Chief Mountain Hike:                                  Friday, Sept. 16th

Packing Checklist:

Backpack (large enough to hold all supplies, but manageable for child to carry)

2 full water bottles

Warm hat (that covers ears)

Lightweight, warm jacket

Long pants (no shorts)

Thick, warm socks

Hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes (no Crocs, rain boots, or Keds)

Mittens or gloves

Ziploc trash bag (to carry out trash)

Some toilet paper and Kleenex in Ziploc bag

Optional items:

• Baseball caps 
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Raincoat/poncho
• Scarf (if it’s a cold day)
• Camera