WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE'RE DOING
The principal staff of the Watershed Learning Center are educators and childrens’ program professionals with many years of experience. That experience includes directing Free Spirit Nature Camp through eight successful years, and working in public schools and with Youth Service organizations throughout the Hudson Valley. In 2006, we received the "Environmental Education Award" from Orange Environment for our summer camp program. info
The Watershed Learning Center project is a natural growth of our work with children. We believe that kids learn better outdoors, both literally and figuratively. We strive to infuse our understanding of ecology and appreciation for the natural world into all of our activities
What we're up to now (FALL 2008)
The Watershed Learning Center is open for its second school year. We have a small Kindergarten class which has been meeting at the center in Circleville. We will once again feature nature study and outdoor activity all fall and right through winter. We are supported by enthusiastic families who desire an individualized, nature-based program for their children.
We recently went on field trips to the Bronx Zoo and Apple Picking at Lawrence Farms.
The Watershed Learning Center is a consultant to the Orange County Water Authority, supervising the Authority's water education program and creating maps and other curricular materials with county educators, and giving presentations at area schools about water conservation and protection.
Ed Helbig, MAT History, BFA Music, NYSED Permanent Certification
Principal Teacher
By June of 2007, Ed had taught for 10 years in the public school system. He strongly believes our kids deserve something better.
" We are undertaking an experiment- to create a learning experience in a really relevent environment, where there is room for a kid's natural enthusiasm. I've seen what public school forces our kids to do. I want to try something different- using nature awareness and student-driven learning.
"I am bringing all the training, experience, and, I hope, wisdom I've accumulated to the creation of a real alternative. I want to take our students into the field, on hikes and trips, to illuminate the ideas we read and discuss in class, to actively pursue the investigation of student's ideas by exploration in the real world. I never again want to confine learning to flourescent-lighted prison- I want to take my students exploring into the real. I believe the Watershed Learning Center can be such a place.
Kate Fox, BA English, Lic. Childcare Director
Kate has seventeen years experience managing programs for children. Kate has directed summer camp and afterschool programs for the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club, and other Youth Service organizations. In her work with children she shares her understanding of ecology, and respect for nature through unique, creative activities that emphasize cooperation and healthy physical and emotional development. She is currently working towards her MA in Environmental Conservation Education at NYU.
" I am looking forward to teaching kids about nature all year long. At Free Spirit Nature Camp the best and most enthusiastic learning happens in small multi-age groups who are engaged in outdoor and cooperative activities.
"I am excited that students will get to participate in those activities throughout the year. This affords me the ability as a teacher to guide our students in a deep appreciation for nature and the things that creatures do in the world.
"We can step away from our busy lives, and notice the complex systems around us. We can take the time to explore topics and activities that are of true and intrinsic interest ."
"I enjoy creating learning situations for our students which are engaging and represent true learning. Because we know our students very well, we challenge and nurture them ways that are unique to each."
Geraldine McNally B.S. Inclusive Education, MS Literacy
As the mother of 3 sons, Gerry is keenly aware of the active learning needs of children. To that end, she has supported the goals of Free Spirit Nature Camp, where her children, Michael, Daniel and Owen Purcell have spent many summers. Gerry has been actively involved with education for the past 15 years. She earned a B.S. in Inclusive Education from Fordham University and an M.S. in Literacy from The State University at Albany. Gerry is a NYS certified teacher of childhood education, students with disabilities and literacy. She is the Director of The Learning Center at The Storm King School and looks forward to consulting with The Watershed Learning Center and Kate Fox and Ed Helbig in establishing a literacy curriculum that is suited toward meeting the needs of students’ individual learning stylesZina Mazzone,
Teaching & Administrative Assistant
"I received my New York State Teaching Assistant certification in 2001 and worked in the public school system for several years. I quickly became discouraged by the generic programs that locked children into only one way of learning and began looking for alternative ways to educate my own son.
"I am delighted to have been asked to become part of the Watershed family. This is a multiage learning community where children not just learn together but learn from each other. In this setting, children will not be confined to a curriculum designed around standardized testing but one based on the child as an individual. By allowing children to explore and experiment with guidance and not be grounded by the limitations of a traditional classroom we can enrich their minds and their spirits.
"My own son will be attending Watershed. I am confident that this is the environment that will provide him the best education, allowing him to learn and grow without strict boundaries, to reach his fullest potential now and in the future."
Harry Ross, MA, Professor at Ramapo College of NJ
Advisor and guest presenter.