The annual Spring Science Field Trip has been a tradition at Meadows Valley High School for over 25 years.  This trip has allowed students to visit and explore such places as Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Redwoods, Death Valley, Grand Canyon National Parks, and even Costa Rica.  We have also been able to incorporate various wildlife refuges, museums, and many other points of interest.  This year’s field trip is scheduled for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

The field trip is totally dependent upon donations and student fees.  Despite the fact that students pay a portion of the expense, it is not nearly enough to cover the total cost.  I am writing this letter in the hopes that you will consider being a sponsor for this year’s trip.  Last year’s trip was a success only because of the generous contributions of concerned individuals and businesses.

The Spring Science Field Trip is an educational trip in the truest sense.  It is an interdisciplinary trip incorporating English, history, literature, and health as well as the sciences of geology, biology, botany, astronomy, and archeology.  Students are required to keep a daily journal, detailing their accounts of lessons learned and information acquired.  Many students add digital pictures to their journals and keep them for years to come.  Students also collaborate in producing a digital video of the trip.  Any lessons that students will miss because of the trip must be completed before leaving.

The Spring Science Field Trip is very important to the students of Meadows Valley.  It is one of the programs that we are in a unique position to offer because of our small size.  I have had the pleasure of taking two generations of students on the science field trip.  Former students have told me of taking their own families and retracing the field trip route.  I am hopeful that in the future funding sources will return to their previous levels, but in the interim it is important for us to ensure that students do not miss the opportunity to be part of the Spring Science Field Trip.

Please consider being a sponsor.  All donations are tax deductible.  We realize that these are difficult times for many, but any gift is greatly appreciated.  In order for us to make the necessary arrangements for the trip, we are asking that donations be received by March 26, 2010.  Please feel free to contact the school for more information.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely, Dan Richards Science Teacher