As part of the Introduction to Environmental Studies course a group of students led by Mr.Dellasanta and Mr. O’Connor conquered Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, New Hampshire on May 26, 2011.
After reviewing the features and environmental issues surrounding the most climbed mountain in North America, and with assistance of parent volunteer chaperones Mr. Parkhurst, Mr. Meehan and Mr. Morico, the expedition departed North Middlesex at 0700 hours. Less than an hour later the group debarked from their buses making their way to the trailhead for the two hour climb to the summit,where they would meet up with Mr. Page awaiting their arrival.
As the students marched their way to the first landmark,Silver Spring, to fill their water bottles, they did more than their fair share of feeding the larger than normal mosquito and black fly populations. Once above the spring the hike turned into more of a climb. The first group to charge up made it to the top in an hour and fifteen minutes. They had lunch and returned to the base before noon.
Students travelled up on the White Dot trail and descended along the White Cross trail. During their safety briefings all were instructed on the need to travel in small groups and pace themselves in a controlled manner. While a small few slid down portions of the trail receiving bumps and bruises, scrapes and scratches,everyone returned in one piece. They all did North Middlesex proud and earned kind words and kudos from the park rangers who commented on how well behaved, friendly and courteous the entire group acted, the bus drivers for how respectful they were during the trip and from various regular climbers who were enjoying their day in New Hampshire.
The trip is designed with several purposes in mind, firstly to experience being out of town and in a natural environment free of cell phones and mp3 players. Secondly to learn about this great resource available to us just up the road. In the days prior to the climb students investigate the history of Monadnock, the “Mountain That Stands Alone,”researching why the top is barren and how the process of ecological succession is allowing Red Spruce trees to creep their way up the mountainside. Thirdly, for building self-confidence, it does take a fair bit of effort to successfully reach the summit, and for some, they have never exerted themselves like they did on the climb. In making connections across the curriculum we discovered that in Ms. Reed Fitness classes, she utilizes the trip to reinforce the need to exercise and the positive effects it has on the body.
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