LA CROSSE, Wis., (December 20, 2023) – Students in Mariah Bigelow’s E2 class at Coulee Montessori recently expanded their horizons through another enlightening city bus field trip, showcasing the school’s commitment to fostering community stewardship and practical life skills.
Under the guidance of Bigelow, students actively participate in planning and executing these adventures into the heart of the La Crosse community. Equipped with the MTU city bus map, the students meticulously chart their routes, emphasizing hands-on learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.
“At Montessori, our students learn the importance of living respectfully and cooperatively with others to achieve common goals,” said Coulee Montessori EII Teacher Mariah Bigelow. “By teaching community stewardship skills early, children will mature to become good advocates for and vital parts of any community, inside and outside of the classroom.”
The latest field trip brought students to Riverside Park’s Rotary Lights, where they engaged in a thoughtful discussion with Rotary Lights President Pat Stephens. The conversation dove into the history of Rotary Lights, its collaborative mission, and the crucial role of volunteerism in building a stronger community. Over Rotary Light’s almost three decades in La Crosse, over five million food items have been collected and distributed to local pantries to help those in need.
“There’s no question that we need to get younger people involved to keep Rotary Lights going,” said Rotary Lights President Pat Stephens. “A lot of my main helpers are getting up there in age, so we want to teach our younger generation how gratifying it can be to help out in the community. If you’re going to be part of a community and you want to make it a better community, you have to get involved instead of just sitting back. You want to use your talents, do whatever you can to help out.”
This city bus field trip initiative aligns with previous excursions to destinations such as the Dahl Auto Museum, Pearl Street Books, and All Glazed Up, providing students with diverse learning experiences and exposure to the rich tapestry of La Crosse.
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