Today we’re celebrating the last day of the school year by having our families join us for pizza. I can’t believe another school year has passed already! I’m feel joyous that I’ve been able to create Outside School, a place where I’m already excited to see what next school year will bring.

I love what this student exclaimed to me right before I took this photo, "I look like a kid who goes to a school like this, all muscle and shout!” Most of the time my students don’t come to me all “muscle and shout,” and watching this transformation over time is amazing!

Enrollment

Does your child love animals, large and small? Do they want or need to get out and explore the wide, wide world? Come commune with cows and discover all else that awaits at Outside School! Now enrolling for 2023 - 2024: www.outside.school

Now enrolling!

-2023 - 2024 school year.

For more information, please go to www.outside.school:

Site: Outside School Front Page

Nature News

The hills are still mostly green in June! I’m so happy that we had so much rain- life is abundant all around! The grasses are high, insects are buzzing, and little froglets are hopping around everywhere. 💞💞💞

*Tadpoles and froglets inhabit a vernal pool at Outside School.*

Inspiration and Resources

”San Francisco Cable Cars”

Let's celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ever running of cable cars anywhere in the world, right here in San Francisco! Cable Cars first ran on Clay Street in 1873.

The company I run with my husband, November Fire Recordings, is showing our documentary, "San Francisco Cable Cars" with two showings at the 4 Star Theater in San Francisco on Sunday, June 18 (4:00 and 7:00).

They have food and (adult) drinks available in the lobby, and we'll be selling our merchandise. We'd love to see you there!

You can also find copies of our other movies and related merchandise here:

Link: San Francisco Cable Cars

”Sun Protection”

I saw recently that a lot of people are asking questions about sunscreen since we’re heading into summer here in the Northern Hemisphere.

I have a ton of resources on my sites, www.outside.school/www.teachoutside.org, but here are some sun safety basics that I provide for my students’ families:

SUN

No matter the weather, if it’s daytime we are exposed to UVA rays from the sun.

-Wear a hat each day. Sun hats should cover the face, ears, and neck. If a warm hat is worn in the morning, ensure a sun hat is packed in the backpack every day in case your child begins to feel warmer. Baseball hats can be useful on windy days if wide-brim hats don’t have a chin strap or on colder days where a hoodie can go over it. Otherwise, they only offer protection to the top of the head and eyes, leaving the ears and neck exposed.

-Wearing long sleeves and long pants helps reduce sun exposure.

-UV protecting sunglasses may be worn.

-Because the sun’s rays reflect off surfaces, even the areas covered by a hat need to be protected as well. Use a mineral based sun block on all areas of exposed skin. Make sun block application a part of your morning routine before coming to school. This is important both to help prevent sunburn now and melanoma later.
-I announce before lunch that it’s time to reapply to remind everyone who’s packed more sunblock. If your child will need me to help reapply it, please let me know.

Sun safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Link: CDC Sun Safety

The Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen information:

Link: Environmental Working Group Sunscreen Information

*Outside School students hit the trails in sun-safe gear.*

“Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op”

There’s a really cool new clothing line out there that’s a collaboration between Outdoor Afro and REI. Check it out!

Link: Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Gear

“More on the benefits of outdoor school”

By Jackie Mader for The Hechinger Report, check out this article “For preschoolers after the pandemic, more states say: Learn outdoors- Maryland is among the states moving to expand and diversify the naturalist approach to teaching preschool:”

Article: For preschoolers after the pandemic, more states say: Learn outdoors

“Point Molate Photography Exhibit”

I’m sharing this information from my colleague over at Point Molate:

See stunning images of Point Molate wildlife and landscapes featuring local photographers Jack Scheinman, Jeff Peterson, and Tony Tamayo.

Where: The Point Richmond Gallery, 145 West Richmond Avenue, Point Richmond, CA 94801

When: Grand Opening Saturday, June 24, 2023, 1-5 pm. (After the Opening, the show will run every Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 pm until August 6.)

Activities: The Grand Opening will feature The Great Tortilla Conspiracy, serving tostadas with a flattering edible portrait of the show’s wildlife representative, Molly the River Otter. Aguas Frescas from Masa will be served. Festive introductions and music will be presented.

Cost: Free! And bring a friend!

Sponsored by The Point Molate Alliance and Blue Frontier.