Every Monday, the seventh-grade classroom is quiet while its 16 usual inhabitants take to the outdoors, hiking throughout Rhode Island with Sophia’s newest educational partner, Movement Education Outdoors (MEO).
Seventh grader Layanna holds a small crab found in the salt marsh
“MEO is a program where you learn history about the land you are on. You get to learn about different types of plants, trees, leaves, and more. We have learned about plants that can make other things; for example, one time we saw a plant that makes root beer, and another plant that smells like lavender,” described seventh grader Kamil Martinez.
Founded to eliminate barriers to access, MEO provides youth of color and limited economic means with programs that encourage them to experience wellness in an outdoor environment, to become mindful stewards of their bodies and environment, and to be leaders for justice in their communities.
Social studies teacher and seventh grade advisor Nilu Syed explains: “Every week, the girls learn something that will ultimately enable them to complete progressively more difficult hikes. The first week, we learned about salt marshes and the importance of biodiversity. The next week, we learned about the importance of land acknowledgment and how the wealth of Jamestown was built on Black and Brown labor.”
“I like how we get into nature and learn about new things, like identifying rocks, mushrooms, leaves, the land we’re on, and how to hike,” said Alivia Harris. “At the end each day, we write a reflection to think about what we saw, heard, and learned.”
Reflecting on the new partnership, Head of School Maura Farrell remarked: “MEO provides an incredible opportunity for our students to access the outdoors in a way that beautifully weaves together our social justice curriculum and wellness programs.”
Seventh graders explore the salt marsh.