SCHOOL: Took a village

I wish to thank the community of Hayden as well as the Coeur d’Alene School Board of Trustees for their support of the work we do at the newly established Northwest Expedition Academy. Here at NExA, we do things differently, from Project Based Learning and classroom expeditions to a full inclusion model for our diverse learners. From the ground up, our staff has built a school in a model that exemplifies what we know is best for children.

Since before our school doors opened, the business community of Hayden has embraced us. By offering us tours, working with our students on their PBLs (projects), acting as learning partners and coaches, and donating supplies as well as time, the community support is tremendous. This site offers us the unique opportunity to be within walking distance of numerous locales to further student investigation, including Avondale Lake, the fire station, city park, City Hall and Super 1. Without these walking opportunities, our students would not have access to these local learning experiences. Our students are being allowed to learn in the real world and our old building has begun to set forth new shoots and new roots for a new generation.

Thank you, Board of Trustees for believing in us and thank you to the community of Hayden for your support. For those interested in seeing how we do things differently, please come and see for yourself!

VANESSA STAUDACHER

Special Education Teacher, NExA