ODC Network 2020's Top Story #1
Throughout 2020, our education efforts shifted to accommodate our community’s needs and safety.
When schools shut down in March, the ODC Education Network created a website and learning materials that parents and caretakers could implement in their own backyards to educate students. The Little Hawks Discovery Preschool continued to educate students via Zoom meetings and provided an abundance of outdoor learning opportunities that families could do in their backyards.
Over the summer, ODC and DeGraaf were able to hold all of the scheduled summer camps and the majority of scheduled community programs. Over 2,000 nature books were provided to area elementary students as part of the new Nature Book Box program.
We helped 1,200 students return to school safely this fall. We trained over 100 teachers in managing students for safe and effective outdoor learning experiences. The ODC Education Network has grown and created curriculum for teachers to use and provided education for a number of local schools.
We are using the natural world to educate 187 three and four-year-olds at Little Hawks Discovery Preschool, located on ODC’s Nature Preserve, and the NEW Seedlings Discovery Preschool, located downtown Holland.
Lastly, we have been able to impact our community and students in a positive manner.
