As part of the San Bruno Park School District’s School Board meeting of June 11th 2014, they honored GUS XEROGEANES ... the initiator of the Outdoor Education program here in San Mateo County, and, started by Gus right here in San Bruno.
Recognition of Outdoor Education Program’s 50th Anniversary
San Bruno Park School District Superintendent Dr. David Hutt opened the event by read the following:
Find out what's happening in San Brunofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In recognition of the Outdoor Education Program’s 50th Anniversary, Mr. Gus Xerogeanes, founder of the Outdoor Education Program in the San Bruno Park School District is here this evening.
A brief history on Outdoor Education has been prepared by retired San Bruno Park School District Teacher and former School District Trustee, Russ Hanley.
Find out what's happening in San Brunofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
March 1, 1965
Proposed Outdoor Education Program (to be correlated with summer school program)--two five-day sessions, approximately 30 students in each session, with a maximum of 38. The sessions will be in La Honda at the YMCA Camp (Jones Gulch).
Available dates of camp, July 28 – August 7, 1965. An estimated cost breakdown and other pertinent information were presented by Mr. Tunick and Mr. Xerogeanes. Slides of similar Outdoor Education Programs at YMCA Camp conducted by San Joaquin County were shown.
Motion to go ahead was passed.
Mr. Smith pointed out this program should be undertaken as a pilot study for use during the regular school year.
June 7, 1965
A progress report on the Outdoor Education Program was given by Mr. Tunick. The report included the costs for both summer session and regular session, curriculum and camp schedule. Two sessions of 35 students each (7th and 8th grades) will be held during the summer. The teachers will handle both sessions.
August 2, 1965
Mrs. Kozkowski gave a brief report on her visit to the Summer School Outdoor Education classes. She highly praised the facilities, the program and the instructors.
October 25, 1965
Mr. Jennings gave a progress report regarding availability of personnel for the position of Naturalist to participate in the Outdoor Education Program next spring, and his plans to interview several qualified applicants in the near future. Mr. Xerogeanes reported he has the letter to be sent to Mr. Studebaker and Mr. Claudon to notify interested qualified high school students and screen them to help in the program. Mr. Jackson commented on the plan to include fifth instead of sixth graders.
Regarding teacher interest, six of seven schools are in favor of sending fifth graders, and the teachers would be glad to go with their children. A parent questionnaire will be sent to determine acceptance of this age groups’ participation. Mrs. Kozkowski and Mr. McClurg expressed their personal opinion that they thought the children too young to be away from home that length of time, however, they were in favor of continuing the study and completing the parent survey. Mr. Redlick was interested in the program articulation. Mr. Lawry expressed his approval of the program and thought it would be an opportunity for the children.
November 22, 1965
Mr. Jackson reported on the survey of Fifth Grade parents relative to their acceptance of an Outdoor Education Program involving their fifth grade children.
There results were as follows:
5th Grade enrollment: 508
Yes Response: 408
No Response: 35
Maybe Response: 8
Did not respond: 55
91.4% of the definite answers favored the program.
The teachers and administration also favor the program for fifth graders. As a result of the survey, plans will be made for a nine week Outdoor Program for fifth graders in March and April.
December 13, 1965
A job description for the position of Physical Education-Outdoor Education Specialist was presented to the Board. It was explained that the person filling this position would plan, organize and supervise the Physical Education program at the various K-5 schools in the district during the time he was involved in the planning and supervising of the Outdoor Education Program.
Mr. Xerogeanes was offered the position of Outdoor Education Specialist. The Physical Education part was removed.
June 10, 1966
San Joaquin County will not be able to continue furnishing a bus for District use in our Outdoor Education Program.
Mr. Jackson read a communication received from Camp Director, Mr. Overbeck, indicating several neighboring counties have contacted him and would like to use half of the camp for their Outdoor Education Programs. San Joaquin County already has half the site for its program and San Bruno uses the remaining area on a periodic basis. San Mateo County is one of those counties interested in joining San Joaquin County at Jones Gulch. San Bruno would support San Mateo leasing the area, if necessary, thus insuring our own space in the future. Mrs. Kozkowski praised Mr. Xerogeanes, saying he had built up an excellent program and had been successful in working with the high schools, securing their full cooperation.
Cast of Characters
Board
Mrs. Margaret Kozkowski
Mr. John McClurg
Mr. David Patterson
Mr. Harry Redlick
Mr. Glen Smith
George Lawry – Superintendent
F. H. Jackson—Assistant Superintendent
William Jennings—Director of Personnel
Edwin Vallier—Director of Administration
Martin Tunick—Curriculum
David Nigel reports on this event:
Wednesday evening, June 11th 2014, during the regular meeting of the San Bruno Park School District Board of Trustees meeting, respected retired Educator, Gus Xerogeanes was honored for his dedicated, innovative, and significant achievement in initiating the Outdoor Education program here in San Mateo County.
Superintendent, Dr. David Hutt, presented a historical account of the Outdoor Education program, originating here in the San Bruno District, and spearheaded by Gus Xerogeanes.
Mr. Xerogeanes was called to the podium and presented with a special document acknowledging his accomplishments and incredible impact upon the students of our schools district as well as throughout San Mateo County.
Next, San Mateo County Board of Supervisor’s President David Pine, spoke about Mr. Xerogeanes and presented Gus with an impressive "Proclamation."
Educator, David Nigel, a long time resident of San Bruno and one of the teachers that worked with and for Mr. Xerogeanes outlined an eyewitness account of Mr. Xerogeanes tremendous efforts in starting the Outdoor Education program as well as the professional group of teachers and naturalists known as the Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education educators. Nigel applauded Xerogeanes for his significant achievement as an educator as well as building a collegial relationship between the schools of our County and the San Francisco Y.M.C.A. camp located at Jones Gulch between La Honda and Pescadero. Xerogeanes served on the Camp's Board of Directors for several years.
Following the various presentations, those in attendance gave Mr. Xerogeanes a standing ovation.
