Kids' Virtual Learning Boosted By Robinson Nature Center Programs

COLUMBIA, MD— Starting in September, children can accent their virtual learning with fall programs available at Howard County's Robinson Nature Center. The first of these programs, Kids Wednesdays Out at the Nature Center, allows participants ages 6 to 12 years old to enjoy a day outside with nature walks, quiet time, visits to the Middle Patuxent River, games and other educational activities designed to encourage learning and socialization. Kids Wednesdays Out at the Nature Center kicks off Sept. 9. Parents may register for the program each month through January 2021.

“For nearly a decade, the Robinson Nature Center has given visitors one-of-a-kind educational experiences through their award-winning programs and dedicated staff educators. With children learning from home this fall, we know that many of the parents who regularly visit the nature center are looking for a place where their kids can enjoy social interaction with other children and time outdoors,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “The tools and experiences young students gain from these fall activities will allow them to take their first steps into a larger world of environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

Other new programs from the center include:

• Lil’ Pine Cones Outdoor Explorers, a weekly outdoor nature program geared toward learners 4-5 years old. It will be led by certified nature preschool teacher and Robinson Environmental Education Coordinator Kelly Vogelpohl.
• Take Nature Home program kits that children can enjoy at their convenience from the comfort of home. Each kit includes materials and instructional videos. September themes include maps, navigation and landforms.
• Home school nature classes occurring on the first Thursday and Friday of each month. There are three age-appropriate sections each season (4-5, 6-8 and 9-12 years).

Each new Robinson Nature Center program follows Howard County’s coronavirus safety policies and procedures for physical distancing, facial mask use and public gatherings.

Even though State Schools Superintendent Karen Salmon announced Thursday afternoon that school systems in Maryland now are "strongly encouraged" to move toward some in-person learning, Howard County Public School System officials informed parents that students still will start the school year Sept. 8 virtually. Salmon joined Gov. Larry Hogan and Maryland Acting Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Jinlene Chan in announcing the plan for reopening along with a financial incentive for schools to do so.

HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano said the district started receiving questions from the community following the news conference. He clarified the school district's stance in a statement.

"The Howard County Board of Education voted to start virtually for the first semester and implement in-person supports for small groups of students with plans to re-evaluate Oct. 22 for the second semester. As we have done since the start of the pandemic, the board and I will continue to take all input by the Maryland State Department of Education into consideration when making decisions. We will review this new information and guidance as soon as the details are provided to superintendents," Martirano said.

The superintendent confirmed that school still will start Sept. 8 and the announcement doesn't affect "any of the preparations that have already been communicated to families."

See also:

School Will Start Virtually This Fall For HCPSS: Superintendent