Letter to Editor: Medfield Parents Petition To Keep 3rd Gr. Tradition

Letter to Editor,

Medfield Parents Launch Petition Calling to Keep Rocky Woods Tradition Intact

For more than 40 years, the Rocky Woods feast for Medfield Wheelock School 3rd graders has provided an intensive, engaging and hands-on learning experience that has been stated by countless Medfield alumni as the highlight of their elementary school years, and something they looked forward to from the time they enter Kindergarten.

Yet, without parent input and meaningful discussion, Wheelock parents were recently informed that for this year's Nov. 1 event, the traditional Colonial costumes would be replaced with t-shirts, purchased by parents, to "foster community."

At the time of this writing, more than 300 people have signed a Change.org petition asking that the Wheelock School reverse course and continue with the traditional Rocky Woods costumes. More signatures are encouraged and welcomed.

The elimination of costumes was a clear effort by a small number of parents to dismantle a longstanding, beloved event that was squarely designed to comply with the state curriculum framework for 3rd grade that seeks to help students understand “the challenges for Pilgrim men, women, and children in their new home" which includes building shelter, starting a fire and
becoming accustomed to their new environment.

Historically, the annual outdoor event had been supplemented by classroom lessons and guest speakers who provide Native American perspectives, and allow students to understand the impact of settlers on local indigenous cultures. However, the Rocky Woods event itself has always been designed with a focus on helping students experience “the day in the life” of a Colonial settler, with costumes a critically important component.

The Rocky Woods experience gives students the chance to:

*Enjoy a feast made with vegetables planted in the spring of 2nd grade and harvested in the fall;

*Tend an open log fire and learn cooking skills;
* Experience fishing, archery and Colonial-era games;
* Hike into town conservation land; and
* Wear costumes to help them fully immerse themselves in the experience (costumes have never been mandated).

If the elimination of costumes is allowed to continue, it will dilute one of the most beloved creative, imaginative and engaging experiences for our 3rd grade students. They will no longer have the complete ability to pretend to be someone else and act out parts with their peers, as has been done for 44 years.

The petition can be found on Change.org by entering "Rocky Woods" into the search field, or by typing in this URL:
www.change.org/p/keep-rocky-woods-tradition-alive

Catherine Thorp
South St., Medfield