Kennedy Students Explore Ferndale History, Detroit Landmarks

Second and third grade students from are participating in an Open Classroom outdoor education "camp" this week focusing on the topic of "My Michigan."

On Tuesday, the students went to and later took a historical walk through Downtown Ferndale. Back at the , students were each assigned a local landmark in Detroit or Ferndale to research which they then placed on a map of the area.

They're headed to Detroit on Wednesday to see some of the landmarks in person, and on Thursday they'll be in Livonia at Green Mead Historical Village.

The program was organized and led by parent volunteers.

Julie Decker, who led the planning efforts for the day-camp style event, said it's a great opportunity for the kids to "go out to places and expand their horizons."

"I think it's great as parents that we're able to supplement what the students are learning in school," Decker said. "They're enjoying it."

About 40 parent volunteers are involved each day of the program. Ann Zvibleman, mother of a second grader and kindergartener, said the students have been looking forward to the outdoor education days.

"It's fun for them to get outside the classroom and they're really learning a lot," Zvibleman said.