Wentzville Teachers to Attend Family Nature Summit

Two third grade teachers from have been chosen to receive scholarships to attend the 2011 Family Nature Summit in Potosi, MO August 1-7.

Kim Allen and Heidi Prouhet were chosen because of their tireless work establishing and maintaining an outdoor classroom at Heritage.

 The annual Family Nature Summit has been held at a different location world-wide each year since 1970. Teacher scholarships are awarded to those who teach in the state or area where the summit is located. This year’s summit will be at the YMCA of the Ozarks in Potosi and includes hiking, rafting, kayaking, bird watching, fly-fishing, horseback riding, outdoor photography and crafting classes for participants of all ages. 

Allen and Prouhet both say they are excited about the prospect of sharing what they learn at the summit with their students once classes are back in session this fall.

 Dr. Todd Kraft, Heritage Intermediate Principal, said he was impressed when Allen and Prouhet approached him last summer with a plan to rehabilitate six concrete raised flower beds on the school grounds and turn it into a valuable resource for all Heritage students.

“Since that time, (Allen and Prouhet) have involved the PTA, Missouri Conservation Department, community members, teachers and many others in this great project. In just one year this area of our campus has been transformed from an eyesore to a place where students and teachers can learn and grow just like the trees, bushes, and flowers that have recently been planted.” 

 Prouhet added that their work on the outdoor classroom has been rewarding in ways she didn’t anticipate.

“Residents who live near the school have stopped to say how pleased they are with how it looks and how they enjoy seeing the kids outside using the area to learn," she said. "It has benefited not only Heritage students, but really our community at large and that has been an added bonus.”