SOPE Class Information

SOPE 2020-21

We are excited to open enrollment for SOPE 2020-21! SOPE-Discovery School is open to McDonald County students in grades 7th and 8th. This program immerses students in the local natural and cultural environments of McDonald County, and engages students in studying how society and the environment are intertwined. Students will be enrolled in either a Fall or Spring session. Each session consists of three separate weeks: a week in September, October, and November for the Fall Session, and January, February, and March for the Spring Session. The Fall Session is open to 8th Graders and will focus on the Elk River Watershed and how McDonald County citizens have used the resources in this area over time. The Spring Session is open to 7th Graders and will focus on the many cave connections of the county, including cave formation and ecology, water quality, bats, and interactions with the above ground systems. The specific dates have not been determined at this time, but we will be getting that information out to you as soon as possible.

This program should not be viewed as a way to get out of school. In fact, your student will be engaged in much more rigorous research and investigation. Many of the activities your student will be doing are incredibly physical, and you can expect your student to be exhausted by the end of these weeks. They will be doing a lot of work in outdoor environments. This means they will be exposed to rain, sun, heat, cold, and local wildlife, both small and large (read: lots of ticks). Your student will be expected to dress appropriately and with necessary supplies for that day. The weeks activities will be shared prior to the first day so you know what to expect for the week, and any changes will be noted as quickly as possible.
Academic work is also more rigorous. Students will demonstrate understanding of the concepts through a variety of methods, including writing, designing and giving presentations, videos, and developing plans for local projects. 

You can view the activities from SOPE 2019-20 at https://www.facebook.com/groups/911731039177267/. If your student is selected for SOPE 2020-21, we will contact you to get additional necessary information. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Keith Jones at kjones@mcdonaldr1.net.
If you are interested in applying please click this link: SOPE Application