Blog: eNewsletter

Hitchcock promotes increased outdoor learning at Northampton Public Schools

By Katie Koerten

In 2021, the Hitchcock Center received an endowment grant from the Northampton Education Foundation to conduct the Take It Outside program. Between September 2021 and May 2022, Hitchcock educator Katie Koerten visited Northampton students in grades K-3 at their schoolyards, teaching STEM lessons through the lens of a grade-specific animal. Through curriculum-aligned lessons, games, and activities, the Take It Outside program aims to provide direct instruction to students while mentoring teachers in outdoor teaching skills.

Published on January 10, 2023.

Where is the water in Holyoke?

By Monya Relles

This was the question I found myself asked when pitching the theme of our Holyoke Summer programs to other educators in my community. The theme was water in Holyoke, but where was the water? What did we do with it? Where did it come from? These were questions Holyoke YMCA summer campers helped me answer in June, July, and August. Over the past year, the Hitchcock Center has had the pleasure of developing a partnership with the Youth Program of the Holyoke YMCA…

Published on January 9, 2023.

Nature, Magic, and the Hitchcock Center

By Natalia Jacobs

Growing up, my favorite book was My Side Of The Mountain by Jean Craighead George. I had convinced myself that one day I, too, would run away to a tree trunk home, survive a blizzard eating acorn pancakes, and befriend falcons and weasels alike. The only problem was that my family had already moved from the city to the forest, and finding me would take a matter of minutes.

Published on January 9, 2023.

Developing Hopeful, Creative Problem-Solvers

By Billy Spitzer

I have been at the Hitchcock Center for over year now, and continue to be impressed by the commitment of the staff, board, volunteers, and community to our mission, “to educate and inspire action for a healthy planet.” This work places us at the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. As the Center is now celebrating its 60th year, our impact continues to radiate from our sustainable Living Building into the communities around us.

Published on January 9, 2023.

Naturalist and Educator Ted Watt Retires After 35 Years at the Hitchcock Center

Introduction Ted Watt, one of the Hitchcock Center’s much-loved naturalists and educators, has retired after 35 years of education work, leaving a legacy spanning generations of school children, countless teachers, […]

Published on April 22, 2021.

STARS School Residencies Support 99 Virtual STEM Sessions for Grades K-6 Despite COVID-19

The Hitchcock Center is bringing enhanced natural science instruction to thirty-three school classrooms in grades K-6 at five elementary schools this spring. The project is supported by $21,400 in combined […]

Published on April 21, 2021.

Hitchcock Student Photography Published in Ranger Rick

Asher Garretson, now 14, a Hitchcock Center (HCE) camper, had a photo published in the January, 2021 issue of Ranger Rick. We sent him some questions to get a little background because […]

Published on April 21, 2021.

Western Mass Youth Climate Summit “Office Hours” Helps Develop Climate Leaders

The Western Mass Youth Climate Summit, held annually each fall for 8-12th graders in the region, has continued to organize monthly meetings through the school year with “Climate Office Hours” […]

Published on April 21, 2021.

Hitchcock Center Participated in Professional Exchange with Morocco

In February, the Hitchcock Center hosted an international professional fellows exchange funded through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, facilitated by U.S. partner Institute for […]

Published on April 21, 2021.

A Message to Our Community: We want to share a big feeling we’re having right now.

As the anniversary of closing our doors due to the pandemic approaches, we want to share a big feeling we’re having right now: gratitude. For you, our community.

Published on March 10, 2021.
Older Posts »

Recent posts

Blog categories

Archives

Translate »
Hitchcock Center for the Environment