Sep 13th, 2012
LAKE WALES – The Defenders of Crooked Lake became major supporters of the Bok Academy floating classroom today (Sept. 13) when the group presented a check for $10,000 to Principal Damien Moses.
“The Defenders of Crooked Lake are supporting our students as they learn about the importance of the lake and its value to our community. Many of our students would never have this opportunity without the floating classroom,” he said.
The floating classroom will be a fully equipped and functional pontoon boat able to comfortably accommodate more than 20 middle school students, along with several teachers or volunteers. The floating classroom is being built in Lake County, and it will be launched on Crooked Lake later this fall.
“We are raising and educating future leaders and citizens who care about the world they live in,” Moses said.
The Defenders of Crooked Lake Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education and public awareness in order to preserve the natural beauty, purity of water, inherent ecological value and quality of living that distinguishes Crooked Lake.
“Having this floating classroom will allow our Bok students, families, staff and the community of Bok Academy to study, honor and preserve the unique natural resources Crooked Lake has to offer,” said Life Science teacher Josh Fell.
The Bok Academy campus is located on the shores of Crooked Lake. The 4,274-acre lake is the only designated Outstanding Florida Water in Polk County.
“We are so excited for our students to finally be able to explore the full potential of the lake,” said Lita O’Neill, dean of Science. “Up until now, our students have investigated water chemistry and food webs from the shoreline, but the floating classroom will open up so many opportunities to study the lake ecosystem as a whole.”
Lessons will not be limited to science. Students also will explore both the natural and cultural history of the lake. Bok’s Science, Language Arts and Social Studies departments will work together to develop lessons for the floating classroom.
In July, TD Charitable Foundation also made a $10,000 contribution to the floating classroom project.
To learn more about the floating classroom or to make a contribution, contact Damien Moses at Damien.moses@lwcharterschools.com or call 863-638-1010.
Photo: Bok students conduct science experiments in Crooked Lake.
LAKE WALES –– Hillcrest Elementary kindergarten students are celebrating the end of school by reading their own copies of “Change The World Before Bedtime” by Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers and Karen Good.
LAKE WALES – Age and experience triumphed over youth and energy when Janie Howard Wilson staff faced fifth graders in the elementary school’s annual spring softball game last week. The adults won the game 22-8.
LAKE WALES – Reading consultant Dr. Richard Culyer poses with five students who were recognized Friday (May 17) at the Lake Wales Charter Schools’ Culyer Celebration.
