FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We all have questions - here are some answers
Daily schedule
What is each day like at forest school?
Each day will begin with drop off, saying “hi” to our friends, and getting ready for the day. Each class will then hike to their classroom spot and enjoy some “nature bathing”. This is time spent immersed in nature - taking a moment to listen to the forest and start the day. Our elementary class will report the daily rain fall and weather for the day, spend some time journaling about the day and investigating the area as it changes with the seasons. We will also include play-based learning throughout the morning. Preschool children will be picked up at lunchtime while the elementary class eats lunch. Junior Kindergarten children will enjoy lunch, quiet hammock time and small group activities. After lunch, the teachers will work in smaller groups with the elementary class to focus on more structured academics while still enjoying and absorbing the outdoors - there’s still plenty of time to play!
Are there holidays or breaks during the year?
Yes! We are keeping the calendar similar to that of traditional schools. All holidays and breaks are listed on the School Calendar
What if my child is sick or needs to arrive late?
Please let us know as soon as possible if your child will be absent. Please do not send sick children to school. Your child must be fever free without medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school. If your child gets sick during the school day, we will call the parents immediately to come pick up the child.
If your child needs to arrive late, please let your teacher know and what time the child will be arriving so the teacher can be near the pickup/drop-off area to meet your child.
Teachers
Who are the teachers?
Our teaching staff is led by Susie Grant, one of our founders. Our teachers collaborate with one another but allow each class to dive into the topics of most interest to that class. Check out our teacher bios here.
Are the teachers certified?
All of our teachers are certified forest school teachers, have completed the interview process, background check, and come with strong references from their prior employers. All teachers have current First Aid and CPR certifications.
Elementary Education - Home school Tutorial
What is a home school tutorial? Will my children RECEIVE credit for attending the elementary program?
River Gorge Forest School is operating as a home school tutorial. In Tennessee, children are required by law to attend kindergarten, and no child will be eligible to enter first grade without having first attended an approved kindergarten program. RGFS has partnered with The Farm School in middle Tennessee, a category IV Umbrella School. Parents must enroll their child with The Farm School to ensure their child receives appropriate credit for kindergarten and/or any subsequent grade. Parents will be responsible for reporting attendance, narrative assessments, and other evaluations. RGFS will provide quarterly assessments, attendance reports, and other evaluations to our parents for this purpose. Details for tracking attendance and assessments are provided on The Farm School website at time of enrollment. To enroll in The Farm School, please click here.
After registering with the Farm School, parents should send documentation of enrollment to hello@rivergorgeforestschool.com.
While children do not have to enroll in kindergarten at 5 years of age, enrollment must occur no later than the child’s 6th birthday. Because a tutorial cannot be used to satisfy compulsory attendance in Tennessee, children who are 6 years old by August 15th will need to enroll in an umbrella school, such as The Farm School, to satisfy the state requirement.
Academics
What focus will there be on academics and ensuring the kids are at grade-level?
The elementary program offers a nature-immersion education that incorporates reading, writing, mathematics, arts, and language into the daily rhythm of the forest. The curriculum is uniquely cultivated, based on the observations of the children, and drawn from their daily discoveries. The program pulls philosophy from Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori educational philosophies - this emphasis on play-based learning, leadership, and self-directed study allow children to explore their environment while also ensuring future academic (and life) success.
Need some more information to determine if forest school is right for your family?
Kindergarten, Naturally - The Atlantic, 9/15/2016
Impacts of Long Term Forest School Programmes on Children's Resilience, Confidence and Wellbeing - Nature Play (a program of Outdoor Queensland)
The Forest School Way: Approaching Education & Child-Care in a Post-COVID World - The Forest School Foundation, 6/27/2020
New Research - A Longitudinal Study on Forest School - Forest School Association, 2/1/2019
Additional information on Forest Schools can be found at The Forest School Association
What To Bring - Gear List
What should I send with my child everyday?
Because RGFS holds school in all seasons and aims to remain outside during many types of weather, it is CRUCIAL that your child has clothes and gear that allow for comfortable play. You’ll hear this echoed time & time again: There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing choices. Below you will find a list of NECESSARY items as well as helpful tips and suggestions regarding clothing and gear.
Everyday Gear
Water bottle (filled); there is clean water on-site for refills
A backpack appropriate for the child’s size that can hold extra layers of clothing, snacks, and a water bottle
Waterproof rain pants AND waterproof rain jacket
Rain boots
Labeled extra clothing in a waterproof bag (reusable Ziploc works)
Face mask in the case of an emergency situation that requires them to be indoors
Warm Weather Gear & Tips
Waterproof rain pants
Rain pants are important to keep your child dry and also protect legs from thorns, insects, poison ivy, etc.
When it is really hot, teachers will tell you when only quick-dry shorts are acceptable. Just pack rain pants in backpack and make sure to add bug spray and sunscreen to legs
No denim jeans please. We’ll usually find our way to a water spot and no one likes soggy jeans
Waterproof rain jacket
It is best to go with a non-insulated rain jacket. Base layers can always be added
Rain boots (any rubber pair will work) with lightweight socks (we love Croc rain boots as they dry quickly after wet adventures)
Short-sleeved quick-dry shirt
Quick-dry shorts under rain pants
Sunhat
Sunscreen labeled with your child’s name (please apply before drop-off too)
Insect repellant labeled with your child’s name (please apply before drop-off too)
Cold Weather Gear & Tips
Insulated rain boots such as Bogs or Oakiwear
Full rain gear
Waterproof rain jacket
Waterproof rain pants
If you choose to wear snow pants or thick coats, they should fit under the rain pants and rain jacket. Snow gear is only water-resistant. The outer layer must keep the wetness out!
Two-piece long underwear
Silk or wool is best, but polyester is also a good choice
Layering is key! We strongly recommend that your child wear several layers of these materials
Thick wool sweaters or fleece jacket
Thick fleece pants
Wool socks (multiple pairs)
Waterproof Mittens
Mittens are warmer than five-finger gloves and easier to pull on and off (side-zip are ideal)
Wool or fleece mittens for a base layer if you choose
Wool or fleece hat
Helpful Hints & Tips
Our kids get DIRTY! Please dress your children in clothes they can get messy
Please LABEL EVERYTHING with your child’s name
Layering:
Layering is key! It is much easier to take layers off as needed than to try warming up a kiddo who is cold and grumpy
The most comfortable clothing will depend not only on the weather conditions but also the child’s activity level. Layering prepares the children for every activity and weather condition
Pro Tip: In colder months, wearing 2 layers of wool long underwear below a thick wool sweater and fleece pants is a great way to layer under their rain gear in order to keep children warm without feeling too bulky
We plan to have gear swaps at the end of each season to help reduce expenses, these kids’ clothes can get pricey
What FOOD and snacks should I pack for school?
RGFS strives to incorporate sustainable practices in all we do and we encourage our parents to support those efforts. Please send foods in reusable containers or minimally and/or compostable packaging. Children will eat outside. Please be mindful of the foods sent along with your child as refrigeration will not be provided. In cold weather, we recommend more substantial snacks such as cheese, nuts, and other filling items that will help to provide extra energy. Teachers are aware of any allergies present in their class from the information provided on the emergency form.
PreK: Please send your child to school with a morning snack and full water bottle
Jr. K: Please send your child to school with a lunch, afternoon snack and full water bottle
Elementary: Please send your child to school with morning and afternoon snack, lunch, and full water bottle
Weather
Are the kids outside all day?
Yes! Please dress your child for the weather refer to the CLOTHING AND GEAR LIST above for more information. Children will be observing and enjoying all weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather (heavy rain, hail, etc.), children will gather under the pavilion on the school property.
What about severe weather?
On days when extreme weather is expected, we will hold school at Gardens in the Gorge. This will allow children and teachers to be indoors (and in a basement) during any extreme conditions. If conditions are expected to be severe and potentially dangerous, an email and text will be sent out by 7am notifying parents that school has been canceled for the day. We will not necessarily follow Hamilton County’s school cancellations but will use their decisions to inform our decision to cancel school.
Requirements
Do you have requirements for my children to attend?
Children must be able to follow directions carefully, demonstrate respect for other children, their teachers, and their environment, and be able to communicate effectively. Children must be toilet-proficient in order to attend (younger children must be in the toilet training process).
Do you require children to have all of their vaccinations?
Yes. We follow the Tennessee regulations and Tennessee vaccination schedule. All children will be required to submit their vaccination records with up to date information.
Communications
How will the school communicate with the parents?
In the instance that the school is closed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, a text message and email will be sent to all parents prior to 7am. We will attempt to send out the message as early as possible to enable parents to make alternate arrangements for your children. We also use the Remind app to allow parents to send messages directly to your child’s teacher.
COVID-19 Guidelines
We are planning strategies to help provide a safe and happy experience for all of our children and teachers, incorporating CDC and other guidelines that apply to our outdoor school model. As more is being discovered everyday about the spread of the virus, additional guidelines (or hopefully, fewer guidelines) may be determined, so the following may change. We will keep you informed about any changes that may occur. But for now, these are the official guidelines and strategies for RGFS.
CDC General Guidelines that Apply to RGFS
Limit non-essential visitors
Clean hands often
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (bathroom facility, picnic table surfaces, and other shared items will be cleaned daily)
How is RGFS responding to COVID-19?
All class sessions will be held completely outdoors; indoors only for emergencies
Class tools and other items will be sanitized regularly
Are there Face Mask Policies in place?
Face masks are encouraged for children and all adults if indoors during an emergency situation (i.e., severe weather)
Each child should bring a mask to keep in their backpacks in the case of an emergency situation that requires them to be indoors, or for any other reason as determined by their teacher or administrative staff
What are the COVID-19 Exposure Guidelines?
If anyone in your household, other than the RGFS student, has come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, your child can continue to come to school, until the household contact tests positive or shows symptoms. While your child attends school, they should wear their masks during school.
If the entire family, or the RGFS student, has come into close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, that student can’t come to school before the end of quarantine determined by the CDC guidelines
It is the parents’ responsibility to inform their child’s teacher and RGFS Administration, immediately by the REMIND app, in either of these scenarios
What if my child's teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
If your child's teacher tests positive for COVID-19 and has been at school 48 hours prior to the positive test (day of specimen collection), the teacher cannot return until they have completed their quarantine determined by the CDC guidelines. Class will be guided by our substitute staff if available. Parents will be notified via the Remind app as soon as RGFS is made aware.
Safety
We are committed to keeping our children safe. We adhere to the following guidelines to provide consistent boundaries in the name of safety. We ask that parents uphold these same standards while onsite.
What are the Physical Safety Protocols in place at RGFS?
The children are always within eyesight and earshot of an approved adult. RGFS maintains a small teacher to student ratio, allowing for better observation and individualized attention. Aside from the teaching staff, the only people who interact with the school children during the day (such as guest lecturers) are pre-approved by RGFS are never alone with the children. Teachers carry emergency forms and an official first aid kit at all times. Additionally, each teacher will carry a walkie talkie for direct communication with one another and school administration. There are always two or more adults onsite at all times.
Fire Safety: Children are only in the presence of fire while under the supervision of their teacher(s). Although a child may be invited by a teacher to help tend a fire, they are given very specific instructions based on their age and ability to discern a safe distance. They will help to collect and haul firewood, but the teachers are always in charge of adding fuel to the fire. There is always direct adult supervision when children are in the vicinity of a fire or hot coals.
Water Safety: All visits to the creeks and ponds are under the full supervision of the teachers. Children will be allowed to wade in slow-moving water that is less than knee-deep. This is another great reason why a full change of clothes and shoes is necessary for RGFS. We love water play!
Are there other general forest safety guidelines?
No Toys from Home: Nature provides all the materials necessary for playing in the outdoors, so toys from home are not necessary. Art supplies and other learning materials will be provided.
Boundaries: Boundaries will be clearly communicated each day and children are expected to stay within the boundaries that have been established by teachers.
Climbing trees: Children may climb trees at school while under adult supervision. They may not climb higher than twice their height and only after they have demonstrated competence.
Sticks: The children may not play with sticks that are longer than their arm, unless it is clearly and responsibly being used as a walking stick, a tool (digging, for example), or for building, under the supervision of the teachers.
Ingestion: Children will not eat or drink any substance found in nature without the teacher's permission.
What if my child needs First Aid at school?
In the case of a minor injury, the teachers may administer basic first aid—wash the injury with soap and water and cover with bandages as they see fit. The parents will be notified at pick-up of any injuries that required first aid. In the case of a major injury, the teachers will call 911 and the parents/emergency contact and apply basic first aid until medical help arrives. Teachers have easy access to first aid kits at all times. Children will always be sent to the nearest hospital if such extreme measure is needed.
How do you support the Social & Emotional Safety of the children?
RGFS is deeply committed to ensuring nature and the creatures in it are respected. This includes respecting self and others at all times. Outdoor learning provides many opportunities for cooperative play and teachers are there to guide children into co-creative adventures. We at RGFS embrace diversity and will strive to provide an environment that is safe and respectful with regard to variances in culture and circumstance including gender, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.
There is a zero-tolerance policy for hitting, grabbing, pushing, name-calling, or any other aggressive behaviors. If these behaviors occur, the teacher will take the child/children exhibiting aggressive behavior from the group and find a calm place for a one-on-one discussion. Teachers will communicate any concerning behaviors with parents. Recurring instances of disruptive behavior will result in a parent-teacher conference to implement a behavior plan. We will work as a team to support each child to ensure a successful experience at RGFS.
Although we want to serve all children that come to RGFS, we will not allow the health and safety of the class to be compromised. We do take any intimidating behavior seriously and recognize that it makes a deep impact upon others. Our teaching philosophy holds the dignity of each child at its very core and our teachers are committed to modeling behavior that values respect for all. Our curriculum inherently supports empowerment, teaches judgment, honors boundaries, values intuition, increases awareness, models clear communication, and encourages the healthy expression of feelings.
Plan for Disruptive Behavior:
Step One - Incident Reports: Aggressive behaviors will be addressed in an incident report. This will be completed by a teacher to document inappropriate behaviors that directly impact other children, staff members, or the group as a whole. This report will be shared with the parent and will explain the behavior and how the behavior has affected others. It will also explain how the situation was resolved. The incident report will be given to the parent at the end of the day to be signed and returned the next day to the teacher.
Step Two - Parent/Teacher/Directors Meeting: If two incident reports are written during one week, documenting that the child has difficulty managing his/her behavior on a recurring basis, parents will be asked to meet with the child’s teacher and School Director to develop a behavior plan.
Step Three - Potential Removal from RGFS: The child may be sent home or be removed from the program If, after Steps One and Two, the child’s behavior continues to be inappropriate, consistently disruptive, and/or dangerous. It may be necessary for the child to be sent home for a time to be determined or removed from the program altogether.