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End of school year field trips allow students and teachers a break from normal classroom activities.
Leaving the building for a morning field trip doesn’t mean that learning stops.
On May 7 the 100 Luverne Elementary fourth-graders traveled in two groups to Rock County Opportunities.
RCO serves adults with developmental and related disabilities.
Last year the students helped RCO move landscape rock around their building. This year the students participated in activities with RCO clients in the sensory room, a space the nonprofit organization wants to expand through a fundraiser.
“RCO clients talked about how fun and memorable the day was,” said RCO Executive Director Elizabeth Schear. “It was wonderful to have new faces come into our building to brighten the day.”
Students and clients painted together to create artwork that is now for sale to help with the RCO fundraiser.
They also played games of bingo and participated in other activities.
“The kids absolutely loved it,” said teacher Deb Hoogendoorn. “Many students didn’t know what RCO was or where it is, so it was great to see them so excited after our trip.”
The May 7 field trip may become an annual event between RCO and the elementary students.
“It was great to see students in a whole new light and see them interact with the clients,” Hoogendoorn said. “Dozens asked if we could do this again.”
Director Schear received similar feedback from clients.
“I am hopeful that events like this will encourage more interaction between RCO and the community and more awareness of all the fun activities that are happening in this corner of Luverne,” she said.
The artwork and other handcrafted items can be purchased through the RCO office RCO located at the end of West Main Street in Luverne. Contact RCO at 507-283-4582 for more information.
Currently RCO is fundraising for a bubble wall in the sensory room.