Environmental Studies Center
| You've arrived at the web site for a very special hands-on learning experience provided for the school children of Martin County, Florida. Martin County borders the Atlantic and is situated on the southern end of the Indian River Lagoon. We invite you to enjoy our exhibits while increasing your awareness of our very special environment. |
| Our Mission |
| To provide the children of our county with a sequential hands-on curriculum in kindergarten through seventh grade in order to produce students possessing a respect for the environment and desire to protect it. |
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| Center Profile |
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The Center is a unique school that is part of the Martin County School District and an integral part of the education every student in the district. The original building was erected by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the mid-1930 sand marked its 50th anniversary in 1987. The building initially housed Jensen Beach Elementary School, with six classrooms for six grades and five teachers and a brainchild of two Stuart Middle School Science teachers,Ella "Mike" Clark and Olive Ashby. With encouragement from the Superintendent of Schools and the School Board, these two science teachers wrote a grant proposaland subsequently won federal funding toprovide a model program of hands-on environmental education. The pilot program opened its doors to students in the fall of 1972. When the grant ended, the program was funded by the Martin County School District. The materials and programs developed at the Environmental Studies Center are used in schools along the Atlantic Coast from North Carolina to Key West, FL, and along the Gulf Coast from Panama City, FL, south. In 1986-87,the Center was renovated. Unfortunately, in 1996, a fire destroyed that same area. Center staff was able to continue the student schedule despite the damage. The rebuilding project was completed by May of 1997. The Center is celebrating 35 years of continuous operation this year! The Environmental Studies Center has been recognized with awards from the Office of Environmental Education's Sharing Success Program and the Governor's Environmental Education Award. In a letter of commendation written to the Center, Marjory Stoneman Douglas said, "Environmental education is the last best hope for the future". The staff of the Center is made up of a Coordinator, four teachers, a licensed boat captain, a secretary and a custodian. Dianne Pierce, Center Coordinator, divides her time between administrative duties and field studies. Teachers Charlie Carr, John Wakeman, Denise Blanton and Michelle Fowler work with student groups daily. Rick Binder, Center boat captain, operates the Center's survey boat, River Scout, during field studies with fifth and sixth graders. Sheri Tschinkel, secretary, and Larry Burick, Utility II, complete the staff. |
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| Top Row: Larry Burick (Utility II), John Wakeman (Teacher), Charlie Carr (Teacher) |
| Bottom Row: Michelle Fowler (Teacher), Sheri Tschinkel (Secretary), Dianne Pierce (Coordinator), Denise Blanton (Teacher) |
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| Rick Binder (Captain of the River Scout) |
| Contact Information |
| The Center is open free of charge to the public on school days Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM during the regular school year. |
| During the summer, the campus is used for summer day camp programs and the exhibits are not open to the general public. |
| Telephone: (772) 219-1887 |
| Fax: (772) 219-1889 |
| Postal Address: 2900 N.E. Indian River Drive |
| Jensen Beach, FL 34957 |
| Summer Camp |
| First Day of Camp Registration - |
| April 26, 2008 between 9 AM and 1 PM at the Center. After April 26th a parent/guardian may register their child on any school day at the Center between 9 AM and 3 PM. |
| Cost - |
| $160.00 per week/per camper. Bus transportation is optional. $30.00 per week includes morning pick-up drop-off at assigned stops in Martin County. See bus schedule on the registration form. |
| Age and Grade Requirements - |
| Children must be at least 7 years old by September 1, 2008 and entering 2nd grade through 8th grade to attend camp. Campers will be grouped by grade accordingly: |
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Sea fans - Grades 2, 3, 4**
Wave runners 4**, 5, 6, 7, 8
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| **4th graders may be registered in either group |
| Summer Camp Dates - |
| Week 1: | June 9 | - June 13 | Week 4: | June 30 | - July 4 | There will be camp on July 4th |
| Week 2: | June 16 | - June 20 | Week 5: | July 7 | - July 11 | |
| Week 3: | June 23 | - June 27 | Week 6: | July 14 | - July 18 |
| Registration Forms - |
| Forms will be available in the front offices of Martin County Elementary and Middle Schools as well as the Environmental Studies Center and most private schools. Complete the form and bring it with you on registration day. |
| Summer Camp Activities - |
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Campers will have lots of fun while learning about their environment. Outdoor activities and environmental learning are the focus of this camp. Activities include: |
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| FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE CENTER AT (772) 219-1887 |
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| Back to Martin County School District |