Did you dine out for North Kitsap schools in September? If so, Kingston Middle School would like to extend a big thank you to you and to the NK Schools Foundation.

With a grant from the foundation, KMS was able to send 152 sixth-graders and 22 chaperones to the Pacific Science Center on Oct. 18. Research shows that field trips make a difference in student learning — having memorable experiences outside of the classroom help students better remember and understand the lessons presented inside of the classroom.

Here are a few reflections from our sixth graders:

“It helped me see how fun people can make science and that people are wrong when they say science is boring.”

“It helped me realize that school is important so that you can do things like visit cool places and help animals.”

“Going on the field trip helped me learn about things I didn’t know and to learn more about the people in my group.”

These opportunities don’t come cheaply, though. Admissions and travel expenses add up quickly for an entire sixth-grade class. Happily, our community values learning and is willing to provide beyond the “basic education” that state taxes provide.

KMS is so appreciative of your support and hopes you continue to contribute to the NK Schools Foundation. Thanks to you and the NK Schools Foundation, our sixth-graders received the best possible learning opportunity to start off their middle-school careers.

Lynn Atherton

Kingston