At Monday’s Parent Night, Rohanen Middle School (RMS) continued in its efforts to prepare students for the 21st Century. Teachers unveiled their fundraising plan to blast students to Florida to witness a NASA shuttle launch.
The trip – called Mission: Rebel Launch – is planned for November 11-14. The three-day education excursion will be centered around the launch of NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis. Aside from witnessing one of NASA’s last shuttle launches before 2010, students will also participate in educational activities – including a session at the famed Wonderworks interactive museum, The Orlando Science Center and a visit to the Brevard Community College Planetarium.
“This is a unique opportunity for our students,” said Jane Layton, eighth grade teacher at RMS. “Never before have students at our school had the chance to participate in such an elaborate, interactive learning experience.”
“Students will get a chance to explore many interactive education experiences at these places such as experiencing a 5.3 scale earthquake firsthand, becoming a crime scene investigator and being able to use the large telescope at the observatory.”
Such opportunities rarely come without a healthy price tag. Efforts will include a donation drive, appearances before various civic organizations seeking support, and a fundraising breakfast at Fatz Cafe in October.
“We are scheduling a large number of fundraising efforts,” said Lauren Turpin, Rohanen science teacher. “Both the school and the community at large will be needed to help this trip come to fruition.”
Many businesses and organizations have already stepped up to plate in support of the educational excursion. Even parents are joining in the efforts to help finance the event.
“Most kids will not have the opportunity to see something like a shuttle launch,” said Cheri Ritter, RMS parent. “This is a great opportunity for them to see and experience things globally – to actually see what the process is that goes into such things.”
Despite the current community support and effort, much help is still needed to help make the dream trip a reality.
“Even with careful budgeting, the trip is still an expensive undertaking,” said Kathleen Lenehan, a RMS teacher. “Any and all help is needed and will be appreciated. We have a significant amount of money to raise before Nov. 1.”
To volunteer time or donate money, parents and businesses are encouraged to contact staff at Rohanen Middle School at (910) 997-9839.
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