Blue Heron Middle School Students and Teachers Weigh Off Maritime Education Program

 "I saw students that were failing in math all year start to shine," commented Blue Middle School 7th grade math teacher Jenniffer Manning on to the success of this Spring's Maritime Discovery program in partnership with the Northwest Maritime Center & Wooden Boat Foundation.

Over a month of fair winds favored students and teachers with ideal rowing and sailing conditions. Six longboat teams of 9-10 students rowed and sailed Townshend and Bear each day from mid-May to mid-June. When not on the boats, students were engaged each day with their teachers in maritime-related lessons in math, language arts, Washington State history, art and physical education. Students also participated in lessons at the Port Townsend Marine Science center.

"The NW Maritime program is a flagship program in our school.  The program fits well with our school vision and motto for student success through experiential education grounded in academics, attendance, attitude and activities" commented Principal Mark Decker.

Each year, the program engages 7th grade students from the Port Townsend and Chimacum school districts. Students are then invited to continue to participate in maritime activities such as learning to sail, tall ship sail training and overnight longboat excursions.

The program was supported by private foundations, contributions, memberships to the NWMC & WBF, WA State Parks, the Port Townsend Education Foundation, and the Port Townsend School District.