On a recent visit to the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, Executive Director (and R2AK Guru) Jake Beattie told me about an exciting partnership of the Center with the local schools. When my own son recites the familiar refrain, “when am I ever going to use math in real life?!” as he faces homework, I think of this program. I hope to take a more in-depth look at the initiative, but in the meantime here’s a short description and some introductory videos. Be sure to share with your children’s educators! -KH
MARITIME DISCOVERY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE
Imagine a school day where students’ minds and senses are fully engaged, where subjects jump off the page in the context of the real world around them—learning to swim as part of kindergarten PE, watching math come alive through sail-making, studying salmon habitat restoration for science, or biology through growing an oyster. This is what is meant by place-based education, where the unique resources of our community are used systematically throughout a student’s academic career.
The impact on our school system is positive and profound.
Working with teachers, parents, and area business and non-profit partners, Port Townsend Schools have a 5-year plan to implement a central Maritime Framework throughout K-12 education and anchor all subjects and grade levels in experiences of our maritime community.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.