LINKS 2011-12
The 2011-12 LINKS program, “LINKS: A Quality Interdistrict Cooperative Program for 4th grade," serves as a regional initiative designed to bridge an understanding between students and educators in neighboring communities. Throughout program sessions students will explore issues of diversity and interrelationships on natural, ecological, and cultural scales while studying forest, field, and pond habitats amidst the Nature Center’s 40-acre nature sanctuary! This year the New Canaan Nature Center is proud to pair up sixteen 4th grade classes from New Canaan Public Schools with fourteen 4th grade classes from Norwalk Public Schools for our 18th year of this unique program.
Partner classes will participate in a series of educational programs led by New Canaan Nature Center staff for a total of 32 face-to-face hours between students. LINKS programs take place during the school day, after school, and on various Saturdays.
Purpose & History
The Interdistrict Cooperative Grant Program (ICGP), established under section 10-74d of Connecticut General Statutes, provides state funding to local / regional school districts and nonprofit organizations to support interdistrict programs designed to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation and improve student academic achievement (particularly in the areas of science and mathematics). As part of this program, the State Department of Education requires a minimum of 30 face-to-face contact hours between participants. The 2011-12 LINKS school year marks the 18th anniversary of the New Canaan Nature Center executing this innovative educational program. To date over 15,000 students in lower Fairfield County Connecticut have been served via LINKS. Approximately 650 students in Norwalk and New Canaan will participate in LINKS 2011-12.
LINKS Program Overview
LINKS students meet face to face for at least 30 hours during the year and work in partner pairs or groups to participate in hands-on, interactive science and environmental activities presented by the New Canaan Nature Center and develop relationships during staff-led activities and free time planned and supervised by their teachers.
Program components include cooperative challenges, academic lessons, environmental education activities, reflective debriefs, as well as both structured and unstructured social time.
Students will continue to maintain contact and strengthen partner bonds between sessions while completing pen pal letters, take home assignments, and preparatory materials for future sessions in coordination with their partner.
The overall theme of the program is student exploration of three habitats (forest, field, and pond) and their connections to each other and other habitats/ecosystems. This scientific study will serve as a catalyst for students to better understand human diversity as it relates to human diversity and discover ways to improve the quality of life in their own communities.
LINKS Financial Shortfall for 2011-12
Due to major budget cuts in the State legislature, all ICGP award recipients were approved for their respective programs at a 45% cut to the original funding request. The New Canaan Nature Center originally budgeted for $371 per student and are now faced with running the program at a rate of $204 per student. Because we know the value of the LINKS program for students, teachers, and the communities we serve, the Nature Center is going ahead with programming despite the budget cut and an outstanding deficit of nearly $20,000. We appreciate any support you can offer to help us maintain the LINKS program. Please contact us at (203) 966-9577 x18 or make an online donation if you are able to give.
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