By Leslee Zenich

At Sisters Middle School they have  what they call the Eighth Grade Retreat.  This is when the eighth graders get out of school for a day of skill building and a day of fun.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                         













Spring retreat takes place during May.   This is the last retreat of the year so the eighth graders get to have a great time working as a team with fellow peers.

Fall retreat takes place during November.  The eighth graders get to go out into the woods and try challenging activities with their groups.
Winter retreat takes place at the end of December or beginning of January.  The eighth graders get to enjoy an outdoor experience in the snow, doing various activities.


Eighth Grade Retreat
     The idea of a retreat was put together by Mrs. Biesman.  She had the idea to give the kids a break and to begin skill building.  Every year they go to a different place, so the students don't think same ole, same ole.  The teachers involved with this three time a year activity spend months upon months working and planning the eighth grade retreat.  These teachers, especially
Mrs. Biesman, are very dedicated to making this a great trip each time.




When and Why it Started....

"I got started 6-7 years ago (in 1998 or 1997) because they wanted to have a leadership component for eighth graders.  It really started when they went to the old middle school.  We  wanted to do something nice for the eighth graders so we started a three day retreat."
How long...

"This retreat takes a lot of planning.  We have to talk to the forest rangers, parents, and teachers. We have to find parents to volunteer to cook some food for the students, and help with watching them.  The whole thing takes hours and hours of planning!"








Why do you do this each year?

"Because we think it's a good way to learn and use leadership, meet new people, and to see the teachers in a different light.  It really is good for everyone!"

In the past.... 

  • Outdoor activites (in the snow)
  • Hiked Black Butte
  • Sleep over at the school
  • Outdoor activites (in the forest)
  • Other fun stuff







                                                                           
Note:
Everything in "quotes" was said by
Mrs. Biesmann in an interview.



To view some pictures of past eighth grade retreats click on the button below!

                                                                                                 
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By Leslee Zenich
Last up-dated
March 15, 2004