April 7, 2017

Dear Parents,

As part of our science curriculum this year, students learned about different types of biomes.  As an extension of that unit, the 5-6th grade students hope to assist with a burn of our prairie plot.  Burning helps the prairie to thrive because the native plants have most of their biomass (living biological material) underground – especially in the colder months of the year.  Furthermore, many native plants have developed so that their seeds won’t germinate without fire!  Many invasive plants are intolerant of fire, so burning the prairie helps to kill off some of the undesirables.  

Over the coming weeks, we will be carefully monitoring weather conditions to pick a safe day for burning – the temperature, moisture, wind and atmospheric conditions all have to cooperate.  This means we won’t know our exact burn date in advance.  When/if we do find a safe and appropriate day, students will be watching the burn.  Some students may be lucky enough to be able to participate in the process, while closely supervised by trained adults.  No student will be put in an unsafe position at any time.  

In order to be chosen to participate, students must to be properly clothed on the day of the burn (they will be told the previous day, if possible).  Proper attire includes: natural fibers (cotton or wool, since man-made fibers like polyester and nylon melt), long pants and long sleeves, good, sturdy shoes (leather hiking boots are preferable but gym shoes will work).  Long hair needs to be tied back. Hats and leather gloves are recommended.  

If you would like to allow your child an opportunity to participate in the burn, please return the bottom portion of this form to his/her homeroom teacher, by April 12th.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chris Hershiser, Roxanne Turner, Kyle Barber, and Susan Neil