Parkside Elementary Brings Entire School to Waskowitz

For more than 75 years, Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center has given Highline students the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Set in a forested area near North Bend, Waskowitz combines hands-on science, outdoor exploration and community-building in a setting that encourages curiosity and connection.

Students explore local ecosystems, take part in field-based science activities, and work together in an environment that supports both academic learning and real-world application. Experiences like these reflect Highline’s focus on Innovative Learning, with students actively engaging, collaborating and applying what they learn.

A Field Trip to Remember

Parkside Elementary students and staff spent the day at Waskowitz for a schoolwide field trip planned by Parkside teachers and school leaders.

The trip is part of a growing Parkside tradition. This year’s fifth grade class has participated in a shared, whole-school experience each year since first grade, with past trips building on science and environmental learning. Each experience has been designed to bring students together while connecting classroom learning to real-world environments.

We've built this into a tradition for our school. This experience builds community and gives students a chance to learn in a setting outside of their classroom. 

— Bobbi Giamonni, Principal

 

It’s important for our school to come together as a full community at the end of the year. This field trip gives every student the chance to connect, celebrate and learn alongside each other.

— Teniea Sandlin, 5th Grade Teacher

 

Students hiked forest trails while learning about local ecosystems, including participating in a lichen lesson where they searched for and identified different types growing along the trails. The setting gave students space to step away from their classroom, try new things, and engage with learning in a more active and immersive way.

 

Students Leading, Learning, and Connecting

A defining part of the day was student leadership. Parkside’s fifth graders led stations and supported younger peers, helping create a welcoming and inclusive environment while putting their own learning into practice.

Throughout the day, students worked in mixed-grade groups, building relationships and learning from one another.

This was the best field trip ever. It was even better than the Pacific Science Center last year.

—Ibrahim A., 4th grader

 

The result was a day that blended learning with connection in an outdoor setting. Students stepped into new roles, built relationships across grade levels, and experienced school in a different way.

Experiences like this help students see themselves as leaders and learners while strengthening a sense of community across the school.

That's the decades-old magic of Waskowitz, nature and great teaching and community building!