WOLF Frequently Asked Questions
What is WOLF?
Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) is a new school created by Springfield Public Schools for 5th graders with a special interest in nature and the outdoors. The school was developed in collaboration with Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Bass Pro. It will be located at the Wonders of Wildlife Educational Center, 726 W. Sunshine. In its first year (2008-2009), it will accommodate a total of 50 students in two classes. Parents may attend an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the White River Room at Bass Pro Shop.
Why do we have WOLF?
Through our strategic planning process, our community has developed a vision of what it wants Springfield Public Schools to be. One component of that vision is creating more choices for students. WOLF will provide another option to traditional classroom learning for students. It will engage learners in hands-on, inquiry-based learning through the context of nature and conservation science.
Who may attend WOLF?
The program is designed for 5th graders with a passion for nature and the outdoors. There is a limited number of seats so students must apply to attend.
How can my child apply?
Any current 4th grader with satisfactory attendance and behavior who resides within the SPS attendance area is eligible to apply for the program which begins in August 2008. Applicants should also demonstrate a passion for nature and the outdoors.
To apply:
1. Obtain an application from your child’s school or print it from www.springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org.
2. Complete the application and mail it, along with requested documents, to:
Tefft Center, Attention: WOLF, 1418 E. Pythian, Springfield, MO 65802.
What is the definition of “satisfactory” attendance and behavior?
For the purposes of this application process, a student must be able to document with his or her grade card satisfactory attendance for the entire third-grade year AND satisfactory attendance for first and second quarters of the fourth-grade year.
“Satisfactory” attendance is defined as a minimum of 95 percent, which was the district’s average elementary attendance rate for 2006-2007. Elementary grade cards report attendance on an hourly basis so a 95 percent attendance rate for the entire third-grade year would translate to 1,045 hours present and 55 hours absent. For the fourth-grade year, 95 percent total attendance for first and second quarters would translate to 522.5 hours present and 27.5 hours absent. To be considered for WOLF, a student must meet these minimum attendance requirements.
Behavior is also reported on the student’s grade card under “Social Development” and “Personal Development.” To be eligible for WOLF, a student’s grade card should not have any descriptor marked as an “Area of Concern.”
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008, at Tefft Center, 1418 E. Pythian, Springfield, MO 65802. They must be mailed or hand delivered. Faxes and e-mails will not be accepted.
How are WOLF students selected?
For 2008-2009 there are 50 slots available. Through a random lottery system, 25 boys and 25 girls will be selected from the pool of applicants.
When will I know whether my child is selected?
Parents will be notified by Monday, May 5, 2008, of their child’s status.
What will students do at WOLF?
Instruction at WOLF will include the Springfield Public Schools’ 5th grade curriculum in all core subject areas. WOLF students will have the opportunity to achieve academic excellence through the context of nature and the outdoors. As meaningful extensions of the classroom, students will frequently participate in intentionally designed, expeditionary learning experiences. Teachers will utilize extensive and structured conservation science field programs. Students will actively participate in the Ozarks outdoors and utilize the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Bass Pro Shops’ many exhibits.
How do I know if my child is a good candidate for WOLF?
Naturalistic intelligence is recognized in education as one of eight main areas in which people have special skills. These questions may help you determine if your child has a unique passion for nature and the outdoors.
Does your child:
- enjoy studying the environment, nature, plants, and animals?
- like to explore the outdoors?
- have a favorite natural spot?
- enjoy having animals around the house and talking about their pet?
- read books or magazines, or watch television shows or movies that feature nature?
- prefer natural settings on vacation?
- enjoy zoos, aquariums, or other places where the natural world is studied?
- enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing or hunting in all types of weather?
- like to play in the water?
- collect bugs, flowers, leaves or other natural things and enjoy showing them to others?
- enjoy gardening and working with plants?
Is there any cost for my child to attend WOLF?
No. However, students will need appropriate all-weather footwear and clothing for their many outdoor activities. For example: rain gear, waterproof boots, waterproof gloves and sturdy walking shoes.
Is transportation provided for my child to and from WOLF?
No. Parents are responsible for transportation of their child to and from WOLF. Parents may want to consider the possibility of organizing a carpool or utilizing public transportation.
Will there be care available for my child before or after school?
If there is sufficient interest, Wonders of Wildlife may provide care outside the school day for a fee. This will be determined after the candidates are selected and the number of students desiring before and/or afterschool programs is known.
Where can I get additional information?
Call (417) 523-0117.