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PANAMA SPRING BREAK 2020 • MARCH 9-17 Students in the Tropical Ecology class at The Ethel Walker School will learn about the unique and fragile ecosystems of the tropics, paying close attention to the incredible biodiversity, current events, and conservation efforts. As a way to maximize their understanding of tropical ecosystems, students will be immersed in both the complex environment and the culture of Panama in ways that are not possible in a classroom. Aligning with components of Walker’s Capabilities Approach including international experience and sustenance and sustainability, students will gain an unforgettable experience by working to truly become global citizens.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH To promote global citizenship in our students, the group will take part in two separate community outreach activities. The first is with Fundacion Grinbio, an organic integral farm involved in sustainable agriculture and agro eco tourism. We will work with cofounder Diane M. Rothschild to learn about their sustainable practices, be inspired, and get our hands dirty as Dr. Rothschild aims to improve and expand the farm. Our second community outreach activity is with Escuela la Compania, a local school in El Valle de AntĂłn. During our time at the school, we will work with middle school-aged students who have expressed a desire to practice their English. By using bilingual ecology storybooks, we will be able to practice English with the students and teach them about important ecosystem interactions in their environment. We are also excited to work with Adam Guillen, a Peace Corps English co-teaching and critical skills facilitator at the school. IMPORTANT DATES Travel Dates: March 9, 2020 - March 17, 2020 Commitment Date: September 27, 2019 By this date we would like families to submit in writing their intent to participate in the trip.
Information Session: October 18, 2019, 12:15 p.m.-12:50 p.m. An information session will be held during Family Weekend to provide more details on required documents, insurance, and the important impact this trip will have on the lives of our girls. This meeting will also provide an opportunity to submit a required, nonrefundable deposit of $300 to be applied to the final cost; the deposit will hold your daughter’s spot. WHY PANAMA? Panama is an ideal country to take students for a number of reasons. In addition to our amazing alumnae connections, Panama has a similar electrical infrastructure (i.e. outlets), and the Panamanian Balboa has a 1:1 currency exchange with the U.S. dollar which is widely accepted in the country. We will also be traveling during the dry season when biting insect populations tend to be lower and shots (while suggested by the CDC) are not required.
PROPOSED ITINERARY Many of our activities will be hosted by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), thanks to the incredible connections with our Panamanian alumnae. MONDAY Biomuseo • Travel to Gamboa Tropical Rainforest Resort • STRI Bat Lab outing TUESDAY Barro Colorado Island (STRI) • Guided evening nature hike WEDNESDAY Morning wildlife hike • Amphibian Conservation Center (STRI) • Butterfly Research Lab (STRI) THURSDAY Travel to El Valle de Antón • Butterfly Conservation Center • Community outreach (Grinbio Farm) FRIDAY Canopy Adventure tour • Aprovaca Orchid Conservation Center SATURDAY Travel to Panama City • Community outreach (Escuela la Compania) • Serpentario • Local crafts market • Dinner reception with alumnae SUNDAY Panama Canal Museum • Oro Moreno - Chocolate Lab • Panel of women scientists/graduate students (STRI) MONDAY Punta Culebra - Sloth Research • Casco Viejo TUESDAY Fly back to the USA *Scheduling is subject to change.
ESTIMATED COST Air Travel Land Travel Room and Board Meals Activity/Admission Fees Insurance Tips/Fees/Taxes Total Estimate
$600 $550 $350 $250 $325 $100 $175 $2,350
We want to help make this trip possible. If costs are a concern, Director of Financial Aid Anne Hunt (ahunt@ethelwalker.org, +1-860-408-4204) and Director of Social Justice and Inclusion Elisa Del Valle Cardona (ecardona@ethelwalker.org, +1-860-408-4287) will work with families with financial need in an attempt to provide financial assistance. TRAVEL SUPPORT The Ethel Walker School uses International SOS as our travel support resource. The world’s leading medical and travel security services company, International SOS has more than 11,000 multi-cultural medical, security and logistics experts on standby to provide support and assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries. This business will help to keep your daughters healthy and safe, so we can focus on our educational objectives. For more information, visit www.internationalsos.com. CHAPERONE CONTACT If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Dr. Melissa Bernardo, Science Faculty mbernardo@ethelwalker.org +1-860-408-4328 Melissa joined Walker’s in 2017 after completing her Ph.D. in Biology from Wesleyan University. Her dissertation dealt with nutrient-mediated manipulation of host-feeding behavior by a parasitoid. Melissa has taught a range of topics at the university level and brings her knowledge and enthusiasm to Walker’s chemistry, biology and environmental science classes.