Notice: The ELP webpages have been updated for 2023-2024. They are under final review. Thank you!
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Parents Get Ready!

Parents Get Ready!

The Environmental Living Program cannot succeed without the help, support and participation of you, the parents! Whether you plan to participate yourself in the ELP or support from home, we need you to encourage research, enthusiasm, and curiosity in all the kids joining your class’s ELP. Please read the following links and feel free to delve into any and all of the info created for the teacher and students as this will greatly help you understand what goes into creating a successful and memorable ELP or ELDP for your class.

Webpage Links for Parents –

  • Info, Rules & Expectations – Some basic information, rules and expectations to get you off on the right foot

  • Forms – FRC’s Liability Release forms are required and they must be signed by each and every participant of an ELP / ELDP at Fort Ross State Historic Park. This includes ALL teachers, parents, students, and any additional persons. Moving forward, Fort Ross Conservancy is implementing a zero-tolerance policy for unsigned Liability Releases. This means we cannot allow any participation in an ELP or ELDP for any person(s) who have not signed this required form. If any person arrives at Fort Ross without a signed Liability Release form, the lead Teacher of the group will be required to immediately drive that person home
  • Emergency Protocol – Please be prepared in case of emergency and read the Emergency Protocol!
  • Schedules and Arrival – Arrival protocols, what to do in the event of rain and a list of all ELP/ELDP schedules
  • ELP Activity Groups – Learn the ins and outs of all activity groups to choose from
  • List of Items to Bring – A list of items to bring…Check it twice!
  • Mail Call – Although not required, mail call is a real treat for students
  • Parent Meeting Agenda – Use this agenda to organize your parent meetings
  • Trail Maps – Fort Ross State Historic Park hiking trail maps

The process for getting everyone together in your group could start several months before your onsite program — four months ahead is ideal.

  • Review the relevant ELP website materials
  • Strive to study the material and practice skills to make the most of your time at Metini / Fort Ross
  • Know the general ELP Rules and Regulations and those that pertain to your Activity Group
  • Parents of one family should only commit to one Activity Group. The responsibility of each Activity Group leader is very time consuming and involved
  • Once an Activity Group Parent Lead is committed to a particular group, they should get together many times so children and parents get to know each other
  • Each Activity Group Parent Lead should
    • Know what his/her individual responsibilities are
    • Have plenty of curriculum material as well as the Activity Group website materials that pertains to his/her group
    • Be willing to work with and lead the group in research and organize the onsite visit
  • (Optional) Make a journal
  • Have the name, email and phone number of the ELP Manager and ELP Instructor so you can contact them if you have specific questions that are not answered on the website
  • If your teacher has scheduled Letters to Students or Mail Call (from parents), please have some fun writing to your child and pass on the letter to your teacher