Each fall, each middle school grade participates in an MS CARES trip. CARES stands for C-culture, A-awareness, R-recreation, E-experience, and S-service. On these trips, students participate in activities designed to provide rewarding hands-on experiences that promote character and leadership development, as well as outdoor and service learning. Each trip also includes opportunities to explore Korea and gain a greater understanding of its people, culture, geography, and history.

In October, our 6th grade students headed out to Suwon for a couple of days of adventure, cultural engagement, recreation, team-building, and so much more. On the first day, students learned to build wilderness survival shelters, used a compass to determine their location, and spent time playing sports at the hostel, where they also spent the night. On day two, students visited the Suwon Temporary Palace, hiked along the Hwaseong Fortress Wall, and participated in traditional Korean archery. The ESLR of collaboration was emphasized along with the idea of inclusiveness. The recreational and cultural activities provided opportunities for students to begin building lasting relationships with their peers and their teachers. A big thank you to the teachers and administrators who worked to plan, organize, and chaperone this trip: Mr. Evans, Mr. Craft, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Nelson, Mrs. Brockett, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Kosmack, and Mrs. Scott.

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The 7th graders were the first to experience a MS CARES trip in late September. The 7th grade students and chaperones traveled by bus to Youngin Nature Recreation Forest for a day of team building and ziplining! Students practiced the Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) of collaboration and leadership as they worked with their team to master several challenges that required them to think outside the box, brainstorm new ideas, and learn from failed attempts. Ziplining was a thrilling experience of flying through the air high above the world; students bonded as they encouraged and supported each other in overcoming fears and embracing the moment. The next day, the students woke up to a rainy day and altered plans. The students spent the morning making red bean buns at a local farm. They learned about how to prepare, fill, and shape the dough, and after they were steamed, everyone enjoyed a tasty red bun snack! While waiting for the buns to steam, students engaged in a 7th grade knowledge bowl; they were challenged to answer trivia questions from their learning. The afternoon was spent exploring Chuncheon; this included a visit to a robotics and animation museum, a ride in a cable car up to Samaksan, and a delicious large group BBQ! Students woke up early on the third day and headed out to complete a ropes challenge course before heading back to school. The challenge course required students to collaborate with their teams. Challenges included moving the team from point A to point B without anyone stepping on the ground and balancing the team on two sides of a giant seesaw. These challenges require students to demonstrate our school ESLRs of leadership, creativity, commitment, and collaboration! The ropes course challenges students to overcome fears and obstacles. These three days were full of activities that provided students opportunities to grow in understanding and accepting others; through the challenges and experiences, many new and lasting friendships were forged! Shout out to our teachers and administrators who planned, organized, and chaperoned 7th grade MS CARES: Ms. Roberts, Mr. Khran, Mr. Harrison, Ms. Abrio, Ms. Sevey, Mr. Smith, Ms. Hanson, Ms. Shin, Mrs. Pakos, and Mr. Davis.

The island of Jeju was the setting for our 8th grade MS CARES trip, which took place in November. Students and staff began the journey with a bus trip to Gimpo Airport and then a short flight to Jeju. Upon arrival, students headed to the coast and spent the afternoon learning more about the impact of discarded plastic in the ocean, engaged in cleaning up trash along the shore, and created an upcycled project. In the following days, students experienced the unique geography of Jeju through a visit to the Manjanggul lava tube and a hike up Sunrise Peak. Students participated in various team-building activities, including a challenge to complete the mazes at Maze Land and a variety of games. Opportunities to learn more about the culture and history of Jeju were provided by going out on a fishing boat and working alongside Haenyeo (women divers) who harvest seafood; these events culminated with the fishermen preparing some of the students' catch to eat as a delicious snack. Each day, students spent time reflecting on their experiences and how they were challenged to demonstrate the seven Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs): Creative, Collaboration, Committed, Compassionate, Servant-hearted, Leading, and Truth-Seeking. Before flying home on the last day, students visited a tangerine farm and enjoyed picking and eating some of the best mandarin oranges (귤) grown in Korea. A warm-hearted thanks go to all the teachers and administrators who planned, organized, and chaperoned this trip: Mrs. Byrd, Mrs. Craft, Mr. Roper, Mr. Trevino, Ms. Kershner, Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Scott, Ms. Dwight, Ms. Zhang, and Mrs. Lynch.