By Jessica Trumble-Pitel, 6th Grade Math/Science Teacher. (May 19, 2025)
PLEASANT VALLEY, CALIF
The Power of Rural Education, Partnership, and Community in El Dorado County.
On May 8th, sixth graders from Pleasant Valley Middle School (PV) in the Gold Oak Union School District (GOUSD) visited Sly Park Environmental Education Center for their culminating end-of-year field trip. The day was filled with learning, laughter, and bonding, but it was more than just a typical educational outing. It was an opportunity to build students’ capacity for growth and connection as residents of El Dorado County.
Students joined together with teachers from Sly Park, PV staff, parent chaperones, and their peers for a memorable day of learning. Supporting the future of middle school students starts now—through overcoming challenges, working collaboratively, building resilience in the face of fear, and deepening their understanding of the local environment. This new partnership between GOUSD and Sly Park Environmental Education Center facilitated all of this.
Students engaged in activities such as survival shelter building, exploring the local ecology center, and tackling rock wall climbing challenges—each designed to foster personal and academic growth.
Todd Gillihan, an outdoor science teacher at Sly Park and a GOUSD parent, reflected on the impact of having PV students participate in Sly Park programs:
“Growing up in the Sly Park area, I spent most of my youth outside exploring natural spaces. Over the last twenty years, I have shared this place with students, facilitating learning experiences and providing opportunities for students to lean into their curiosities through scientific investigation. These opportunities offer moments of connection, and what better way for local students to understand their local ecosystem and have a deepened sense of place.”
The children of El Dorado County are the community’s future and deserve the best opportunities to succeed. Rural communities often foster a deeper sense of connection than urban settings, and the partnership between PV and Sly Park Environmental Education Center is a strong example. Together, they are ensuring that students are not only prioritized but empowered to thrive right here at home in El Dorado County.
For more information on Pleasant Valley Middle School, please visit: https://www.gousd.k12.ca.us/District/Department/10-Pleasant-Valley-Middle-School
For more information on Sly Park Environmental Education Center, please visit:
https://slyparkcenter.org/
