Lubna 
Today is bitter-sweet! Haaris, my young explorer, packed his gear to go on his Winter Voyage. This will be his last voyage with the school. As a sixth grader, it will be a true rite of passage as they trek Cameron Pass in the Colorado State Park at 10, 276ft. Four days of exploration and reflection. A few months ago, for their Fall Voyage, they almost summited Mt.Guyot at around 13,000 ft. I have to admit, I’m slightly jealous. After all……..
What an amazing experience to be able to say at 11 years old, “I conquered my fears. I conquered the mountain!”
Then ( 3rd grade) 
Now ( 6th Grade)
Overcoming challenges
It is no doubt an arduous journey, hiking in snow, at times sleeping under a tarp, laying out your clothes to dry on wooden rafters or shrubs, and using an outhouse style toilet (sometimes not even that!). Regardless, our boys have returned as happy but exhausted explorers, ready for their next adventure. They come back and retell stories of walking on frozen lakes, persevering when the air is thin (literally), sleeping under the stars, but most of all, surviving as a team. The school’s motto of ‘We Are Crew, not Passengers’ sits deep in their hearts.
reflecting – photo courtsey Kenny Harris 
setting up camp- photo coursey Kenny Harris
examining tree cores with scientists 
reflecting – an important aspect of Outdoor Ed 
Hayman fire burn area that was explored by the crew
I have had a taste of what it feels like when I have accompanied some crews on their voyages. There is never a dull moment. It was my first time camping overnight in a tent. The temperature dipped, and three layers of socks and two jackets finally helped me get cozy. We were camping in the Manitou National Forest. The students were learning about the havoc that the Hayman Fire had wrecked and about Forest Management (control burns, thinning of dense vegetation etc.) to control future fires. Under the full moon, all huddled up inside the tent, we could hear coyotes howling in the distance. A few whispers from neighboring tents, flares of flashlight escaping into the darkness, and a final call to hush down from the teachers. It was an exhilarating opportunity, and one that our young explorers have been so lucky to have at REMS.
chaperoning for the 4th grade Winter Voyage 
icicles forming at the lodge in Keystone 
the full moon above the trees at Manitou 
Tents glowing . My first overnight camping experience!
If they aren’t cross country skiing or ziplining, they are learning about ice-cores, water resources and the human impact on the environment. Also, they are busy helping cook the food and take turns as hoppers for food service to the rest of the crew. They are expected to minimize the waste they put in landfills, and conduct themselves with integrity. Their responsibilities include leaving their lodges or camp sites looking spotless. Mr.Cody, alongside the homeroom teachers, has been doing a fantastic job of making their Outdoor Ed. experiences a huge success. They are taught to respect the environment at a very early age. Kindergarten, to be exact.
Cooking in the wilderness
Yes, you heard me right! The kids take their first overnight voyage in Kindergarten!
You can well imagine what a leap of faith it takes to let your 5 year old embark on a journey without you. However, the school prepares all incoming parents really well for this. This is not a last minute shock but something you are told at Prospective Parent meetings. I remember ours was conducted by Ms.Pam, ( the unbelievably talented, Art teacher) and I left feeling amazed that such a curriculum could exist in our neighborhood public school!
Here’s another shocker! There are no textbooks! This almost made Azfar fall off his seat when I told him at the time we were finalizing our decision. Both of us came from extremely traditional schooling systems. Hence, to reconcile to this was another leap of faith. But, all’s well that ends well. However, the teachers used ‘expeditions’ to get students to do in depth research on social and scientific issues. Both boys are advanced in Math and Language Arts, and the teachers did an amazing job of differentiating to their needs.
The Integrated Arts
I strongly feel that education goes beyond mere state standards and book knowledge. It is a shaping of character. The Integrated Arts at REMS supports this philosophy. We have been amazed at the art projects the boys have brought home over the years. Similarly, Mr. Doug has revolutionized the PE program by exposing students to belaying, archery, badminton, and cup stacking, to name a few. And the Performing Arts has been a breath of fresh air. Mr. Josh has put forth theater shows that are High-School caliber, if not better. All of these, along with the amazing classroom teachers we have had over the years (Ms. Jody, Ms. Marybeth, Ms. Hanni, Ms. Lauren, Ms. Billie, Ms.Laura, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Chelsea, and Mr. Kenny) have made our experience at REMS unforgettable! Last, but certainly not least, they have an outstanding principal at the helm, Ms.Deborah!
art exhibition 
Theater production – Peter Pan 
Climbing to the top
Drumming
A few months from now, Haaris will graduate in a ceremony that is unlike any other school’s. I know because we witnessed Taimoor taking the chance to lead an All-School Drum Circle. The kids make their drums in Kindergarten and use it throughout their circles at school to show their spirit of “Crew”. A student leads the others in a rhythm that changes, ebbs and flows, and finally leads up to a crescendo before ending. A new leader takes over. A new rhythm, a new collective effort.
Years ago, when Azfar and I, as young parents, were trying to decide on a school for our children, the decision seemed daunting. I visited several schools and left feeling indifferent. They were good, but nothing extraordinary. Friends told us to look at test scores. I pushed that under the rug since my educator voice resented judging everything by just numbers. I’m a strong believer in first impressions and gut instincts. I’m so glad I followed that and chose REMS (Renaissance Expeditionary Magnet School) for our kids. Thank you, REMS, for instilling a sense of adventure and exploration, and helping our kids realize their full potential. I know they will carry that well into their adult lives! Happy voyaging!
