About Us
Sugar Maple Nature School - formally known as Riveredge Outdoor Learning Elementary School (ROLES) – is a tuition-free, public elementary charter school authorized by the Northern Ozaukee School District. Nestled amongst prairies, woods, and wetlands our school creates a hands-on learning environment where curriculum is brought to life and curiosity is fostered each and every day through time in our natural world.
Inquiry, nature and community drive our approach to curriculum, which constantly evolves based on the interplay between those pillars.
Learning Pillar 101: Inquiry-Based
Inquiry-based learning is a form of active learning that starts by posing questions, problems, or scenarios rather than presenting established facts. This pillar will focus on a set of teaching and learning strategies involving student-centered research and investigation that encourages metacognitive thought process, discussion and collaboration. This type of learning will culminate in individual student inquiries that are personalized to incorporate our other pillars as well as integrated common core standards.
Learning Pillar 102: Nature-Based
Nature-based learning is active and increases students’ physical, mental and social health. Nature play and adventure education focus on physical activity, appropriate risk taking, and outdoor recreation, developing social and emotional competencies, an integral part of our educational pedagogy.
Learning Pillar 103: Community-Based
In a community-based learning environment, students see the school as part of the local community and the local community as part of the learning in the school. Parents play an important role in the anytime/ everywhere learning experience. Experts in the community will be utilized frequently to maximize the learning experience of each student.
School Mission
The mission of the School is to serve as a laboratory for outdoor learning which amplifies the outcomes of public education, adapts to students' individual academic needs, fosters a deep connection to the environment, and prepares students for success in school and life.
School Vision
The School believes that the most promising strategy for achieving the Mission is to develop the school’s capacity to function as a learning community. The School envisions a program in which the Governance Council, administration, faculty, and staff will:
A. Establish a foundation where all students acquire knowledge and the process of learning;
B. Actively involve and support all students in meaningful learning
C. Have high academic, social, and moral expectations for all students; and
D. Work collaboratively with the students, staff, parents, and community.
School Core Values
The core values of the school shall include curiosity, adventure, and community.
In order to achieve the Vision of the school that functions as a learning community, the Governance Council, administration, faculty, and staff will:
A. Commit to the learning and achievement of all students.
B. Work with students to strive to reach their full potential.
C. Provide an emotionally- and physically-safe learning environment.
D. Align and utilize standards, curriculum, and assessment.
E. Analyze student data to improve student learning and achievement.
F. Review, evaluate, and consider research to determine effective instructional practices.
G. Use experience and insight to offer innovative learning experiences.
H. Ensure that a variety of instructional strategies are used to achieve success for all students.
I. Engage in meaningful, job-embedded staff development to enhance student learning and achievement.
J. Use time and resources wisely to facilitate staff and student learning.
