Upstate/Downstate Connections
This partnership between P.S. 33 Chelsea Prep and Stamford Central School is sponsored by the Watershed Agricultural Council, Common Grounds Education, and the Watershed Forestry Bus Tour. These organizations work to connect an upstate school with a downstate school in New York City in order help the students gain an appreciation for and undetstanding of the New York State water system. As part of the program, classes connect with their partners through letters, e-mails, videos, photos, and shared curriculum projects. Curriculum topics include: watershed infrastructure, protecting drinking water supplies, watershed land protection and open space, forest management in the watershed, and sustainable living. Facilitated field trips, communication, and common curriculum teach students appreciation regarding their respective urban/rural environments, and help them make connections between healthy forests, clean drinking water, and watershed protection.