Local partnership and cooperation can be a vital part of giving kids new experiences. As we reported last week, middle school students and teachers recently gave a presentation on how field trips to places like Marion County Park Knoxville Water Works, the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency gave students new perspectives on an ecology unit involving water.

Superintendent Dr. Randy Flack says it’s always appreciated when local organizations open their doors and enhance learning opportunities for students. He says it’s also great when local businesses like 3M provide grants to purchase new equipment, and that teachers should be commended for taking advantage of these opportunities and putting these experiences together.