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We are thrilled to be building a strong partnership with our neighbor, Pattison Elementary School. Teachers from all grade levels are beginning to take advantage of the outdoor classroom just beyond their back door. In 2008, Valley View volunteers helped organize a number of events on the property with the Pattison teachers and PTO. We had more than 500 children hiking the trails in one day for the annual walk-a-thon. The first ever Nocturnal Night for the second grade classes was a huge success with guided hikes, a presentation by the Clermont County Historian, telescopes for star gazing and a bon-fire. Long term projects are also in progress. As part of their science curriculum, fifth and sixth graders have been researching the species of wildflowers and song birds that are native to the property. A string of land along South Milford road has been prepared by our Land Management Committee. Native wildflower seeds were secured by Andy Dickerson thanks to the generous support of the Hamilton County Park District. The children will plant the flowers this spring. So when you drive by Valley View on South Milford Road and see the brilliant colors for years to come, you can thank the collaborative effort of Pattison Elementary students and Valley View. This has been a great learning experience for the students. The Bottoms are home to not only animals, but children discovering, connecting with our natural world and taking in big breaths of fresh air. We also had other successful events in ’08 including guided hikes for the little ones from St. Thomas Nursery School and hayrides for members of the Terrace Park Country Club. Boy Scout troops from Cardinal Pacelli School in Mt. Lookout, Milford and the surrounding area utilize the property for their programs and have been helpful to us with some of our on-site projects. We look forward to fostering these partnerships and many others throughout the year. "On behalf of the children, staff and parents of Pattison Elementary School, I would like to express how grateful we are to be located next to one of the best naturual resources in the world! Valley View and the fine folks who make up their membership have worked tirelessly to provide our students with a wealth of knowledge as it relates to the natural world. From nature walks, to wildlife identification, to the conservation of our precious resources, Valley View has made a most positive impact on the educational development of our children. We are blessed to have them as such a viable part of the Milford and Clermont County communities. " -Gregg Curless – Principal Pattison Elementary School
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