Dear Grade 6 Families.

We are excited to announce an upcoming field trip where students will become citizen scientists while making a real difference in protecting our ocean! During this engaging experience, students will participate in a marine debris cleanup, following scientific protocols to collect and document debris found in the environment.

Guided by sanctuary naturalists, students will not only help remove harmful debris but also record detailed observations and compare their findings with past data to understand trends in ocean pollution. Through interactive discussions, they will explore the causes and effects of marine debris, gaining valuable insight into how human actions impact marine life and ecosystems.

This hands-on field trip aligns with our commitment to environmental education, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for our planet. We encourage you to talk with your child about what they learn and how we can all work together to reduce ocean pollution. There is a small fee of $3.50 per student. Please follow the instructions below to make your payment online.

We are seeking approved drivers and chaperones for this field trip. The requirements to be approved can be found HERE. Please sign as a volunteer below by selecting how many seats you have available in your car. We will be parking at Depot Park, with parking rates of $2.00 per hour ($8-10 total); here is a Google Map link of directions to the parking lot. 


When: Thursday, February 26th, 2026 8:15 am to 2:00 pm
Where: MBNMS  Exploration Center, Santa Cruz
Cost: $3.50*

*Payment is through ParentSquare. The front office will accept checks and cash in a sealed and labeled envelope. If your family is income-eligible, please contact Lizbeth Gomez for a reduced fee. Additionally, if you are willing & able to help sponsor another student, that is greatly appreciated & you can let your child's teacher know!

Thank you,

Ms. Ernst