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Home > Academics > Eighth Grade > OPI Info & Links
Olympic Park Institute Information
Updated 2010
What is OPI?
OPI stands for the Olympic Park Institute. It is located in Port Angeles, WA, north of Seattle. OPI borders the Olympic National Forest, which humans can enter only by trail. OPI is a center for students to experience science in the outdoors, including forest ecology, watershed science, and geology/earth science. This is an annual trip we offer to our eighth grade students to complement their science curriculum. It also serves as a way for them to network with each other and students from other schools. It is an opportunity to grow academically, socially and spiritually
What is the Elwha River Project?
Beginning in 2008, the Elwha River Project will be the largest dam removal in history. Scientists and researchers are currently researching the river's native ecology in the upper part of the Elwha Watershed and investigating ways to restore native salmon and trout to the river after the dam removal. While at OPI, students are involved in activities such as testing water pH, oxygen content in water, macro invertebrate observations, forest ecology studies, and wildlife observations.
What else do students get out of the OPI trip?
While at OPI, students partake in small group cooperative activities and discussions, large group evening programs, day hikes, and recreation time where they can interact with other visiting schools.
What is the cost of OPI?
The cost of OPI includes the tuition, which provides for our educational program, food and lodging. In addition, we must pay for transportation, which has risen to about $3000 for the bus. If we are able to share the bus with another school, the cost of transportation will be less per person.
What fundraisers can we do to raise this money?
Fundraising is open to the creativity of the parent group. Parents should organize and plan early as our fundraising activities need to be completed by January. All fundraisers need to be approved by the office. Past fundraisers have included various salesof food items, car wash ticket sales, jewelry sales, MaryKay, and the All School dance.
How do we make this trip happen?
The OPI trip is a very special experience for the students. In order to make the experience a reality, I need parents and students to help organize and run fundraisers, oversee students during fundraisers, and to chaperone during the trip. The Olympic Park Institute fosters a positive and adventurous environment for the students to learn, grow, and have fun! 
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This page was last updated by kschultz on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Login above to edit this page. Copyright © 2012 St. Mary's Catholic School. All Rights Reserved. |
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