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MILEAGE THIS WEEK:
5TH GRADE = 38½ MILES
/ 4TH GRADE = 51
MILES
For those of you who are new to the "virtual treks" that are done every other year at Russell Elementary, the kids are virtually running a course through the Northwest U.S. (they are not actually on the edge of highways!). The students will log the actual mileage (2,266 miles) at school, adding up each child's mileage in order to arrive at a cumulative distance each week for each grade ─ the 4th grade and the 5th grade. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? During this first week of running, the 4th graders outdistanced the 5th graders by logging 12½ miles more. Currently, the 5th graders have completed 38½ miles while the 4th graders have logged 51 miles. Both teams are currently in the state of Idaho as they work on conquering the first stage of this journey. The first stage is 793 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Montana to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Visit the route page to see more specifics about where they're going. It's important to keep in mind that the 4th grade class consists of 54 kids, while the 5th grade class only has 41 kids. So, the 4th graders have 24 percent more students on their team! The 5th graders are really going to have to work hard to keep up with the 4th graders. Right now, the 4th grade team is 4 miles away from Ashton, Idaho and the 5th grade team is between Island Park, Idaho and Ashton, Idaho. ABOUT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
It's important to keep in mind that there are certain activities that are discouraged and/or illegal inside Yellowstone National Park. For instance, climbing rocks in the park is illegal. Also, feeding wildlife is prohibited. It's important not to tease, crowd or frighten wildlife because startled animals may charge! Venturing off marked trails or boardwalks is hazardous and prohibited. The thin crusts around thermal (hot) pools can break and the scalding water can cause serious burns, and even death. One of the most popular attractions at Yellowstone is Old Faithful. It is a geyser that erupts frequently and sends water as high as 180 feet into the air. Its eruptions can last up to five minutes. In 1988, Yellowstone National Park experienced the worst fires ever experienced in the history of national parks. Fire burned 793,880 acres of Yellowstone. It has been over 20 years since the fires of 1988, and visitors to the park today see the land's recovery in different stages. There is a lot of animals to see in Yellowstone, such as: Bison, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Moose, Osprey, Elk, Swans, River Otters, and more. However, follow the park rules and don't feed the bears! When bears become accustomed to eating human food and garbage they often turn into annoying or aggressive intruders who must be killed if they become a threat to visitors. DID YOU KNOW?
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And
the journey is underway! This week the 4th and 5th grade students of Russell
Elementary in Missoula, Montana began their 2,266-mile trek to and through
the National Parks of the Northwest United States. The kids began their trek
in 
Yellowstone has more than 950
miles of backcountry trails and roads and facilities take up less than 3
percent of the park. The rest is wilderness! There are seven species of
conifer trees; more than 1,000 species of native flowering plants; 67
mammals; and, more than 320 bird species. Yellowstone is home to geysers,
lakes, waterfalls, and amazing views. The park is 283½
miles from the teams' school (Russell Elementary) and is full of fun things
to do. For instance, you can ride a Llama through the backcountry of the
park using a guide service, or you can ride in a stagecoach. Kids can also
participate in the Young Scientist Program, become a Junior Ranger, or be a
WebRanger. Of course, camping is allowed in any of Yellowstone's 12
campgrounds. You can learn more about fun activities for kids at the
If you wanted to eat
like a bear you'd have to take in 20,000 calories a day. That's like eating
40 hamburgers