The park staff has developed a new curriculum-based education program using the Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse as a way for children to experience attending a one-room school during the 1880s. Children wear historic costumes, carry lunches in tin pails (lunches provided by their respective school districts), walk to and from the one-room school through the prairie, and have a day of classroom work, lunch, and recess. School begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. These times may vary according to the participating school time frame. Park staff work with each teacher prior to the field trip, to provide the children with their actual weekly spelling, math, and other lessons as appropriate. The program has become a popular field-trip for the area schools. To provide an authentic experience for the children, we ask that parents do not visit the schoolhouse area.

Several days are set aside in April each year for this new program. There is no charge for this program. Curriculum-based education programs have been developed for 2nd through 4th grade levels in the areas of reading, mathematics, spelling, writing, science, and history. These programs meet the state of Kansas curriculum guide standards and materials may be downloaded from the links below. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

2nd Grade Lesson Plans pdf download 2.3 MB
Cover page for 2nd grade manual pdf download 308 kb

3rd Grade Lesson Plans pdf download 2.4 MB
Cover page for 3rd grade manual pdf download 307 kb

4th Grade Lesson Plans pdf download 3.1 MB
Cover page for 4th grade manual pdf download 308 kb

Upon arrival at the 1882 Lower Fox Creek School, the children line up in front of the schoolhouse to have their photograph taken. As part of the program, a digital copy of this photo is given to the teacher. Class photos are displayed on this website, once all photo releases have been signed. 

Class Photos Available for Viewing in PDF

Chase County Elementary 2008
Ms. Strukel - 426 KB

Ms. Ayers - 429 KB

Burlington Elementary 2008
Mrs. Yokum - 407 KB

Mrs. Jirak - 361 KB

Mrs. Classen - 488 KB

Mrs. Sloop - 455 KB

It is a very active day and the children leave with a better understanding and appreciation for attending school during the 1880s on the Kansas prairie. Come Join the Fun!