Spring School Days....

Attention Teachers of Preschool, Kindergarten, and All Elementary Grades:

For the 10th consecutive year, The Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn are inviting you to bring your students to the School Tours 2008 at the Octagon Barn, Gagetown, Michigan. Educational guided School Tours will be held during the day on Wednesday, May 7th, Thursday, May 8th, and Friday, May 9th, 2008; tours are held rain or shine.

Mission statement:

"Today, Everyday . . . .Improving. . . .Renovating. . . .Working. . . . Educating. . . .

To Save History For Tomorrow's Future!"

The educational guided tours with interactive displays depicting rural America in the 1920's - 1940's, include a walk through the unique barn, the grand old farmhouse and live demonstrations. In order to see all the areas available during School Tours, 3.5 hours are needed, but can be tailored/shortened to meet your time frame and the needs of your students. All teachers reserving a place in School Tours 2008 will receive a teacher packet in April with activities teachers can do with their students prior to or after attending School Tours 2008, plus information on areas they will explore during their time on site. The activities relate to the core objectives developed by Michigan State Department of Education. It is requested that there be at least one chaperone for every eight students; more chaperones are very welcome! A donation of $1.50 is requested per visitor, with all proceeds going toward continued restoration of the Thumb Octagon Barn site. School Tours fill up quickly; 1350 signed up in 2004 - teachers can sign up now for School Tours 2008. Reserve a date and time for your class today by filling out the form below.

Available on site is an area with picnic tables, portable toilets, hand-washing area, and drinking fountain. The barn is handicap accessible, but the house does require going up stairs. If you have students with special needs, please let us know.

Looking forward to seeing you and your students Wednesday, May 7th, Thursday, May 8th, and Friday, May 9th, 2008!

Diane Rapson Gabil
School Tours 2008 Chairperson

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Reservation Form for School Tours 2008 at Thumb Octagon Barn, Gagetown, MI

(please copy/paste to complete and e-mail or print to complete and U.S. mail the form below)

Wednesday, May 7th, Thursday, May 8th, and Friday, May 9th, 2008

Today's Date _________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Name _______________________________________________________
School Name _________________________________________________________
Teacher's E-mail Address _______________________________________________
School's Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

School's Telephone Number________________________________________________
1st Choice Of Day and Time Of Visit (am or pm) ________________
2nd Choice Of Day and Time Of Visit (am or pm)________________

Grade _______
Number Of Students _______
Number Of Chaperones _______
(note: minimum, one chaperone for every eight students) Students With Special Needs? ___________
Describe Accommodations Needed _________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
Amount Of Time You're Planning On That Your Class Will Be Spending At The Thumb Octagon Barn Site: Hours_____________ Minutes ___________
Eating While On Site? yes___ or no_____ If yes, what time? ________
Purchasing Souvenirs? yes___ or no_____
Additional Questions or Concerns:________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

(or you may address questions/concerns by e-mail: drapsongabil@chartermi.net or call: 989-892-3105 to leave message)

Mail This Reservation Form To:
Thumb Octagon Barn - School Tours 2008
c/o Diane Rapson Gabil,1031 North Jones
Essexville, MI 48732