SPRINGFIELD — ECOS, the Environmental Center for Our Schools, is the oldest program of its kind still offered in a public school system, and after 53 years, there are no plans of stopping.

The basis of the program — as explained by Friends of ECOS member Carol LaPolice — is for expanding student knowledge about the environment and science. From animal habitats to survival skills, students grade 3-6 can learn and apply what they already know to the lesson.

Over the past 53 years, ECOS has served more than 200,000 Springfield Public Schools’ students.
As a former classroom teacher, LaPolice said, “I always felt [this program] is so important because some students don’t shine [in the classroom].” At ECOS, students are more willing to talk and the program “brings them alive being in that different setting,” she added.

The two-day program allows students to use critical thinking, ask questions and use facts and evidence found to reach conclusions, LaPolice shared.

She went on to say that the program teaches students how to help.

Every year, students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to go to ECOS — no matter the time of year — as the schools rotate visitations. The program takes place rain or shine, LaPolice said.

Teachers at the center create a schedule and lesson plan for the standard being addressed, LaPolice explained. Students do some prep work in the ECOS building — also known as the Clifford A. Phaneuf Environmental Center — before heading outside to go on hikes, fish, build a boat to race, among other activities.

The sixth graders take part in a survival program where they learn to build a fire and roast hot dogs — a fond memory of many, LaPolice said.

ECOS is only offered to students grades 3-6 as the program is two full days and applies to what they are learning in the classroom.

The ECOS program is only offered in Springfield. LaPolice said she is unaware of any similar programs that have operated longer, as this has gone on since the first Earth Day in April 1970.

Since its establishment, several changes have been made. The biggest one, as noted by LaPolice, is that it used to be a four-day program. The reduction is a result of budget cuts, she shared.

As economics almost abolished it, the Friends of ECOS’ mission is to support and make sure that the program has what it needs to survive. The group consists of parents, teachers and more.

Other changes include tweaking the lessons as science standards shift.

“This program is really beneficial for the students,” LaPolice said. “Some students come from the inner city and don’t have access to parks.” For those who do have access, they might not have a great deal of knowledge about the environment, so this program assists with that.

“It’s important that the program continues,” she shared.

ECOS was founded by educators Lorraine Ide and Phaneuf in collaboration with the Springfield Parks Commission, Parks Department and school department.

The ECOS building was rehabilitated and expanded in 2015 through government grants, with help from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Parks Department Director Patrick Sullivan and his team, Councilor at Large Kateri Walsh and the City Council, the School Committee and the school department, along with donations from MassMutual, the Springfield Bicentennial Committee, parents, student alumni, community supporters and more.

The current ECOS teachers are Paul Terkelsen, Kate Orellana and Maureen Keating-Lessard. LaPolice recognized them for their efforts and time put into making the program the best it can be.