To read more about the South Platte River Education Program's #1 teacher, Carl Crookham (a.k.a. "Old Montana"), his efforts to turn the South Platte River into a living classroom, and his first pilot school (That's us, McKinley-Thatcher!), please click on http://www.epa.gov/region08/community_resources/profiles/platte.html

As the SPREE pilot school, we are taking our students to the river as well as bringing the South Platte River into our classrooms. McKinley-Thatcher is actively involved in designing a school wide curriculum that blends the historical, environmental and recreational aspects of the South Platte River with our classroom studies in history, math, science, civics, physical education, art, music, and drama.

The South Platte River has a fascinating history beginning with the earliest inhabitants of the area, the Arapaho Indians. After gold was found in the South Platte, the river became part of the mining and frontier history of the west. Today, the South Platte River serves not only a reminder of our past but an important part of our present and future. The river offers the residents of Denver natural beauty as well as many recreation activities while providing a habitat and haven for urban wildlife.

Students, parents, and teachers participate in a variety of activities along the river. These activities include panning for gold, visiting historical sites, studying the riparian habitat, and learning about conservation of resources and the significance of the river in our lives today.

The McKinley-Thatcher PTA has adopted Grant-Frontier Park, located at Evans and Platte River Drive, as our school's community service project. Families and teachers from the school participate in monthly cleanup activities at the park. This cooperative effort has instilled in all of us community pride and taught us about the importance of giving back to the community and caring for our natural resources.

Our SPREE mural, "A River Runs Through Us," was designed by Margaret Monsour, professional artist, art teacher, and parent of former and current McKinley-Thatcher students. Under the direction of Mrs. Monsour, and with the help of numerous parent volunteers, this mural showcases the talents of nearly two hundred student artists and brings the South Platte River to life in our school.