Overview

The Monarch Sister Schools Program (MSSP) is an initiative to involve school children across North America in the protection and restoration of the habitat of the Monarch butterfly, including its threatened winter forest habitat in the highlands of central Mexico and its disappearing milkweed habitat along its migratory "flyway" from Mexico to Canada.

The Monarch’s intrinsic beauty, intriguing life cycle, and inspiring migration make the Monarch a truly awesome wonder of Nature. MSSP captures this compelling story and helps teachers to tap the natural curiosity of children and inspire their interest in science and nature. After years of pressure to "teach to the test", educators across the country are looking for ways to strike a better balance and inject more inspiration into the learning process.

As described in our brochure and enrollment form, the Program offers a series of professional development options for teachers over the course of the first school year, with activities culminating in the spring when we help you plant a Monarch Garden. We work with you to keep costs manageable and provide tools for related "fun-raisers" (described in the Program Resource Guide provided to member schools).

The forms of support available to teachers through the Program include:

• The Program Resource Guide and access to the Program’s web-based resources
  (e.g., Monarch Live)
• An Introductory Workshop (included in the enrollment fee)
• Other teacher workshops:
  • Teacher Curriculum Workshop on curriculum materials of Monarchs in the Classroom
  • Spring Monarch Garden Workshop to plan the planting and use of a school garden
• Assistance in planting a Monarch Garden and transforming it into an outdoor classroom
• Membership in our Sister Schools Network, permitting:
  • Assignment of a sister school in Mexico;
  • Communication tools to interact with your sister school;
  • Planning and support of a joint project with your sister school;
• Eco-tours to the Monarch sanctuaries in Mexico for you and your students
• Online resources – to enrich your students’ learning process (NASA satellite images, Google Map, GPS)

Please feel free to download our program brochure and related enrollment form.