Our Mission

As you can tell, we at Oneida Elementary definately like to have a good time while we are learning and teaching. It's as much fun for the teachers as it is for the students. We feel that it is very important that students experience nature first-hand. This gives them a respect for our planet and encourages learning and conservation. We are committed to fighting "Nature-Deficit Disorder." If your child is interested in any of our extra-curricular programs, please contact Ms. Donna Tompkins or Mr. Zacch Brown for more information.

Sleep With the Sharks

The Sleep With the Sharks program is enacted in coordination with Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Students who participate in this trip first travel to Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, TN. Wonder Works is an indoor science-themed adventure.

We then travel to Hard Rock Cafe in Gatlinburg, TN., for good food and good fun. After dinner, we go across the street to Ripley's Aquarium to begin a night of FUN learning. Things get started with classroom activities and a dive show in Stingray Bay. Next, we do a scavenger hunt which is conducted throughout the entire aquarium. The night ends with a snack in Feeding Frenzy and then its off to the shark tunnel for bed.

We sleep in the shark tunnel while the fish swim overhead. This is a really incredible opportunity. For more information, visit Ripley's Aquarium online.

Science Club

Science Club is available to students in third, fourth and fifth grades. This club is sponsored by Ms. Donna Tompkins and Mr. Zacch Brown. Science Club lasts approximately five months. Students participate in many hands-on type activities and field trips.

The main trip that is taken is to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Rainforest Adventures and Mr. Gatti's Pizza all located in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN areas.

Summer Hiking Program

The Summer Hiking Program is conducted over a period of two weeks during June in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This program is offered to students in the fourth and fifth grades. We hike approximately 12-14 miles each week.

Some of the trails we hike are the Angel Falls trail, the Angel Falls Overlook trail, the Twin Arches trail, the Charit Creek Hostil trail, the Dome Rock House trail and others that are located within the national park boundaries.

After hiking students enjoy and dip in the Bandy Creek pool located at the Bandy Creek Campground. This is a very enjoyable program that all students love.

Summer Camping Trip

Students who participate in the Summer Hiking program are eligible to participate in the Summer Camping program. We spend three days and two nights at the Bandy Creek Campground which is located in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Students enjoy hiking, earth and physical science activities, swimming and camping. They have also discovered a new animal species the "bearacoon raptor", scientific name bearacunius raptorius. This is one adventure where the fun definately never ends.