the staff Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, for almost four decades, Hawes Elementary School has been launching students into the wonders of space with its annual Space Week program. Founded in 1986 by second-grade teacher Terry Dunn and physical education teacher Dave Jenkins, the program continues to ignite a passion for space exploration among young learners.
A Journey from Earth to Mars
What started as a mission to an orbiting space station has evolved over the years. Since 2015, students have embarked on simulated missions to Mars, aligning with real-world advancements in space travel.
Blending science, technology, art, and physical education, Space Week extends far beyond the science curriculum:
- Library: Students explore constellations and planets inside an inflatable planetarium.
- Gym Class: Young astronauts train with climbing and swinging activities.
- Music Class: Space-themed music encourages students to move like celestial bodies.
New Themes Each Year
Every year, Space Week introduces a fresh theme. This year, students imagined the future—designing homes, transportation, and toys as they might appear in 100 years.
Previous themes have honored historic space milestones, including:
- The 50th anniversary of the moon landing, where students recreated the Apollo mission with a full-scale lunar lander.
- The Mars Rover Curiosity mission and New Horizons probe flyby of Pluto, bringing real-world space missions into the classroom.
Astronaut Training & Space Camp
A highlight of Space Week is the traditional astronaut uniforms—students suit up in blue and orange flight suits, continuing a tradition that once featured silver 1950s-style sci-fi outfits. While the suits are reused each year, the excitement remains fresh.
The program’s flexibility allows teachers to integrate space-themed lessons into various subjects, tailoring activities to their students’ interests.
Beyond the school year, the Space Week committee—John Otterstedt, Tom Harney, Ellen Raupp, Jessica Roth, Susan Enright, and Tom Trubac—keeps the excitement going with a summer Space Camp. Originally founded by Dunn and Jenkins, the camp includes:
✅ Daily planetarium visits
✅ Astronaut training
✅ Hands-on crafts & games
Summer 2025 Space Camp Dates
📅 Session 1: June 30 – July 11, 2025
📅 Session 2: July 14 – July 25, 2025
More details will be available on the school’s website later this spring. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for young space enthusiasts.
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Great program there, year after year.
I was in Mr Dunns second grade class in 1990. I took part in one of the early versions of space camp. It was one of the most impactful educational experiences I’ve had. So much so that I became a teacher because of Mr Dunn. I am beginning my PhD in curriculum and instruction this fall and it is because of him:)