Arizona School Founder Halts Hiking Trips After Student Rescue Incident
Catherine Normoyle, the founder and director of the Marvelous Microschool in Kingman, Arizona, announced on Saturday that her institution will no longer organize hiking excursions for its students. This decision follows a dramatic rescue operation that took place on Thursday near Lake Mead, where a group of hikers, including students, were reported to be in need of assistance.
Incident Overview
During the rescue operation, the National Park Service reported that 28 hikers were involved, with 25 of them described as “children with special needs.” Normoyle contested this characterization, stating that the students had educational adaptations but did not possess significant physical challenges. “None of the kids are special needs, other than their educational adaptation,” she clarified.
Response from Authorities
Normoyle expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the National Park Service and other emergency responders. “I appreciate the search and rescue effort and I respect the first responders,” she stated, adding that a student made the call to authorities, believing it was necessary.
Preparation for the Hike
After the park service indicated that the hiking group was inadequately prepared, Normoyle disputed this claim. According to her, the students were instructed to bring one gallon of water each, and the group also carried over 200 additional bottles. There was a high adult-to-student ratio, with one adult supervising approximately three students, and all adults were equipped with walkie-talkies to maintain communication.
Medical Concerns and Follow-Up
One student was taken to Boulder City Hospital after reporting dizziness but was discharged the same day. The park service later highlighted the extreme conditions on that day, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees, which added urgency to the rescue effort.
Impact on Future Activities
Normoyle acknowledged that the school received two citations as a result of the incident, one of which was for not securing a permit required for group hiking under current regulations. Emphasizing a commitment to responsible education, she remarked, “I was unaware of that rule,” and concluded, “It’s a lesson learned.” For now, the Marvelous Microschool will refrain from organizing any further hiking trips.
Communication with Parents
In a letter sent out to parents, Normoyle addressed the incident, indicating that the news might be unsettling and emphasizing the importance of the student who initiated the emergency call. She firmly stated, “In no way, shape or form am I upset or mad at him for making that call. I’m not ever going to stop a student from doing something he or she thinks is right. Never.”
About the Marvelous Microschool
The Marvelous Microschool has approximately 180 students enrolled and focuses on personalized educational experiences for each child.