Volunteer at Machado School

Volunteer at Historic Machado School

Historic Machado School is a treasured part of Morgan Hill’s history and has provided generations of Morgan Hill Unified School District students with a unique opportunity to experience local history firsthand.

For nearly two decades, the Machado School Field Trip Project brought history to life for local elementary students inside an authentic one-room schoolhouse. Today, community volunteers are needed to help preserve this special educational tradition and ensure Machado School continues to serve as a learning and community resource for future generations.

A Hands-On Connection to Local History

The Machado School Field Trip Project was developed by Jan Strahan and Mary Lou Gunter and offered to Morgan Hill students from approximately 2007 through 2024.

The program began with field trips for students in grades one through three, using the unique setting of Machado School to explore natural history, the Morgan Hill community and what it was like to attend a one-room school.

Programs were later expanded for fourth- and fifth-grade students with immersive, grade-level experiences. Fourth graders stepped into the world of the California Gold Rush, while fifth graders explored skills and activities connected to life in Colonial America.

At the end of each visit, students left to the sound of the old school bells — taking with them an experience that connected them to the history of their own community.

Help Continue the Tradition

Community volunteers are essential to bringing the Machado School experience to life. Whether you have a passion for history, enjoy working with students or simply want to give back to the community, there are several ways to get involved.

No previous historical experience is necessary. Training and support are provided.

Docents

Docents serve as the on-site leaders and guides for the field trip program. They become familiar with the different learning stations, help manage and implement activities, and provide guidance and training to parent volunteers.

Field Trip Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers assist on the day their child's class visits Machado School. Volunteers arrive approximately 30 minutes before students to help prepare the learning stations and receive training from the docents. They then assist with activities throughout the field trip and help with cleanup afterward.

At-Home Parent Volunteers

Some volunteer opportunities can be completed from home. These volunteers help prepare materials needed for field trip activities, with projects varying depending on the grade level and program.

What Does a Machado Field Trip Look Like?

Field trips have traditionally been offered during the fall and spring, with fall visits taking place from September through early November and spring visits from March through the end of May.

Students typically arrive at approximately 9:00 a.m. and depart by 1:00 p.m., with docents and parent volunteers arriving earlier to prepare for the day's activities.

Become Part of the Machado School Story

Machado School is more than a historic building. It is a place where students can step into the past, experience history in an authentic setting and better understand the community they call home.

By volunteering, you can help preserve this important piece of Morgan Hill history and pass a beloved educational tradition on to a new generation of students.

To learn more about volunteering with the Machado School Field Trip Project, please contact:

Nancy Moore
(408) 710-1066

Mary Wakasuki
(408) 832-1091

Michelle Bettencourt
(408) 203-8937