ANDOVER — An innovative, blended learning approach in its first year at Holy Savior School in Rumford has been a success for both students and teachers as the school has combined traditional teaching methods with online programs that utilize interactive technology.

The model also encourages the chance to bring the lessons of the classroom into the field, which was literally the case for third, fourth and fifth grade students at the school who are currently studying biomes — communities of plants and animals living together in a certain kind of climate.

“A field trip was planned to the Gammon Bison Farm in Andover so the students could study prairies by viewing a bison in a Maine environment,” said Barbara Pelletier, principal of Holy Savior. “During their time at the farm, they were able to research questions for their biome projects.”

In the process of focusing on their research, the students also had the opportunity to feed the bison.

“The best thing that happened was that we were able to feed them their favorite food, which is a pumpkin,” said student Joel Tardiff.

“Bison are so cool — when they eat it looks as if they are eating it whole. Their tongues curl around everything they eat,” said Abby Peaslee, another student.

The experience was one that the children will never forget and serves as an example of how effective Holy Savior’s new approach to learning continues to be at the school.

“Blended learning provides a different path for each student to comfortably navigate material, but the technology, the traditional classroom, and chances to bring life to the material like this all create a true communal experience,” said Pelletier.