Outdoor Classroom Updates

October 2018: Earlier this spring phase 1 of the Outdoor Classroom-Prairie View Pavilion, officially opened for learning! Many excited students, teachers and families participated in a ribbon cutting dedication. We are very proud of our families for helping with this enormous undertaking. Phase one offers the covered pavilion with concrete floor and tables for learning. We are looking forward to see how teachers and students will use this new addition in the 2018-2019 school year. The project is not over, and funds are continued to be raised to complete phase 2 in the coming years. This phase will include a solid wall on the West Side of the pavilion, storage space for learning tools, and landscaping to make the space more private.

There are several ways you can help make phase 2 a reality. Several fundraisers such as: on-going scrip sales, selling car wash cards, school carnival and read-a-thon to name a few. We are also looking for volunteers to seek out donations and help “Sell Engraved Bricks” to local businesses.

If you are interested I helping please contact Denise Downing denise.m.downing@gmail.com.

September 2017

What is an Outdoor Classroom: An outdoor classroom will not only be used when teaching environmental education, it also can be integrated into art, English, math, physical education and science teaching plans. Students may want to draw the landscape in its natural setting or make leaf prints. They can write a journal or article or an essay on the environment and surroundings. An outdoor classroom is the perfect place to study slope and elevation or how to take measurements. The outdoor classroom can provide a place for physical education where students may hike, run cross country, play outside games, or study safety and first aid. Students can study natural cycles, collect soil or water samples, observe weather patterns, explore rock and land formations, and these are just a few of the educational activities possible in an outdoor setting.

This month we are working to get the architectural designs from an architect. We are also working with the school board as we need them to approve the design. I’d say our biggest focus right now is FUNDRAISING! Without our fundraising efforts this project would not be possible. With successful fundraisers this fall and early spring, we hope to break ground as soon as the ice melts. It is our goal to have a structure our kids can use this school year.

A fundraiser goal tracker will soon be hung in the main lobby of the school by the PTO message board. Please watch for that fun addition to the lobby so parents, teachers and our kids can get excited as we reach our goals!