The Outdoor Classroom
An extension of our Garden Project, The Outdoor Classroom, was first envisioned by the graduating class of 2014. They brainstormed ideas for a Place Based Service Learning Project at the 7th grade Catalyst Retreat. With the help of a Lowe's Toolbox for Kids grant, a significant donation from the Graduating Class of 2010, and the ongoing support from Lowell's Lumber, the idea came to fruition in 2011. Early that spring, middle school students used the Pythagorean Theorem to locate and set 12 cement pads that were to be the foundation of the building. Over the course of that summer and fall students and their families worked under the direction of Randy Smith of Buckfield to erect the structure, consisting of a high deck, a north wall, and clear plastic roofing. Since then, students have continued to improve the Outdoor Classroom by staining it, hanging a dry erase board, and building benches. Last fall, Caleb McNaughton's Technical Physics class built a shed off the north wall in which to store our Garden Project equipment.
An extension of our Garden Project, The Outdoor Classroom, was first envisioned by the graduating class of 2014. They brainstormed ideas for a Place Based Service Learning Project at the 7th grade Catalyst Retreat. With the help of a Lowe's Toolbox for Kids grant, a significant donation from the Graduating Class of 2010, and the ongoing support from Lowell's Lumber, the idea came to fruition in 2011. Early that spring, middle school students used the Pythagorean Theorem to locate and set 12 cement pads that were to be the foundation of the building. Over the course of that summer and fall students and their families worked under the direction of Randy Smith of Buckfield to erect the structure, consisting of a high deck, a north wall, and clear plastic roofing. Since then, students have continued to improve the Outdoor Classroom by staining it, hanging a dry erase board, and building benches. Last fall, Caleb McNaughton's Technical Physics class built a shed off the north wall in which to store our Garden Project equipment.
- At present, the outdoor classroom serves as a meeting place for assorted classes, a work space for gardening projects, and a place to hang out during recess. In addition, it's been used to host our summer program, Homecoming celebrations, and competitions like Channel 13s School Spirit Challenge.