Breath Of Fresh Air: Weber's New Outdoor Classroom

It's a question asked of teachers seemingly forever: "Can we have class outside today?"

At Weber Middle School, the question can be finally be answered with a resounding, "Yes!"

The school held a dedication ceremony on Earth Day this Thursday to unveil its new outdoor classroom. The area was born out of the school's Flower Hill courtyard, with work having been completed this past fall. The open-air space will be used for a wide array of subjects with one goal in common: give students a change of pace from the usual "four walls and a blackboard" classroom setting.

"There's something about taking a break during the day with the kids out of the classroom, letting them get refreshed, letting them get a breath of fresh air," said Lisa Epstein, part of Weber's Compact Committee, which helped spearhead the project. "All of that is very healthy for children, to get themselves back into focus."

The outdoor classroom features tables and benches for standard classes, but also has a garden area for planting/environmental lessons, and a quiet area for reading and reflection.

Epstein said she feels the outdoor classroom can stimulate students in their daily studies, in many subjects.

"In English, why not go outside and be inspired by nature to create poetry?" she asked. "Same thing in art, why not take the easels, go out there and learn from nature? They can be inspired physically from that."

And to make it even better, the project did not cost district taxpayers one cent. The Compact Committee raised $11,000 from grants and donations, including $2,000 from the Weber Home School Association. Local architects, landscapers and gardeners donated their time and effort to make the project a reality.

School officials said they are looking for more, and invite local residents to participate. High on the wish list are additional benches, planters, gardening tools and recycling bins.

Along with inspiring Weber students, Epstein said she feels a fresh setting can push teachers to expand their horizons as well.

"Some of this is, how can we enhance the curriculum and encourage teachers to think outside the box?" Epstein said. "We want them to use the space in an educational way."

A similar outdoor area was already in place at Daly Elementary School, and Epstein said she believes this new type of learning environment will become more popular in years to come.

"Bringing the outdoors into the classroom is something that is happening all over the country," Epstein said. "There is a greater emphasis on the environment and bringing green into the educational process. I think this is something you're going to see pop up all over the place."

It's popped up in Port Washington, giving a much needed breath of fresh air to students and teachers alike.