Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School held a splendid ribbon cutting ceremony on June 24 for its stunning new outdoor classroom, the result of a three-year Boosterthon project spearheaded by the school’s PTA.
The project began in May 2022, when Sherwood PTA member Marisa Becker approached Principal Briana James with an idea for a Boosterthon fundraiser. Sherwood’s Shared Decision Making Committee, led by President Trisha Tramaglini, quickly began making long-range plans. From the beginning, one of the goals of the project was to create an outdoor classroom for students. In recent years, an increased appreciation for outdoor learning has come to the fore, both in educational aspects and in terms of the great value of purposeful play for children.
“Our eyes were opened to the real benefits of learning outdoors and different ways that we could create interdisciplinary units outdoors, learning about the local climate and teaching concepts of interdependence using patterns found in science and nature,” James said. “We wanted to capitalize on our location, knowing we had a great outdoor space with the Seatuck Environmental Association right behind us. We’re on Long Island, by the water. We've got this beautiful space, let's take advantage of it and create an opportunity for kids.”
The resulting first Boosterthon, led by Becker, PTA President Jenn Sanders and the entire PTA executive board, raised $12,000, a significant portion of which was later allocated to the outdoor classroom.
“During the months between our first and second fundraisers, it became clear that we would need a lot to safely create the outdoor space we had all been dreaming of,” James said.
With the strong support of the district’s central administration – Superintendent Dr. Dennis P. O’Hara; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Michael Giacchetto and Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Zeterberg – and Board of Education, Sherwood’s team continued to work on plans for the outdoor classroom. The area had to be measured, marked and checked for potential underground issues, and research on upgrading and installing security cameras was necessary.
The 2023 Boosterthon fundraiser proved even more successful, raising $18,632 and culminating in a community-building Fun Run activity, in which students ran, walked, hopped and danced around the school’s track as faculty, staff and parent volunteers helped the children record how far they ran. As a special reward to her students, James held “Pie the Principal” and “Dunk the Principal” events.
Last fall, ground was broken for the outdoor classroom site, aided by funding secured by New York State Assemblyman Jarrett Gandolfo. Security cameras were installed by the district’s technology department, led by Director of Network Operations James Prudente and Director of Facilities Andrew Scimeca, and the area was fenced off.
“At the time, it may not have appeared to be much, but our fence was huge, both financially and symbolically,” James said. “Once the fence was up, there was no going back, and no one wanted to.”
Using Boosterthon funds, grant money and donations, Sherwood next purchased needed materials, including collaborative chalkboard workstations, a large eight-by-four-foot outdoor chalkboard; a shed; materials necessary to build a garden bed for each grade, including rocks, soil and seeds; two root viewers; two magnifying stations; a little free library; and a weather station. The Shared Decision Making Committee purchased individual chalkboards for student use, Alec Brown of Alec's Affordable Arbor Services donated five sitting stumps, and Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz helped select large tubular chimes; samba drums; and a musical fence. Science & Technology Coordinator Dan Oggeri allocated grant money for the project, helped design the space and built the garden beds, ensuring they were ready in time for students to plant flowers in the beds during Sherwood’s Earth Day celebration in April. During the spring break, head custodian Will DeChirico singlehandedly built the space’s shed, which holds supplies including stools, magnifying glasses, Keva Planks, student lap desks and gardening tools.
In May 2024, Sherwood geared up for its third and biggest fundraiser, taking in a remarkable total of $20,000 in the third Boosterthon, leading to June’s ribbon cutting, where students and the community had a chance to freely explore the space.
Integrating science, technology, art and math, the outdoor classroom fosters true learning experiences, and curriculum writing will ensure that teachers have clear objectives for student visits to the space. It is part of Sherwood’s steady progress over the last two years in building up its STEAM program, first with the addition of a STEAM teacher assistant, then a full-time STEAM teacher. Next year, Sherwood will begin a Lego robotics program. Future plans for the outdoor classroom include adding additional collaborative seating and a dedicated meeting area.
“Creating this outdoor classroom has been a huge undertaking, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together as a community.,” James said. “This new learning space opens up a world of exciting learning opportunities which foster curiosity, collaboration and creativity. Together, we have created something truly special for our school community, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for every person who played a part in making this outdoor classroom a reality. It’s clear that our Sherwood family values our children’s future, and I’m honored and humbled to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see everyone laughing, learning and thriving in this new, beautiful space for years to come.”
Date Added: 7/16/2024