The Primary School's Nature Explore Officially Opens With A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Primary School assembled this morning to celebrate and honor the official opening of the new Outdoor Classroom, the Nature Explore. The spirit of community was symbolized by a "ribbon-joining" ceremony. In their classrooms, each student signed his or her name to a strip of cloth signifying their commitment to follow the expectations for respectful play and exploration. Faculty, staff and friends contributed their names as well. The strips of cloth were joined together at the ceremony to create a colorful community chain that will soon adorn the entryway to the Outdoor Classroom.

The new Primary School Outdoor Classroom, conceptualized by the Nature Explore collaborative will provide opportunities for students to explore, create and interact in a nature-based environment. Footpaths that wind playfully amid a lush variety of flowers, grasses and bushes will surely spark imaginations and curiosity. Logs and stumps for climbing, sand, water and soil for experimenting, and bamboo, bricks and wooden blocks for building will keep the students joyfully engaged while myriad skills are developed. Individual students, small groups and classes can gather to discuss, learn and ponder in the quiet spaces provided. Young musicians, thespians and dancers will grace the small platform stage with impromptu performances. Just as the magic of the outdoors sparks enthusiasm and glee for play, an increasing body of research also points to the academic, social/emotional and physical benefits of time spent in the great outdoors. We look forward to integrating the Outdoor Classroom into the lives of our students and providing them with experiences that will support them in their educational journey.

To see pictures from the day click here. Photo credit: James Demaria Photography