outdoorclassroom

GSHS Outdoor Classroom Project

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

by: Quinn Isenberg


Summer is over and school has begun, but GS students’ time in the sun isn’t over yet.  

The outdoor classroom has made significant progress over the summer with brand new additions marking the beginning of a new learning environment at GS. 

“They fixed the concrete patio and they put the pavilion up,” biology teacher Mrs. Andrea Redinger said.   

These specific changes were made to create a safer environment for students compared to the state of the outdoor classroom last school year.  

“The concrete had exposed wires and pipes because it used to be a greenhouse that went up, so we couldn’t go out there at all because it wasn’t safe,” Mrs. Redinger said. “They also made it wheelchair accessible I believe.” 

The Outdoor Classroom so far.

Photo by: Quinn Isenberg

The outdoor classroom taking shape allows for more class activities to be held out there this school year. The new additions have already proven to be helpful. 

“We were using the scientific method to test how mass affects paper airplanes, and we used it as a shady area to have some consistency in the data,” biology teacher Mrs. Julie Firmstone said.   

Students and teachers alike are pleased with the upgraded outdoor classroom. Students have already recognized the benefit of having classes outside in the shade when it’s too hot inside the school building. 

“It’s a good thing because then they can go outside and learn from there,” senior Valerie DiNunno said.  

It’s not just a way to escape the heat inside the school building, but also a way to create a change of pace for students’ classes.  

“I feel like it’s going to help students learn better if they need to be outside more, rather than just sitting in a classroom,” senior Jackie Dennis said.  

Despite the improvements to the classroom there is still much to be done for it to reach its full potential. Staff who have been involved in the project, including Redinger, physics teacher Mrs. Cheryl Harper and former ecology teacher Mr. Angelo Testa, had ideas for the future of the outdoor classroom. 

“We are definitely getting furniture of some type, and the pond is up next to be revamped,” Redinger said.  

Although, there is still much to be done. The new aspects of the outdoor classroom are already working to create a wonderful learning environment.  

“It was wonderful, better than being indoors,” Dennis said.  

GSHS Outdoor Classroom Project

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By Kerrick Shaw

Photo by: Kerrick Shaw

A change in scenery will be implemented by the start of the next school year for students and teachers to enjoy time learning in the sun. 

On top of renovating the pond and landscaping, the school board is moving forward with a pavilion project for classroom purposes, building on top of the cement slab outside of the science wing. 

“There used to be a greenhouse that sat outside by Mrs. Harper’s room … when that got taken down, that cement area was just left there,” GS Superintendent Dr. Ken Bissell said. “A lot of the science teachers still use that outdoor space … the science department really took the lead on deciding how to renovate it.” 

All students were taken into consideration during the decision making for this project, keeping it available to all classes rather than exclusively sciences. 

“It became, ‘can we have an area that any class or any student can use?’ with the pavilion and seating,” Environment and Ecology teacher Mr. Angelo Testa said. “Everything from science classes, obviously, to art classes, English – just anyone who wants to go outside will get to have this space.” 

Students have shared excitement for the space, agreeing that it will be beneficial for everyone. 

“I think the introduction of an outdoor classroom will be a great addition to the school, especially with the ecology classes,” junior Aiden Carota said. “… many students will be happy to get out of the building for some fresh air.” 

The School Board will be voting to move forward with a contractor and will then be able to map out the full timeline of the project. 

“I am hopeful for the pavilion to be done before summer,” Dr. Bissell said. “However, for the whole project – pavilion, pond, landscaping – I’d like that all to be ready for the next school year.” 

The staff involved are eager to provide this designated spot for outdoor learning. 

“There’s a certain energy that comes out of it,” Principal Mr. Adam Jones said. “It’s like: ‘Aw man!’ That’s what I hope it becomes, ‘Hey, let’s go use the outdoor classroom.’”