В школе Лувеленд открыли новую учебную площадку, созданную благодаря сбору средств от сообщества

Community-funded outdoor classroom opens at Loveland Middle School LOVELAND, Ohio (WKRC) — Students at Loveland Intermediate and Middle School have a new place to take learning outside after a community-funded project transformed an underused campus area into an outdoor classroom. The new space on the Lebanon Road campus includes tables, chairs and shade. It will serve more than 1,200 students in fifth through eighth grade. The area previously had picnic tables, but drainage issues often left it muddy and difficult for teachers to use. The Loveland Schools Foundation began fundraising for the redesign in January and raised $100,000 within about six months through donations from local businesses, families and district staff. Construction began in June. Crews repaired a collapsed drain and added concrete, shade and new outdoor furniture in time for the start of the school year. Loveland Middle School Principal Dr. Amanda Robinson said the space gives teachers another setting for instruction. “I think a lot of times people think that when teachers are taking students outside it's for that mental break, but I think what we're seeing is that students actually can engage with their learning better when they're outside,” Robinson said. “It just becomes an extension of the classroom.” Foundation board member Lynn Mangan said the classroom is designed to serve students during the school day and the community afterward. “It's a space that can be used during the school day to inspire curiosity and creativity, but it's also a community gathering space after school,” Mangan said. Robinson said the option to learn outdoors can help students reset while remaining engaged in class. “Having the option to bring students outside where they can get some natural light, where they get some fresh air, it really just kind of re-engages them, refocuses them,” she said. School leaders said they will monitor how students and teachers use the new classroom before deciding on possible additions, including more seating, tables or electrical outlets. Any money raised beyond the project cost will go toward maintenance and future educational enhancements.