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More than a dozen volunteers from Chestnut Hill Rotary and Friends of Jenks gathered at a school yard on a chilly, rainy, early-spring morning to build garden beds, tables and seating for elementary school students.
Video of service provided by Chestnut Hill Rotary and Friends of Jenks volunteers.
This service event supported Jenks Academy of Arts & Sciences’ initiative to bring learning outside the school building. The new outdoor classroom will utilize greenspace behind the building for hands-on learning in environmental studies, and student-created collaboration space for art, science, poetry, and community gatherings. “Our Outdoor Classroom and Community Garden Initiative will transform an underutilized outdoor area into a dynamic educational and community space for our K-8 students and the surrounding Chestnut Hill community,” said Principal Corinne Scioli.
Principal Corinne Scioli at a dedication ceremony of the Student Selections section of the school’s library which honored posthumously Chestnut Hill Rotary long-time member, Ned Mittinger,, who frequently tutored struggling readers at Jenks.
“It’s so exciting to see Principal Scioli’s vision for an outdoor classroom come to life,” said Maggie Stoeffel, Chair of Chestnut Hill Rotary’s Community Service Committee. “And, it was really fun to gather a group of Rotarians to help make it happen!”
Jenks is one of Chestnut Hill Rotary’s partner schools. Members regularly volunteer for service projects such as helping to maintain the school’s extensive outdoor green spaces, donate dictionaries, and mentor students. The club’s foundation also provides financial support through grants for special projects including restoring the library and replacing drapery in the auditorium.
The outdoor classroom has two primary components:
Garden beds for environmental studies will provide hands-on learning opportunities within our environmental science curriculum. Students will engage in planting and maintaining the gardens, learning about plant biology, ecosystems, and sustainable practices.
Student-created collaboration space for learning will focus on themes of nature, community, and environmental stewardship. This space will serve as a welcoming centerpiece, encouraging creativity and community pride.
In addition to environmental studies, the outdoor classroom will serve as a flexible learning and gathering space for nature-inspired art projects and observational drawing; experiential learning focused on local ecosystems and sustainability; outdoor inspiration for student-led poetry and storytelling; and a welcoming space for school events, family workshops, and celebrations.
“Thank you so very much for your service in helping this outdoor classroom come to life,” said Scioli. “I am truly grateful to Chestnut Hill Rotary for your partnership and support. Your dedication to our community is truly making a tangible difference for our students and the wider Chestnut Hill area.”
