Outdoor Learning Space
The Waukesha STEM Academy -Randall Campus, a K-5 charter school in the School District of Waukesha, is nestled in the heart of Waukesha next to Carroll University. An unfortunate result is a lack of green space on school grounds. With an increased need to be out in fresh air for mask breaks during the pandemic, staff and students quickly realized the need for a proper place for learning to occur outdoors. A team of teachers dedicated their time to applying for a Waukesha Education Foundation, Inc. Grant to help make it happen. Receiving a WEF Grant for an outdoor classroom was an exciting opportunity to provide the students with a suitable place to continue learning outside of the classroom. Staff were connected to a local carpenter and educator, Scott Boris, who designed and built five high quality 8-foot benches. The next task was to determine where to create the outdoor classroom...