Outdoor Classroom

The outdoor seating area that served as a classroom at Schwenksville Elementary School wasn’t functioning as they thought it would. While it was supposed to be a great space to mix it up and get some fresh air, students could only find shade under the table, and teachers found it too sunny to teach effectively.

When applying for a grant, Dr. Debra Collins asked students what they could do if there were shade over the outdoor classroom; they responded, “science experiments, reading/writing stories, art class, creating things for the outdoor classroom garden, snacks while being read to, class/grade level assemblies, math class, reading, meeting outside to work with other classes, partner work, class rewards, visiting with the therapy dogs, and specials”. A few students even noted that they would use the outdoor library more with their families.

The Foundation awarded Dr. Collins a grant in May of 2022 to complete the outdoor classroom with a shaded structure so students and teachers could take advantage of the great outdoors. The structure was installed in April 2023 by the PV Grounds Crew. We can’t wait to see students and teachers using it!

Support projects like the Outdoor Classroom

Teachers don’t always have access to materials, technology, and other resources that can make the difference between a lesson forgotten the next day and one that lasts beyond graduation. That’s where you come in. Your contribution to the PVSD Foundation helps ensure that the Foundation can continue to support teachers in delivering enriching educational opportunities for all students when tax dollars and traditional revenue streams fall short.