RICHMOND — Marcia Buker Elementary School staff and students joined parents, community members and donors on June 2 to celebrate the collaboration and passion for student-centered learning that culminated in the construction of an outdoor classroom, according to a news release from the school.

The classroom, the first of its kind in Regional School Unit 2, was inspired by the vision of Tina Wood, a former art teacher and current Title One team member. The school’s parent/teacher group rallied community support for the design, construction and finishing touches of the space, which provides a unique learning environment.

The dedication event acknowledged the effort and enthusiasm of the many local people and organizations that contributed to the success of this project and highlighted teacher and student plans for its use.

Troy Kendrick, a fourth-/fifth-grade team teacher, is excited about conducting regular learning routines in the space and also about “using it as a base to conduct some outdoor science labs and observations, run some math labs on area and perimeter, do a creative writing activity, and do some reading outside on a nice day,” Kendrick said according to the release.

A calendar is being created to schedule use of the space, which promises to be a happening spot for this forward-thinking PreK through 5th-grade learning community.

“I am so proud to have helped to spearhead this project along with our co-president, Shannon Foster,” said Lisa Wells, Parent Teacher Group co-president, according to the release. “The way our community continues to chart new territory for the sake of our students and their ultimate success is truly exciting to see.”

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