Funding will help create an outdoor learning center

By Kris Goracke

Reporter

Glacial Hills Elementary School fosters education through environmental exploration. Rooted in a student-centered approach, the charter school adopts a project-based learning philosophy. Recently, the school received a $15,000 grant from the Resilient Communities Grant of the West Central Initiative Fund.

“Our journey towards outdoor education began earlier this year when Sarah Lowery, a preschool teacher, proposed expanding outdoor learning opportunities. The idea resonated with our mission, and we embraced it.  We went into action, seeking grants and rallying community support,” shared Director Jodee Lund.

Thanks to this grant and $10,000 raised from the community, students are set to create an outdoor learning center. This center will serve as a space for children to explore and learn. Initially geared towards Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students, the first phase of the outdoor learning center aims to cultivate curiosity and knowledge. To integrate cultural richness, the center will have plant labels in English, Norwegian and Native American languages.

The design of the center is driven by students in grades three through six.  Throughout the process, students will take the initiative to connect with community partners who will play a crucial role in bringing the outdoor learning center to life. Actively participating in both the design and construction phases, students will collaborate closely with these community partners.  “This hands-on experience not only allows students to put into practice the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom, but also instills a sense of civic responsibility as they contribute to the shaping of a more vibrant community,”  said Lund. 

Students are involved in the design process and will build the outdoor learning center alongside community partners. It is an excellent way for students to apply skills and content learned in the class along with how to be an active citizen to help create a viable community,” said Lund.

“We are an environmental education school where our school is guided by five essential principles: Awareness, Skills, Knowledge, Attitude, and Action,” said Lund. “As part of this commitment, the school offers Young Roots 1 and 2 sessions every Wednesday. This is a time when one hour of the day is devoted to horticulture, wildlife and outdoor recreation wellness. A new addition this year is Soar Time, an ongoing three-week curriculum Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Tailored for third to sixth-grade students, this program focuses on various exploration classes. One example of a three-week course is gardens and markets.

Thanks to Minnewaska Health Services, the outdoor learning center will be located behind the school, spanning a few acres. Initial concepts include the planting of native grasses and promoting butterfly gardens.