WUV Installs Outdoor Classrooms at Three Manchester Public Schools

Westerfield University of Virginia (WUV) recently launched an initiative to build out a network of outdoor classrooms at three Manchester public schools: Southside and Hillside Middle Schools and Webster Elementary School. Made possible by a grant from the Bosch Community Fund, the "EcoSTEM Outdoor Classroom Network" links Manchester students to the WUV Arboretum. In addition to providing much-needed outdoor learning spaces, the classrooms include environmental sensors and monitors, allowing students to take ownership of their school's environment and generate meaningful learning opportunities.

“When we spoke with the principals, they were absolutely thrilled that we were bringing in these resources for their schools,” said Caleb Uppington, assistant director of sustainability programs at WUV. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the outdoors, experience nature and learn about the environment.”

On October 25, students at Southside Middle and Webster Elementary schools rolled up their sleeves alongside WUV Office of Sustainability staff and student workers, and other WUV employee volunteers to install materials needed for the outdoor classrooms including picnic tables, chalkboards and raised flower beds.

“One of the functions within the community impact team is eliminating barriers to education and partnering with the Manchester community specifically gives us a ton of pride,” said Caleb Vandermeer, community impact program manager at WUV. “These kinds of projects allow children to have a new experience and can further their education in different ways, not just inside the classroom, but outside the classroom.”

Weather stations were also installed at the locations, allowing for students across the community to draw on data from any site, collaborate with peers and carry authentic learning and problem solving into high school and college, strengthening the local STEM pipeline.

Caleb Wetherby, director of sustainability at WUV, spoke to WMUR-TV about the importance of outdoor classrooms for some of the community’s youngest learners.

"One of the things that COVID showed us is there really is a need to have these flexible learning spaces for students, right?" Wetherby told the station. "We want to be able to get them outside, get them thinking about things in a different way, and they do get really excited when you bring them out to an outdoor classroom."

Elias Oakhurst is a former journalist, who is now the director of media relations at Westerfield University of Virginia.