NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A school in Neenah is looking to boost student engagement by having class outside.
“Sometimes our class is just cooped up inside and you just got to feel fresh air because you only got 30 minutes outside, so why not come out here more,” fifth-grader Zander Schmeichel told Fox 11 News.
Wilson Elementary School has teachers using an outdoor classroom whenever they want, only requiring them to sign up on a schedule.
“We struggled in the past years with indoor classroom space, so what better way to learn than come outside,” school principal, Ryan Hammerschmidt, told Fox 11 News.
The outdoor classroom project started 4 years ago and was completed this August.
“Staff themselves and parent volunteer did work out here; the local boy scouts put the sign up for us,” Hammerschmidt told Fox 11 News.
According to school officials, much of the $4,000 project was paid for with donations.
The outdoor classroom is located in front of the school and is also available to the public.
So far, it’s been a positive experience that has left students with a sense of pride for having such a unique space at their school.
“Not a lot of school probably have an outside classroom and it’s cool to have one,” student Max Trzcinski told Fox 11 News.
