Buker Elementary School dedicates outdoor classroom

RICHMOND — The students and staff of Richmond’s Marcia Buker Elementary School joined with parents, community members and donors on Friday, June 2, to celebrate the school’s new outdoor classroom. The completion of the classroom, the first of its kind in Regional School Unit 2, represents collaboration and passion for student-centered learning, said a news release from the school. Hallowell-based RSU 2 also includes Farmingdale, Dresden and Monmouth.

Inspired by the vision of former art teacher and current Title One team member, Tina Wood, the school’s parent teacher group rallied community support for the design, construction and finishing touches of the space, which provides a uniquely engaging learning environment for students and staff, the release said.

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 and fifth-grade teacher, said he 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.”

A calendar is being created to schedule use of the space, “which promises to be a happening spot for this forward-thinking pre-k to fifth grade learning community eager to get students outside where they can develop a sense of wonder for the natural world and solidify their agency as a part of it,” the release said.

“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. “The way our community continues to chart new territory for the sake of our students and their ultimate success is truly exciting to see.”