|
The Poplar Bluff Middle School has opened a new multi-purpose outdoor space designed to create a more dynamic learning experience around the vacated facilities east of the Victory Lane campus.
The school-wide effort to revamp the former High School greenhouse and establish an outdoor classroom behind the cafeteria has been in the works since the beginning of the academic year and was made possible through partnerships.
“The students were more engaged and enthusiastic, and I believe the outdoor experience of working on our lesson in a natural setting made learning the concepts a memorable lesson that sticks with them in the future,” reported Shaylan Sandlin, fourth grade teacher. “…I’m passionate about finding innovative ways to inspire my students and create memorable learning experiences.”
Sandlin was among the first to use the outdoor classroom last month for a science review session on electricity and magnetism and believes that the environment was more conducive to “exploration and discovery,” she continued, providing students “the freedom to move around.”
The outdoor classroom portion of the project is located under a canopy, financed by the Parent Teacher Organization. In addition to the special seating secured through Title 1 funding, Middle School Principal Dr. Josh Teeter hopes to acquire more equipment this summer including tables and dry-erase boards, he said. The concrete slab on which the carport structure sits was poured by the Maintenance Department prior to winter.
Around the same time, Assistant Superintendent of Business Charles Kinsey performed a walk-through of the adjacent greenhouse, determining that the waterline and computer system were still functional from when the facility was utilized by the PBHS agriculture program. The electric and air conditioning were also operational in the adjoining classroom, according to Teeter, who noted that the district merely had to replace some sheetrock with extra materials.
“When I stepped foot into this building, it’s one of the first things I wanted to do,” said Teeter about reclaiming the greenhouse passed down when PBHS established a new structure in its relocation to Oak Grove Road. “We can tap into the science curriculum with student-run greenhouse activities, and hopefully instill a love for gardening which can be a great skill for kids discovering their talents.”
Earlier this month, the University of Missouri Extension donated raised garden beds, topsoil, mulch, handheld tools and soon rain barrels for the restoration as part of its community garden project expansion. Extension has awarded approximately $19,000 to Butler County since last year of over $80,000 total through a Community Services Block Grant under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, according to information supplied by County Engagement Specialist Kelley Brent of Extension’s Southeast Region.
“We’re happy to partner and here to help; that’s what Extension does,” stated Brent, who credits Middle School Assistant Principal Karmen Carson for establishing the initial connection. “My hope is to get enough community gardens going that [recipients] can assist one another.”
In addition to partnering with the Middle School, Extension has given four metal garden beds, soil, utensils and water hoses to the High School, according to PBHS agriculture education instructor Mike Melson, who said he plans to plant vegetables this week. A year ago, Extension donated topsoil to Mark Twain, which students used for a garden planted on raised beds at the Haven House, confirmed Darla Nunn, Jobs for America’s Graduates specialist at Mark Twain.
Above: (Right to left) Assistant Principal Karmen Carson and Principal Dr. Josh Teeter of the Middle School accept a donation on Thursday, April 11, from Kelley Brent, county engagement specialist, and Diane Desch, youth program associate, with the University of Missouri Extension.
Below: Middle School teacher Shaylan Sandlin leads a science review session for her fourth grade class on Wednesday, March 20, in the new outdoor classroom.
| 
