Peachtree ES to Receive $4,000 Grant for Outdoor Classroom

Submitted article

“Going green” will take on a brand new meaning at Peachtree Elementary as the school receives a $4,000 grant for its outdoor classroom.

The check, from CH2M Hill, will be presented at a special ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28.

Attending the ceremony will be representatives of CH2M Hill, Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason, 4th grade Teacher Frank Yelinek, and Principal Kara Dutton.

The outdoor classroom area is a wooded area overlooking the track. The school will use these funds to restore this area in a manner that helps connect classroom lessons with nature.

Items on the school’s to-do list include replacing all wood railings on the steps leading to the area; rebuilding seats and work areas for students and teachers; and constructing a small wooden deck.

In addition, plans are to extend this outdoor learning environment from its current location to an area found in the courtyard within the building area. This area will contain work stations and equipment that will allow students to work on long-range projects in a secure area. Planners envision this courtyard area would contain a weather station and an area where students can study constructive and deconstructive processes of the Earth.

Principal Dutton is thrilled about these planned innovations and the support from their community partner.

“We appreciate the support we are receiving from CH2M Hill, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, and the City of Peachtree Corners. Their interest in our students and school makes it possible for us to extend our students’ learning experiences. Our hope is that the lessons taught in the outdoor classroom spark an interest in science and other subjects and inspire students to think about their future. Imagine a future engineer or scientist sharing that their love of science and learning began at Peachtree Elementary.”

— From Gwinnett County Public Schools