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| Atkinson Elementary School begins building its outdoor classroom |
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04/02/05
By Tracy Wiens
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In the fall of 2003, Atkinson Elementary School received a $5,000 grant from the National Geographic Education Foundation to help further the Foundation’s mission to “prepare children to embrace a diverse world, succeed in a global economy and steward the planet’s resources.” The first phase of the grant began last month with the building of a covered outdoor classroom using natural building materials. This amphitheatre style shelter will showcase techniques traditional to cultures throughout the world. For the second phase of the grant, students will research the biological and cultural diversity of their country of origin (such as Mexico, Vietnam, China, and Russia). The Outdoor Classroom will be big enough to seat 30 children during classes associated with our adjoining wildlife habitat. Designed by Atkinson parent and architectural designer, Kenton Wiens, the classroom includes a work area for students to analysis and observe gathered wildlife data that can be used for math, science or literacy projects. The structure will be made of recycled, mostly donated materials and it will incorporate a weather station, wind and water features, an eco-roof and window wall. The interior will include benches and a lab table made out of cob – a natural building material of mud and straw which were built last spring by the Village Building Convergence and Atkinson students. On March 16th, with construction oversight and administration provided by Steve and Anne Tucker (Atkinson parents and General Contractor); Swinerton Builders, a green construction company based in Portland, began building the classroom. Swinerton will finish their portion of the project mid-April and at that time parents, students and community volunteers will complete the rest. The targeted completion date is on or before May 20th at which time Atkinson will host a special dedication and community musical celebration. At a time when school budgets are squeezed like never before, this project is an inspiring example of parents and community members pulling together to further enhance our children’s education. If you would like to help by volunteering time, donating materials or money, please contact Project Coordinator, Anne Tucker, at 503.231.0385 or skido@ipns.com.
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