District 23 schools unveil new Learning Patch that will enhance science exploration
Prospect Heights School District 23 held a ceremony on Sept. 18 to cut a ribbon and unveil the new Ross/Sullivan Learning Patch, an outdoor learning space that is the result of a collaborative effort by the schools, district administration, the PTO and a local Eagle Scout. It took three years to plan and create the innovative garden, which will provide opportunities hands-on learning around important science concepts, according to Dr. Don Angelaccio, superintendent.
Angelaccio says there had been a small outdoor garden at Betsy Ross Elementary, but it was insufficient for teachers to bring their students outside to study plant growth, water cycles and other components of the science curriculum. After the PTO generously donated funds to purchase new garden boxes, the district office began researching and budgeting for landscaping and other logistics of creating a new outdoor learning space. But the initial costs turned out to be outside of the scope of the budget, so the project was placed on hold. Fortunately, the Learning Patch became a reality when Eagle Scout Gavin Salefski, a MacArthur Middle School alum, offered to provide the labor and installation support as part of his Eagle Scout community service project.
Anne Sullivan Elementary Principal Traci Meziere and Betsy Ross Elementary Principal Stephanie Gage collaborated to update the curriculum, which strengthens this new experiential learning opportunity. When the school year started, second- through fifth-grade teachers brought their students to the new space to plant flowers, perennials and ground cover.
Students, staff, administrators and board of education members participated in the ribbon cutting to officially launch the Ross/Sullivan Learning Patch.
“We are so grateful to Gavin, our partners, vendors and everyone who contributed to the creation of this space, and we look forward to years of outdoor learning and real-life application of science concepts,” Angelaccio said.