MANCHESTER, N.H.- McLaughlin students have a new space for learning thanks to determination, a dream and a lot of hard work.
Students, staff, and dignitaries including Governor Kelly Ayotte, Mayor Jay Ruais and Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel were on hand Tuesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony of the school’s new outdoor learning classroom.
“This space transforms the outdoors into a living laboratory where students can explore science, ecology and teamwork in real time,” said Family & Consumer Sciences teacher David Elliot. “Lessons that once existed only in textbooks will now come alive through hands-on experiences.”
The project has been a passion of Elliot’s since he arrived at the school nine years ago. He says he was intrigued by the vacant conservation land behind the school. After doing some research and seeking approval from the Board of School Committee, he began work on the outdoor classroom.
Over the last two years, Elliot’s Family & Consumer Sciences classes have contributed more than 400 manhours of work clearing brush, spreading wood chips and researching equipment like the space’s dedicated teacher station and ADA accessible table.
“The students who learn here will become the scientists, engineers, environmental stewards and civic leaders of tomorrow.”
The project was completed with the help of several local groups including Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester’s Parks & Rec Department and the UNH Cooperative Extension, who provided everything from guidance and assistance in securing resources, to donating wood chips and creating natural seating from local trees.
“This outdoor classroom truly reflects the best of what education can be when schools and communities work together,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel. “This space is a living example of what can happen when people from different backgrounds and organizations unite around a common purpose– Making a difference in the lives of young people.”