Publication:Waukesha Freeman (Conley); Date:Mar 9, 2010; Section:Local; Page Number:3A
Brookfield Elementary hoping to take the classroom outside
Plans for outdoor learning environment under review by city
By Joe Petrie Freeman Staff
BROOKFIELD – Pending city approval, Brookfield Elementary School is about to make its dreams of an outdoor classroom a reality.
Brookfield city officials are reviewing plans to allow the school to build a roughly 120-seat, stadium-style outdoor educational facility on school grounds to add educational options for students.
“This has been talked about for a long time,” said Andrea Knopp, vice-president of the Brookfield Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization. “We started this endeavor last year and we’re very excited about it and it really helps build a sense of community.”
According to documents provided to the Brookfield Plan Commission, the project is designed to create a space that encourages students to discover, think, solve and communicate in new ways. The space would allow students to learn in a hands-on outdoor environment and promote meaningful outdoor education in general.
The documents states the space could also be used by teachers, parents, afterschool organizations and curriculum ranging from science experiments, creative writing assignments, art projects, plays and school functions.
Knopp said the entire project will cost more than $10,000, which has been raised from parents who sold bricks and also recently garnered more than $7,000 at a fundraiser.
Knopp said other schools in the area have similar outdoor classrooms and Brookfield Elementary parents wanted to give their children the same opportunities to explore.
If the city gives approval in the next few months, Knopp said the classroom could be ready by the beginning of the 2010-11 school year.
Brookfield Elementary Principal Lynn Gutchewsky said staff is excited about the possible outdoor classroom and the opportunities it brings. She also said she is hopeful the project will be approved quickly.
