Taking the Learning Outside: Berry gets a new outdoor classroom thanks to former student

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Mrs. Miller teaches a math lesson to her 6-1 students in the new outdoor classroom.

by the Jag Rag staff writers

What was once a bare, rocky patch of ground outside the east wing of the school has now been transformed into a learning oasis, thanks to the efforts of a Boy Scout and the fellow members of his troop.
For his Eagle Scout project, Grady Freeman, a Boy Scout with Troop 69 and a former Berry Middle School student, designed and built the newest addition to the school, an outdoor classroom on the east side near the carpool area. The construction began over Labor Day weekend and was finished the following Saturday. Freeman’s fellow scouts as well as their parents pitched in to help Freeman with the project, digging holes, mixing and pouring concrete, and constructing the benches on site.
“I hope that students and teachers will enjoy the classroom for many years to come,” said Freeman, who said that sixth-grade science teachers Mr. Hodge and Mrs. Howard initially came up with the idea for the outdoor classroom.
Freeman said that the process of conceptualizing and planning the project took over a year. With input from school principal Dr. Robbins and many visits to local parks and gardens, he was able to come up with ideas that led to a basic design for the project. Freeman said he wanted the classroom to accommodate a high number of students, be comfortable and accessible to all students, and be easy to maintain.
Troop 69 Scoutmaster Angelo DellaManna said he was impressed with Freeman’s hard work and leadership throughout the project.
“He spent countless hours first designing the layout, then researching the supplies and materials required, identifying the total cost of the project, fundraising. And most importantly - Grady did a wonderful job of demonstrating his leadership skills to the other Scouts during the workdays and construction of the project,” he said.
Boy Scout and former Berry Middle School student Grady Freeman  
(left) and members of Boy Scout Troop 69 prepare to install a bench 
during the construction of Berry's outdoor classroom.

Many of the scouts who helped Freeman with the project were also former Berry Middle School students. 7-3 language arts teacher Mr. Carey, whose son Steven is in Troop 69, also worked on the project. He said he enjoyed helping to add something to the school where he teaches.

The outdoor classroom consists of several benches connected in a U-shaped pattern. The area was landscaped with decorative mulch and several species of plants that are native to Alabama. There is enough space on the benches to accommodate a full classroom of students.
Dr. Robbins said he is very pleased with the new addition to the school.
“I am so pleased that this outdoor classroom has been added to our campus. I can't wait to see how it is used by our teachers and students,” he said, adding that he hopes that teachers and students will come up with innovative ways to use the space.
“I can see the classroom being used not only as a simple alternative teaching space, but also potentially for guest speakers, science lessons, outdoor reading spaces, and lots more,” he said.
Berry teachers said they are excited to begin using the space and said their students will benefit from a change in scenery.
“A change in classroom environment can bring new interest and excitement to any topic,” said Mrs. Bowling, science teacher on 8-4.
Ms. Minor, the school reading specialist, said the outdoor space would be ideal for performing reader’s theater, speeches, and other presentations.
“This space will be a great extension to what most teachers do in the classroom but offering a different environment/space to do so many things -- a creative space,” she said.
“The students, you know, kind of get inspired by a change and location and plus they’re energized by being outside so it would just kind of bring new energy for them to be outdoors,” said 6-1 social studies teacher Mrs. Clarkson.
Students said they are also looking forward to being able to go outdoors for some of their lessons.
Eighth-grade student Erin Oliver thinks the outdoor classroom will promote health and well as give students a positive learning experience. She also hopes that students can use the space to conduct science experiments that students wouldn’t be able to do indoors.
Zoey Hewitt, a sixth grader, said the new space would not only be great for learning but give students a new place to socialize.
“I think it’s a great space to study animals and plants for science, or it could be a nice hangout place for students to relax and have fun with friends,” she said.

Dr. Robbins said that there is a possibility that the art department may add a mural to the brick wall behind the new outdoor classroom.

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