LCSS First Certified Outdoor Classroom: Lawrence County Signature School (LCSS) has achieved a significant milestone by being recognized as a Certified Outdoor Classroom by the Alabama Wildlife Federation. This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to education and environmental stewardship.
In response to the growing acknowledgment of the diverse benefits associated with outdoor learning, LCSS has embraced the Alabama Outdoor Classroom (AOC) program. This program aims to assist K-12 schools in establishing outdoor classroom sites that go beyond traditional learning spaces, providing sustainable wildlife habitats for hands-on, inquiry-based education.
A certified outdoor classroom at LCSS is not just a garden or open space; it is a functional and sustainable wildlife habitat where students can engage with nature, observe wildlife, and participate in educational activities that complement their traditional classroom learning.
The achievement of becoming the first and only certified outdoor classroom in Lawrence County is the result of collaborative efforts from students, teachers, parents, administrators, partners, and community members. The certification process involves a ten-step approach:
1. Collecting and Sharing Information:** Gathering relevant data about the school’s campus and sharing the vision for the outdoor classroom with stakeholders.
2. Organizing a Planning Committee:** Forming a team of educators, administrators, students, and other interested parties to lead the development of the outdoor classroom.
3. Enrolling in the AOC Program:** Officially signing up for the AOC program, indicating the school’s intent to create and certify an outdoor classroom.
4. Evaluating the Campus:** Assessing the current state of outdoor spaces, identifying potential sites for the classroom, and noting existing natural resources.
READ MORE: Accolades for Lawrence County Signature School: with Recent Certifications
5. Developing a Master Plan:** Drafting a comprehensive plan detailing the design, required resources, and timeline for the outdoor classroom’s development.
6. Obtaining Funding and Support:** Securing grants, donations, and school funds to support the construction of the outdoor classroom.
7. Construction:** Building the outdoor classroom based on the developed master plan.
8. Integration into the Curriculum:** Ensuring that the outdoor classroom is seamlessly integrated into the overall curriculum.
9. Establishing a Maintenance Plan:** Creating a sustainable maintenance plan outlining tasks, responsibilities, and schedules for the outdoor space.
10. Certification:** Applying for AOC certification to officially recognize the outdoor classroom’s status.
LCSS’s achievement as a Certified Outdoor Classroom reflects its dedication to providing students with unique and enriching learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom walls.