By Jack McGinn and Miara Sadsi, WHS Contributing Writers
Westborough – Westborough High School’s new outdoor classroom held its grand opening Oct. 4. The outdoor classroom is located to the right of the front entrance of the school.
“One of our goals [of the classroom] was to expose students to math outside of just the algebra curriculum and have them be a part of something long-lasting that they can be proud of,” said special education/math teacher Allison Leach, who along with math teacher Lauren DeBoer, collaborated on the project.
When weather permits, the outdoor classroom enables students to experience a class setting outside that promotes a relaxing, learning environment.
“I’m excited because we can come out here and do our work, talk with peers, and do whatever we can to enjoy the weather. It’s really great!” said sophomore Ralph Ndongwe.
The classroom consists of picnic tables, standing tables with umbrellas, and other seating for students to enjoy a unique and fun learning experience.
DeBoer and Leach worked with their foundations of algebra class to set-up the outdoor classroom last spring. They also collaborated with landscape architect Kathy Curtiss from Curtiss Landscape Design.
Sophomore Lily Wilson said “It makes me happy that people can use this space as a free space to get their word done in a different environment—outside,” sophomore Lily Wilson said.”
The space is also open to all WHS classes.
Leach said the purpose of the classroom is “to provide an alternative learning space for the entire school where students can get out of the classroom and enjoy the outside.”
The following donations made the new space possible: WHS Principal Brian Callaghan, Green Thumb, Mugford’s Flower Shoppe, Ace Hardware, Bark Unlimited, and a grant from the Westborough Education Foundation.
