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Outdoor Classroom Project

Excerpt reprinted from the Devine News September 11, 2019

The Devine Intermediate is in the planning stages of a special project for students. They will be hosting a meeting for parents and community members who are interested in discussing and helping with the creation of an “Outdoor Classroom.”
There is a meeting planned for September 17 at 10:30 AM at the Parent Place and another planned for that same evening at 6:00 PM in the Intermediate gym.
“The PTO has designated money to be used on this project at the Intermediate campus. An outdoor classroom is something I have always wanted since I began teaching,” said Principal Blain Martin, who also taught for many years. “I would take my classes out and sit on the steps at the end of the building or go find a picnic table. But, while the kids and I enjoyed going out, it was hard to have a lesson with nothing to write on or project on. Teachers are super excited about going through with the plans. All of the teachers take their classes out on occasion, and still will, but this will give them a place that I hope will have access to an LCD projector or a black or white board.”
“I want this to be a true project that parents, teachers and community have input in,” Martin adds. “I don’t want it to be about what I think it should be. All grade levels on this campus would certainly have access to it, and if there was an opening, I would hope that elementary would bring over their classes too. I think that would create a positive experience for those students so that when they did move over here they are already comfortable.


September 19, 2019

Thanks to everyone that was able to attend one of the two planning meetings.  The parents and community members that attended had many great recommendations and ideas.  I met with David Cardenas, maintenance director, about any obstacles that he could perceive about the project and will meet with Darren VanFossen later today to get his ideas. It was decided at the meetings that I will put three plans together using the ideas that came from the meetings and then present those to the parents and community through Facebook, Intermediate webpage and School Messenger.  Those will be coming your way next week.  Once again thank you for your input and for your continued support.  Have a great week! Blain Martin