In a recent government meeting, a local student presented an ambitious project aimed at enhancing outdoor learning spaces at Hendry Park. The initiative, which includes an outdoor classroom and reading area, was inspired by the student’s experiences working at Pink Jeep Little Turtle during the summer.

The project, part of the student's Eagle Scout requirements, involved extensive planning and collaboration with school officials, including Principal Miss Brandt. The design features a reading area in a cove at the front of the school and a classroom space in a fenced area at the back. The student shared that the project was made possible through generous donations from local organizations, including the fire department and the police department's \"Cops for Kids,\" which funded the project with a $2,000 contribution.

Construction involved significant community effort, with over 20 volunteers contributing a total of 416 hours. The student detailed the process of building benches and setting up the areas, which included digging numerous holes and using equipment like jackhammers to manage rocky soil. The completed outdoor classroom can accommodate 80 students or 60 adults, while the reading area can seat 26, including space for teachers.

The student emphasized the importance of getting children outside and engaged in learning, noting that the project aligns with the school’s goals to promote outdoor activities. The initiative not only enhances the school environment but also serves as a testament to the student's leadership and project management skills, which were developed throughout the process.

The meeting concluded with a summary of teacher evaluations for the 2023-2024 school year, highlighting one teacher needing improvement due to attendance issues, while the majority were rated effective or highly effective. The school board expressed pride in the student’s accomplishments and encouraged community members to visit the new outdoor spaces.