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Board approves expansion of outdoor learning at Edgerton Trails, adds fourth‑grade classroom
Summary
Rockford Public Schools approved a district‑wide expansion of outdoor learning and a new fourth‑grade classroom based at Edgerton Trails, building on a year of on‑site programming and a district outdoor‑learning teacher role.
The Rockford Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved an expansion of the district’s outdoor learning program on March 19, including a classroom‑based fourth‑grade magnet at Edgerton Trails beginning in the coming school year.
District staff described Edgerton Trails as a 27‑acre site with ponds, a pavilion and boardwalk used for nature study and hands‑on curriculum work. Tara Deserowitz, the district’s outdoor‑learning teacher, has led on‑site lessons and half‑day programs for second graders and push‑in lessons at elementary schools; administrators said the program aligns outdoor experiences with the district’s CKLA literacy curriculum.
Under the approved proposal the first year (2025‑26) would add one fourth‑grade classroom based at Edgerton Trails working with Deserowitz and a classroom teacher; the second year the program would expand to include another grade so students could continue into fifth grade. Presenters said students in the classroom would spend roughly half their day outside while meeting the same grade‑level content standards as other fourth graders.
Administrators described a student profile for the magnet — inquisitive, comfortable working outdoors and with good attendance and behavior — and said the district would hire from current staff for the new teacher role. Enrollment would be open to all fourth‑grade students in the district with an application and interview process; if interest exceeded capacity, the district said it would use a lottery for selection.
Tara Deserowitz told the board, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment,” a brief motto she uses with students to emphasize dressing for outdoor learning. District leaders showed examples of student work, site features and curricular connections that have been developed during this year’s pilot programming.
Board members praised the work on the program and approved the motion to implement the pilot classroom, noting positive committee review earlier in the year and describing the program as aligned with the district’s academic goals and “innovative programming” pillar.
The motion was moved by Jake Himmelsbach and seconded by Kelly Freerich; the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor. District staff said they will announce application details to elementary families and plan informational meetings and timelines for naming the first cohort in May.
