Vermillion schools to place student-designed outdoor learning spaces; Finnish teachers and students to visit in May

Camden Dibley and Glennie Gilbert presented the results of this year’s student-designed outdoor learning challenge to the Vermillion School District 13-1 Board of Education on April 14, and the board gave permission to place the chosen projects on district campuses.

The presentation said the challenge involved roughly 1,600 students, about 300 staff members and two rounds of judging: 46 volunteer judges in the first round and 45 more at a final event held at the Sanford Coyotes Sports Center. District presenters said their top 12 projects will be placed on district campuses this summer as money and vendor help allow.

District leaders said volunteers and local businesses have offered to help install the features, which include reading nooks, gazebos and shade structures. The board approved the placement request as part of a group vote on April 14. Superintendent Doctor Elvey and staff told the board they will finalize which components go on which campus and coordinate vendors and dollars so installation can occur over the summer, with the goal of having the work complete before students return in the fall.

Presenters also announced the Magnificent Mentor Award, created to recognize students who took on responsibility, modeled collaboration and demonstrated enthusiasm during the program. Organizers said 46 teachers submitted nominations and the list includes 99 student names from first grade through 12th grade; certificates and small vouchers for ice cream or pizza will be distributed.

In related news, the presenters said a delegation from Oulu, Finland — two teachers and four students from a school the district previously visited — will come to Vermillion May 2–9 under a transatlantic grant focused on indigenous perspectives (the Finnish delegation referenced the Sami population). The visitors will attend classroom visits, a social evening, and a short tour of regional sites including the Black Hills and Crazy Horse. Presenters said the Finns plan collaborative classroom activities and will produce a commemorative knitted “tanager” sock while in Vermillion.

Board members emphasized that final placement of project components will depend on funding, vendor schedules and site selection; district staff said they will work with campus administrators to choose appropriate locations (noting they do not want to place structures on new irrigation). Vendors and some local landscapers have volunteered to assist with construction and installation. The district said some materials have been purchased and other pieces will be constructed this summer.

The presentation credited about a dozen volunteers and community members by name for ongoing support and listed a number of internal staff who coordinated the challenge. Board members thanked organizers and attendees and indicated staff will return with implementation details and budget implications for the chosen installations.