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Lincoln Center highlights outdoor classroom; board accepts $1,500 donation
Summary
Lincoln Center staff showcased an outdoor classroom used for reading, science and social-emotional work. Teachers described storage and supplies plans, and the board accepted a $1,500 donation from Thomas and Jane Simmer to support the project.
Sofia Brassard, principal of Lincoln Center, introduced teachers who described an outdoor classroom the school has been using for reading, science and as a space for students to regulate emotions.
Emily Stobig, a teacher who leads garden and science activities, told the board the space is used for silent reading, weather observation lessons and small-group science. "I love that it's available to me, and that the students love it and ask to go daily," Stobig said. Staff showed sample seating, new planters and plans for a caterpillar-shaped chalkboard and outdoor cushions.
Teachers said they ordered two metal storage boxes to keep cushions and whiteboards on site and will lock the boxes when staff are not present. Staff also described a grant partnership with Whole Foods that will support science and gardening lessons for grades 3–5 and mentioned planned programming with "minds in motion" classes.
Donation accepted
Finance director Raj Chathup reported a $1,500 donation from Thomas and Jane Simmer earmarked for the outdoor classroom and recommended the board accept the gift. The board approved acceptance of the donation unanimously.
Why it matters: staff said the outdoor classroom is being used across grade levels for hands-on science, reading and social-emotional learning. The storage and lock plan aims to keep materials accessible for teachers while safeguarding items when school is not in session. The Whole Foods grant and other community donations helped fund planters and seating.
Ending
Board members praised the project’s progress and encouraged continued community support; district staff will post gift acceptance information as part of routine financial reporting.
