Concept and proposal for an outdoor classroom at Stittsville Public School in Ottawa, Ontario.

1. An Outdoor
Classroom for
SPS?
Sabrina Kemp
Co-chair, SPS Parent Council

2. How Did it All Start?
 In the fall of 2015, the Chairs of the local Stittsville
school parent councils got together to share ideas
 Two other Stittsville schools had already implemented
outdoor classrooms (Westwind and St. Stephens)
 Parent Council approached the SPS administration
 A working group was born:
 Jessica Pantelone (SK)
 Caroline Nicholson (Gr 3)
 Sabrina Kemp (parent)
 Cathy Coote (parent)
 Michelle Legault (parent)

3. What is an Outdoor Classroom
Anyways?
A space that brings learning
outside.
A gathering place for teachers
and students.
An opportunity to integrate
nature into your school grounds.
A chance to experience nature,
and bring learning to life.

4. WHY have an Outdoor Classroom?
 Improved mood of students (and
teachers!)
 Enhanced appreciation for the
outdoors
 Increased retention of subject
material
 Improved learning experience for
tactile and experiential learners
 Incorporation of physical activity
across subject areas

5. What Could be In It?
 Natural features (trees, greenery,
ground cover, pathways)
 Seating
 Outdoor chalkboard / white board
 Teaching platform (desk / table)
 Musical area
 Gardens
 Greenhouse
 Fitness and balance elements

6. What Do Parents Think?
 Parent Council conducted a survey of parents in September 2015
 “What are the top areas where Council money should be spent?”
1) Science-based activities
2) Physical education
3) Teacher allocations
4) Technology
5) Cultural activities
6) Wellbeing and mental health
Outdoor classroom!!

7. What Do Parents Think?
 To respond to the priorities identified by parents, this year, Parent
Council has allocated:
1) Science: ~$5,500 for Scientists in Schools
2) Phys Ed: ~$2,000 for track and field lines, tent, new games to
be painted on the school yard
3) Teacher Allocations: ~$9,000, doubling allocations (from $100
to $200 per teacher) and extending allocations to ECEs and
EAs
4) Technology:~$45,000 (over the last 2 years) for ipads and
projectors
 Additional items / activities funded include Mathletics, grade 6
graduation, food program subsidies, etc.
 Additional spending on science and phys ed related activities is
warranted to reflect the priorities of parents – and this is where the
outdoor classroom fits in!

8. What Do Parents Think?
 Feedback from parents on the concept of an outdoor
classroom at SPS has been OVERWHELMINGLY positive –
“I think this is a FABULOUS idea!”
“LOVE this!!”
“Oh wow, awesome!!!”
“Amazing!”
“This is such a fantastic idea! How wonderful!”
“Wow!!! Incredible.”
“Love the idea!”

9. How Will It Be Funded?
 The budget for an outdoor classroom ranges from $10K-
$30K+
 Parent Council has committed $10K
 The additional funds (goal of $20K) will be sought through
grants:
 TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
 MAJESTA Trees of Knowledge Competition
 Evergreen
 Canadian Wildlife Federation
 World Wildlife Federation Go Wild School Grant
 Earth Day Canada
 Adopt a Tree
 Aviva Community Fund
 CEPGP (City of Ottawa)

10. How Will Teachers Be Engaged?
 Engagement of the entire school community is
crucial
 SPS Staff will have the opportunity to provide input
and feedback on
 location of the outdoor classroom
 the features of the outdoor classroom
 required teacher training / resources
 roll-out plan

11. What’s the Plan?
 A phased approach over two years is currently envisioned
 Location
 to be confirmed
 Phase I Features (Summer 2016):
 accessible gravel pathway
 boulder seating
 teaching surface
 outdoor blackboard
 Potential Phase II Features (Summer 2017):
 Break-out tables
 Log seating
 Additional trees
 Storage shed / box
 Other features

12. What’s the Plan?

13. What About Teacher Resources?
Phase I (Fall 2016)
 Teacher toolkits will be made available to each teacher
including lesson plans and other helpful resources
Phase II (Spring 2017)
 Teacher training will be made available

14. Who Will Maintain It?
 SPS has limited custodial resources and volunteer
manpower
 Infrastructure and other features of the outdoor classroom
(plants, etc.) will be selected to ensure minimal need for
maintenance
 Parent Council can also continue to support necessary
maintenance in future years

15. What’s Next?
• Staff feedback on concept and implementation plan (May)
• Presentation to Student Council (May)
• Approval of plan from OCDSB (May / June)
• Installation of Phase I (July / August)
• Teacher Toolkits (September)
• Secure Additional Funding (Winter - Spring)
• Planning for Phase II (Winter - Spring)
• Teacher training (Winter – Spring)
• Installation of Phase II (Summer)
Phase I
2016
Phase II
2017

16. How Do I Give Feedback or Ask
Questions?
Chat with or email:
 Jessica Pantelone (jessica.pantelone@ocdsb.ca)
 Caroline Nicholson (caroline.nicholson@ocdsb.ca)
 Sabrina Kemp (chair@spscouncil.com)
Would you like to be more involved?
Join the working group!
We are specifically looking for a Grade 4-6
teachers representative, but would welcome
anyone interested in helping!