BCEF Outdoor Learning Complex Planned at Batesville Primary School

BCEF hopes to raise $300,000 to make the project come to life.

Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - With banners in the schoolyard, a video on YouTube, and letters arriving in local mailboxes, the Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) is spreading the word that its annual campaign to raise more than $300,000 to build an outdoor learning complex at the Batesville Primary School (BPS) is underway, announced BCEF executive director Anne Wilson. Three different outdoor learning venues are included in this massive project that will encompass the grassy area between two wings of the local school that serves roughly 550 pre-K through grade two students at the Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC) each year.

“With the success of our STEAM (science/technology/engineering/art/math) Lab project at the Batesville Intermediate School (BIS) last year, we targeted BPS this year for a similar endeavor,” Wilson explained. “The problem? The enrollment at BPS continues to grow each year and there isn’t really space inside for a dedicated hands-on learning center like we were envisioning. BCEF board president Jama Linkel-Cleghorn had read about outdoor learning spaces, so she tossed that alternative out to the BCEF board. What started out as an idea to provide some outdoor seating blossomed into a major undertaking, but we are excited and committed to bringing this alternative educational area to our youngest learners.”

With an in-kind donation of a project concept design from BCSC parent/landscape architect Greg Wade through the Indianapolis-based firm Context Design, the BCEF plan grew to include three distinct learning spaces: an open-air gathering/classroom area with seating near the school, a shade-covered seating area, and a separate, covered classroom structure farther out with supplemental seating on a patio. All areas would be connected by a green space with a winding sidewalk. A fence would safely secure the area from the parking lot.

While the education foundation is open to adaptations in the configuration, if necessary, as currently designed the complex could accommodate three to four classrooms of students simultaneously, allowing teachers to develop activity stations or collaborate on an assignment. BCEF hopes that the majority of the lesson plans will allow students to be unplugged from technology to allow for more interpersonal communication and connection.

“Our mission with this project is so that students can learn everywhere,” added Ashley Walls, BCEF vice president and annual campaign chair. “Once we researched more about outdoor learning, we realized there was much more to gain than just space. Research clearly shows that time outdoors, especially when spent on educational pursuits, helps students become more focused, more engaged, and mentally healthier. In addition, studies show that students who have access to outdoor learning retain that focus when they move back indoors and have improved academic outcomes overall. By providing BPS an additional, dedicated space outside that encourages learning, sparks creativity, awakens their senses, and provides a personal connection with others, we hope to make a big difference at the school.”

While the oversight of the project is BCEF’s responsibility, officials at BCSC are supportive of the initiative and are willing to assist with some necessary features since students will be spending instructional time in that area. A wheel-chair accessible sidewalk will be added by the school corporation, as well as any water or electrical needs. Since developing the idea earlier this year, Wilson and BCEF board members have been actively pursuing private foundation grants to support the project before individual donations were solicited. BCEF has been awarded funds from the Hillenbrand Partnership with Possibility Grant at the Ripley County Community Foundation, the City of Batesville, and the Fred and Jolene Rockwood Family Foundation to date. Several other grant applications are pending.

“This is a huge undertaking for our foundation,” Linkel-Cleghorn said, “but it’s one that we believe will be a multi-purpose community asset when it is complete. Students will use it during the day but we can see all sorts of educational-related activities happening there, too. From outdoor family movie nights to STEAM activities to visiting artists, we hope that we can provide an outdoor venue for educational and family-friendly activities for all.”

“Our goal with all of our projects is to provide opportunities to spark a love of learning in all students, no matter their natural academic talent,” Wilson added. “Our programs are not just for the academically gifted. We are committed to connecting all of the local public-school students to programs that give them a better chance of success after graduation. We think this is a game-changer for our BPS students, but we’ll need broad community support to make it happen. We encourage Batesville residents to support our efforts to take everyday learning outdoors.”

Since 2017, BCEF has donated more than $143,000 toward flexible learning components at all four BCSC school buildings. Past projects include pieces for multiple classrooms, as well as all movable furnishings in the Bulldog Center at Batesville High School (BHS), the Bulldog Collaboration Room at Batesville Middle School (BMS) and

the STEAM Lab at BIS. In addition, BCEF funds vital programs at BCSC like classroom grants, the Art on Main community outreach initiative, career networking tools and certification costs for Batesville High School students, as well as a BCSC staff support program.

Donations to the BCEF Annual Campaign are requested by September 30 so the foundation can develop an action plan. Detailed plans for the project are available at the foundation’s website: www.BatesvilleEducationFoundation.org. A paper donation form is available for download or donations can be made online. Any questions can be directed to Wilson at awilson@batesville.k12.in.us.