Taking Learning Outside at Tootin’ Hills

Each year the outgoing sixth grade class gifts Tootin’ Hills Elementary School with something intended to last and be meaningful, but this year, the students enlisted the help of aspiring Eagle Scout and SHS Class of 2018 graduate Joachim Gatmaitan to design a unique space that would encourage them to extend their learning outside of the classroom.

Currently at the Life ranking, just one step below Eagle, Gatmaitan came up with a design for an amazing outdoor learning space, with round wooden seats painted with the blue and gold school colors, for his Eagle Scout project.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the sixth grade classes, Gatmaitan sat in the middle of the circle of students. He said, “I remember how much fun I had here and the awesome teachers like Mr. Z [Frank Zuliani].” He added, “I wanted to be remembered at this school.”

With some assistance from Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Steve Twitchell and Tootin’ Hills senior custodian Michael Molleur, the wooden seats were fastened to the ground to stay in place. Tootin’ Hills Principal Maggie Seidel explained the purpose of the space. “Bring a book, bring a clipboard; use this space to not only learn inside but take your learning outside as well.”

Art teacher Kelly Dell’Aera has been helping the sixth grade classes make cement stepping stones, decorated with paint, jewel-like stones, and other decorations, which will be placed along the perimeter of the existing space. A plaque will be installed at a later date commemorating the project as well.

Said Seidel to the sixth graders, “Your little brother or sister will know why this was created.”