Batavia High School Club Transforms Unused Courtyard Into Environmental Project

BATAVIA, IL — A large courtyard at Batavia High School has been underused for years, filled only with a few trees and a picnic table. Transforming the space, the school's Eco Club converted it into an environmental project that will benefit the club's studies as well as other high school students.

To unveil the space, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Nov. 10. Because of space limitations, school officials are requesting people interested in the event reserve their spots by Nov. 5.

Cultural studies teacher Elizabeth Faulhaber oversees the ECO Club, whose participants pledged to raise the funds for the project. They also got professional help for the design and installation and followed through on the goal, a Batavia Chamber of Commerce news release said. As a result, the high school's administration staff "readily sanctioned the project and offered enthusiastic support."

Aquascape, Inc., a St. Charles-based designer and manufacturer of water gardens, donated a phase one design and provided labor for installation as well. Students in multiple clubs and sports also volunteered to help with the courtyard.

A space that's 170 feet by 35 feet in size, the original courtyard is a result of former building expansions. The new space will "serve as a tranquil retreat for student mental health breaks and reflection," Chamber staff said in the release.

David Kleinschmidt, a vocational special education teacher at the high school, said the space will also provide jobs and tasks for students on the vocational track to coincide with their curriculum of learning.

"Our students have significant academic delays accompanied by communication and cognitive needs that require an alternative learning environment and instructional strategies," Kleinschmidt said in a statement. "This space will help with the sensory needs of our students. The different types of surfaces, smell, and sights that the project will provide will fulfill those students needing sensory accommodations."

RSVPs can be made to Shirley Mott at shirley@bataviachamber.org. People attending can enter the high school's Main Street entrance, where they'll be escorted by students to the courtyard.

"We are really excited about this opportunity for the whole BHS community," Kleinschmidt said.

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