Beverly Elementary Students Take It Outside With New Classroom

BEVERLY, MA — A new outdoor classroom, designed with the help of a $50,000 fundraising campaign from the Hannah Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization, will allow elementary school students to continue to explore the world around their school in the post-COVID-19 pandemic.

The PTO launched the Hannah Elementary Outdoor Classroom project and raised $50,000 through donations, grants and fundraising to replace the makeshift outdoor classrooms students had used almost daily since they returned from the COVID-19 shutdowns and remote learning.

"The creation of Hannah Elementary's new outdoor classroom is a wonderful example of how our community comes together to support and enhance the learning of Beverly students," Superintendent Suzanne Charochak said. "It's amazing to see all of the ways Hannah students can use this new space to explore their surroundings."

The outdoor classroom is a simple structure held up by posts and beams, is open on all four sides, and has a finished roof. It also includes moveable boards on which students can complete their work.

Since its Dec. 8 opening, students have used the classroom in all types of weather as long as it's at least 20 degrees.

"This new structure will be able to be used in all seasons; shielding the sun in the heat and protecting students from rain and snow. Students can take part in lessons using a variety of materials," said Principal Gabrielle Montevecchi. "A big thank you to the Hannah PTO, who continues to support our goal to enhance and expand our vision for outdoor learning at Hannah.

"Our PTO President Amanda Lennon was instrumental in the initial design of the structure and also spearheaded the fundraising amongst parents and local businesses. We look forward to enjoying this multi-use space for many years to come."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)