Manchester School Unveils New Outdoor Classroom

MANCHESTER, NJ — Students at Whiting Elementary School will have the opportunity to take some of their learning outdoors, after the school unveiled the new outdoor classroom recently.

The Wildcat Wilderness Workspace Outdoor Classroom, funded by a $10,000 grant from PSE&G through Sustainable NJ for Schools, was officially opened at the start of the Whiting Wellness Fair on June 6. The classroom consists of a large covered patio with benches that convert to worktables and a single wall with a whiteboard at one end. There are also several rainwater collection barrels that catch runoff from the roof.

The construction and opening of the classroom was the culmination of a long process.

Whiting School Principal Evelyn Swift said the school first worked to achieve Bronze status in the Sustainable NJ for Schools program.

"This made Whiting School healthier, happier, and more sustainable," she said.

Once the school was part of Sustainable Jersey, it made it eligible to apply for grants. They applied several times before winning the $10,000 grant.

"This process has been a long one but the outcome, as you can see, has been well worth it," Swift said. "We now have this space that will enhance our student learning and, aside from the obvious benefits of being outside, we will also use this space as a catalyst to educate our students and our staff on sustainability and our environment. With Whiting being settled here in the Pine Barrens, it creates a unique opportunity for our students to learn about a very special ecosystem and we have begun to put together lessons for all of our grades that focus on our local ecosystem as well as the importance of protecting the place where we live."

Heather McCall of Sustainable NJ for Schools said Whiting Elementary School is one of 242 schools in the state — out of 900 participating schools — that are Bronze or Silver certified.

"Whiting Elementary School ... has shined through as a leader in sustainability education and sustainable practices, and teaching your kids and your students to be ready for the future," she said. "So you have so much to be proud of here."

Teachers Natalie Baranyay and Christopher Titmas helped write the grant, and Swift said the commitment to sustainable practices by the Whiting School staff and students made the difference.

"This would not have been possible without the generosity of PSE&G and Sustainable Jersey for Schools, along with the support of our superintendent and our Board of Education, the buildings and grounds department under the direction of Chris Brown — who I want to give a very special thank you to — and his staff, George DePremio, Craig Ginda, Steve Whitfield and Chris Evans," Swift said. "And also thank you to Mr. Mark Hingston for the donation of these beautiful benches."

The Wellness Fair followed the ribbon-cutting, with displays from local businesses and organizations, food trucks, and a variety of health and fitness activities for kids to participate in. Students were given "passports" to have stamped at each display or activity and were able to enter their passports into a drawing to win a new bicycle.

There was a Teachers vs. Parents Basketball Game, with the winning team (Parents) playing the Manchester Police Department. The police were the winners.

Proceeds from the Wellness Fair will be used to enhance the outdoor classroom and for the school’s student activities fund.

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