ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – St. Johnsbury educators are among those around the state trying to keep students engaged in the classroom. Now, district officials think they may have a different tactic — taking more classes outside.
The clock is ticking as the St. Johnsbury School District races to renovate its campus to meet federal spending guidelines.
“Having the opportunity to have children outside, in the fresh air, being able to have space to play is essential for their development,” said Lisa Ulrich, a local first-grade teacher.
She says her classes spent a lot of time outside during the pandemic, but their return inside has been plagued by behavioral issues without a support system to address them.
New renovations at the school could change that. After learning of the school’s outdoor renovation plans, she says she’s excited to bring her classroom outside. “I think it is going to be an amazing opportunity for our students, not only to see outside as a place to play but outside as a place to learn. To be able to play outside right now, it’s a little challenging to have 75 bodies outside. Behavioral issues come up and happen,” she said.
The district is using $7.4 million from ARPA’s Elementary Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. Officials plan to renovate the school, including the roof, bathrooms, and stairwells.
That’s in addition to a playground overhaul that includes a basketball court and a new outdoor classroom near the tennis courts. Construction begins this month.
St. Johnsbury School Superintendent Karen Conroy says the renovations are essential for their students’ mental health. “I do think it is going to help us with future issues moving forward relating to mental health, social and emotional learning. These outdoor spaces are going to be utilized now, really making sure that we support all learners,” she said.
Students are equally as excited about the new spaces. “It will make more kids intrigued in the actual learning topic, instead of being in a classroom, bored, almost sleeping, we will feel more engaged,” said Chris Watkins, 7th grade:
The project should be completed by the start of the new school year this fall.